Category Archives: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Album reviews.

Healing Sounds :: Dr. Bobby Banner, MPC Drops ‘Tape B’ To Close Out 2017

Posted on January 4, 2018 | Leave a comment

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Dr. Bobby Banner, MPC (the production half of Ndelible Ink) is well known for his deeply textured and hypnotic tracks.  Tape B finds this tradition continued… each track is a journey upon itself, and the variety from track to track keeps the listener enthralled and deeply tuned in.  With a partially alphabetical listing, and an incomplete one at that, I hope that this is merely part one of a duo… I will definitely have my eyes and ears open in hopes that this is the case.  Be sure to give this one a listen, a share, a download, and maybe even a buck or two if you have it to spare.

-chief

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Neural Stimulation :: Jonathan Brown Releases ‘Math Music For Kids That Can’t Rap’

Posted on January 3, 2018 | Leave a comment

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Brain food with a side of ear candy.  That’s what Jonathan Brown has decided, on a whim, to serve up with Math Music for kids who can’t rap.  Literally for no other reason than ‘just because’, which can sometimes be the best reason to do something, Jonathan Brown has yet again keep us listeners guessing in regards to his creative limits.  Or maybe I’m just behind the curve, and most of y’all knew he had proper beatsmithing skills already.  Regardless of when I became woke, I am definitely well aware now, and glad to have something nice and weird to usher me into 2018.

-chief

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Dropping Knowledge :: Jsun the Prophesor And College Of Hip Hop Knowledge Release ‘The Curriculum’

Posted on December 28, 2017 | Leave a comment

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Anyone who feels that there is a lack of high caliber MCs in Austin needs to sit down and give The Curriculum a good, attentive listen.  The project is a representation of the Austin-based College of Hip Hop Knowledge, a collective of like minded hip hop creatives looking to provide many things for the scene and culture : a place to hone live performance skills, a network to help build working relationships, education for the business and technical aspects of the business, and outreach opportunities to help bolster the community.  Curated by Jsun the Prophesor, there is a wide and varying range of MCs represented on this collaborative effort.  The production is solid, the lyrics are heartfelt and thought-provoking throughout, and the project as a whole provides a feeling of uplift.  This one is definitely worth your time, attention and support, so make sure to spread the word and keep an eye out for more from the College of Hip Hop Knowledge.

-chief

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Insomniac’s Night :: Virgil Wolfe Releases ‘Before The World Wakes Up’

Posted on December 13, 2017 | Leave a comment

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Not many MCs straddle the line between confidence and humility better than Virgil Wolfe.  The Baytown resident is known for dropping extremely thought provoking, and sometimes coded, lyrics in a manner so laid back that much of the information may be missed through the first listen or two.  Before The World Wakes Up is a project that revels in that realm.  A unifying double-theme of putting in work while everyone is sleeping and being ‘woke’ in the midst of the oblivious is executed masterfully.  Production duties were handled mostly by Calamity, with Virgil Wolfe handling the beatsmithing on Donahue.  This one is definitely dope, and perfectly placed in terms of release date to make me rethink my whole Best of 2017 standings for the homies.

-chief

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Family Ties :: Emcee Eats Drops Knowledge On ‘Connect To Kin’

Posted on December 11, 2017 | Leave a comment

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It’s another one from Emcee Eats, and this time he’s taken a classic underground beat (props if you can name it) and repurposed it into a tale about understanding the power of lineage.  Connect to kin is a call for listeners to embrace the fact that blood is thicker than water, and to make sure that time is spent with those that should matter most to you.  With the holidays rapidly approaching, that’s a message we should all take to heart, so props on Emcee Eats for addressing it with the urgency needed.

-chief

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Unsolved Mysteries :: Brutalism’s Self-Titled Release Is Amazing

Posted on December 4, 2017 | Leave a comment

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Prior to finding Brutalism‘s recent self-titled release on Bandcamp, I knew nothing about them (and, even after some research, I still really don’t know anything about them).  I couldn’t find much information on their label, Digital Hotdogs (great name).  What I could find, however, was time to listen to this amazing album and time to share it with all of you.  Going in blind is the best way to handle these things sometimes, as ignorance is bliss.

-chief

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Making Moves :: Sertified Is ‘On The Go’ In New Music Video

Posted on November 29, 2017 | Leave a comment

Sertified is right back at it with another solid track and video.  He’s been making a solid bit of noise the last couple of years, and On The Go finds him doing what he does best : living the fullest life that he can despite whatever energy is in his vicinity.  The track is smooth, the lyrics are honest, and the video brings nothing but smiles and motivation to those checking it out.  Props to Sertified for another positive notch in the belt, and here’s to more of that quality good stuff in the future.

-chief

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

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Modern Living :: Attic Ted And Jeffrey Garcia Collaborate For ‘Down On The Farm’ Music Video

Posted on November 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

When Attic Ted and Jeffrey Garcia collaborate, wonderful things happen.  Way back in 1919, How Ya Gonna Keep Em Down On The Farm was penned, and nearly a century later, it is still relevant, so leave it to Attic Ted to include his version on his latest release, Parade Dust Mischief.  Enter Jeffrey Garcia, who is known for his uncanny ability to put memorable visuals to great music, and he does not disappoint for this endeavor.  Sprinkle in some familiar faces and we’ve got another wonderful piece of Texas art to be proud of.  Give it a like, give it a share, and support independent music!

-chief

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Keep Rising :: Exploded Drawing Celebrates 7 Years In Style

Posted on November 7, 2017 | Leave a comment

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After 7 years of hard work and endless dedication, the Exploded Drawing family is reaping the recognition they rightfully deserve.  2017 has found the crew expanding into the festival circuit, playing the legendary Low End Theory in Los Angeles, bringing the very same Low End Theory to Austin, receiving recognition in the Austin Chronicle and Texas Monthly within weeks of one another, and releasing vinyl and cassettes via the legendary Fat Beats distribution to commemorate 7 years.  Exploded Drawing: “7 Years” Compilation features all of the producers you’ve come to know and love from the crew, an introduction featuring KUTX‘s Art Levy, and it’s all come together on a beautiful full-color gatefold (designed by Michael Scheel) with color vinyl pressings in 2 options.  I am so happy for the crew, and forever honored to be among its ranks.  Here’s to countless more years of continued fun and hopeful success.

-chief

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Posted in Audio-Visuals, Chief News, General Information, Spotlight, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, Underground Me Now

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Darkest Sunshine :: More Eaze And Rat Tail Tapes Release ‘unnatural_light.’

Posted on November 2, 2017 | Leave a comment

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In the words of more eaze, this is ‘good rainy/gray day music. lo-fi folk songs and a side long dreamy electronic track’.  That description pretty much hits the nail on the head for this one… it’s a beautiful trip through a low-key landscape that drops you off in the middle of an electronic playground.  unnatural_light. is distributed by San Antonio-based Rat Tail Tapes, a distribution house that specializes in releases that push the boundaries of sound exploration.  The limited edition cassette tape is available for order, and the tunes are available to listen to online as well, so do yourself a favor and do so.

-chief

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