Buggs tha Rocka

Commercial rap has become the opiate of the masses and for an artist trying to change the game, breaking into the industry is a challenge. The Midwest awakened the beast with the introduction of Kanye West, newcomer Lupe Fiasco, and with Common's classic comeback album, Be. Now comes the newest phenomenon of the Midwest movement: Cincinnati native Buggs tha Rocka.

The name comes from his unique style of music. He playfully terms his style of music as hood metal, an eclectic mix of his two loves, hip hop and rock. Buggs' appreciation for music stretches across many genres and is reflected in his very original sound. He is influenced by the stylings of Lenny Kravitz, Lauren Hill, Guns and Roses, Common, Slayer, No Doubt, N.E.R.D., and Outkast among others.

Buggs has managed to earn respect in a city that doesn't even support local artists. "It ain't about talent no more. It's all politics. If you don't have a deal or you're not on television, they don't care." Cincinnati's untapped market has very little resources for aspiring artists and only one urban radio station. Defying the odds, Buggs is breathing life into the city's urban market and capturing audience's attention. "I just want to make good music and give the city of Cincinnati an identity in the music industry."

Buggs is currently unknown by the mainstream but he plans to change that with the release of his highly anticipated album, "The Adventures of Rockaboy," which is expected to get rave reviews and touted as a classic.