Tag Archives: hip hop

Styles Clash :: The PNTHN Release ‘POTLUCK’

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As much as I dig individual skill in hip-hop, I’m more so a fan of a crew that can get down.  The PNTHN seem primed to be the crew to watch for in the central Texas scene these days, taking all of the necessary steps to blaze a trail.  After a handful of memorable videos and some time on the road, the crew has released POTLUCK on all of the streaming sources.  The project, while only 6 tracks deep, does a great job of showcasing each member’s skill and personality without being disorienting.  Those familiar with the live shows should easily be able to identify who is who, which will certainly amplify reaction at the live shows.  Plain and simple, I’m excited to watch the trajectory of The PNTHN, because it feels like success will be as attainable as they want it to be… staying focused and driven will be the key to making it a reality, and the crew has already shown they are ready to make moves.

-chief

Overly Dedicated :: ‘No Sleep No Breaks’ Coming Soon

Those in tune to the Austin hip-hop scene are well aware of MDK (Mindz of a Different Kind) and all the moves they’ve been making over the years.  Blackchyl and Chiclopz have teamed up with Fum Fum KO productions in an effort to express the essence of what they’ve been doing in the form of a short film.  No Sleep No Breaks, from the looks of it, may serve to be an honest look at what it’s like to devote your heart and soul to the culture while still struggling to maintain from day to day throughout the worldy madness and obstacles.  This is one that I am very much excited about, and hopeful that it gets the attention it seems to deserve upon release.

-chief

More Doom :: George VonDoom Talks ‘Power’

Austin has a vast and diverse cross section of MCs.  Some spit bars about money, some drop knowledge, and some are abstract.  Some, such as George VonDoom, find ways to touch upon several areas, each with equal passion.  Power finds VonDoom in video form talking about the main aspect that keeps him a head above his competition.  The beat is a nice, dense, driving production that works perfectly for the forceful lyrics, and the blend of lights throughout the video give it an MK Ultra mind control vibe.  Very cool work from an artist holding it down for the Austin underground.

-chief

Trending Topics :: Kal Kal Finds New Forms With Lil’ Obtuse Angel’s ‘Walter White’

When it comes to exploring new formats, new sounds, and new styles, Kal Kal is a force to be reckoned with.  Having already tackled standard issue hip-hop and lo fi, Kal Kal has found himself donning the wonderful moniker Lil’ Obtuse Angel in an effort to explore vibe-based rap.  Be it parody or sincere, it is undeniable that Walter White jams.  Tastes of his lo fi aesthetic remain in the music video, along with ironic visual trappings of the genre being taken in a much lighter form (ie Caleon Fox).  The tree that Kal Kal has planted continues to intrigue, and each branch demands attention.

-chief

Wise Words :: Syllable Releases ‘Rep My City’ Mixtape For 2018

Syllable has been on the Austin hip-hop scene for a number of years, and throughout that time, he has continued to create and support.  Rep My City, his first mixtape in quite a while, shows Syllable reflecting on that time and those experiences, and the result is both a display of gratitude and a blueprint for possible success.  The vibes are positive and honest throughout, the production provides a number of different looks, and overall, the project upholds its name.  This is definitely a solid way to set off 2018 for Syllable, and here’s to hoping that things continue to move in positive directions.

-chief

Solo Soul :: Image Steps Out On ‘Someone You Discover’

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After putting in many years of work with The Lower Class, MC and soundsmith imaGenius has ventured into the solo realm with the release of Someone You Discover.  The project was 3 years in the making, and the vast range of sounds and ideas found within it is a testimony to that time and dedication.  From song to song, thoughts grow, are handed off from track to track, are left for the listener to resonate, and amidst all of that, the ever changing range of sounds and instruments keeps us guessing and anticipating the next song.  The beautiful album artwork is the cherry on top of a true sonic treat.  Definitely listen to this one, share it around, and give image (imaGenius) some support if you can afford to.  You know… for the culture.

-chief

Wise Words :: Magna Carda’s ‘COFFEE TABLE TALK VOL. ONE’ Now Available

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Since the days of their inception, Austin-based hip hop crew Magna Carda has done nothing but continue to grow, collect props, and garner respect from peers, fans and critics.  COFFEE TABLE TALK VOL. ONE finds the group continuing in the ways that we have all come to know and love.  The music is refreshingly addictive and expressive, the lyrics are creative and heartfelt, and the only thing lacking on this project is more songs.  Hopefully, the follow-up(s) come sooner than later, because this taste most certainly has me hungry for more.

-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

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

Diverse Vibes :: 7evenThirty Introduces Listeners To ‘Jentleman Jack’

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Dallas has a large number of MCs and producers who are not afraid to embrace their individuality wholeheartedly.  My latest discovery (and I appear to be late to the party) is MC/producer 7evenThiry of Vintage Noize Records.  I stumbled across his latest release, 7evenThirty is: Jentleman Jack, and the cover alone immediately got my attention… one of those ‘I have to listen to this at least once’-type covers for sure.  The music does not disappoint at all… the music has a newer vibe to it, but the lyrics are full of references, many downright nerdy in the best ways possible.  I’m pretty sure I will be revisiting this album over time, and I will definitely be keeping my ears and eyes open for music videos and more releases.  It’s a name your price release, so why wouldn’t you cop it?  Share it too, and support your local scene.

-chief