In mid-June, four topnotch Seattle acts are debuting, re-releasing, or returning to the music scene with new CDs up for grabs. Since they represent different facets of our local music landscape, we're highlighting this bunch as a mini cross-section of recommended Seattle music.

The Stranger threw three writers into the ring for three different rounds with the groups in question. Megan Seling lived in Schoolyard Heroes' humble abode, Charles Mudede dined with Blue Scholars and Boom Bap Project, and Jennifer Maerz took to Lake Washington with Razrez. No black eyes or bloody lips ensued, but Jennifer did get a nasty sunburn. -Eds.

round 1
ROUND 1: SCHOOLYARD HOUSE PARTY

 

round 2
ROUND 2: BOOM BAP PROJECT VS. BLUE SCHOLARS

 

round 3
ROUND 3: RAZREZ ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES