Vid Pick: Metermaids - 8MM

Metermaids have been known as one of the best party rockin hip-hop acts in NYC for years. Their rousing shows feature a ton of call and response, crowd interaction, and, by the end of each performance, general wildness filling wherever they’re playing. “8MM,” however, shows a completely different side of Swell and Sentence. It's a serious song and the imagery in the video matches the message perfectly. Metermaids aren’t getting preachy on ya, they’re just showing they have some social concern to go with their rowdy good times.

For more on Metermaids check out their Artist Of The Week feature (6/2008).