Tag Archives: austin

Dropping Knowledge :: Jsun the Prophesor And College Of Hip Hop Knowledge Release ‘The Curriculum’

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Anyone who feels that there is a lack of high caliber MCs in Austin needs to sit down and give The Curriculum a good, attentive listen.  The project is a representation of the Austin-based College of Hip Hop Knowledge, a collective of like minded hip hop creatives looking to provide many things for the scene and culture : a place to hone live performance skills, a network to help build working relationships, education for the business and technical aspects of the business, and outreach opportunities to help bolster the community.  Curated by Jsun the Prophesor, there is a wide and varying range of MCs represented on this collaborative effort.  The production is solid, the lyrics are heartfelt and thought-provoking throughout, and the project as a whole provides a feeling of uplift.  This one is definitely worth your time, attention and support, so make sure to spread the word and keep an eye out for more from the College of Hip Hop Knowledge.

-chief

Spirits Moving :: Dowrong And White Jamal Connect On ‘Dowrong’s Prayer’

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As Joe Budden and Charlamagne tha God recently stated in their year-end wrap-up, lyricism is back in a big way these days.  That sentiment is definitely true in regards to the Austin hip-hop scene as well.  For anyone doubting, exhibit A comes in the form of the latest single from Dowrong of DSR/ALVMNI/LOEG’z.  Seasoned producer White Jamal flexes over a classic drumbreak to provide a nostalgia-inducing beat that perfectly suits the testimonial given by Dowrong about his life and ambitions.  This is definite mixtape fire right here.  Share this one around, and help boost those listen numbers, because tracks like Dowrong’s Prayer deserve to shine.

-chief

Mob Deep :: Ben Al And Friends Wax Poetic On ‘The Real’

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There’s something about a good hip-hop song that is majorly enhanced when guests MCs jump on… especially if everyone brings their A-game.  That is most certainly the case with The Real, a recent Ben Al and Iso collaboration with a who’s who of guest MCs invited to the track : Read RichartsLace TunesMarcus JDdotElles and Karma Jones all bless this banger with top notch bars.  I’m feeling bad because I already turned in my Best of the Year 2017 list for OVRLD, and had I heard this prior to forming that list, this track would have made it hands down.  Consolation prize?  Regardless, check this one out, heart it, comment on the track, and help boost those play numbers, because Austin deserves the chance for it’s dopeness to shine.

-chief

Real Talk :: Alesia Lani, G-Jet And DVZN Media Bring ‘Intentions’ To Life

2017 has been all about putting in work and building towards big moves for Alesia Lani.  She’s been putting in work in the studio and on the promotional fronts, and the music video release/rollout of Intentions shows this.  When this collaboration with G-Jet (produced by Jon Deas) first hit Soundcloud, it definitely got some attention, and it showed a bit of growth and edge emerging in Alesia Lani‘s music.  Add a bit of DVZN Media‘s visual magic, and some choreography courtesy of Michelle Gomez that has me getting Aaliyah vibes, and you’ve got a money music video.  Big ups to Alesia Lani and her whole team on the moves being made.

Someone really needs to put together a music video reel for Austin 2017, because the output has been stellar on all genre fronts.

-chief

Money Rotation :: Clova Brings A Crew For ‘Bandz’ Music Video

Clova just made the blog about a week ago, but you know how you’ve gotta do it in this rap game… hit folks again quick, and hit them harder than you did the last time.  Bandz finds Clova trading bars with some hard hitters in the Austin scene.  SertifiedGeeweezy and Domincan Jay all drop the science on keep stacked up.  The Real Chino comes through with a rock solid video, yet another one in a year full of wonderful Austin-based video output.  Here’s to hoping that 2018 can even hold a candle to what a wonderfully creative year 2017 has been for Austin rap, hip-hop and music in general.

-chief

Time Lines:: Clova And NVision Films Bring ‘Ever Since’ To Life

Austin-based, Houston-bred hip-hop creative Clova recently joined forces with Eric Sattler of NVision Films to breathe life into the song Ever Since.  The song, a testimonial to having faith in yourself and chasing your dreams despite what others may think or say, is perfectly embodied by parallel lines of action : a confident young man finding himself, and an artist comfortable enough in his own skin to be in the moment and reflect.  Props to all parties involved for creating yet another standout music video in a year of Austin killing the music video game.

-chief

Spaced Out :: Indubes Drops ‘A Pimp Named Slick Back’

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There’s a new wave of heads coming up in Austin, and Indubes is one of those starting to make moves towards separation from the pack.  His latest project, A Pimp Named Slick Back, is a collection of spacey, dubby beats (with the occasional flow thrown in just to keep folks guessing).  The result is a short but sweet attack on the senses.  Considering this is a name your price project, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to essentially pay your time to grab it and add it to your rotation.

-chief

Collected Works :: Mystic Prism Drops ‘Electronic Mix – Fall 2017’

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Here’s to hoping that Bandcamp isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.  Sometimes, I’m unsure of where my next post will come from… I’ve received notifications in the email, I’ve stacked up saved links from my online searches, but am feeling the need to step outside of my comfort realm, and boom… a simple search for Austin TX always yields wonderful results.  Today’s find was Austin-based electronic producer Mystic Prism and his mixed collection of work that spans the last few years up to this past fall.  Electronic Mix – 2017 is complete escapist music… the sounds and textures play around with one another, leaving you wrapped up and lost in the musical chase.  Bolstered by an amazingly dense and intriguing album cover, I can definitely say I am happy with today’s discovery.  Hopefully, I’m not the only one who ends up enjoying this today.

-chief

Renaissance Sounds :: Marcelandrie Releases ‘Fix Gon’ Be’ Project

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When Marcelandrie recently dropped a video recently for his Fix Gon’ Be single, I was immediately intrigued.  R&B in Austin is not new by any means, but it was nice to hear someone who was a true singer/songwriter/instrumentalist in the genre with roots in my city.  Now, Fix Gon’ Be has hit the digital airwaves as a project, and the rest is equally impressive.  Marcelandrie has a back catalog that I will definitely dig deeper into, but Fix Gon’ Be is a good introduction and a wonderful starting point for this journey.

-chief

Keep Rising :: Exploded Drawing Celebrates 7 Years In Style

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After 7 years of hard work and endless dedication, the Exploded Drawing family is reaping the recognition they rightfully deserve.  2017 has found the crew expanding into the festival circuit, playing the legendary Low End Theory in Los Angeles, bringing the very same Low End Theory to Austin, receiving recognition in the Austin Chronicle and Texas Monthly within weeks of one another, and releasing vinyl and cassettes via the legendary Fat Beats distribution to commemorate 7 years.  Exploded Drawing: “7 Years” Compilation features all of the producers you’ve come to know and love from the crew, an introduction featuring KUTX‘s Art Levy, and it’s all come together on a beautiful full-color gatefold (designed by Michael Scheel) with color vinyl pressings in 2 options.  I am so happy for the crew, and forever honored to be among its ranks.  Here’s to countless more years of continued fun and hopeful success.

-chief