Author Archives: ChiefDoomsday

Indelible Force :: Faylita Hicks Releases ‘Onyx’

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The things that Faylita Hicks has accomplished on the spoken word scene are numerous and valuable enough to give the average person a sense of career and artistic fulfillment.  Like many of my central Texas peers, however, I know Faylita is not satisfied with conquering the obvious, and all of the work she has put in has led her up to the point to transition into something greater.  That being said, the seeds she has planted over the years are coming to fruition in 2019, as a secured distribution deal for her book #Hoodwitch has provided her the opportunity to release a warning shot in the form of Onyx, her latest spoken word release.  A collaboration with producer poolboi blu, the project showcases a handful of poems from #Hoodwitch, which allows us to get a sense of the deeply personal and thought provoking words that Faylita plans to share in her book.  Don’t forget to check out the artwork for the individual tracks as well, especially while taking a moment to read along with the performance on the track.  Trust me, this is one experience you will not want to miss.

-chief

Proximity Warning :: Sounds Of The Underground Drop ‘Move Back’ Video

The Culprit and Mic Trey, collectively known as Sounds of the Underground, are representing the College of Hip-Hop Knowledge and Austin hip-hop perfectly with their latest video and single, Move Back.  An old-school style track with new energy giving it life, Move Back lives and thrives off of the kinetic back and forth between the two emcees, each punctuating the reasons why other cypher dwellers should be wary about putting forth anything less than their best.  The video finds the pairing at the Hope Outdoor Gallery (I believe) and the skate park, spitting venom straight at the camera for all to feel.  This video and song are dope, period point blank.  Share it around, give it a like, leave a comment, and support what CHHK is doing.

-chief

Legend Assist :: EVOLVE Connects With Masta Ace For ‘Far Behind’ Single

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I know a whole lot of cats in the Texas rap game, but only a few have the pull to book legit names.  Chief among these folks is EVOLVE, a raw talent with a penchant for spitting fierce bars, so it’s only fitting that he’d have a legend cut from the same cloth on Far Behind in the form of Masta Ace.  Over a sinister, drum-heavy track by SWAB, the pair lay out plenty of proof about why most emcees find themselves attempting to catch up as the pair continues to forge new ground.  Check out the track, lace EVOLVE with a buck if you’ve got it, and spread the word about this ill collaboration.

-chief

Vessel’s Voice :: Lace Tunes Drops Intimate Video For ‘Who I Am’

When it comes to the numerous hip-hop acts that have come and gone in the central Texas corridor, one of my favorites (and one that left a lasting impression) was Lace Tunes.  His energy is infectious and undeniable and his lyrical content was always heartfelt and honest, and it appears that he has refined all of these characteristics into a laser-sharp focus these days.  Who I Am is a straight-forward and clever confessional over a golden-era style hip-hop track with tons of unique texture to it.  The video is colorful without being overly flashy, and its method matches the no-nonsense delivery implemented by Lace Tunes.  Definitely a solid track and video, and one that’s worth sharing around, liking and commenting on, so be sure to do so!

-chief

Ordered Chaos :: Smackola Declares It’s ‘Worm Season’ In Latest Video

For those paying attention to the way of things the past generation or so, it’s crystal clear that the powers that be are making changes with only their best interests in mind.  With the influx of information, those who you can supposedly trust spreading misinformation, and monetary gain fueling it all, thank god for people like Smackola.  In Worm Season, many of these half-truths and schemes are laid out in a straight line, with plenty of visual aids to drive home the warnings.  I’ve always been a fan of Smackola and the Dirty Wormz aesthetic, and when they speak on the truth, it only further amplifies these aesthetic choices and proves how woke the collective is.  Check out the video, leave a like and a comment, and share it around for others to do the same.

-chief

Deep Connection :: Mélat Releases Video For ‘Weak’

Austin‘s R&B scene has been growing the last few years, and a handful of the key artists have released enough music for personal growth to start showing.  Mélat has always been one to embrace her own style from day one (or at least from when I first found out about her), which is what makes Weak such an interesting song and video.  Director Sanetra Longno and cinematographer Peter Longno awash the video in mostly natural light, with Mélat‘s performance draped in heavily stylized purple lighting, and this juxtaposition matches the song perfectly.  Though a more traditional fare than what Mélat normally brings to the table, she still manages to make it unique to her by allowing her soulful and deeply personal approach shine through what is normally a standard structure.  Definitely check out the video, leave a like and a comment, and spread it around to get others hip to the Austin R&B movement.

-chief

Latenight Trip :: SpaceMan Zack And The Teeta Connect For ‘Audrey Hepburn’ Video

I’m a sucker for movie imagery and references in music, especially when done cleverly.  That’s why when Audrey Hepburn by SpaceMan Zack featuring The Teeta crossed my radar, I was initially intrigued.  What hooked me, however, was taking a song about success, shallowness and those attempting to take advantage of you, all aspects of the famous Truman Capote novel turned Audrey Hepburn film.  Add to this the fact that director T. Aubrey laced us with a frame video full of dope still shots and trippy transitions, and we’ve got a burner on our hands.  Dig this one, share it around, and leave a like and/or a comment on it for sure.

-chief

These Days :: Pleasure Venom Drops Music Video For ‘Hive’

Pleasure Venom has been on a monstrous run over the course of the past year or so.  They hit the ground running in 2019 with an album release, a handful of music videos and a supporting tour with Garbage, and they don’t appear to be stopping things anytime soon.  Their video for Hive, directed by singer Audrey Campbell and drummer Thomas Valles, is a seemingly innocent single shot ‘day in the life’ style video, but as we all know, looks can be deceiving.  Check out the video, give it a like and a share, and leave a comment to let them know you’re supporting this run!

-chief

No Scrubs :: Cha’keeta B And Lakrea Stay ‘Fuck Boy Free’

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If it wasn’t clear from some of her previous releases, Cha’keeta B is not here for the games.  Her latest single, a collaboration with singer Lakrea titled Fuck Boy Free, plants a flag in the sand on that stance, firmly letting all possible suitors know that dedication and honesty is a must, and that nothing less than that will be tolerated.  The track is an upbeat banger, and Lakrea‘s assist on the hook makes it one that (let for the song title) would probably get some heavy radio rotation.  If you’re a Soundcloud fan though (and I know a lot of you are), then I recommend putting this one in your summer rotation, sharing it around, and leaving a comment on your favorite bar!

-chief

Dedication Raps :: Emcee Eats, STORMSHADOW & SK The Greatest Drop Video for ‘Gayatri Shakur’

Gayatri Shakur was the jam when I first posted about it, so it brings me great joy to announce that Emcee Eats and STORMSHADOW decided to lace us with a visual element for this jam.  Not only did these guys make a great looking video (both in terms of production value and location), but the approach matches the lyrical energy perfectly… meditations on self in the midst of real world interaction.  While that may not be the message of the track (or even their intent), I picked up that vibe heavily from the track/video combination, and it makes me that much happier to share it with all of you.  Check it out, leave a like and a comment, and share it around so others can do the same!

-chief