Say Word Entertainment is a record label and events production company that was founded in New York in 2003. As they prepare to enter their fifteenth year, they’ve re-upped their efforts, added a couple of new names, and are planning to release four new albums in 2018. Before we get to all of that, we get a compilation to wet our whistles, Flight.

There are a lot of different types of compilations, but Flight is pretty straightforward as to what its role is. Come on over, meet the roster and get excited about what’s coming around the corner. The compilation opens with label CEO Rabbi Darkside, who give us some of his first new material since dropping his excellent album, Prospect Avenue, back in 2013. “I Do Believe” is an excellent track, featuring some funky, jazzy production from Too Deep, alongside some live trumpet and bass. From there, we get a nice mix of material, from the sultry downtempo R&B of The Grand Affair, the turntablism of Mr. Simmonds, or the backpack rap of 3rd Party. The breakout star for me, though is Black Fin, who hails from Harrare, Zimbabwe, who can rap, sing, and produce, and do it with style and charisma as he gives us his own unique perspective on the world. I’ll be excited to see what he does with his upcoming full length. All in all, it’s just a solid label compilation that gives you a nice variety of quality hip hop.

Say Word Entertainment wants to up the ante for its fifteenth year, and if Flight is any indication, they’ve got some good stuff coming around the corner. In the meantime, get acquainted with some talented artists that you may or may not know about.