Like many of the other creatives in Austin, Anastasia is using 2017 as a clear signal that she is evolving into an even more diverse artist than the one we’ve come to know. Born To Love You, with its impeccable timing just days before Valentine’s day, is set to be a nice soundtrack for the day we love love. The song features gues bars from Lil Milez, and the video is a perfect telling of the story of passion and anticipation. Beautiful work from beautiful people.
-chief
Anytime babelfishh releases something, I’m interested. This time around, he’s connected with james p. honey for a collaborative project known as SHOTGUN HOWLING. First impressions, this falls somewhere between Themselves and Panda Bear, with a wonderful sparse and organic approach to the production, like Tom Waits on an MPC. The first video, vicious proposals, is super dope, so check it all out, share it all, and support if you can!
-chief
NPR announced that there were record breaking numbers of entrants into their annual Tiny Desk Concert Contest for 2017. After seeing the homeboy Da’Shade Moonbeam throw his hat in the ring, and knowing that this year will be the first of a major transition into the visual realm, I knew it would be foolish to miss this opportunity. Therefore, Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice is now officially entered into the contest as well! Check out my submission video for Choke from Permanent Record (beat by Lo Phi), and please give it a like, leave it a comment, and encourage others to do the same! And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for what should be an exciting 2017 filled with visual content…
-chief
I love pretty much everything about BLXPLTN. Their 2016 release New York Fascist Week was a sonic breath of fresh air and much needed dose of immediacy… a call to attention for the craziness that is unfolding daily all around us. Blood on the Sand finds the duo broadcasting from their creative space about the ills of a military minded society, where blood is business and death equals dollars. Tracks like these are a main part of the reason why their album was on many ‘Best of 2016’ lists, and having a solid video to back it up will only help spread the word. Mad props.
-chief
I remember when willing was just showing up at the Austin Mic Exchange and other local hip-hop events, hungry like all of us are, and trying to find his place in the scene. At first, he had a rapid fire style that was wonderful rich with poetic and referential textures, but over time, willing has honed his style into a very direct approach… well thought word choices and placement, and exploration with lots of depth. Closed Set, a recent collaboration with producer AO, is a two song streaming set with 6 additional tracks available when downloaded. Give willing and AO a listen, a share, and some support.
-chief
If you had to put me on the spot with an Austin hip-hop top five, DDotElles will constantly make that list. My man is consistently dropping some of the most thought-provoking hip-hop coming out of the south, let alone Austin. His newest single, Sepia, is certainly not new ground for the last year or so, as ageism and the generational divide has been a hot button topic for hip-hop. What makes Sepia different, however, is its clever approach to stressing the need for understanding of what came before you and how it allows you to move ahead, among many other points that it stresses. Props to DDotElles, Arthur Castro and the ill beat by 3Zone$. Share this, but not until you give it a few deep listens for yourself.
-chief
Over the past 8-12 months or so, one name that seems to consistently pop up among Austin hip-hop artists is The Teeta. I’m not gonna lie, it took me a hot minute to getting around and actually checking out his music, but one thing that never hurts in my book is an endorsement from Grind Life Films. Enter Sayonara, a video I stumbled across while doing my daily due diligence of combing the internet for dopeness. Needless to say, I am impressed upon my initial listen. The sample on this track is used cleverly, the bars are super solid and hold weight while not taking themselves over-seriously, and The Teeta definitely stands out in terms of style. My attention has been gotten… I am curious to find out more.
-chief
Click-Clack is one of the consistently dopest independent artists making hip hop out there right now. His latest single, White Gold, finds him collaborating with LORDFUBU to do his take on modern stylings while remaining a standout in true Click-Clack fashion. With dope artwork from Foreign Forest, this single should definitely bring attention to the upcoming release of same/same, which I will be ready to cop once dropped.
-chief
Sometimes, you hear the music someone makes, and it’s obvious that they have a gift. I still remember being at year two of A3C in Atlanta and hearing The Smile Rays for the first time. I had heard/heard of Asimov, so I was familiar with Therapy, but I had not yet heard of Lady Daisey or Batsauce. Needless to say, the entire crew left a lasting impression, and over the years I’ve been able to keep in touch with Lady Daisey and Batsauce via social media.
Not too long ago, Full Plate Records dropped volume three of their Clean Plate Club series, and lo and behold, the featured producer was Batsauce. I jumped on the opportunity to listen, and just like I figure, it was rock solid. Definitely give it a listen for yourself, cop it if you have a few bucks to spare, and share it with someone who may like it (because that doesn’t cost a thing).
-chief
Austin-based hip-hop legend Smackola has been doing his thing, regardless of the times, for slightly over 2 decades. His approach to music and the experiences it has afforded him allows the type of perspective found in the song and video for Glass Sky. The concept of both the song and video are brilliantly executed, and have me very much excited to discover what else lies within Smackola‘s latest release, The Thomas Brookz Project. As always, expect nothing but quality from Smackola and anything Dirty Wormz affiliated.
-chief
Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice 