Category Archives: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Album reviews.

Tromatic Therapy :: MC Homeless Joins Protextor For Latest Episode Of ‘Rappers Playing Games (RPG)’

I’ve been wondering for a couple of weeks who would be the next guest on Rappers Playing Games (RPG), a piece of Baby Lion programming that has grown on me quickly and deeply.  It was a refreshing surprise to see MC Homeless as the latest guest, because I know how deep his love for various pop culture realms runs.  For his episode, he and Protextor sat down over a game of Toxic Crusaders on the Sega Genesis and discussed a wide variety of topics, including horror-core rap, horror movies from around the world that both find influential, their mutual love for Troma films, collaborations with Fake Four artist Moodie Black, and much more.  Not only is MC Homeless a solid interview, dude handled his business on the gaming front as well.  That Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice shirt is a nice touch as well.  Leave a like, a comment, subscribe, and don’t forget to share this one around!

-chief

Chosen Ones :: Apek Bends Minds With ‘The Village’

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My man APEK recently hit me up with a track he collaborated on with producer Ruler Why that he thought I might feel.  Hitting play on The Village and the subsequent listen definitely had an impact on me… APEK hits the nail on the head about more than a few aspects of commitment to the hip-hop culture on a creator level that I directly relate to.  The way that it immediately puts you in outcast status in both musical and everyday social circles… the therapeutic aspect to writing that most do not see when they pass of your work as simply ‘a song’… the personal drive that keeps you pushing your own limits and boundaries, even when success has been achieved… the absurd, but very real, desire for tangible objects to validate your hard work, such as chains and clothes… the way that some people are just waiting for a chance to crucify you and make you irrelevant.  APEK has always been an MC that puts deep thought into his output, and The Village not only continues that trend, but shows positive growth in terms of writing songs that can be felt on a deeper level.  I anticipate this one (hopefully) getting some 2018 props when people start mentioning highlights of the year.

-chief

Spirits Moving :: Gost Drops Collection Of Songs With ‘Vol. 1’

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Of the many lyricists I’ve met in the central Texas area, few have the combination of charisma, beat selection and lyrical prowess that Gost was blessed with.  After several years of live performances, previous releases and a bit of grinding, Gost has put together Vol. 1, a four song collection meant to give new (and old) listeners a glimpse into his world and at the direction things are headed for him.  These are songs that remind me of the hip-hop that I was raised on and influenced by… straight-forward, honest, compelling and composed with love and skill.  These songs are definitely worth your time, listens, comments and shares, so get on it!

-chief

Crystalized Visual :: Kydd Jones Drops ‘Dripped Up’ Music Video On The Masses

A while back, I did a piece on the catchy Kydd Jones cut Dripped Up.  I’m happy to announce that Kydd has boomeranged back around with a dope video for the track.  The video has a solid, sleek and professional look, a reflection of all the progress and growth from Kydd‘s camp the last couple of years.  This one should definitely make some waves, so do your part by liking, sharing and commenting.

-chief

Radio Daze :: Trial By Error Variety Show Presents ‘Radio-esque’ Vol. 3

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Chaznik of the Trial By Error Variety Show spends an inordinate amount of time searching for and interviewing bands across a wide spectrum of genres.  Be it online investigation, festivals, or regular shows, Chaznik finds a way to interview many bands for his podcast.  This past week, he decided it was time to do a collective follow-up on a number of these bands, hence the creation of Radio-esque Vol. 3.  The podcast consists of quick updates for (and new music from) a large selection of bands, including yours truly.  Been looking for something new to listen to?  Look no further.

-chief

Granted Wish :: Virgil Wolfe Tags In Chief And TheDoomsdayDevice For ‘Lovely To Look At’ Remix

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A month or so ago, Virgil Wolfe debuted a new single (a collaboration with producer Big Lo) titled Lovely To Look At, and it made an impression on me.  It made such an impression, in fact, that I concluded my blog entry on the song by suggesting a remix with myself on it wouldn’t be a bad idea.  Cut to the present time, and what seemed at first like a wild request has become a stark reality.  Lovely To Look At still jams, but now there’s an extra bit of lyrical craftsmanship from yours truly tagged on at the end, and the possibility of more collaborations in the future.  Check out the new version of the track, share it around, and if you really dig it, give it a like and a comment!

-chief

Hard Rhymes :: Chief And TheDoomsdayDevice Continues ‘Escapism’ Mix Series

I am happy to present my two latest entries in the Escapism mix series :

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Fool’s Golden Ratio is a look at some of the more aggressive and abstract shades of modern day hip-hop, with no particular focus on region.

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Blood Moonlight is an exploration on deep emotion across a vast array of musical genres.

You can always catch myself and Bad Ingredients Records every Friday at Tantra Coffeehouse for Escapism Plan, and a live version of these diverse mixes.

-chief

Animal Instinct :: RC Random Drops ‘Diamond Shine’ With Help From LordKalvin

Houston-based artist LordKalvin has been at it for a few years, but 2018 has marked a transition from musician to full-fledged creative.  One of his recent standout collaborative works is the RC Random banger Diamond Shine, a reflection (no pun intended) about running on all creative cylinders.  The video, directed by LordKalvin, focuses on visual interpretation of the lyrics combined with a couple of well composed performance shots, easily burning the elements into our brain for easy recognition and quick recall, thus upping the replay factor.  This one is definitely a standout, so don’t hesitate to give it a like, a share and a comment.

-chief

Rise Above :: Cal Wayne Drops Knowledge On The Struggle With ‘Lord Knows’ Video

Houston-based rapper Cal Wayne, along with guest artist Mr. Ogletree, recently dropped a gem in the form of Lord Knows, a very personal and confessional style video about the crabs in the rap bucket that make it hard to elevate your position.  With a dope location, a solid track from producer J.T., and hard hitting (but honest) bars, the video is economic in its simplicity, making it all hit that much harder… the whole thing is reminiscent of kicking it with someone who’s been through a thing or two, and is taking the time to be honest about the journey for anyone willing to listen.  Definitely a solid video for a solid track, so be sure to like it, comment and share it around.

-chief

Personal Reflection :: ConductHer And Token Connect For ‘Female Masturbation’ Collaboration

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ConductHer, one half of ChurchCough, has been doubling down on the workload in the midst of producing the group’s upcoming new release.  The second workload has involved a handful of San Marcos-based female musicians collaborating to examine the feminine mystique and sexuality in the Information Age.  Female Masturbation, co-curated by Token, features contributions from Lemur & FranksBrandix and Rachel Williams.  After a recent successful album release show, the duo is looking to spread the word about the project, so definitely give it a listen and a share.

-chief