Three (More) Indie Albums Out Right Now Posted by Lucas G. on 01/20/14 | Filed under Opinion, Pepsi

2014 has gotten off to a pretty slow start. Sure there have been songs here and there, but when it comes to blockbuster, major-label projects, the cupboard is almost bare. Not to worry, at a time like this all you need to do is get your inner hipster on and go diving into the underground. There is too much good music out there to only listen to what the radio plays (which is why you are here).

Helping you quench your thirst in this mainstream drought, Pepsi cooked up a list of The Ten Best Indie Albums Out Right Now. Their picks are great, but RefinedHype Nation I always wants more (especially when it comes to hip-hop), so we added on three more albums that should get a big fat seal of approval from RefinedHype Nation.

Portugal. The Man- Evil Friends

Even though we told you about them back in August. We understand you may have missed the boat; heck even I did. Back in December I finally grabbed a copy of Evil Friends and since, it has been in Rick Ross heavy rotation. I was sort of familiar with them before, but don't remember them having such an edgy vibe. Perhaps that is the Danger Mouse influence; the legendary producer teamed up with the Alaskan rockers to createe a much more diverse, unique, and edgy feel which ultimately makes for a much more interesting, substantial listen. While they might not be hip-hop, they certainly have the respect of some of our favorite emcees. Danny Brown and Jake One remixed  "Evil Friends" which should give you picky hip-hop heads the co-sign needed to deem them worthy. Be careful with this album though, when those big ones do finally drop, you might end up picking this one instead. You can stream the album (and check out some balls crazy, awesome artwork) here, before you buy it.

Raleigh Ritchie - Black and Blue EP

Just five days ago we tried to tell you about how mind-blowingly epic Raleigh Ritchie is. If you listened, you have no doubt been bumping him on repeat and if not, consider this your second chance. Though I couldn't download it (as I am not in the UK) rest assured that whenever I have been around my computer, Raleigh has been my choice. We told you all about his amazing, powerful vocals and incredible passion, but I did leave one detail out which might just convince you leery rap snobs. The Black and Blue EP features production from Sounwave who is TDE's in house producer. So why not hop on the Raleigh train before he appears on a song with Kendrick and the whole world knows him? Thank us later.

Talib Kweli-Gravitas

Though he might not seem like an indie artist, considering he is basically a cornerstone of hip-hop, but rest assured, there ain't no mainstream when it comes to Talib Kweli. Raleigh and Portugal are great, but they aren't hip-hop (per say) and since this is, you know, a hip-hop site, it is only right we include Talib's Gravitas album since it is still the best indie hip-hop album out right now. Gravitas may not change the game, but when it comes to the fundamentals and sheer rapping ability, Talib is second to none. There are few few, if any, holes on the album and you can't help but be impressed at the clinic Talib; put on like watching Peyton Manning, all you can do is sit back and enjoy the highest-quality performance you can imagine. You can preview the album via DJBooth or buy the album right from the horses mouth from Talib's site, Kweliclub.com.

See, just because there isn't anything "new" doesn't mean there isn't anything new. It might take a little diggin (well not really thanks to Pepsi and yours truly) but if you try hard enough, you don't ever need a big name project. In this glorious internet age, artists are coming out of the woodwork and giving us tons of new music. The next time you hear someone complain that there isn't enough new music, slap 'em upside the head and show them this and Pepsi's list of The Ten Best Indie Albums Out Right Now; that ought to shut 'em up.

And if 13 albums to listen to doesn't keep you occupied, you're on your own.

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