Fever Dream :: Common And Normal Presents ‘Hustler S. Thompson’ Collaboration

If one were to go by the example that the homie EVOLVE has set, then people would collectively have the craziest work ethic ever.  If more than a few months goes by and I haven’t seen news of a new EVOLVE project or collaboration, then I know either something is going on in his personal life or he’s incubating another masterpiece, with the second situation being the case more often than not.  For Hustler S. Thompson, the self-titled debut for the collaborative project of the same name featuring EVOLVE rapping over the production of Chef Mike and Tommy the CollectorEVOLVE does what he does over a selection of instrumentals from the production duo’s previously released Mr. Brown / Mr. White tape.  If you’re familiar with EVOLVE and company, then you’ll already know what you’re getting : headnod-worthy beats showcasing methodical, introspective and sharp lyricism.  Cop the album if you have a buck, stream it if not, and tell everyone you know about it either way.

-chief

High Drama :: Drake Howard Releases ‘Amphibians’ Short Film

It’s hard to go a day in Austin without running across some creative output that one of my many talented friends put together or were involved in.  Recently, my old friend, past college peer and fellow thespian/musician Tricky Jones posted a link to Amphibians, a short film she starred in with Devin Finn, who also shared a directing credit with Drake Howard.  For a single location film, the journey is quite the captivating and vivid one, with Jones and Finn turning in performances full of dramatic and emotional range, not to mention some stunning lighting and a visual trick or two that elevates the gravitas of the material outside of the singular location.  Writer (and fellow former college peer) Casey Wimpee turns in a wonderfully poetic and ever-evolving script that gives our performers plenty to chew on, and with the dedication credit to Jeremy Torres punctuating the end of the journey, the weight of the entire affair was not lost on me.  Don’t sleep on this one… give it a watch, give it a like and a comment, and share it around for all to see!

-chief

Humble Abode :: Donja Drops ‘Phone Home’ Single

During a recent DJ set at The Porch, someone stepped up to the booth.  This is nothing new, and normally, it’s the signal that someone is about to ask for (or, more often than not, obnoxiously try to force) a request.  Luckily though, he just said what’s up and told me he was enjoying the mix.  I thanked him and went back to focusing on my mix, as DJ’ng requires much more concentration than the average observer realizes, but he kept going with the conversation attempt.  Normally I would feign interest or cut things off so I don’t run into a bad conversation situation, but I let it ride that time, and this is how I met Donja and learned about his music.  The catalog was prolific, and much like MAIKÉRU, who I also recently met, Donja sounded seasoned, and he was doing genre-blending music that purposefully stood out from the norm in terms of both quality and approach.  His latest single, the super catchy Phone Home, serves as a continuation of the vibe that I was picking up when checking out Donja‘s back catalog, and if you’re unfamiliar with him like I once was, then the single serves as a perfect introductory point.  Check out the track on your favorite streaming service, and find Donja on your favorite social media site to stay in the release loop!

-chief

Funky Concepts :: Protextor Joins The Weird Rap Discussion Gang To Deep Dive Hip-Hop Concept Albums

By now, you should know the drill when it comes to the Weird Rap Discussion Gang… the conversation topics span the gamut, and the discussions go deep.  Recently, I had the pleasure of inviting the homie Protextor to join Th’MoleBeverly Fre$h and myself for an episode of the Weird Rap Discussion Gang where we focused on concept albums, which are basically albums with some sort of connectivity throughout that attempt to present an idea in a long-form manner.  With Dr. OctagonecologystSplendor & MiseryFunhouse and Because The Internet on the table, you know that we had a good time, so check out the episode, leave a like and comment your thoughts or favorite concept album, and help spread the word by sharing this episode around!

-chief

Boom Bapping :: AUX CUTTER Drops Megablast Of A Debut

While I am happy to see so many hip-hop acts in Austin receive props in the press nowadays, it is frustrating to see one or two specific styles dominate the scene.  As someone whose age runs essentially directly parallel with hip-hop, I have held on to my so-called ‘backpack’ ways for decades now, and while I have learned to adjust to a mind-state where I can be more open-minded and accepting in regards to new sounds and styles, I can’t allow my love for boom-bap hip-hop to fade.  Maybe that’s why I’ve been super hype for AUX CUTTER, the debut self-titled album from the trio of Ben BuckNate thee Great and producer Shadowboxin.  AUX CUTTER is clearly not hear to play games… the album hits hard and is relentless from front to back, with the lyrical energy easily matching the pounding and intense production.  Come year’s end, don’t be surprised if you see this near the top of many lists.  Do yourself a favor and get hip early, and if you’re feeling it in any capacity, tell your people to follow suit.

