There's nothing like music. It is where media and art overlap without using a single paint brush or video camera. It bonds generations together, yet uniquely distinguishes each generation from one another at the same time. It has the analytical beauty of a poem, as well as the flare of a Hollywood blockbuster. However, it takes a special kind of artist to capture music's full potential. In a world where it seems like just about everyone makes music, it is hard to find these exceptional human beings. Lucky for you, I have tried my hardest to do so for you. I am a music enthusiast of all genres, so I will more than likely make this a recurring prompt. That being said, I am limiting this week's list to only hip-hop artists. It is also worth noting that, due to the nature of hip-hop, many of the songs listed include explicit lyrics.

Abstract (@TheTrueAbstract)

Since releasing his first song on Soundcloud three years ago, Abstract has steadily improved with every track he puts out. He does not fit the typical mold for a hip-hop artist (the guy hails from Jackson, Wyoming), yet he is on par, if not better than, many top-notch rappers. Abstract recently released a free album titled "AltRock Graffiti," which has quickly become my favorite project of the year so far. What sets Abstract apart from many other rappers is his ability to create poetry with his rhymes. Every single person that listens to an Abstract song will interpret a completely different message, and that's exactly what he intends to happen.

Personal Favorites:

• Neverland (ft. Ruth B)
• I'll Come Around
• Can't Love Me (ft. Jackson Breit)
• Lost
• Correlationships

Mike Stud (@Mike_Stud)

Mike Stud has been one of my absolute favorite artists for about two years now. He is probably the most well-known on this list, but I love his music and his story, so I'm going to include him anyway. Mike, whose real name is Michael Seander Jr., was an All-American pitcher at Duke University. However, following Tommy John Surgery his sophomore year, he was unable to produce at the same level ever again. While in recovery from his surgery, Mike recorded a song on GarageBand in his dorm titled "College Humor" as a joke for his teammates, yet it absolutely took off. Through August of this year, it has been viewed over 1,750,000 times on YouTube. A star was born. Since his unlikely start, Mike Stud has released five mixtapes and two full-length studio albums, as well as been on multiple nationwide tours. I can say from personal experience, his concerts are complete ragers (if you don't believe me, look up his short series, "Touring's Boring." on YouTube). Whether you're looking to party, or simply looking to chill and listen to deep lyrics, Mike Stud is the man for you.

Personal Favorites:

• Closer
• Summer (Calvin Harris Remix)
• These Days
• Smile For Me
• Movie

Witt Lowry (@WittLowry)

Witt Lowry, formerly known as Witty, is one of the most unique hip-hop artists you will ever listen to. Early in his career, he attempted to go more of a traditional route with his music, yet everything was simply mediocre and monotonous. Witt knew he had to try something different. In his second official mixtape, "Kindest Regards," Witt Lowry went with a much deeper and more personal sound. Rather than rap about his current life and ambitions, Witt began telling stories from his personal life in his rhymes. He had cracked the code and created a sound unlike any other. After receiving great fan reception, Witt continued with the sound, releasing a single every couple of months, telling a new piece of the story each time. He has been promoting his upcoming album, "Dreaming With Our Eyes Open," all summer, with an anticipated release this month (September 2015). Witt Lowry is a much-needed change of pace from today's music scene, delivering quality, emotionally charged tracks time and time again.

Personal Favorites:

• Rescue
• Used To You
• Like I Do
• Running From Here
• Kindest Regards

Luke Christopher (@LukeChrisMuzic)

Up until this point, I have talked about two East Coast rappers and one Midwest rapper. If you know anything about music, you know that West Coast rap might as well be a completely different genre. Luke Christopher, hailing from Los Angeles, takes everything good about West Coast hip-hop and combines it with the alternative style music that comes almost exclusively out of Southern California. Unlike a lot of artists, Luke prefers to produce his own music. While he is yet to release a full-length album, Luke has reveled in the success of his five mixtapes (including his recently released "TMRW&YSTRDY"), as well as the multiple singles he has released. Luke Christopher produces music that is perfect to just turn on, put in some headphones, and simply relax while listening.

Personal Favorites:

• Marty Mcfly
• I Think I Love HER
• Champagne Rain
• The Lights
• This Old World

Ivan B (@IvanBnw)

No one can describe Ivan B's music better than himself. In his song "Believe" he has a line that says "So open your heart, this is not for your ears," which is exactly what you should do with every song Ivan puts out. Although he was raised in California, Ivan B completely breaks the typical West Coast hip-hop mold and creates a sound truly unique to himself. Ivan is a poetic genius whose signature is his ability to express emotions that most people can't even put into words. With the help of his good friend, producer Tido Vegas, Ivan has released two full-length mixtapes, along with multiple singles. His songs are prime examples of what makes music special and unlike any other form of media. Rather than appeal to your brain, Ivan goes right for the heart, tugging at every emotion you feel throughout both relationships and life in general.

Personal Favorites:

• The Miles Between
• Edge Of The World (ft. Niykee Heaton)
• Walk With Me
• Believe
• Lights On Me

Everyone has a different opinion on what "good music" is supposed to sound like. That is a part of what makes music unique: everyone hears something else. The artists listed above are just a very small part of what makes up the grand scheme of exceptional music in today's world. For the sake of our generation, let's make good music mainstream again. We, the fans, get to decide who makes it to the pinnacle that is the top of the music world. Who are you going to listen to?