The Halifamous Compilation v1.0 provides an interesting snapshot of some of Halifax's established rap acts and a larger number of up-and-comers. It's the diversity in the music that really helps shape this compilation as an honest depiction of the burgeoning scene.

Legends like The Goods deliver with the untouchable 'Kungas Mission' as Gordski's beat is nothing short of amazing, and Josh Martinez demonstrates his timeless vocal stylings on 'Nightmare.' Classified delivers with his usual punch on his brother, Mic B's, 'Same Ol Commotion.' Universal Soul also make their presence known with the reminiscing 'Way Back In The Day,' whose video can be seen airing on MuchMusic.

There is a nice selection of underground banging beats including Cal's 'Jack of All Trades' featuring the slick-footed tongue of Prolific. 'Tha Assault' by Helltown lacks lyrically, but the bass line makes the song well worthwhile.

Consciously, The Sound & The Fury deliver with the most impressive lyrical content on 'Gum Flappers,' which deals with the struggles and egos that new rappers can sometimes encounter when trying to join the local rap scene. Ghettosocks' 'Koala Laundry' provides some comic relief over a piano laced tune centered upon the chorus of "The Downy bear's got beef with koalas everywhere, so that silly sucker chump best beware."

One of my personal favorites is the 80's pop sounding hip-hop of bRavenous on 'Time Goes By.' His singing/harmonizing has a real genuine feel, which can sometimes be lost in the harder sounds of the compilation's other beats and emcees.

The gangsta sound gets represented on Brokin Language's 'See It To Believe It (remix)' while the featured verses of Big Fela and Knucklehead had me seeing visions of Mobb Deep. Johnny Rourke also follows this trend with the 2Pac sounding 'Sometimes.'

As a free compilation available for download at www.halifamous.com, it lacks the budget capable of providing a proper mixing job, which hurts the compilation's continuity. Regardless, Halifamous Compilation v1.0 is a step in the right direction towards promoting the diversity, quality and skills of the Halifax hip-hop scene.

Click here to download the album at halifamous.com