Tag Archives: hip-hop

Kingly Things :: MIRAGE THE GR8 Captures Austin Attitude During Atlanta Visit For ‘Regal’ Video

Posted on August 9, 2021 | Leave a comment

Longtime friend and collaborator MIRAGE THE GR8 recently took a trip to Atlanta, and with it having been close to a decade (if not a bit longer) since I’ve been there, I was definitely locked in to his shares and living vicariously through his vacation time.  It came as no surprise to me that MIRAGE returned home and quickly dropped Regal, a single and music video featuring moments from his visit, as MIRAGE is always working (even when he’s relaxing).  The video captures MIRAGE representing Austin to the fullest via his 78723 Worldwide and Oficionado clothing lines, all the while rapping about possessing an elevated mindstate over a track by The Infamous O’Dawg of the Flying Iron Soul Collective.  It’s always a pleasure to see the homie MIRAGE put in work and produce content, so being able to share this particular piece of art is a joy.  Be sure to like and share the video, leave a comment if you’re feeling it, and always support your local creatives!

-chief

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Catching Up :: A Wave Of Content From Kydd Jones

Posted on August 6, 2021 | Leave a comment

Cats are making it hard to keep up this summer!  Above is the music video for TV On, a recent Kydd Jones drop that I posted about near the end of June.  Since this time, Kydd has not only dropped that video, but he has released five singles that I have yet to cover on the blog.  I believe that he’s dropping music on a weekly basis every Friday, so when this post goes live there will likely be a new song out, but if you click any of the five embed links below I’m sure you’ll find it : 

-chief

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Super Soul :: Magna Carda Push The Sonic Boundaries Of Austin Hip-Hop With ‘To The Good People’

Posted on August 5, 2021 | Leave a comment

Addressing or thinking of Austin hip-hop outfit Magna Carda within the very narrow scope that most ingest hip-hop in is a disservice to not only Magna Carda, but to individuals with such limited and reductive thinking.  While the music of Magna Carda has always been forward-thinking and full of emotional depth and sonic texture, To The Good People finds the duo taking an evolutionary step in terms of how sharply and precisely they are able to communicate and execute their ideas from song to song.  While Megz Kelli firmly plants her feet in the sand with her signature laid-back but forceful flow, everything that surrounds her musically has the ambition and sonic quality of a mixture between Sade‘s Sweetback backing band and more youthful experimental outfits like the Steve Lacy-driven The Internet.  While Austin is no stranger to popular musicians, hip-hop is a genre in which fame outside of Texas has been elusive, but if given the right opportunity, a band like Magna Carda could use an album like To The Good People to make some noise for themselves outside of the standard boundaries of success artists from this neck of the woods are accustomed to.  Definitely take the time to check out Magna Carda‘s latest offering, and if it speaks to you, donate and download if you can, but share regardless.

-chief

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Posted in General Information, ShuffleCast, Spotlight, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, Underground Me Now

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Summer Madness :: SniperShot & Flotation Connect For ‘Laid Back’

Posted on August 3, 2021 | Leave a comment

When you think about summer, what comes to mind?  Kicking it with the homies at the skatepark?  If so, then SniperShot and Flotation have a surprise for you in the form of Laid Back, the recently released single and video from the duo.  Both of these guys have held it down for the Dallas hip-hop scene for years, so seeing them combine forces (along with a visual assist from RSNL Media DFW) is always welcome.  Drop a like and a comment on the video, and if you’re really feeling the track, cop it from the streamable embed below : 

 

-chief

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Story Shards :: Kenny Casanova Steps His Game Up With ‘Mercury In Water’

Posted on July 30, 2021 | Leave a comment

From the digital desk of Kenny Cassanova :

“Texas artist Kenny Casanova aka Ken Casio is on his way to carving a definitive lane for himself as he continues his musical journey with his upcoming album, Mercury In Water.  This 12-song experience has enlisted features and production from WiFiGawd, Tony Seltzer, Popstar Benny, Clayco & more.

The album Mercury in Water is Kenny’s declaration of his existence.  It belies a story telling format, walking the listener through vignettes, in no chronological order, that communicate the laws that rule over Kenny’s being.  Mercury is a planet associated with communication and is the planet closest to the sun; water is a multidimensional element known for its fluidity and it’s physics-defying properties; Mercury in Water is Kenny’s interpretation of the intercepted culminations of his subconscious brainwaves.  In layman’s term, this album is Kenny playing connect the dots with the thoughts that enter, inhabit and frequent his mind.”

Kenny Cassanova stays putting out dope music, so check this one out and spread the word for others to do the same!

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Masked Motivation :: Heir MAX Visualizes MF Doom Tribute Via ‘Exclamation Mark’

Posted on July 28, 2021 | Leave a comment

Here we are, nearly ten months removed from the death of iconic hip-hop figurehead MF Doom (eight months if you are counting from the date of the death announcement), and many of us are nowhere closer to coming to terms with this monumental loss.  To be fair, 2021 has not been easy on hip-hop fans, with Doom‘s passing marking the first of several iconic members of the hip-hop community passing away, but with Doom standing as ‘your favorite MC’s favorite MC’, it will be a long time before the masses are able to move on.  That being said, his legend is being kept alive by artists like heir MAX, who recently dropped a video for Exclamation Mark, one of the tracks off of his tributary MAX DOOM Mixtape.  The video, directed by Murdered, is a straight-forward affair, with heir MAX dropping his testimonial while donning the MF Doom mask as bits of his fictionalized discovery of the masked interspersed throughout.  If you’re a fan of MF Doom, or just someone who respects a proper tribute, then check out the video, leave a like and a comment, and share it with other hip-hop fans and lovers.

-chief

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

Posted on July 27, 2021 | Leave a comment

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 Collector, EVOLVE 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

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Boom Bapping :: AUX CUTTER Drops Megablast Of A Debut

Posted on July 21, 2021 | Leave a comment

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 Buck, Nate 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

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

Posted on July 7, 2021 | Leave a comment

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

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Downtown Science :: DotdotDotdotDotdot Comes Back Quick With ‘D(dot)ed Ass’ EP

Posted on July 6, 2021 | Leave a comment

It’s no secret that I’ve been a fan of DotdotDotdotDotdot for quite a while now… at least through two or three name adjustments.  One thing that has not adjusted or wavered, however, is his undying dedication to lacing strong production with even stronger lyrics.  After putting out the monumentally impressive From Russia With Drugs roughly one month ago, my man is back at it again with D(dot)ed Ass, an EP based around a concept that is not a concept album.  The project is told through the eyes and experience of D(dot)ed Wood, a reaper who hangs out around corner stores selling borrowed time to those already taking it for granted.  If nothing else, check out the project for Dirk, which contains one of my new favorite DotdotDotdotDotdot verses to date.  With guest appearances from Cease and 3ZoneS, plus production by the homie poolboi blu, beautiful lou and more, don’t sleep on this brief little slice of wonderful.

-chief

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