South Philly’s Rajesh Haldar a.k.a Lushlife has consistently proven why he is a force to be reckoned with in both the city’s hip hop and indie scenes. Sure, plenty of hip hop artists rhyme over indie samples nowadays, but Lushlife’s approach to this concept is what sets him apart. His music is so eclectic that everyone from hardcore hip hop heads to the hippest indie fans can find something to enjoy. The groundbreaking emcee/producer combines his raspy, Nas-influenced vocal delivery with the indie sounds of artists like Fleet Foxes, Brown Recluse, RYAT and Clams Casino and features Roots’ affiliates STS and Dice Raw for a truly unique sound on his latest mixtape No More Golden Days. On the follow-up to his sophomore album Cassette City, Haldar takes these influences to impressive new heights, which has brought the performer some well-deserved critical acclaim and attention in the blogosphere. When the mixtape was released back in October, its lead single “She’s a Buddhist, I’m a Cubist,” which features a guest verse from up-and-coming Memphis emcee Cities Aviv, was a featured track on Pitchfork. Later that month, No More Golden Days was the mixtape of the week for October 26th on Stereogum, where it beat out tapes from more well-known artists like Waka Flocka Flame and Philly’s own Freeway. Lushlife also received some hometown love when his latest offering was featured as our November Album of the Month (you can check out the review HERE), and it made #4 on Q.D. Tran’s Best Local Albums of 2011 List. 2012 is already starting off more promising than last year with his recent signing to Western Vinyl and the announcement of his new album Plateau Vision (due out in April). Hometown fans can come experience Lushlife’s impressive one-man show this February 15th at Union Transfer. – Dan Brightcliffe
