Labseven have been at this for seven years and deserve a lot more than a Bimpy (sorry guys, maybe we can throw in a Toyota or something next year). This five-headed hydra leave the boring beats behind and don’t take turns waiting on solos in the spotlight — these guys are a band, running all over each other, letting rock influences into the mix, and abandoning self-important posturing in favor of performance intensity and lyrics with something to say. Lab member Autonomous says, “We’ve been a group for a long time. While so much of hip-hop is watered down, we’ve always wanted to set ourselves apart and develop a sound that helps define Maine and stays true to ourselves.” The group have a new full-length coming soon; join them August 16 at the Big Easy when it drops.
— Ian Paige
Runners-up
1. Saylove
2. Brzowski
3. Ill by Instinct