Finds like this are one of the reasons I really enjoy hosting a blog. Sphere Music Group was a random find… I don’t even remember how I stumbled across this Fort Worth collective. From the first listen, however, I knew that they were making the style of hip hop that I love dearly. Raw, through and through. Definitely worth your time.
-chief
One crucial part of hip hop is the ability to collaborate well with other MCs, DJs and producers, and out of all the Texas hip hop cats I’ve run across in the past, not many are as willing or able to do this at as a rate as Evolve. ETC… is a celebration of this aspect, featuring a long list of guest producers and MCs he has collaborated with in the past. Definitely worth your time and money.
-chief
My main man heirMAX dropped a dart today. Vincent Van Gogh is a song about being devoted to hip hop, regardless of how devoted it stays to you. The true heads have all been there, if we’re not currently going through that. Big ups to heirMAX for catching these feelings so well.
-chief
Prince Vince out of Fort Worth understands how music can heal. Over a set of tracks that straddle the line between energetic and spacey, Prince Vince celebrates all of the vices most of us deal with on a daily basis. The difference is, there is nothing but honesty and open-mindedness throughout this 5 song journey. It’s free, so what are you waiting for?
-chief
Live from Houston comes recent Exploded Drawing performer and Feedback Alliance cohort Android Genius. I’m a little late on Niraya, but, as they say, better late than never. If boom-bap hip hop was made by a sentient android, it would be a step in the direction of what Android Genius is doing with his tunes. Definitely worth your time, and a refreshing approach to Texas hip hop and electronic music composition. Dig it and dig it good, share it, and go ahead and cop that (it’s $2 for christ sakes).
-chief
from the digital desk of More Eaze:
‘More Eaze’s (frail) is a strange album. For anyone interested in underground experimental music being released on cassettes in limited editions by a non-commercial label, that may seem like an empty statement. But no, I’m telling you, this is a STRANGE album. This release successfully combines experimental soundscapes and pop songs, sometimes juxtaposed, sometimes intertwined, but always unfolding before the listener at whatever pace More Eaze has deemed necessary, sometimes to unorthodox lengths.’
Worth your time, for sure. Give it a listen, a share… you know the drill by now.
-chief
I Had An Accident Records is the forerunner these days in independent abstract hip-hop. My man Babelfishh, through this label, has released a wild journey of free-association lyrics, incredibly dense sonic soundscapes, and enough adventurous spirit to make even the dullest hip-hop head become inspired. Support his cat by sharing this album, downloading, diving headfirst into the sounds presented.
-chief
from the digital desk of Grid Squid Ent. :
‘When CA the Commoner first joined Grid Squid, SymmaTree had the master plan to release a badass mixtape with the two of them rapping over production by renown producer Illmind.
That plan failed….
Since then both artists have gone on to release other solo projects, but Grid Squid is happy to release the completed songs from that project for your listening pleasure.
CA the Commoner & SymmaTree are The Commonwealth.’
-chief
Austin based crew Black Market Pluto is flexing their independent muscle for 2015. First up is a collaborative EP between Houston singer/songwriter Bateau (formerly known as Melina Evalyn) and producer HADES (Hungry Artists Don’t Ever Stop). Downtown (Houston) is an ode to the city the song is named after, and if this lead single is any indication of the EP to follow, we should be in for some good sounds.
You can grab Downtown (Houston) here.
-chief
Ceschi, the mind behind Fake Four Records, is currently in Europe touring. Interesting things always seem to occur in his life, and this snippet is another one of those golden moments that, lucky for us, was caught on film. All Dogs Go To Heaven is a perfect demonstration of his musical ability and sensibilities, as well as the ability of his writing to cut right through the bone to where it hits you in a very honest way. Dig it, share it, and support his movement.
-chief
Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice 