Category Archives: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Album reviews.

Traveling Jams :: Salvasquared Drops ‘Epocas (Beat Tape)’

Posted on November 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

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Recently, Salvasquared hit my inbox with a link to his latest project (and first instrumental release), Epocas (Beat Tape).  He described it as ‘beats created from musical samples originated from all over the world’, and the description definitely hits the nail on the head.  There are pieces of familiar elements in here, as well as ‘foreign’ elements (both in origin and to the ear), both of which give this album an extremely welcoming feel.  This is definitely escapism music… certainly worth your time.

-chief

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Looking Back :: Yppah Celebrates 10 Years Of ‘You Are Beautiful At All Times’

Posted on November 29, 2016 | Leave a comment

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10 years ago this week, Ninja Tune released the debut project for Houston beatsmith Yppah, an invigorating exploration on adoration titled You Are Beautiful At All Times.  From its striking cover art down to its beautifully crafted sonic landscapes, this project is about as close to perfect as an instrumental project can be.  Do yourself a favor and give it a listen if you already haven’t, or get familiar with it again if it’s been a while.

-chief

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Soulful Flows :: PDotflo Releases ‘PDotflo & AmAzin Vol. 1’

Posted on November 18, 2016 | Leave a comment

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Not to be overly nostalgiac or anything, but sometimes, boom-bap rap is what the world needs.  I’m all for exploration of new sounds and styles… don’t get me wrong.  But sometimes, you’ve gotta take the foundation elements and explore that realm.  Dallas-based MC PDotflo is neck-deep in that exploration with PDotflo & AmAzin Vol. 1.  This is the music that is ‘dated’ in the best way possible, to where you pinpoint it in the wrong era.  The sounds are familiar, the style is comfortable, but the content and voice are unique.  The topics are timeless, and yet a direct reflection of what we are going through right now.  This is that kind of hip hop that feels like a family reunion.  Great stuff.

-chief

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Good Times :: The Triggermen Show ‘Party Pro’ To The World

Posted on November 16, 2016 | Leave a comment

Everybody who knows anything knows how The Triggermen get down.  Now, after a very long visual hiatus, the recent release of Live Wire has come part in parcel with a new set of visual promotions.  The first music video is the extremely catchy Party Pro, and the video does a wonderful job of displaying the crew’s live show prowess and their sense of humor.  It’s definitely one to remember, and worth multiple viewings.  Dig it and share it, then dig it again!

-chief

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Political Unrest :: Syllable Attempts To ‘Change The Conditions’

Posted on November 15, 2016 | Leave a comment

These are strange days that we are living in.  The latest in a long line of unnatural events was the election of Donald Trump as the leader of the free-world.  For many, this does not sit well, and folks like Syllable have decided to speak up.  Change The Conditions was a song recorded directly as a reaction to the emotional turmoil Syllable went through (and is probably still going through) while trying to comprehend this ‘decision’ our country has made.  You can feel the hope that is trying to break through the many layers of confusion.  Such a tragically beautiful creation… be sure to move this one around your social media.

-chief

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Eternal Journeymen :: Ghost Palace Drops ‘Road To Nowhere (Still Running)’

Posted on November 5, 2016 | Leave a comment

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You know how we do it.  There are a handful of artists and groups that get automatic shine upon the release of anything, and Ghost Palace sits high on that list.  Road To Nowhere (Still Running) is so new, in fact, that I’m sharing it prior to hearing it in its entirety.  However, with Progeny on the tracks and Evolve as the wordsmith, I doubt it will be anything less than stellar.  Dig it and dig it good.

-chief

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

Sound Escapes :: Soda Diet’s ‘Live At The Thicket’ EP

Posted on November 4, 2016 | Leave a comment

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One of my favorite Austin acts that resides on the fringe (much like myself) is the ever psychedelic outfit Soda Diet.  Live at the Thicket EP is the latest release, and it’s some wonderful solid live performances of that sound you’ve come to expect and love from Soda Diet… tight enough to nod your head to, but spacey enough to get lost in.  More live albums!  More studio albums!  More Soda Diet!

-chief

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The Evils :: STATIC Reflects On ‘Deadly 7’

Posted on November 3, 2016 | Leave a comment

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In a time where it seems like most rap is devoid of substance, it’s completely refreshing to hear folks execute a concept album with commitment and thought.  STATIC, an Austin based MC with hopes of reaching people with his message, has done just that with the EP Deadly 7.  He touches upon each of the seven deadly sins with a unique perspective and approach, and the end result is a project that will surely provide multiple enriching listens.  Check it out, share it, and show some support.

-chief

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Time Tested :: JMAC The Dragon’s ‘Fade Away’ Visuals

Posted on November 1, 2016 | Leave a comment

Fade Away, the latest audio-visual from JMAC the Dragon, is a testament to holding your ground in a fickle and ever-changing culture.  The song, featuring support from JasThePhilo, wholly captures the essence of being an MC simply because it’s tied to every fiber of your being, like a calling.  While others come and go, get caught up in the fads and then move on, there are a handful of us that will take part in hip hop culture through some aspect until our last breath.  Shout out to CA the Commoner on the video direction.

-chief

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Breaking News :: ‘Apocalypse Later’ By Anthony Maintain, Onry Ozzborn and Meganoke

Posted on October 25, 2016 | Leave a comment

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After a stint in Anthony Maintain‘s live set, Apocalypse Later is now seeing the light of day.  A banger of an Anthony Maintain track, with a little verbal assistance from Onry Ozzborn and Meganoke, this track is haunting in the best ways.

-chief

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