This is some straight up solid work from the man known as Kydd Jones. Not that his other work hasn’t been on point, but this song, in my humble opinion, is the kind of track that could make the charts right now. Dripped Up finds Kydd dropping some sparse but strongly delivered bars over his own production, and this beat is moody as hell while still being moving. Keep on growing, Kydd, and I won’t be surprised if the world is talking about you sooner than later.
-chief
Posted in General Information, ShuffleCast, Spotlight, Underground Me Now
Tagged chief, dripped up, kydd jones, the doomsday device
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$. Share this, but not until you give it a few deep listens for yourself.
-chief
There is almost nothing in hip-hop like a good strong crew. Austin, luckily, seems to have its fair share of solid crews, which is a blessing to the scene. The Minority Project, comprised of IIIXCTY, Isa Da Creature and T-Y da Fly, all catch wreck on the track and video for Suspect, a single from IIIXCTY‘s upcoming release entitled SINphony. The video is simple and direct… great stuff. I am loving the quality of hip-hop coming out of my home city these days, and The Minority Project is definitely keeping that good vibe going.
-chief
MC extraordinaire NORMAN BA$E has been putting folks on notice for ages now that he is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. Coming up strong off the release of his latest mixtape, Long, Live, Little Harlem is the lead single LOVE the MC. It is a brutally honest lament on the state of the mouthpieces that represent the culture, but delivered over a wonderfully laid back and expressive beat. If you haven’t already, get hip to NORMAN BA$E, as he is not one to disappoint with the output.
-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
For all of the forgettable moments most will attribute to 2016, there were personal highlights I cannot ignore. Being introduced to NGHT HCKLRS was certainly one of them. These cats, plain and simple, are making some of the most standout music in Austin, and the release of the EP HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa! appears to solidify that statement. Seeing these guys is a must if you get the chance. They will be rocking Exploded Drawing this upcoming Friday, and I am wholly certain that their star is on the rise.
-chief
Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love lyrics. No matter the musical genre, if you can put some words together in a way that catches my attention, you’ve got me 1000%. This is one of the things that gets me hype about Jay Mackall‘s #REALEST CYPHER (Austin TX) series. Not only have I come to expect top notch bars from these cyphers, but it’s doubly assuring to know these cats represent where I’m from. The sequel to the sequel includes George Vondoom, Syndicate Same Ol, Charlie Rock, Dub Fresh and Black Haze. Enjoy, share, like and support local!
-chief
It has been extremely entertaining and inspirational to watch KB the Boo Bonic grow from a rap fan doing her take on southern hip hop into a genuinely unique and standout artist. Each release has found her getting more comfortable in her style, and the last round of collaborations with The Moon Guys has resulted in a gradual evolution into a standout from the rest of the pack. Goldilox finds KB expanding her sound to the edges of its limitations, and finding a balance that may finally afford her some of the breakthrough success she’s been on the verge of for so long. Go ahead and check out Goldilox over on your favorite streaming or downloadable service!
-chief
Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice 