Category Archives: Audio-Visuals

Anything focused on Audio-Visual elements… YouTube, etc.

Beautiful Wasteland :: Pleasure Venom Drops Pair Of Videos For ‘These Days’

Posted on August 6, 2018 | Leave a comment

Being cast for the upcoming indie short film I AM TX has been the gift that keeps on giving.  Not only did it enrich existing friendships, I’ve gotten lucky enough to make new ones that have been mutually beneficial.  Getting to know Audrey Campbell of Pleasure Venom has been one of the most inspirational results of that bit of luck.  Pleasure Venom was in the midst of a transition during the film’s production, with a goal of hitting a newly renewed stride in the months following.  Fast forward to now, and Campbell has a handful of music video director credits under her belt, including the recent These Days, which was premiered by AFROPUNK.  The video is a straight forward affair for the most part… dark field, beat down surroundings, immaculately dressed band giving you the musical business, and Campbell overseeing the entirety of events like a boss, plus cameos from Dawn Okoro, Asha Lanae, and Gerilyn Hayes.  Drummer Thomas Valles pulled double duty as well, both performing in and editing the video.  Things really get interesting in the alternate, VR version, however, an achievement in its own right :

Being literally surrounded by Pleasure Venom is definitely a memorable experience.  I look forward to supporting them further, sharing more of their work, and watching them rise to new heights.

-chief

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Street Wise :: T$O, Eric Dingus And Grind Life Films Connect For ‘Nevermind’

Posted on August 3, 2018 | Leave a comment

The Austin hip-hop scene, since day one, has been a diverse one.  For every backpack lyricists or abstract thinker’s rapper, you’ll find a street-wise, school of hard knocks rapper counterpart.  Recently, the homie Dominican Jay posted a video for Nevermind from Austin-based T$0, and it definitely caught my attention in terms of that street vibe.  The prolific Eric Dingus provides the production assist for the onslaught of bars, and the always on point team at Grind Life Films dropped a heavy dose of dope aesthetic touches on straightforward performance and candid footage.  There’s no need for extra flare or thrills on this one… this is hard hitting product for heads that can deal with the real.  You know the drill… likes, comments, shares and support are always welcome to our local creatives.

-chief

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Posted in Audio-Visuals, General Information, ShuffleCast, Spotlight, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

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Award Tour :: Austin Hip Hop Awards Cyphers 2018

Posted on July 26, 2018 | Leave a comment

The Austin Hip Hop Awards 2018 took place recently, and with that comes the traditional set of cypher videos.  Each video is meant to highlight notables from the awards while giving these artists a chance to showcase their talents and introduce new viewers to what they’re all about.  The 2018 editions, curated by Austin mainstay George VonDoom, definitely stand up to the test when it comes to giving a solid cross section of Austin talent.  There are definitely artists I personally would have loved to see involved, but I give much props and respect to all of those involved, as these cyphers proved that these spots were earned.

Part one took place at the Metropolitan apartment complex, home to many hip-hop shows and events over the years.  This cypher took on a more hardcore edge, featuring Tone Brigante, Spefy, Loose Cannon, and strong closeout verses from Geezy Goin Ham and 245 Nixout.

Part two was the more ominous, 1990’s-esque aesthetic edition.  Raps in the kitchen, no frills, just straight talk and straight lyrical prowess.  Mista D and George VonDoom set things off proper, with Foolish Karlito closing things out in immaculate style.

Part three, set in front of an impressive mural, was more straight talk from a diverse group of MCs.  Sixxx kicked the door down, Kannkasso and D.R.O.I.D. lit things up with wordplay and high energy flows, and GA Daniel cleaned up with a heartfelt flow.

Here’s to those showcased in the Austin Hip Hop Awards 2018 cyphers, and props to the Austin Hip Hop Awards for taking the time each year to put this level of recognition together.  Not everyone makes music for validation on this level, but you can best believe that receiving this kind of validation encourages artists to keep moving forward and to better themselves.

-chief

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Funny Games :: Baby Lion Presents ‘Rappers Playing Games’

Posted on July 24, 2018 | Leave a comment

The recent emergence of the Austin-based Baby Lion production company has been the catalyst for a handful of new programs and outlets for creative types looking to diversify their content output.  One of the collective members, rapper/actor/filmmaker Protextor, found a way to merge a few of his loves into the show Rappers Playing Games.  With the help of Game Over Videogames and Mopac Media, and a different guest from the deep pool of Austin-based hip-hop talent for each episode, Protextor sits down for a game and some casual talk.  For episode one, Feral the Earthworm stopped by for a round of Earthworm Jim on the Sega Genesis.  The inaugural episode serves mostly as a proof of concept, but according to Protextor and Baby Lion, big ideas and plans are on the way for the series, so definitely stay tuned.

-chief

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Invasion Force :: Sunni Soper Talks ‘Castle Walls’ On Write About Now

Posted on July 20, 2018 | Leave a comment

While at the 2017 Texas Grand Slam Cypher in Bryan, Texas, poet Sunni Soper took a moment to perform one of her pieces, the extremely moving and revealing Castle Walls, for Write About Now‘s YouTube channel.  In all honesty, however, it feels more like a confession via the digital realm… a sit-down between us viewers and Sunni Soper as she reveals, retracts, respects, retracts, and all in a beautifully rhythmic poetic cycle.  Her forceful voice, her commanding presence, her honest nature… all of it is conveyed in a powerful three minutes.  Much respect.  You know the drill.. like it, share it, leave a comment to verify the all around badassery.

-chief

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Truth Bombs :: Cha’keeta B Drops Another Gem With ‘Flex’ Video

Posted on July 19, 2018 | Leave a comment

There seems to be no denying the fact that Cha’keeta B is a forced to be reckoned with, be it the Austin hip-hop scene or otherwise.  Her confidence in herself is nearly unmatched, and her lyrical skill level continues to be consistent and impressive, with her bars managing to be self-affirming and motivating in equal measure on Flex.  The main message of the track is up-front and simple : there’s nothing wrong with celebrating winning, especially if that victory is due to your motivation, efforts and hard work.  The value of earning your status on your own terms cannot be undermined, and Cha’keeta B manages to put some shine on the concept with a sleek looking and impressive video.  This one is racking up impressive numbers already, but go ahead and help keep that momentum going by giving it a like, comment and/or share (if not all three), and remember to keep supporting artists like Cha’keeta B in their efforts.

–chief

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Posted in Audio-Visuals, General Information, ShuffleCast, Spotlight, Underground Me Now

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Pack Light :: Spy Coastal Talks Letting Go With ‘I Gotcha’ Video

Posted on July 10, 2018 | Leave a comment

‘When you meet someone new and fly but they got way too much baggage with them’ truly sums up the vibe being laid down by dynamic duo Spy Coastal in the insanely catchy i Gotcha.  The Austin-based duo, consisting of Dat Boy Craig and Dama Nilz (who respectively originate from opposite coasts), come together perfectly to explore the concept of asking someone you connect with to fill the shoes of someone from your past.  The wonderful thing about that kinetic spark between you and someone new is the potential for discovery and exploration, and asking them to carry a burden you’ve become fixated on is not a fair action.  The Dama Nilz produced beat… the way each members’ singing abilities and bars dance around one another… this track definitely deserves all of the shine.  Like it, share it, comment on the work Kamaryn did for the video, and talk this one up!

-chief

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Mass Effect :: Blastfamous USA Drops ‘BUSA Flock EP’

Posted on July 9, 2018 | Leave a comment

The collective that is busa flock continues to grow and intrigue.  Recently, Blastfamous USA introduced us to the busa flock concept via the Pull Up video, which featured an amalgamation of Blastfamous USA and Blackillac.  Now that the EP has hit the airwaves, the picture is much clearer in regards to the membership… on top of those previously mentioned, Mobley, Fort Never and BLXPLTN all pitch in to help create a project with equal parts energy, urgency and intellect.  Blastfamous USA has made it crystal clear in their short existence that they are a force to be reckoned with, and now that the flock has a roster of hard hitting peers, there’s no telling how far they can all fly.

-chief

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Staying Afloat :: Chris Conde Hits The Masses With ‘No Air (Remix)’ Video

Posted on July 6, 2018 | Leave a comment

San Antonio-based MC Chris Conde has never been one to shy away from being proud of who he is.  No pun intended, but you get more straight talk about the game from Chris Conde than you do from many of his hetero, cis peers.  In the video we get direct addressing of peoples’ unfounded fears of a gay rapper, plenty of proof that his drive and skill level has nothing to do with his lifestyle, and tons of humor on top of everything to let people know that the issues really aren’t worth the venom they normally receive.  Rather it be skateboarding, prepping wigs, walking down the street eating icees, or just doing the normal posturing associated with hip-hop, Chris Conde is here to force diversity and open-mindedness into a scene that has needed it for quite a while.

-chief

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Nowhere Fast :: Andrés Drops ‘SEWELL.’ Music Video

Posted on July 5, 2018 | Leave a comment

Unusuals was already impressing me with the production vibes, but lately, there’s been a metamorphosis taking place that has me wholly interested.  After some public deep diving into a range of deep influences, a handful of andrés tracks have manifested, all of which are deeply personal and introspective over deep production.  ‘SEWELL.’ has been blessed with the video treatment, with the enclosed space of a car backseat serving as visual reference to the claustrophobic nature of dealing with deep feelings of longing, especially for someone you have yet to learn more about.  The video definitely reminds me of being ready to move forward with no control of direction and nobody in the driver’s seat.  Definitely a strong and evocative piece of minimalist art… and the wardrobe decision doesn’t hurt at all.

-chief

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