Back in the early '90s, Bucktown (Brooklyn) group Black Moon first hit the scene with breakout singles like "Who Got Da Props" and "How Many MCs." Once established, they took to introducing the world to the rest of their imposing crew, known as the Boot Camp Clik. The first act they put on was Smif-n-Wessun (a.k.a. Tek and Steele), two homies from the neighborhood who unleashed their first album, the classic Dah Shinin' in 1994. In the years that have passed since, hip-hop has been through many changes, but Black Moon, Smif-n-Wessun, and the majority of the BCC have stayed utterly true to the game, steadily releasing new records on their own independent label Duck Down. A mixtape project following up 2009's Underground Prince, 24kt Smoke sounds exactly like everything you would expect and hope for. Dark New York beats? Check. Soulful sample action? Check. Raw lyrics unconcerned with today's corny trends? Big check. Though way too real to blow up mainstream-style, Tek is still miles ahead of today's AutoTune-rocking model/rappers. Be sure to peep "Smoke's Theme” and "Death Iz Forever 2" featuring General Steele and Havoc.