Tag Archives: austin

Illuminating Minds :: The Vapor Caves Keep The Groove Going With ‘Be The Light’

Posted on September 30, 2019 | Leave a comment

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When 2019 is all said and done, it would be negligent (and nearly impossible) to not sit back and admire the year that The Vapor Caves have had.  Time and again, they’ve executed memorable rollouts for stellar music, and their latest attempt continues to stick the landing.  Their ability to create a standout groove is undeniable, and nowhere has that been more present than their latest single, Be the Light, Yadira and BoomBaptist channel some Brand New Heavies-type vibes for an inspirational tune about not letting your inspiration fade, regardless of circumstances.  At the rate these two are going, I’d not be surprised if a full-length was ready and waiting for a release near the end of 2019 or the beginning of 2020.  I know I’ll be paying attention, ready and waiting for it, and I can imagine that many of you will be too.

-chief

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Nostalgia Ultra :: Emcee Eats And Company Release ‘Lakshmi’s Lament’

Posted on September 18, 2019 | Leave a comment

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Over the past decade, Emcee Eats has been realizing a musical vision in the form of Lakshmi’s Lament.  During this time, it seems that Emcee Eats has been exploring the divide between his inherently abstract approach to hip-hop versus the ‘fundamental’ and more traditional styles, especially in light of one of the most forward-pushing eras in terms of hip-hop style, influence and popularity.  With the help of several producers (SK the Greatest, Adam Hilton and Alex Balentine), lyrical assists from StormShadow and Black DaVinci, and an artistic collaboration with Bryan DeLaGarza, plus a Sat Nam by Kate Balderas, it feels like Eats has created an instant classic.  I’ve always been a fan of his work, but the growth and maturity shown in this project is purely unrivaled in terms of Austin artists.  If you need a bit of inspiration or spiritual healing, check out this project, and spread it around so others can do the same.

-chief

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Traveling Band :: Breaking Even Crew Makes More Magic With ‘Dang ‘OL EP’

Posted on September 12, 2019 | Leave a comment

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This past summer, the Breaking Even Crew embarked on a multi-state tour simply for the sake of spreading the word about their brand of hip-hop in the ‘old-fashioned’ way.  The crew, consisting of MC/DJ Cold Sweat, Manny Phesto, Ben Buck Beatbox and Jantzonia, decided to cap off the tour with another classic move : dropping a collective project.  The Dang ‘OL EP, like a handful of other recent projects out of Austin, embraces a feel not present in hip-hop since the ‘gold school’ era of the early to mid-1990s, with vibrant and bolstering production large enough to handle the range and variety that the collective brings to the table.  For four tracks, there is more than enough to chew on, which is a testament to the skill of all involved.  Here’s to hoping that the winter produces a follow-up project of some sort, but in the meantime, pass this one around so others can enjoy it!

-chief

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Street Spirit :: Dowrong Gets Real With ‘Trap On Wheels’

Posted on September 9, 2019 | Leave a comment

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Austin-based rapper Dowrong has been on the scene for a number of years making noise, and like many in 2019, it seems like he’s intent on raising his creative bar in all aspects.  Trap on Wheels, his latest release, has more heart in four songs than many artists can achieve in a traditional length LP, both in terms of the way Dowrong spits and what is being said.  His energy is high throughout, but his style shifts from song to song, fitting each bit of production perfectly and infectiously.  Be it the hypnotic nature of Trap Phone, the organic sounds integrated into I Stay Down, the wall of sound that is G.O.O.N., or the assault on the senses found on In The Streets, there’s something for everyone on Trap on Wheels, so find and stream it on your favorite streaming service sooner than later, and share it around for others to do the same.

-chief

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Vice Redefined :: MC Homeless And Friends Drop ‘Sex & Death: The Remixes’

Posted on September 4, 2019 | Leave a comment

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When MC Homeless dropped the single for his Guerilla Ghost remix of The Depression Swag (with a guest verse by Bad Graphics Ghost) a ways back, it piqued my interest, as his original incarnation of the Sex & Death project was already unique, quality work.  The remix, however, is an aesthetic that has taken a backseat in the world of hip-hop culture, so it’s nice to see MC Homeless embrace the practice of a remix album wholeheartedly.  Guerilla Ghost does the lion’s share of remix work, with C Money Burns and Riddlore each contributing a song to the project as well.  AWOL ONE and Rozanne Combs also join Bad Graphics Ghost on the list of guests.  The songs have an entirely different, ethereal feel to them this go round, providing fresh perspective on an already quality project.  Check it out for yourself on your favorite streaming service, or just cop it direct from the Bandcamp link above!

