Whatever happened to real hip-hop music? Some of the most cynical fans out there say that the genre is getting too commercial and overpolished, but others know that they can find good music in this category, if they are willing to dig a little bit deeper, branching out of the usual boundaries of the mainstream music scene. 
 If you take a chance and listen to Darius The Barbarian’s music, you’ll instantly know what I am talking about. He recently dropped a 4-songs EP titled “Escapades,” which sets the bar higher, bringing back some much needed warmth and grit to the rap scene. This production is raw and honest, bringing an immediate, energetic feel to the table. There is a certain urgency to Darius and his flow, yet there is also a lot of focus on details, always looking for way to enhance the sonic depth of this composition. 
 Darius is all about using his music to express himself and his take on the world. He creates a stronger connection with the audience due to his lyrics, and he is always ready to keep challenging himself creatively, fully embracing his identity as a gay rapper, and fighting the usual cliches and stigmas in the scene, and beyond.