Flexing a little intellect isn't anything new to hip-hop music, as legions of rappers have been "kicking knowledge" since the genesis of the art.

The knowledge that has been spread has been as diverse as the sounds of the genre itself. Hardcore street knowledge, downtrodden realities, tales of commercialism, sexual diatribes, etc. are all commonplace.

Rapping, which is poetry set to a beat, at times can be complex and present layers of intellect which can yield new perspectives with every record spin. At other times it can be simplistic, blunt, and can seriously teeter on the edge of really needing the benefit of poetic license to be considered poetry.

Local artist Rory "Milo" Ferreira, a member of the group Nom De Rap, is far from the simplistic personality that many rappers in their late teens or early 20s present to the world. In fact, his lyrics are strewn together in such a way that applying the term of "poet" to him is far more accurate than referring to him as a rapper.

Milo is a poet that just happens to present his verses with a beat underneath them.

Milo is smart, which is something that is easily understood when taking on his latest effort, a mixtape called "I wish my brother Rob was here."

Just as quickly as he raps about philosophy, he also unravels his emotions for lines that consist of self-doubt and inadequacy. He also finds time to boast and speak on the topic of love.

Very often throughout "Rob" I appreciate the unique perspective that Milo writes with, while at other times I want to laugh at the overuse of complexity when talking about life. Not that I'm laughing at Milo, but rather I'm laughing at myself and my friends as we were in that same boat throughout much of our college years and even for several years after.

Milo is absolutely a person who is trying to define his existence and has not yet graduated from the "Who am I?" train of thought to the "I just am" school, and this music proves that. That navigation is important and is what…

It's Friday, so let's take a flight to New York City to check in on some new music from former Milwaukeeans Adebisi and SigNif, who have recently released some tunes.

It seems that the release of Adebisi's The Mad Bloggers-backed mixtape "The Blaxploitation II" is right around the corner as they've released the latest and last single from the project, a track called "Better than Y'all," which is produced by 2011 Miltown Beat Down champion Reason and features Najee.

SigNif, who is readying her next project, "Embracing Rejection," for release, has dropped a Sauce Fonda-produced joint called "Nice To Know." Somebody needs to sign Nif. She's dope.

The Mad Bloggers are also one of the factions behind her forthcoming release, and no, they aren't from Wisconsin nor have they ever been here. They're East Coast dudes. Is that enough to get you to stop sleeping on SigNif?

Our good friends at WMSE need your help to update the equipment that they use for their fantastic Local/Live series, which has seen many Milwaukee bands/musicians create unique performances of their music.

WMSE has started a Kickstarter account to raise the $30,000 needed.

Kickstarter is a service that allows people to raise money for specific projects in exchange for some goodies as determined by the person/people looking for the money.

The catch with Kickstarter is that none of the money raised will be given to the person/place unless the goal is 100 percent met or exceeded.

That's right. It's ALL or NOTHING. Pretty intense, isn't it?

According to the Kickstarter page, people have pledged $4,134 of the $30,000 – or 13 percent – needed so far and there are only 56 days left to get them to their goal. Pledging ends on Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. Central.

WMSE also says, "This project will also allow WMSE to expand programming to include the recording and production of entire albums for local artists and increase the number of live in-studio performances from touring artists that visit Milwaukee."

Take a look at the video on their Kickstarter page to learn more about why they need the new equipment and donate to a great musical cause.

Do you like electronic music?

Are you looking to start your Halloween partying early?

Are you aware that The Demix, WMSE and Radiograffiti are giving you the opportunity to satisfy your love for electronic music as well as Halloween?

Well, look no further than the 12th edition of MELT, Thursday, Oct. 27 at 9 p.m. at Club Garibaldi.

Admission is $6. For an example of what each act brings to the table, here are some sounds for you to check out.

Zerobeat:

 

adoptahighway:

 

Man Mantis:

 

The Demix: