Author Archives: ChiefDoomsday

Reflective Pool :: Poolboi Blu Drops ‘Sincere (Volume 008)’

artworks-000530492478-pcp0yb-t500x500

A few days ago, I found myself chilling out at poolboi blu‘s crib with the homies gostPink Ranger and a few more folks.  We were watching the Rockets beat the Warriors and basically having a good time in anticipation of the Pecan Street Festival that weekend, but while most of us were hanging out, poolboi blu was in work mode, putting together the mix that would become sincere (volume 008).  For this session, we find a series of reflectively lyrical songs with extremely heavy rhythms, all of which are definitely complete vibe-setters.  As always, the mixing is on point, the song selection is way ahead of the curve, and poolboi blu continues to drive home the culture and aesthetic he has created for himself.  Dig it, leave a comment, and share it around.

-chief

Even Flow :: The Vapor Caves Release ‘Hurry Up & Wait’

a4129694141_10

The Vapor Caves are back at it again, and this time they’re not playing around.  Their music has always been high quality, but man, Hurry Up & Wait hit me right in the ear and the heart perfectly.  BoomBaptist stuck his foot in this track, letting all of his funk, boogie and R&B influences shine at full force, while Yadira Brown‘s voice floats through the track like a leaf on the wind.  Dig what Yadira has to say about the track :

““Hurry Up and Wait” is a phrase uttered in frustration, referring to an unnecessary rush or the pressure to accommodate yet remain unfulfilled.  A huge part of being a human has been experiencing this again and again, in different forms.  But as we break old social programming patterns and dismantle systems of oppression, we remove the pressure to fall in line.  We can be our true selves.  The veil is lifting.  Hindsight is the gift that keeps on giving.”

As per usual, the duo also hit us with some crazy promo to accompany the track :

Stay tuned for more from The Vapor Caves, as it looks like they’re just getting started.

-chief

Kombat Mode :: No1mportant Stops By ‘Rappers Playing Games (RPG)’

If you don’t already know, I personally think that the Baby Lion series known as Rappers Playing Games (RPG) is one of the best things happening on YouTube right now, and it has nothing to do with the fact that Protextor is someone I consider a friend and a peer.  For the latest episode, the infinitely talented no1mportant stopped by for a quick session on the Sega Genesis classic Mortal Kombat 3 Ultimate, as well as a stroll down memory lane.  Both of these guys are incredibly smart, cultured and have a diverse set of knowledge, and their conversation certainly reflects that.  Get hip to this show if you’re not already, share it around so others can do the same, and feel free to leave a like or comment (if not both) for good measure.

-chief

Summer Vibes :: The Kid Crio Drops ‘May Weather’

artworks-000528348510-6tpk8k-t500x500

Austin-based artist The Kid Crio hit me up recently to let me know about May Weather, the Kydd Jones produced track he recently released, and I’ve gotta say that it’s a nice change of pace.  The Kid Crio sets aside rapid fire bars for a more stream of consciousness type of flow full of lyrical references, positive affirmations and observational statements, all of which are delivered with energy and enthusiasm.  The track bangs as well, but with Kydd Jones on the production credit, that’s a given more often than not.  This one will definitely make a mix or two, and it’s certainly worth checking out… leave a comment, and share it around so others can dig it as well.

-chief

Winning Team :: Ronita Miller And Greg Williams Join ‘From Left Field’ Podcast

1589992-1553792321969-3084ca127b488

Over the past year I’ve booked a number of film gigs, and one of the odder random occurrences that has surrounded these bookings is the parallel booking of J.J. Summers, an Austin-based comedian and improvisational actor.  From these numerous bookings, a friendship has formed, and recently, J.J. invited me to be on his podcast From Left Field, where he and co-host Wendy Simmons discuss baseball movies (in nine innings, no less).  For inning five, local creator Ronita Miller and myself stopped by to discuss The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, the Motown production focusing on the Negro Leagues.  The conversation was fun, entertaining, and on occasion, hilarious.  Check out the podcast on your favorite podcast-listening format.

-chief

Homeward Bound :: Abuzayed The Free Goes Bluegrass With ‘Crossed On Over’

artworks-000526906785-c49rsn-t500x500

Abuzayed the Free has never been one known for sticking to the normal paths and methods of music making.  Her love for her culture and diverse musical education has always been present (especially on her strong debut), but after a move to New York, the last thing anyone would have expected was a bluegrass song.  This, however, is exactly what Abuzayed the Free has presented us in Crossed on Over, effortlessly mixing her inspirational and mystic lyrics with the rhythm of a string band.  The result is an interesting dance between styles, and one that I wouldn’t mind seeing explored a bit more in the future.

-chief

Master Teachers :: Winter Fires Blesses KTSW’s ‘Studio C Sessions’

The Austin – San Antonio corridor is chock full of diverse musical talent that spans many genres, so naturally, it becomes hard to pick a favorite when asked.  One band that always comes to mind, however, is the Seguin-based collective known as Winter Fires.  Recently, they made a stop by the KTSW video production known as the Studio C Session to show off the talents that they learned after first connecting at the Texas Statue University school of music.  As per usual, the performance is a moving, riveting and dynamic one, with the members getting a proper chance to each show off their talents and range to the fullest.  Give it a like, leave a comment, and share it around for others to see as well.

-chief

Melody Murder :: Attic Ted And Jeffrey Garcia Connect For The Delightfully Disturbing ‘Skip To The Lulu’ Video

What happens when two boundary pushing, cringe-loving creators get together and take restrictions off the table?  In my mind, I imagine it would be something like the Skip to the Lulu video for Attic Ted, directed by San Marcos mad genius Jeffrey Garcia.  The clip embraces a ton of my favorite pulp film elements, including 1950’s drive-in culture, allusions to films like The Town That Dreaded Sundown and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and a who’s who of San Marcos personalities from Garcia‘s films and the San Marcos Cinema Club.  This one may not be totally safe for work, but it is totally entertaining, and it will stick with you for a long time.

-chief

Power Moves :: Protextor And Willie B Talk Shop And Play ‘TMNT : The Hyperstone Heist’ On ‘Rappers Playing Games (RPG)’

Rappers Playing Game (RPG) recently sat down with Austin local hip-hop legend Willie B over a game of TMNT : The Hyperstone Heist (keeping in line with TMNT Month for the show), and the two had quite the interesting conversation.  Topics as diverse as the chemistry of the TMNT team, Willie B‘s numerous creative projects, his musical journey, influences and more are all touched on.  (RPG) has gone from being a good idea to a wonderfully insightful bit of programming, and it improves with each episode, so if you’ve not done so already, definitely subscribe to Baby Lion to be in on the ground floor when new content is released.  As always, leave a like or a comment, and be sure to share this around!

-chief

High Rise :: BlackLight And Aline Align For ‘Skyline’ Video

BlackLight out of Austin is on a mission to prove that you can be successful without compromising your vision or integrity, and up to this point, he is making all the right moves.  His latest music video, the visual love letter to Austin that is Skyline, features he and singer Aline pontificating on manifesting your vision, making money, and keeping your head to the sky in an energy-filled track.  The visuals show a lot of the usual downtown Austin suspects via drone footage and artistic dutch angle shots, and the parking garage performance echoes one of my favorite eras in hip-hop.  I’m definitely all for this creative streak that BlackLight has been showing, and I hope it resonates for quite a while.

-chief