Kraumbacher or not, sometimes the most cutting edge thing to do on a lunch excursion is to settle for this italian neighborhood gem. On Eglinton St. Toronto, Ontario. Hartley’s Bistro.

Art Direction Nikko Bailey & Mudasser Ali. Photography Nikko Bailey.

The Ess Ess project is 2012′s most significant hip-hop project as it represents perhaps the most exclusive work of hip-hop from NEAKO and Gramercy Records, a musically gifted team of Grammy Award Winners Stork (Krystyana Chelminski) and James Czeiner. When NEAKO began composing the soundscape for the project, we were spending a significant time across the US boarding flights endlessly to Los Angeles, Austin and Atlanta from New Jersey and New York. In times of meditation, we’d discuss great track ideas as we played with them on twitter everyday. 3000% is an example of a new brand introduction that went incredibly well. The track was featured in the trailer and essentially was embraced really well. James’ leadership in the studio was critical in making the project sound THX ready. The photo we used for the cover went viral on tumblr when NEAKO randomly uploaded it on instagram, I remember telling him to just use that as the cover but he dreads overly minimalist graphic solutions so we created the future aztec 1994 PIA flight on Promethazine Codeine rendition and went electric guitar on the back cover. Speaking of which, you can’t understand the grit of this album without paying homage to tracks like $3X a proto rock-rap production by NEAKO. The guitars are played by Stork’s deathly magnificent punk skillset, she is my favourite guitar player, don’t miss her on Ball Till I Fall and The Inevitable. Ess Ess is a hyper-futuristic work of lifestyle art that’s encapsulated by NEAKO’s crispy clean world of deep 808s, rich snares and moody synths that touch on every emotion from sunshine to space travel. It represents my most significant artistic contribution to date and the last major project I worked on in the US. This is what I play when I LVL UP and engage in Cruis’n Future World.

Artwork By October The God

Rarely does an artist come out of nowhere and create pitch perfect LVLYSL music. October The God, an up-and-coming MC originally from Detroit but residing in Alabama lets loose a booming track called LVLMLR. Sure to get your moving, this is a subwoofer monster that’ll feel right at home on a pair of 12s. LVL UP.

1998 or 2012, I just can’t remember. This is my homage to the music that inspired me to be a DJ, what the clubs were playing in Toronto when I was growing up. In 1998, house was the flavour dejour that took me on rhythmic flights I had never experienced before. Luckily, I never forgot the songs that made me feel that way and as my gift to that era, I donated this to myself just so I never forget how amazing it felt to hear these anthems for the first time. -DJ DNTFCKRND

Artwork By MUDVSSR

If you love hip-hop, this is a rap enthusiast’s wet dream. Derek Wise and LVLYSL general NEAKO collide on this banger that reminds me of Chicago Bulls theme music. Ric, stadium music that highlights the skill level of both MCs, they do the stellar beat justice and create a special collaboration between the W1SEGUYS and LVLY$L. This track will be on Derek Wise’s VACAY album. Download Here.

Michael was a great surprise on M4. So it’s great to see NEAKO and especially Barry Bondz go in so hard in this dope video from LOUDpack: Michael 4. Shot in a car garage full of cars criss-crossing with divine imagery and swag cameos by BxB and NASA this was one of my favourite tracks of the LVLYSL mixtape.

The $uits, directed by Ryan Ellis and W1SEGUYS, features Derek in a dubious but definitely boss setting taking care of business. A strong, crafty flow over a great oscillating beat is the perfect setting for a great video. Sit back and enjoy as this visual is 2+ minutes of straight no-hook rap.

Cover Art by NEAKO & MUDVSSR.

So how good is this latest Mixtape by NEAKO? LOUDpack M4 is a fun, well produced banger machine that’s one of the most dynamic releases this year. Featuring LVLY$L members BxB, NASA, Fresh Moss, Young Jab and special guest Barry Bondz, LPM4 is the warm-up to ESS ESS but unfortunately it fails in that aspect: this project stands alone and is no ‘warm-up’. NEAKO is at his best here as an architect, executive producer and masterful lyricist. From the evolutionary Intro to the Supreme Posse Cut “Creeping” you will find plenty of top-notch music that will replenish the seemingly never-ending appetite for more LVLYSL music. Can’t Miss: LVLTwerk feat. Fresh Moss, LVL Spirit, LVLitup feat. BxB. Download Here.

This is a revelation. 3 or 4 is the first single from LOUDpack: Michael 4, NEAKO’s latest installment of the LOUDpack series. This street heater is a rhythmic hood anthem that displays yet again, NEAKO’s talent with wordplay and song making skills. The video is beautifully shot in the Bradley Court Projects and features NEAKO, Fresh Moss, BxB, Young Sex, NASA and an infectious amount of LVL energy. LVLYSL Inc. and iHipHop also make their their video co-debut, an important moment.