On Feb. 20, rapper Steven Markowitz, better known as Hoodie Allen, released his CD “Crew Cuts.” The New York native grew up writing lyrics and rapping for his friends and family. His nickname was always “Hoodie,” thus the name Hoodie Allen was created.

He started off working with Obey City in 2009, but a year later the two split and Steve continued making his own music with other people. All the way up to 2012, the artist made four CDs and two EPs such as “Making Waves,” “Leap Year,” and “All American.” His genre of music is Indie and Alternative Hip Hop.

When I first discovered Hoodie Allen’s music last year, I really liked it. I listened to his single, “No Faith in Brooklyn.” It was catchy, but I couldn’t relate to the song much. It’s not that different with his new music, except for a couple songs. The first track, “Let Me Be Me,” can speak to a lot of people.

With cyber-bullying and harassment going on, it makes it almost impossible for anyone to be themselves. The title explains the song for itself- let me be me. Don’t let other people decide your life for you, and do what you love. For Hoodie, it’s people just letting him be himself and enjoy focusing on his music.

More and more people are starting to discover Hoodie Allen and his music, and so far the response is positive. The songs on “Crew Cuts” are chill, and can relate to many different people. Well…unless you are very picky with artists and their music, you might have many things to criticize about Allen .

Some people feel like every song HAS  to be relatable and each lyric has to have a meaning, but if you’re like me and like music that’s at least catchy and that you can listen to any time, “Crew Cuts” is definitely something you should listen to.

You can download “Crew Cuts” and Hoodie Allen’s other songs on his website for free at www.hoodieallen.com. His “Crusin’ USA Tour” starts on March 5, and he’s coming to Illinois on March 8 and 9 at Mojoes and Canopy Club.