Austin Hip-Hop Scene

Hot 93.3 FM Lets Go Of Staff

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:25:47 PST

From the internet killed the radio department... Deborah Sengupta Stith over at the Statesman is reporting that Hot 93.3 FM is letting go all of their on-air staff. This is definitely a shame for Hot 93.3 FM and the Austin community as a whole. I can't help but think that this is a reflection of the Hip-Hop market here in Austin. Realistically, at the end of the day, a business like Hot 93.3 FM evaluates its products and services and has to decide if they can continue and be profitable or if they need to offer different products and services. I definitely feel there is a market here for Hip-Hop; we just have to work through this and figure out how to tap into it. Here's yet another wake up call to the community, support your local Austin Hip-Hop, whether it's the radio stations, musicians, clothing stores, dancers, graffiti artists, everything...

I hope all at Hot 93.3 FM all the best in their future endeavors.

Busdriver - Red 7 - November 15, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:55:06 PST

From the HEB needs wider aisles department... Graham Williams wrote to tell us about a last minute FREE show by Busdriver @ Red 7 midnight tonight!

More info:

Busdriver (born Regan John Farquhar February 12, 1978)[1][2] is a rapper from Los Angeles currently signed to Epitaph Records.

Born in Los Angeles, he was introduced to hip hop at an early age, his father Ralph Farquhar being the screenwriter for the film Krush Groove,[3] one of the earliest films focusing on hip hop culture. Farquhar began rapping at age 9, and by 13 he had released his first album, as part of the group 4/29.[4] At the age of 15, he attended open-mic nights at the Good Life Cafe in 1993. A regular at the Project Blowed open mic during the mid-1990s, he would be introduced to fellow underground artists, leading him to being a guest on at least 20 singles.[citation needed] He first recorded in 1995 with Chillin Villain Empire, and was featured on Fat Jack's Cater to the DJ in 1999.

Mickey Avalon - Emo's - November 13, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:07 PST

From the one in the morning department... Mickey Avalon @ Emo's tonight, Nov 13th!

More info:

Mickey Avalon (born Yeshe Perl on December 3, 1975) is an American rapper from Hollywood, California. His debut self-titled solo album was released Nov. 7, 2006 on Interscope/Shoot to Kill Records in association with MySpace Records. Avalon blends dark, lewd, and humorous hooks with heavy beats. Frequent topics of Avalon's songs are his experiences with substance abuse.

Avalon's family upbringing was tumultuous; both he and his parents used drugs. [1] Avalon's paternal grandparents are Holocaust survivors who endured lasting injuries from their imprisonment at Auschwitz. By his early 20s, Avalon had married, had a daughter, and moved to Portland, Oregon.[2]

Upon moving to Los Angeles, he was befriended by ex-MTV VJ Simon Rex (aka Dirt Nasty) who encouraged Avalon to rap and collaborated with him. The two began passing out demos to Hollywood clubs and soon developed a following among fans of the Los Angeles nightclub scene. Mickey also attended college at Webster University in St. Louis, MO for a brief time before he signed with Interscope Records. Mickey has a unique rhyming style and raps mostly about his experiences on the streets, with drugs, and prostitution. He was a member of the Dyslexic Speedreaders, a rap group which also includes rappers Dirt Nasty, Andre Legacy, and Beardo. Dirt Nasty, Beardo, and Andre Legacy all appear in Avalon's recent music video, "Fuckin' 'Em All".

Jay-Z - Frank Erwin Center - November 10, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:07:09 PST

From the throw your diamonds in the sky department... Jay-Z @ Frank Erwin Center tomorrow night, Nov 10th!

More info:

Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969),[1] better known by his stage name, Jay-Z is an American hip hop artist and businessman. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America,[2] having a net worth of over $150 million,[3] selling over 30 million copies of his albums in the United States alone and receiving several Grammy Awards for his musical work.[4]

Jay-Z co-owns The 40/40 Club and the NBA's New Jersey Nets and is also the creator of the clothing line Rocawear. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings[5], one of the three founders of Roc-A-Fella Records and recently, the founder of his new venture Roc Nation. He is also the current holder for the record of most number one albums by a solo artist on the Billboard 200.[6]

Along with his financial and musical success, Jay-Z is known for being involved in the feud between him and fellow New York rapper Nas, which was eventually settled in 2005.[7] He married singer Beyoncé Knowles on April 4, 2008.[8]

Bavu & Tifani Blake's Austin Farewell - Aces Lounge - November 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:30:26 PST

From the see you soon department... Bavu Blakes has been a been a force in the scene here in Austin and it's a shame that he'll be moving away. Austin Hip-Hop Scene wishes the Blake's family all the best and success in the future. So let's all give Bavu & Tifani Blakes a warm Austin farewell @ Aces Lounge tonight!

Fun Fun Fun Fest - Waterloo Park - November 7-8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:37:11 PST

From the ... department... Graham Williams hit us up to tell us that there's hip hop all over Fun Fun Fun Fest @ Waterloo Park this weekend!

Just to name a few...

The Pharcyde
Cool Kids
Buraka Som Sistema (bad ass hip hop from portugal)
Kid Sister
MC Chris
DJ Nu-mark (jurassic 5)
GZA (wu tang) doing liquid swords beginning to end
plus tons more local djs and hip hop acts

More info:

Fun Fun Fun Fest made its first appearance on a cold Austin Friday evening at Waterloo Park in 2006. It was a unique approach to festival booking...filling stages with what is bubbling from the underground, what sounds great, and what is making an impact, regardless of what Pollstar or the mainstream media said was cool. What started out as a show for a few touring acts and local favorites became a movement, and a festival that fans and bands alike realized needed to be experienced year after year.

This is a festival created by people in the music scene, that are in it everyday, and are driven by the DIY attitude and work ethic found in the music they love. Broken out into genres, FFF provides unique experiences in the punk/hardcore, indie rock, hip hop/DJ, and comedy scenes. At FFF, you will see 4 core stages of some of the most progressive music and comedy in the scene today, hosted on Red River in the heart of downtown Austin. At this fest, show goers get more for less. They get to catch artists close up and personal before they explode, they get to see some of their favorite bands of the past reunite, and they get to discover music that they have never even heard that they'll love — all at less than $1 per act.

In it’s fourth year, Fun Fun Fun Fest is the most relaxed, laid back and (yet) progressive festival in the market place today. It is a true urban event in the middle of downtown Austin and most importantly it’s a fest WE in the scene would want to go to, without all of the filler that tends to show up at the corporate music carnivals around the world these days. Fun Fun Fun Fest: the fest before the fest...where you go to see what’s about to happen as opposed to what's already been happenin.

Thanks for all of those that have supported us for so long. We are in this business because we love independent music, we love these bands, we love this scene, and we love connecting all of it with as many fans as possible. We look forward to seeing all of you there. We will be the ones with the Danzig shirts on.

Chamillionaire - La Zona Rosa - November 6, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:56:07 PST

From the will you play ball with Chamillionaire department... Chamillionaire @ La Zona Rosa tomorrow, Nov 6th!

If you wanna hoop with Chamillionaire tomorrow hit him up on Twitter. He's looking for some players!

http://twitter.com/Chamillionaire

More info:

Hakeem Seriki (born November 28, 1979),[1] better known by his stage name Chamillionaire, is a Grammy Award winning American rapper and singer and CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment and a founder and original member of The Color Changin' Click, He began his career independently with local releases in 2003, including collaboration album Get Ya Mind Correct with fellow Houston rapper Paul Wall. He signed to Universal Records in 2005 and released The Sound of Revenge under Universal. It included hit singles "Turn It Up" and the number-one, Grammy-winning hit "Ridin'". Ultimate Victory followed in 2007.

Chamillionaire was born Hakeem Seriki on November 28, 1979 in Washington D.C. and later moved to Houston, Texas[1] when he was 4. His father is a Muslim Nigerian immigrant and his mother is an African American Christian.[2] He attended Eisenhower High School and transferred to Jersey Village High School to play in its basketball program, which he believed to be better than that of the former school.[3] [4]

Rakim - Emo's - November 4, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:55:49 PST

From the Google Music department... Rakim @ Emo's tomorrow, Nov 4th! Graced on stage with Rhymefest.

More info:

Rakim (pronounced rah-KIM) (full name Rakim Allah, born William Michael Griffin Jr. on January 28, 1968 in,Queens, New York)[1] is an American rapper and pioneer of the musical genre of hip hop, known as one half of the duo Eric B. & Rakim. He is consistently cited as one of the most influential and skilled MCs of all time due to his exceptional flow and complex lyrical craftsmanship.[1][2][3][4]

He is the nephew of American R&B singer and actress Ruth Brown. He grew up in Queens, New York, and became involved in the New York hip hop scene at a young age. Eric B brought him to Marley Marl’s house to record "Eric B. is President." At the time Griffin was fresh out of high school and on his way to college, but he decided to forgo higher education and instead chose to record with Eric B.[1]. Leshaun and Rakim made a few hits and mix tapes together.

When Griffin turned 16, he joined The Nation of Gods and Earths (also known as the 5 Percent Nation) and changed his name to Rakim Allah.[5]

Tech N9ne - Austin Music Hall - November 4, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:41:20 PST

From the Where the Wild Things Are department... Tech N9ne @ Austin Music Hall on Nov 4th! And man there's a bunch of artists... Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Big Scoob, Slaughterhouse, Stevie Stone, Glasses Malone, Dirty Wormz, and C.O.D.

More info:

Aaron Dontez Yates (born November 8, 1971 in Kansas City, Missouri) better known by his stage name Tech N9ne is an American rapper. His musical career has spanned 24 years.

Tech N9ne is known for his wide range of collaborations with other well-known artists. In 1999, Tech N9ne was included on the track (and accompanying video) "The Anthem" from Sway & King Tech, two radio personalities based in California.

Early in his career, Tech N9ne was a member of a group called "NNUTT HOWZE", which he pays tribute to in many of his lyrics by saying "Six, six, triple eight, forty six, ninety nine, three" (6688846993), which spells out NNUTT HOWZE on the touch pad numbers of a telephone. However, the group disbanded when they were dropped from their label, Perspective Records. Additionally, he saw glimpses of success as a member of the 57th Street Rogue Dog Villians - also a Kansas City-based group - with their single "Let's Get Fucked Up".[1]

Video: Southbound feat. Greezo - That Ain't Right

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:23:02 PST

From the post trick or treat department... Austin's Hip Hop duo, Southbound along with Greezo hit us up with some realness in their latest video, That Ain't Right! The video is directed by OG of Luxury Mindz who's work is always of the highest quality. Check it out and let us know what you think!

www.ThatAintRightVideo.com

Table Manners Crew - Plush - October 31, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:43:43 PDT

From the I'm swine flu for Halloween department... Happy Halloween everyone! Table Manners Crew @ Plush tonight, Oct 31st!

Be safe!

Brother Ali - Emo's - October 28, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:30:15 PDT

From the swamped with work department...

More info:

Ali Newman (born Jason Newman in 1977), better known by the stage name Brother Ali, is an American hip hop artist.

Brother Ali was born in Madison, WI, and spent his early childhood moving from city to city in the midwest (mostly in Michigan). Ali’s family settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1992. He attended Cooper High School in New Hope, MN. It was in Minneapolis that Ali converted to Islam and was given the name Ali (he was born Jason Newman). Brother Ali now lives in South Minneapolis, where he continues to record. He has a son, Faheem, from his first marriage, and remarried in 2008.

The 54 Reality Show Presents: Reality Bytes

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:08:18 PDT

From the Dookie department... Crew 54 is starting a new spin off of their 54 Reality Show called Reality Bites. Props and good job guys!

Here is a description about what this new venture is all about...

"In the effort to make Dookie Vizion Productions and The 54 Reality Show a full scale established media outlet we bring the newest spin off, Reality Bytes. We take the interviews that you've come to love out of the weekly video blog, and give you a chance to get a bit more in these rappers business haha."

http://the54realityshow.blogspot.com/2009/10/54-reality-show-presents-reality-btyes.html

Dead Prez - Emo's - October 20, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:20:44 PDT

From the back from San Fran department... Dead Prez @ Emo's on Tuesday, Oct 20th! And featuring C-Rayz Walz, Zeale, Tavana and Kid Slyce!

More info:

Dead Prez is an American underground political hip hop duo composed of stic.man and M-1. They are known for their confrontational style combined with socialist and pan-Africanist lyrics. These lyrics tend to focus on revolution, veganism, institutional racism, critical pedagogy, police, capitalism, education, prison systems, religion, activism against governmental repression, and corporate control over the media, especially hip-hop record labels. Dead Prez made their stance clear on their first album, declaring on the lead song, "I'm a African" that the group is "somewhere between N.W.A. and P.E."

Bavu Blakes Brings The Flows To The iPhone With The 08IsSoGreat iPhone App

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:47:37 PDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX - October 12, 2009 - Bavu Blakes and Austin Hip-Hop Scene introduce the only iPhone application that allows music fans to listen to the Bavu Blakes 08IsSoGreat Flow Series from the palm of their hands. Starting the first week in 2008, Bavu delivered a new flow each Monday of the week and posted it to 08IsSoGreat.com. In total, Blakes produced 52 flows that will have your head bobbing and body dancing to a sound so smooth, you'll be groovin' for hours. The application, "08IsSoGreat", enables music lovers to enjoy the great body of work created by Bavu Blakes.

"Caught Bavu Blakes at a club in Austin, TX, a few weekends ago and was completely in awe at his talent," says kt512. "So this app was a no brainer. Imagine for a sec... 52 songs in '08. Definitely no easy task. Great app and idea to promote artists. If you love hip-hop you'll definitely love this app."

