adrian quesada | Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice

Living Thing :: Mexstep And Friends Bring ‘Vivir’ To Life

Full disclosure, I am sharing Mexstep‘s latest project Vivir sight unseen (or unheard, rather), but that is only because sometimes quality can be discerned strictly by the names associated with a project. More than anything, I am sharing this project to make sure I return to it later this week, as I already know about Mexstep‘s lyrical pedigree (largely in thanks to his dual status as a lover of hip-hop and a college-level educator), and names like Bavu Blakes, Apaso, Vocab, Kree23, Mad1ne and the legion of other guests mean that we’re getting gold stacked on gold. Perhaps the most convincing aspect of all, however, is the fact that the album is produced by the über-talented Adrian Quesada, meaning it’s going to hit you straight in the soul as well as appeal to your emotions and intellect. You know how we do it around here… cop the project if you can, seek it out on your favorite streaming service or Bandcamp to list regardless, and pay it forward by sharing it around for all to experience.

-chief

Role Call :: A Multitude Of Austin Artists Combine Forces For ‘Walk With Me Austin’

From the digital desk of GoldenHornetATX :

‘While cities across the nation mourn the myriad uncertainties of 2020, more than 45 native and resident musicians from Austin, Texas have joined forces to produce Walk with Me Austin, a powerful anthem created to inspire and unite the City of Austin during a pivotal time in the U.S. Available for download and streaming, Walk with Me Austin brings hope to the community while addressing matters of social and racial injustice, civil unrest, equality and the global coronavirus pandemic.’

The who’s who lsit on this project is too vast to name, but many artists that appear in this video have been featured on the blog before. All proceeds to the purchase of this song will go towards HAAM (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians), so if you’re digging it, follow the links in the description, and share it around while encouraging others to do the same.

-chief

Root Down :: Third Root Drops ‘Passion Of The Poets’

With the world in such emotional taxing, tumultuous times, it’s sometimes hard to focus on, or even think about, music. One thing that I love about hip-hop, however, is its ability to rationalize madness, remind us of the wins and losses of our past, and most important of all, inspire change and evolution (if not revolution). Luckily, the San Antonio-based powerhouse that is Third Root is fully aware of their ability to make those specific impacts, and with they culled an all-star lineup to put together Passion of the Poets : Adrian Quesada, El Dusty and Illfudge all get producer credits, while guest features include Black Pumas, Mad1ne, Grupo Fantasma, Kam Franklin and Bavu Blakes. If you’re simply curious about listening, you can find this one any and everywhere you stream or buy music online, but if you’re looking to support deeper, visit the Bandcamp page for exclusive merchandise. Most importantly, spread the Third Root word if you’re feeling what they’re dealing.

-chief

Heavy Soul :: Black Pumas Bring ‘Fire’ To FIP Radio France

I’ve been lucky enough to know Adrian Quesada for a number of years, and it’s been amazing to watch him reinvent and adapt himself to the ever-changing musical scenes. The one consistent that you can count on from Quesada, however, is funk, and he’s kept that run going with his latest project, Black Pumas. The project, a collaboration with singer Eric Burton, has hit the ground running in the form of a record deal and an LP on the way, and their lead single, Fire, is already making waves. Black Pumas recently made a stop by FIP, a French radio station, to perform the track Fire, and in true professional fashion, they knocked it out the park. Check it out, share it around, and be sure to support!

-chief