Crate Apes Brings Real Hip Hop to Internet Radio

Since Feb. 2010, I have had the pleasure of partaking in the greatness that is Crate Apes Radio, an Internet radio station that has officially managed to do the unthinkable: revive the die-hard Hip Hop head in me.

Mind you, that's not an easy task considering the flat-lined state of the industry and the typical station's commitment to push whatever is popular as opposed to what's really hot. But during my first day listening to Crate Apes Radio, it didn't take long for me to realize that it was in a category all its own.

Here's an example of why I love this station: I was recently listening to the Crate Apes pioneer, DJ Big Des aka Professor Hood, while he got busy on his weekly show "The Professor's Picks." As he spent a large portion of his show spinning real Hip Hop, I spent a large portion of the show on my feet.

Literally wiping sweat from my forehead after doing my best 90s dance moves to a memorable mix of old school joints from the likes of Special Ed, Eric B. and Rakim and the Wu Tang Clan - just a miniature sample of his more-than-impressive collection - my heart was pumping like I'd been to the club (check out my review of DJ Big Des' show).

But this is what his shows bring out of me - as do the other six dope DJs' shows on his roster. You can't help but get up and dance when listening to DJs who are so talented and deeply committed to bringing real Hip Hop to your speakers.

The Crate Apes Team currently consists of DJ Big Des aka Professor Hood, DJ Dom Nice, DJ PoohBaka, DJ Swivulz, DJ Cam Jus, DJ Mr. Rob Ree andDJ Reddman. I've checked each one of them out live or via archived shows and can attest to the greatness that is Crate Apes.

What I love is that while spinning their live two-hour shows each week, they showcase their own unique personalities through specific genres and/or eras of music, whether they are R&B, Reggae, Pop or even Rock. Yet it's clear that Hip Hop is their collective first love.

By pulling together so many unique musical personalities, the station has become one of the most diverse and eclectic I've run across. Adding to the diversity is the addition of "Mixtape Mondays," during which a special guest DJ stops by and brings his/her own flavor to the station. The different styles make it easy to enjoy each DJ's show. After a hard day of work, their music absolutely helps me unwind.

But that's not all that's great about these guys. I'm also in love with the fact that they stream live via webcam. This actually helps me get a better feel for their energy and makes me enjoy the music even more.

It also doesn't hurt that there are other people rocking with me in the chatroom during the live shows. There are usually some feisty personalities in there to keep you laughing, yet the environment is always warm and welcoming.

As a true fan of Hip Hop, Crate Apes Radio is definitely a station I'm committed to supporting. If you consider yourself a true fan as well, I think you will love these DJs just as much as I do. To find out when they air, check out their time slots then stop by to see what you've been missing!