-chief

Soulful Share :: Kayleigh Takes A Moment To Share Cover Of Mac DeMarco’s ‘Chamber Of Reflection’

If my blog had a common theme, it would likely be ‘talented peers’, as I often find myself amazed at how many truly gifted individuals I can consider friends and acquaintances.  Case in point, my friend Kayleigh : she is a talented singer and musician who has been part of a number of bands and collectives in the central Texas area, and recently, she took a moment out of her day to film a quick performance of Mac DeMarco‘s Chamber of Reflection.  With just her voice and her guitar work, she is able to create a moving and chilling experience, so if you find yourself curious, take a moment to watch, like and comment if it moves you to do so, and share it around for all to see.

-chief  

Summer Serenade :: SYN SESSIONS Presents Maikéru + Eric G (of Kid Brothers)

Getting to know the new homie Maikéru has been one of the true highlights of 2021.  I’ve met a lot of creative people in the central Texas area, but there’s something about Maikéru‘s poise and polish that makes it feel like he’s doing what he was truly born to do.  Recently, SYN SESSIONS showcased Maikéru singing YIPPEEKIYAY with acoustic accompaniment by Eric G of Kid Brothers, and while seeing Maikéru with full production is on some other ish, seeing this performance in such an intimate and stripped down presentation is equally powerful.  Take a few minutes to dig it, and if it moves you, hit the like button, leave a comment, and share it with someone you care about.

-chief

Joyful Noise :: Alison Papion Steps Up To The Solo Plate With ‘Dazed N Confused’

My friend and fellow central Texas performer Alison Papion has been on a wonderful upward trajectory that has been a joy to see from an objective viewpoint.  After years building her name, stage presence and abilities with stints in the Grid Squid Entertainment collective and the live band StereoFiendPapion took a break to pursue modeling opportunities and handle personal aspects of her life.  2021, however, finds her returning to the world of music with Dazed N Confused, the titular lead single from an upcoming solo project she plans to release.  After hearing her sing over mostly hip-hop beats and funk-inspired live jams, it’s refreshing to hear her fall into a more traditionally modern R&B sound, and if the lead single is any indication of what’s to come from the full project, then I will definitely be waiting with excitement.  Check out the single on iTunesApple Music or Spotify, and keep track of her for news on the release of the full project.

-chief

Plug Tunin’ :: Weird Rap Discussion Gang Does A Deep Dive On De La Soul

Even before news broke that De La Soul may finally see the Tommy Boy portion of their catalog available on streaming sites and digital storefronts as early as this winter, the members of the Weird Rap Discussion Gang had De La on the brain.  After mentioning them at several intervals in the weeks prior, the collective decided to do a special two part deep dive into the Posdnous (aka Plug Won) and Dave (aka Plug Two), the main lyrical components of the groundbreaking hip-hop trio.  For the respective episodes, each member of the Weird Rap Discussion Gang chose their favorite verse from each MC, a monumental undertaking in its own right, and shared their thoughts on what makes each verse so special.  If you’re one of those people who believes that De La Soul‘s place in hip-hop is underrated, if you’re a fan of innovative and forward-thinking lyricism, or if you just love hearing hip-hop heads talk about hip-hop, then check out both of these episodes, leave likes and comments, and subscribe to the Weird Rap YouTube channel for more great content.

-chief

Smoker’s Delight :: Clova And Quin NFN Team Up For ‘White Runtz’

It’s hard to be hip to the Austin hip-hop scene these days and not know who Clova and Quin NFN are.  Both have established and maintained a name for themselves within and outside of the city for years, and Quin NFN recently showed up on an Austin Chronicle curated list of hip-hop acts to keep an eye on.  For White Runtz, we find Clova setting a nice mellow-high mood over the production of L. Devell, and with Quin NFN on the verbal assist and a highly stylish video courtesy of Eric Sattler of Nvision Films, it makes sense that the numbers are getting run up for this one.  Do yourself a favor and keep the wave going by checking out the track and video, leaving a like and a comment, and sharing it around so everyone can take notice.

-chief