800 the Jewell just released his third solo album, Life at 31.

Every Tuesday, Steal This Track gives Reverb readers the opportunity to hear music made right here in Colorado. You can read all the music blogs you want, but nothing’s gonna give you a better idea of what’s going on in our square state than listening to the music with your very own ears.

This week, Steal This Track responds to the often-asked question, “Does Denver have a hip-hop scene?” with three tracks that collectively answer, “Hell yes!” Read on to find out more about some of the strongest hip-hop being made in your backyard, with tracks from 800 the Jewell, Aires Jackson and A.V.I.U.S. Get ready to right click!

Phillip Deshon Embry — better known as 800 the Jewell — is the CEO of Jewell Tyme Music, a Denver hip-hop label and collective of artists that includes King F.O.E. (who co-founded the label in 2002 with 800), Haven the Great, Karma, Big Joe Thunder and many more.

With his latest album, “Life at 31,” 800 also proves he’s a talented — and, as the title implies, mature — solo artist. Filled with old-school beats, smooth R&B grooves and even some pop hooks, the producer/rapper’s third album is a sticky, satisfying slab that holds its own against many of the radio-friendly rap records currently topping charts while maintaining a street-smart swagger that keeps things from getting too soft.

Though the album teeters on the edge of a the too-many-guest-stars pit into which too many hip-hop albums fall, 800 keeps his balance with a confident flow and soulful beats. You can download “Life at 31″ for free here, but if you want just a taste, we suggest you steal “Keep It Movin’” right now.

Stream it:

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800 the Jewell | Keep It Movin’ (feat. Julox, Haven, Rolanda, N’ Janasia) (right click to save to your computer)

A.V.I.U.S. will release his second solo record this summer. Photo by Kate Levy

Another Denver hip-hop artist unabashedly embracing R&B’s sexy grooves is A.V.I.U.S. — known to the DMV as David Romero. Though the rapper has gained notoriety with stage-rockers 3 the Hardway, his new EP, “For Better or Worse,” showcases a burgeoning solo artist. Engineered by A.V.I.U.S.’s collaborator from 3 the Hardway, Es Nine, and including production help and guest spots from notables like DJ Babu and Evidence of Dilated Peoples and Fashawn, the record is a testament to Romero’s relationships in the hip-hop community in Denver and across the country.

Watch 3 the Hardway’s website to catch the new EP as a free download later this summer. In the meantime, quench your thirst with the juicy lead single, “Carry It Home,” which includes a yearning, soulful hook sung by Rhias from up-and-coming Denver hip-hop band Air Dubai.

Stream it:

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A.V.I.U.S. | Carry It Home (feat. Rhias) (right click to save to your computer)

The album cover for 2 Years and a Day by Aires Jackson

The last track in this week’s hip-hop extravaganza is by no means the least, but certainly comes from the least-known act. Musical brothers Leonard (Lenny-Lenn) and James Ray Jackson formed Aires Jackson (a pun on their zodiac sign, Aries, and air — as in fresh air) in 2008 and soon after, produced their first album, “2 Years and a Day.” Though occasionally interrupted by amateurish moments, “2 Years and a Day” is generally a solid collection of party-starting rap, showcasing the brothers’ production skills and unique flow — part Dirty South and part ’80s Brooklyn street corner.

You can download the album — along with way too much other music — from the homemade website for the Jacksons’ decade-old label, KINtender Records. However, if you’re as overwhelmed as we were with the website, start small by letting the Jackson brothers woo you with “Beat, Bang, Knock.”

Stream it:

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Aires Jackson | Beat, Bang, Knock (right click to save to your computer)

Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.

If you’re a band or musician ready to expose your fresh sounds to the readers of Reverb, email your tracks to Eryc Eyl for consideration.

Eryc Eyl is a veteran music journalist, critic and Colorado native who has been neck-deep in local music for many years. Check out Steal This Track every Tuesday for local music you can HEAR, and the Mile High Makeout every Friday.