Indy is hip to hip-hop

David Thomas, 30, of Indianapolis, AKA "Dawhud," is an emerging and promising hip-hop act in town. (Credit: Matt Detrich / Metromix)

To outsiders, the Crossroads of America isn’t widely known as a burgeoning hip-hop scene, what with our love for the good ol’ country and rock and roll.

But that doesn’t mean there’s not a solid scene here — there is, and its reputation is growing, as several young emcees and deejays are working to put Indy on the regional and even national map. Here are four of the brightest prospects:

Dawhud

Latest release: Basement Sessions

Online: www.myspace.com/djdawhud

Next show: Nothing currently scheduled

The promising Dawhud moved to Indy from Seattle a couple of years ago. In that short time, he’s received stellar underground acclaim for “Basement Sessions.” The talented deejay kicks both a party vibe and serious tone with inventive samples (especially “Inspiration”) and solid beats.

Twilight Sentinels

Latest release: Meanwhile...

Online: www.myspace.com/twilightsentinels

Next show: Nothing currently scheduled

The irresistible samples in the backdrop of songs like “Smokescreen” and “3 Piece Soup” deftly showcase the inventiveness and creativity of Twilight Sentinels — a promising hip-hop trio consisting of Joe Harvey, Mic L. Night and DJ Topspeed. They’re equally at home rapping about God or their own talents, and their laid-back flow and quirky arrangements separate TS as ones to watch.

Brad Real

Latest release: The Battle Within: Volume One

Online: www.myspace.com/breal8729records

Next show: Oct. 23, The Vollrath

The party jam playing on Brad Real’s MySpace gives an instant indicator of the Indy native’s talent. “Let Yourself Go” shifts and moves as well as anything on the national scene, and the right amount of attention is all that stands between Real and a larger stage.

Mic Sol

Latest Release: Flowgun

Online: www.myspace.com/micsol

Next show: Oct. 29, The Melody Inn

It’s been nearly three years since “Flowgun” dropped, but that hasn’t stopped Mic Sol from exposing new tunes on his Web site and giving fans hope that his auctioneer delivery will continue to amaze on some new tracks. A new project with A.C.E O.N.E. is rumored for this fall, but there were no details at this time.