Author Archives: ChiefDoomsday

Truthful Musings :: Willing + AO Drop ‘Closed Set’

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I remember when willing was just showing up at the Austin Mic Exchange and other local hip-hop events, hungry like all of us are, and trying to find his place in the scene.  At first, he had a rapid fire style that was wonderful rich with poetic and referential textures, but over time, willing has honed his style into a very direct approach… well thought word choices and placement, and exploration with lots of depth.  Closed Set, a recent collaboration with producer AO, is a two song streaming set with 6 additional tracks available when downloaded.  Give willing and AO a listen, a share, and some support.

-chief

Throwback Approach :: DDotElles Tints The Track ‘Sepia’

If you had to put me on the spot with an Austin hip-hop top five, DDotElles will constantly make that list.  My man is consistently dropping some of the most thought-provoking hip-hop coming out of the south, let alone Austin.  His newest single, Sepia, is certainly not new ground for the last year or so, as ageism and the generational divide has been a hot button topic for hip-hop.  What makes Sepia different, however, is its clever approach to stressing the need for understanding of what came before you and how it allows you to move ahead, among many other points that it stresses.  Props to DDotEllesArthur Castro and the ill beat by 3Zone$.  Share this, but not until you give it a few deep listens for yourself.

-chief

Unique Usuals :: The Minority Project Hits Us With ‘Suspect’ Video

There is almost nothing in hip-hop like a good strong crew.  Austin, luckily, seems to have its fair share of solid crews, which is a blessing to the scene.  The Minority Project, comprised of IIIXCTYIsa Da Creature and T-Y da Fly, all catch wreck on the track and video for Suspect, a single from IIIXCTY‘s upcoming release entitled SINphony.  The video is simple and direct… great stuff.  I am loving the quality of hip-hop coming out of my home city these days, and The Minority Project is definitely keeping that good vibe going.

-chief

Long Goodbye :: The Teeta And Grind Life Films Combine Forces For ‘Sayonara’

Over the past 8-12 months or so, one name that seems to consistently pop up among Austin hip-hop artists is The Teeta.  I’m not gonna lie, it took me a hot minute to getting around and actually checking out his music, but one thing that never hurts in my book is an endorsement from Grind Life Films.  Enter Sayonara, a video I stumbled across while doing my daily due diligence of combing the internet for dopeness.  Needless to say, I am impressed upon my initial listen.  The sample on this track is used cleverly, the bars are super solid and hold weight while not taking themselves over-seriously, and The Teeta definitely stands out in terms of style.  My attention has been gotten… I am curious to find out more.

-chief

Wordplay Display :: NORMAN BA$E Drops Video For ‘LOVE The MC’

MC extraordinaire NORMAN BA$E has been putting folks on notice for ages now that he is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with.  Coming up strong off the release of his latest mixtape, Long, Live, Little Harlem is the lead single LOVE the MC.  It is a brutally honest lament on the state of the mouthpieces that represent the culture, but delivered over a wonderfully laid back and expressive beat.  If you haven’t already, get hip to NORMAN BA$E, as he is not one to disappoint with the output.

-chief

The Way :: Click-Clack’s ‘White Gold’ Is Ice Cold

Click-Clack is one of the consistently dopest independent artists making hip hop out there right now.  His latest single, White Gold, finds him collaborating with LORDFUBU to do his take on modern stylings while remaining a standout in true Click-Clack fashion.  With dope artwork from Foreign Forest, this single should definitely bring attention to the upcoming release of same/same, which I will be ready to cop once dropped.

-chief

Beats DuJour :: Batsauce Rocks For The ‘Clean Plate Club’

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Sometimes, you hear the music someone makes, and it’s obvious that they have a gift.  I still remember being at year two of A3C in Atlanta and hearing The Smile Rays for the first time.  I had heard/heard of Asimov, so I was familiar with Therapy, but I had not yet heard of Lady Daisey or Batsauce.  Needless to say, the entire crew left a lasting impression, and over the years I’ve been able to keep in touch with Lady Daisey and Batsauce via social media.

Not too long ago, Full Plate Records dropped volume three of their Clean Plate Club series, and lo and behold, the featured producer was Batsauce.  I jumped on the opportunity to listen, and just like I figure, it was rock solid.  Definitely give it a listen for yourself, cop it if you have a few bucks to spare, and share it with someone who may like it (because that doesn’t cost a thing).

-chief

Future Vision :: Smackola’s ‘Glass Sky’ Video Is One For The Ages

Austin-based hip-hop legend Smackola has been doing his thing, regardless of the times, for slightly over 2 decades.  His approach to music and the experiences it has afforded him allows the type of perspective found in the song and video for Glass Sky.  The concept of both the song and video are brilliantly executed, and have me very much excited to discover what else lies within Smackola‘s latest release, The Thomas Brookz Project.  As always, expect nothing but quality from Smackola and anything Dirty Wormz affiliated.

-chief

Breaking Frames :: Retr0gRaDe’s ‘Tribal Bounce’ Video Debuts

Austin-based hip-hop dynamite duo Retr0gRaDe made waves in 2016 when they dropped their self-titled debut album.  Now, fresh into 2017, the group has dropped their first video.  Tribal Bounce finds the fellas (with an assist from Clifton Dukes) going off over a visually stimulating, slightly psychedelic framework, reminiscent of the Scenario or Return of the Boom Bap classic videos.  Definitely super dope.  Like it, share it, and make sure to keep an eye out for more from these cats.

-chief

Breakbeat Vérité :: NGHT HCKLRS Release ‘HaHaHaHaHaHaHa!’

For all of the forgettable moments most will attribute to 2016, there were personal highlights I cannot ignore.  Being introduced to NGHT HCKLRS was certainly one of them.  These cats, plain and simple, are making some of the most standout music in Austin, and the release of the EP HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa! appears to solidify that statement.  Seeing these guys is a must if you get the chance.  They will be rocking Exploded Drawing this upcoming Friday, and I am wholly certain that their star is on the rise.

-chief