Tag Archives: austin

Outsider Anthems :: DotdotDotdotDotdot Drops ‘Outlaw Country’ Single

Posted on April 14, 2020 | Leave a comment

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DotdotDotdotDot (pronounced Dot Dot Dot), the artist formerly known as DDotElles, has been cooking during his momentary hiatus from the limelight.  According to some of the conversations we’ve had, he’s planning on stepping back out into the spotlight with a handful of new musical, literary and film projects underway, and I’m here for it.  If Outlaw Country, his first single under the new moniker, is any indication of what’s to come, then us listeners and viewers are in for a long and wonderful ride.  The single is a bit of audio noir intertwined with some solid self-aggrandizing and empowering lyrics about learning to hone in during the isolation (self-imposed or otherwise) in order to continue to grow.  The description is a bit of an oversimplification, but honestly, songs like this are meant to be experienced, not talked about.  Check it out, share it around for others to do the same, and stay tuned for what DotdotDotdotDotdot has in store.

-chief

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Letting Go :: eBurner Releases Video For ‘Gotta Keep On’

Posted on April 9, 2020 | Leave a comment

From the digital desk of eBurner :

‘If you could use a good laugh, my new music video is now live for my song Gotta Keep On.  As some of you may already know, this song is about heartbreak.  Heartbreak is never funny, but I believe that a little humor can occasionally help us take control of the situation and overcome the overwhelming emotions associated with rejection.  Heartbreak is real and everybody’s been through it.  My hope is that my story will bring us together to laugh, and release a little bit of the pain and we cope.’

If you dig it, leave a like and a comment, share it around, and stay tuned in to eBurner for more music!

-chief

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Live Direct :: The Vapor Caves Create ‘Shelter In Caves’ Web Series

Posted on April 8, 2020 | Leave a comment

With varying degrees of ‘shelter in place’ rules in effect all over the nation, many artists have been forced to become inventive with presentation and performance methods.  The Vapor Caves, who have always been ahead of the curve in terms of content, decided to take the opportunity to turn the internet into their broadcast network by creating Shelter in Caves, a web series featuring live performances of their music and sketches created by the duo and their collaborators.  BoomBaptist and Yadira Brown are natural entertainers with great chemistry, and they really make the program work, with episode one even including the premier of a brand new song.  With the first episode completed and more to come, I’m certainly looking forward to what’s in store.  The episodes air on Tuesday nights across all streamable platforms, so if you’re interested in catching the show, follow The Vapor Caves wherever you watch your social media videos, and support your local creatives!

-chief

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Dynamic Range :: d(-_-)b’s ‘Ambient Minimalistic Turntableisms’ Project

Posted on April 7, 2020 | Leave a comment

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While digging through Facebook, I came across a post from the homie Brainwavve requesting links to recently released music, which of course resulted in an instant post save from me.  There was quite a bit to choose from in terms of genre, style and so on, but one of the album covers really caught my attention.  This, of course, was d(-_-)b‘s recent release, Ambient Minimalistic Turntableisms.  I gave it a listen, and I was pleasantly surprised by the breakbeats used as a skeleton for a wide range of ambient and lush sounds, leaving an interesting gap that allows the listener to almost exist in the midst of each track.  The songs oscillate between hip-hop and techno-esque sounds, further bridging style and sonic gaps.  If you’re into instrumental, low key and/or experimental sounds, I’d say this one is for you.  Check it out, donate a buck or two if you can, and spread it around for others to experience!

-chief

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Vibrate Higher :: S.O.T.U. Drops ‘Cymatics’ Project

Posted on April 2, 2020 | Leave a comment

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The College of Hip-Hop Knowledge (CHHK) continues to come with it in 2020.  After releasing a very forward-thinking and looking video for In A Zone, the duo of Sound of the Underground (S.O.T.U.), consisting of MCs The Culprit and Mic Trey, have come together to form a strong project in the form of Cymatics.  The production on the project gives off a slight 8Ball & MJG vibe, serving as a great foundation for the unexpected rapid fire flows that each MC brings to the table.  The styles each member utilizes balance well from song to song and against one another, and the subject matter covered has a range, giving the lyrics a multi-generational vibe in terms of topics covered.  You can find this project most anywhere, so check it out, share it around, and support your local creatives.

-chief

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Rise Above :: Mirage The Gr8 Drops ‘Level Up’ Video

Posted on March 31, 2020 | Leave a comment

My continued working relationship with Mirage the Gr8 has really and truly been beneficial for both parties.  Mirage gets to see his ideas come to fruition, and I get to sharpen my tools as an editor.  One of the pieces of work I’m most proud of is Level Up, a collaboration between Mirage, Terrence ‘Side Effect‘ Wood and Chip Lurk.  Originally, this video was meant to be exclusive content for an upcoming project we are working on, but in spite of everyone practicing social distancing and staying home, Mirage figured that now was the time to drop the video.  All parties involved are proud of this work, so definitely check it out, leave a like and a comment, and spread it around for others to do the same.

