The North Texas Hip-Hop Sampler, 2012 1/2 Edition

Dru B Shinin', All American

We've been writing in this space for the last three years or so about Dallas' vibrant, growing underground hip-hop community. 2012 has been a continuation of that trend, as our scene's unique musical personality starts to emerge. In case you haven't been following North Texas hip-hop, we've made things real easy for you. Allow us to present the 17-track NTX sampler 2012.5, showcasing the finest and most exciting hip-hop of the last six months.Think of it as a cheat sheet, a primer, a refresher course, a brag reel.

This mixtape is meant to represent the people making the most noise right now. A.Dd+ is represented, especially Slim Gravy, who proves he had a busy last few months recording with just about every noteworthy rapper on the list. The Mohicans, Brain Gang Blue, -topic and Sore Losers are on the list, but we've reserved a few spots for some lesser-knowns. Ft. Worth's Dru B Shinin' made it on the strength of his solid All American full-length and Jmil Kly (who now records as Buffalo Black) is one to watch as well.

Do you like metadata? The NTX sampler is saved as a podcast with embedded links, so there's a link for each track (when available), which you can click on from the podcast (confirmed working in iTunes and on iOS devices).

Dallas hip-hop is strong right now. Enjoy this summer mix and spread the word. Let's see how much of the rest of the world is about to take notice.

1. Brain Gang :: Brain Gang Anthem

2. Tunk :: Reportin' Live

3. PICNICTYME :: Horizons ft. A.Dd+

4. Buffalo Black :: Warpaint

5. -topic :: 150Exp (Smart Shit)

6. The Mohicans :: Look of Love

7. Brain Gang Blue ft. Slim Gravy, JT, Dustin Cavazos, Mohican Dave, -topic :: Party On Remix

8. DJ Lex ft. Que P, Slim Gravy and Matthew Clay :: Make Dat Ass Clap

9. The Mohicans :: Identity Crisis

10. A.Dd+ :: Shit Got Crazy

11. Brain Gang Blue :: More Fiends & Friends ft. JT

12. Sore Losers :: Babylon

13. A.Dd :: Insomniac Dreamin' (produced by Black Milk)

14. Bobby Sessions :: JewishFrench

15. Dru B Shinin' :: Come Back

16. DAMAGED GOOD$ :: oakcliffoddballin

17. Jmil Kly :: White Dove (Toro y Moi "Divina" Remix)

Download the mix here or here.