The New West.

U-N-I. Shawn Jackson. Diz Gibran. Dom Kennedy. Say hello to the New West. Gone are the lowriders, drive-bys, and crack raps of the 1980's gangsta rap movement set in motion by artists like N.W.A. There is a new wave of hip-hop representing the Left Coast that is invading the nation and raising the creative bar.

The good people at Vibe magazine have finally realized the dope music that the westcoast, L.A. in particular, have been putting out in the past year. All this week, they are running a whole feature called New West of 5 different, but very fresh Los Angeles acts. Every single one of them has gotten shine on this blog and Hip Hop Official in general. So it's only right that they continue to blaze on. Check out the articles and learn a little something.

New West: U-N-I

New West: Shawn Jackson

New West: Diz Gibran

New West: Dom Kennedy

Check back tomorrow, for Friday's feature.