-chief

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Spit Fire :: RATARUE Presents ‘Legend Of The Gatling Tongue’

Posted on March 30, 2020 | Leave a comment

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From the digital desk of RATARUE :

‘This is an album almost 3 years in the making.  I wanted a signature sound.  I feel that I have accomplished this goal.  This album contains no samples, although I love sample based Hip Hop.  When younger, I went to private school and was adamant about taking Violin and later the Viola lessons.  I loved the tone of the Viola.  The process of this album involved me digging for Music Theory books, much like I did vinyl records, looking to find what I thought the greats might have studied, for example Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, John Coltrane.  My Hip Hop formative years were the 90’s and in that era it was the goal to push oneself and the envelope of the art form, in order to bring something to the table, culturally.  In keeping with that tradition of pushing the boundaries and one’s self, I made some discoveries.  With research and diligence, plus having made music with some amazing creatives in the “Live Music Capital of the World”, as well as patience, I feel that I have been enabled to think outside the box and create music that is eclectic as my upbringing in Austin, TX and my personality.

This album is an introduction into my new production style but encapsulates rhymes of the past.  It is exactly ten years since my first studio project.  This is not an anniversary album, by any means.  I have made strides lyrically and will be combining the Musicality shown on this project along with my new rhyme style and approach on a full length album, now in early production.

Legend of the Gatling Tongue is also my first independent vinyl release!

I am older now.  I am now dealing with thoughts on mortality.  For what it is worth and for someone who feels that Hip Hop is not only a Musical art form but a culture, I worked hard on this album, knowing it is part of my life legacy.’

Check out the project and share it around, and always support your local creatives!

-chief

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Clutch Time :: BoomBaptist Releases 2nd Single In Run-Up To ‘Boom Shakalaka’ Release

Posted on March 26, 2020 | Leave a comment

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We’re only two tracks in, and I’m already championing BoomBaptist‘s upcoming release, Boom Shakalaka.  After the pleasant introduction provided by Razzle Dazzle, we get a completely different look from the follow-up single, Shattered Backboard.  After a high energy, sample-laden collage of an intro, Boom drops a clean beat-flip and repurposes the main intro sample while texturing drums, synth and other sprinkles of samples around it.  If Razzle Dazzle was a warning shot, then Shattered Backboard is a line in the sand, firmly stating that you’re either rocking with this upcoming gold, or you’re planning on missing out.  Check out the new single and hold tight, because in slightly less than a month, Boom Shakalaka touches down.

-chief

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Rising Above :: J-Kline And D.D.I. Drop ‘Feet Above Water’ Video

Posted on March 24, 2020 | Leave a comment

The constant discovery that being a blogger provides me is truly a gift that keeps on giving.  Luckily, I’m blessed enough to know so many talented people that I’m never at a need or want for content, but every once in a blue moon, I like to step outside of the circle.  This go-round, I discovered J-Kline via the I Support ATX Hip-Hop, Do You? group, specifically his collaborative video with guest vocalist D.D.I. and producer Wave titled Feet Above Water.  Director Tommy Kastro caught the collective in a very straight-forward, candid manner as they drop science about keeping your eyes on the prize over Wave‘s bouncy and driving production.  The track is a solid piece of motivational and inspirational art about being aware of the both purposeful and accidental trappings that present themselves to an artist on the rise.  Definitely check it out, leave a like and a comment, and share it around for everyone to experience.

-chief

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Austin Massive :: Click-Clack’s ‘Austin Rap Current’ Playlist

Posted on March 18, 2020 | Leave a comment

 

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I try my best to keep an eye on what my creative peers are doing, especially when they step outside of what they’re traditionally known for, and I always enjoy it when I see someone start to carve a second or third path for themselves.  Click-Clack has been talented since the day I met him, but over the years I’ve gotten to see aspects of his personality shine that I respect deeply.  As a native Austinite like myself, I know that he cares deeply about the scene and how it’s both represented and presented to the public at large, and it’s brought the influencer vibes out of him in the form of strongly curated and frequently updated playlists, complete with customized artistic thumbnails.  For Austin Rap Current, the roster of Austin-based talent is deep and diverse, including a handful of folks who have received recent shine on this blog.  Check out the playlist, give it a follow, and keep an eye out for other playlists that Click-Clack curates.

-chief

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