-chief

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Tenacious Types :: 5-D Drops ‘D-Up’ Single

Posted on August 30, 2019 | Leave a comment

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Austin supergroup SubKulture Patriots may not be active these days, but don’t sleep on the individual members of the crew, as many of them continue to put in work.  One of the most active members has been RuDi Devino, who along with fellow MC HBZ and producer Solar Shield has formed a formidable crew of their own, 5-D (DoubleDeuceDuoDuplicateDeluxe).  Their latest single, D-Up, is a summer jam in every sense of the definition… monster beat (courtesy of the homie Mikulak), infectious energy, high-level and clever bars, and a chorus that you can sing along to that gets you as amped as the chorus originators.  In all honesty, I’m hoping the cats drop a video for this one, because there are plenty of Austin beatmakers and MCs I could see making court cameos.  This one is a banger for sure, so put it in your rotation, share it around, and encourage others to do the same.

-chief

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Living Tribute :: Ben Buck Embodies A Bygone Era Via ‘Checkmate’ Single

Posted on August 29, 2019 | Leave a comment

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Hip-hop is currently in a phase where the generational divide is greater than it ever has been, meaning vital elements of a once rich and thriving culture have been pushed aside in the name of innovation and redefinition.  There were times, however, that hip-hop managed to broaden it’s scope while simultaneously enriching the culture and bringing in new skills to the existing elements, and this growth was mainly due to the way that new acts and participants embraced and pushed these elements forward.  Thankfully, this aspect of hip-hop is not completely extinct, as Ben Buck demonstrates on a daily basis.  His latest single, Checkmate, echoes back to a time in the early 1990s where hip-hop reached a true mainstream and underground harmonic tipping point : raw rap over high level production (shout out to UGGO for the monster beat), overlooked elements of the culture showcased (Ben Buck‘s prolific beatbox skills), braggadocios and self-validating lyrics, and most important of all, raw energy focused squarely at the listeners’ hearts and minds.  These single releases by Ben Buck have me hype about what the upcoming full length holds in store, so I’ll definitely keep all of you in the loop once it hits.  In the meantime, check out Checkmate on your favorite streaming service, and always support your local creatives!

-chief

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Funky Dividends :: ‘BMF (Big Money Facts)’ Visualized By Clova And $outh$ide Hippie

Posted on August 23, 2019 | Leave a comment

Anyone who steps away from the visual for BMG (Big Money Facts) by Clova and $outh$ide Hippie (beautifully put together by Big&Little Productions) unclear of what motivates the duo may need their head checked.  The Austin-based hip-hop duo make it pretty straight forward in both their lyrics and the visuals that accompany them… money is the major motivating factor, and they are not ashamed to stand behind that.  Rap life is lived to the fullest in this visual, with the studio session blasting the track, plenty of drink and smoke to go around, homies paying surprise visits (Austin modern day legend Sertified, in this case), and money raining from the sky to drive it all home.  This one is solid and straightforward, to great effect if I say so myself, so let’s all get behind it by liking the vid, leaving a comment, and sharing it around for others to do the same!

-chief

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Taste Makers :: NextGang And Breadshots Link Up For ‘0001’ Visual

Posted on August 20, 2019 | Leave a comment

Austin has always had a hip-hop scene, be it focused upon or marginalized, but lately it’s shown levels of diversity that truly validate the strength of the scene.  For an instant example of that diversity, one should look no further than the Breadshots directed visual for NextGang‘s latest, 0001.  The crew, consisting of SheLovesLyrik, ImYoungin, The Teeta and Seas, put it best in the video description :

‘The very rare legendary NextGang links up with infamous Breadshots to film a lyrical gumbo that captivates listeners with variations of cadences and styles cohesively blended to cater many genres of Hip Hop wit.’

Honestly, I’d have to agree.  On top of that, the transitions and visual trickery employed by Breadshots keep things lively, showcasing both his skill as a director/editor and the unique style of each MC.  Check this one out, share it around, and leave a comment if you dig it!

-chief

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Clout Talk :: Ben Buck Stepping Out On ‘Spirits’ Single

Posted on August 12, 2019 | Leave a comment

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When it comes to street buzz backed up by real skill, Ben Buck has to be at the top of any list of Austin MCs you make.  For the last couple of years, his hustle has been impossible to ignore, and on his latest single Spirits, we got not only a brief oral history of this experience, but a dual demonstration of growth as a recording artist and confidence in his skill level… the latter of which is ironic, as Ben Buck was never one to doubt his skills.  Flobama easily matches Buck‘s energy and urgency with his production, making the testament that they will ‘break y’all’s spirits if  you fake that realness’ one with real weight to it.  This song has the makings of being both a mixtape and live show staple, so check it out, leave a comment, and share it around for others to get familiar with.

-chief

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