Category Archives: Underground Me Now

Recommendations from “Underground Me Now” :: http://www.facebook.com/UndergroundMeNow

‘A Suite For Souled People’ :: Real Talk From Willie Green


from the digital desktop of Willie Green:

“The recent events in Ferguson, Missouri (as well as Staten Island, Beavercreek, Ohio, and Los Angeles) have lifted a veil of comfortable ignorance across this country.  The murder of Michael Brown, resultant cover up and egregious treatment of protesters has shown that the perception of Black people in America has changed little since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s.  Americans live in a country where the oppressed are dehumanized and told to be quiet and gracious about their anger; and where the oppressors are harbored by our government and rewarded by our peers.  Where the media warps facts to prove agendas against citizens and digital voices rush to play devil’s advocate to conceal their own bias.  These are terrifying statements and not exaggerations.  I’m no revolutionary.  But I am someone who wants to look his children in the eyes and say when his country showed its worst, he did something.”

-chief

Lo-Fi Magic :: Rez Shows His ‘Feels’

California independent label snowbroth puts out “smallish editions of experimental hip-hoppy lo-fi”.  An offshoot of the Rotifier Cassettes crew, their latest project is a solid beat tape from Houston beatsmith Rez.  Dig it, share it, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

-chief

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly :: Slop Musket’s ‘Fall EP’

FALL (EP)” by Slop Musket

GRADE :: A-
IN A WORD OR TWO :: bold, forward thinking, infinite potential, raw

——————————————————————–

THE GOOD :: Slop Musket was already a solid project when MCs anom and Joey Alpha were the lone members, but the addition of a band gives a sonic match to the sense of urgency from the complimentary styles of the two.  The rhythm section is on the same page throughout, and the guitar playing may as well be the third MC of the group, if not a Spliff Star or Freaky Tah style hype man.  The song Drips and Drops is definitely single material.

THE BAD :: The letter E instead of the letter L in the designation of what the project is.  Although this is just a toe in the water of the possibilities that lie before the feet of Slop Musket, it would have been nice to see them expand to a short, 8 song album.  With recent appearances on Van’s Warped Tour under their belt, the timing would be perfect to catch as much energy in the studio as possible.

THE UGLY :: Sometimes, our baby pictures get public.  We all have to start somewhere, and for what it’s worth, for a first recording on a new project, there are moments of solid execution.  Early on, the EP sounds like experiments realized during studio time, but by the second half of the album, the songs sound road tested and more assured.  I’m sure when it’s LP time, none of that will be an issue.

THE FINAL WORD :: Slop Musket as a hip-hop outfit was like Mario… possibly even Mario after he’s taken the mushroom.  Slop Musket as a band is like Mario with the fire flower, or one of the many awesome incarnations he takes on in the many sequels.  It’s nice to see a band evolve so quickly into such a strong direction, and I’m sure that many good things await them.

-chief

See Them Changes :: Evolve X Pawz One Claim ‘Not The Same’

While recently touring Cali, the homie Evolve called in his homie Pawz One and took advantage of the beautiful backdrop that LA can be for his first music video.  Not The Same is a statement of independent spirit amongst a sea of those willing to sell themselves short.  Enjoy…

-chief

Mystery Tunes :: ‘KENT & DURAND’ From 7LayerOscillator

Peep…

-chief

Making Big Moves :: BLXPLTN Releases ‘Pressure’

BLXPLTN are on the precipice of major upward movement.  They are en route to Afropunk Festival in NYC, and their new album Black Cop Down is getting lots of attention before it’s even hit the streets.  They recently turned out Hotel Vegas in Austin, and then turned that into a dope music video for their song Pressure… dig it, share it, and support these cats.  They will do Austin proud.

-chief

Myriad Thoughts :: Sunni Soper’s ‘For Public Consumption’ Now Available

Austin live music supporter and poetic mainstay Sunni Soper has been deeply involved in several positive projects, including Austin Mic Exchange.  With many years of performance under her belt, and the help of Trent Spears, the long awaited For Public Consumption has arrived.  Check it out, share it, and show some support for someone with lots of promise and drive.


-chief

Staring Back At Me :: ‘Empty Whole’ Video From Slop Musket

Fresh off a stint with the Van’s Warped Tour, Slop Musket is keeping the momentum going with another dope music video.  Check out Empty Whole, and let your friends see it as well.

-chief

The Golden Moment :: ‘Finally’, By Big Package And EVERYONE

Anom and Brokebread are good dudes.  The music they make collectively as Big Package is dope.  Over the years, they’ve worked with a who’s who of talented Texas hip-hop artists.  Finally is their opportunity to showcase the love they’ve shown and been shown… enjoy it, share it, and hope there will be another collaboration album in the future!

-chief

Supreme Minds Combined :: Mad One & Furthermore’s ‘Mathematics For Savages’

This album is a B A N G E R.  Mad One (lyricist) and Furthermore (beatsmith) really have something on their hands worth being proud of with Mathematics For Savages.  Musically, the production is consistent, and the album has a very steady flow to it.  All of the words spoken feel chosen, not just thrown out as placeholders on a sonic landscape.  The B-Hop guest features add the slightest bit of variety… a well balanced project overall.  Definitely worth your time and your money, and worth spreading the word about.

-chief