Rap-Up: 3 the Hardway drops new single featuring Defari

When buddies A.V.I.U.S., Es-Nine and DJ Cysko Rokwel formed 3 the Hardway last year, fans knew that this hip-hop collective would be putting out some hot music. And for good reason: With A.V.I.U.S. on the mike, Es-Nine on the beats and Cysko on the wheels of steel, how could the music be anything but dope? The trio has announced a release date for its debut, Set in Stone. The album, which features cameos by Mane Rok and Inkline of ManeLine, Defari of the Likwit Junkies Crew, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, Braille, Aurora Lopez and Doujah Raze, among others, will drop on February 28 at the Marquis Theater. In the meantime, the record's first single, "Mainstage," featuring Defari, is available now; grab a quick listen after the jump. -- Quibian Salazar-Moreno