The Northwest hip-hop scene has been home to a wide array of aspiring artists and producers alike. Take for instance Rockwell Powers (Zach Powers). The Tacoma resident by way of Alaska has kept his musical endeavors fresh, working with a six-piece band, 10th & Commerce, as well as doing solo work as a rapper. In his most recent project, Powers links up with Seattle producer and UW student Ill Pill (Paul Matheson) for a collaborative effort titled The Kids in the Back.

From the opening track, which lends some insight to Powers’ musical journey — backed by a solid beat from Ill Pill — it’s apparent that the duo gets some of their inspiration from the Blue Scholars. This notion becomes even clearer on “Next Level,” where Pill channels his inner-Sabzi for a high-energy song that is definitely ready to rock the live stage.

Using features sparsely throughout the album, the duo strikes gold on the track “Funny” alongside Ballard emcee Grynch. With one of Ill Pill’s powerful beats on display, Powers and Grynch proceed to reminisce about the naysayers who didn’t believe in them.

Showing his lyrical versatility, Rockwell Powers makes himself relatable with the track “Okay,” in which he recounts the sadness and pain found after breaking up with a past girlfriend. Over subtle piano keys, Powers skims through unsent letters to his lost love, struggling with whether he was right in making the decision. Finally finding some clarity a year later, he rhymes, “Nothing lasts forever, people grow apart / I’ll remember what we had and take my heart.”

While tracks like the laidback “Late Believers” show signs of greatness, The Kids in the Back is not without its mishaps. On “Trust Me,” Powers attempts to get sentimental, but to no avail. Pushing for a more philosophical stance with “Faith,” Rockwell touches on his spiritual woes concerning religion. Though he receives a soulful chorus from singer Peter Baldwin, the track is seemingly incomplete in content and execution.

Lyrically, Powers has some work cut out for him. For instance, an otherwise grooving track, “Wreck Mode” lacks wordplay direction, as at one point he compares himself to a whale. Then, on “Hoodied Up,” Powers leaves a strong hook hanging with a handful of verses ready to be skipped over.

Though far from flawless, The Kids in the Back is a good indication of the skills Rockwell Powers has honed in his short rapping career. At 21 years old, Powers has the potential to go from an aspiring rapper to a formidable emcee, and his latest project is a step in the right direction.

Rockwell Powers will be performing June 5 at the China Clipper Club Café in Olympia alongside rapper Macklemore, as well as at Grynch’s EP release party at the Nectar Lounge on July 12.

Reach columnist Edwin Ortiz at arts@dailyuw.com.