Download the 08IsSoGreat iPhone app from iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=323508391&mt=8&s=143519

###

About Bavu Blakes
Dubbed "One of Texas' brightest new stars" by legendary rapper The D.O.C., Bavu Blakes is the ultimate wordsmith by both definitions. This is an artist and writer so unique that he's the only man named Bavu -- meaning 'force' in Kiswahili -- in American history!

Equally adept at writing, performing and freestyling, Mr. Blakes offers both clarity and hype. While words and rhymes are clearly where his talents shine, he places equal importance on beats. By defining tracks in terms of mood, rhythm and melody, he makes the music sound better. Creating a sense of cohesion between the lyrics and beats, Mr. Blakes's music reveals this approach through clever, thought-provoking lyrics over diverse beats guaranteed to entice any listener's ear.

For more information on Bavu Blakes, visit
http://www.myspace.com/bavu

About Austin Hip-Hop Scene
Austin Hip-Hop Scene is the premiere website to find out about Austin Hip-Hop music. The website features local Austin Hip-Hop artists, music, shows, art, reviews and more.

For more information on Austin Hip-Hop Scene, visit
http://www.austinhiphopscene.com

About Pellucid Solutions, LLC
Pellucid Solutions, LLC is a software company specializing in helping music fans and artists forge connections through software.

For more information Pellucid Solutions, LLC, visit
http://www.pellucidsolutions.com

Music: DJ Protege - Remix Pack Vol. 6

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:24:10 PDT

From the Reading Rainbow department... DJ Protege puts out another Remix Pack Vol. 6! More free music to have jammin' in your iPods! Listen to it below and leave some comments letting him know what you think!

Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high
Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.

I can go anywhere!
Friends to know and ways to grow - Reading Rainbow.

I can be anything!
Take a look, it's in a book - Reading Rainbow.

Reading Rainbow, Reading Rainbow, Reading Rainbow, Reading Rainbow!

Circuits & Encore (DJ Protege Rubato Remix)

Crazy Tequila (DJ Protege Remix)

I got a feeeling (DJ Protege Dance Floor Remix)

Like A Prayer (DJ Protege 09 Remix)

Reading Rainbow (DJ Protege Remix)

You can also download here!

Devin the Dude - Club Deville - October 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:00:24 PDT

From the well enough department... Devin the Dude @ Club Deville on Oct 11th!

-----

After a full week of battling with the flu, I think I'm finally well enough to step out of the house and not be a threat to society. It's been a long week.

More info:

Devin Copeland, better known by his stage name, Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip hop artist. He is best known for his unique rapping style and his long career signed to Rap-A-Lot Records as well as his 2002 song Lacville '79.

Copeland started out as a member of the Odd Squad, later known as the Coughee Brothaz, a group of rappers signed to Rap-A-Lot Records. The label is notable for being the home of hip-hop artists such as Geto Boys, Scarface, and Too Much Trouble. Copeland moved on to become part of Scarface's Facemob, before going solo in 1998.[1] Copeland has released five solo albums: The Dude (1998), Just Tryin' ta Live (2002), To tha X-Treme (2004), Waitin' to Inhale (2007), and Landing Gear (2008). He also made a number of guest appearances, including on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" in 1999, and De La Soul's "Baby Phat" in 2001.[1]

In 2008, he ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records because the label failed to renew his contract.[2] Later that year, he signed with indie label Razor & Tie.[3]

Ghostface Killah - Emo's - October 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:26:51 PDT

From the Nobel Prize department... Ghostface Killah @ Emo's on Oct 11th!

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I always believed Obama would eventually be awarded the Nobel Prize. Question is, does he deserve it this early?

More info:

Dennis Coles (born May 9, 1970),[1] better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) , the members went on to pursue solo careers to varying levels of success. Ghostface Killah debuted his solo-career with Ironman, which was well received by music critics. He would continue his career, creating additional award-winning albums over the following years such as Supreme Clientele, Fishscale, and The Big Doe Rehab.

Ghostface Killah is a Muslim [2] Ghostface Killah is critically acclaimed[3][4] for his loud, fast-paced flow,[5] and his stream-of-consciousness narratives containing cryptic slang and non-sequiturs.[5][6]

Ghostface Killah took his name from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film Mystery of Chessboxing.[5]

Mayer Hawthorne - Red 7 - October 10, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:27:19 PDT

From the I'm sick of the flu department... Mayer Hawthorne @ Red 7 on Oct 10th with special guests Buff1 and 14KT + Mojoe!

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Austin, let me tell you, the flu is real! This years strain is bad so be careful out there.

More info:

Mayer Hawthorne (born Andrew Mayer Cohen[1][2] in 1978 or 1979[4]) is a singer, producer, songwriter, arranger, audio engineer, DJ, rapper and multi-instrumentalist[1][3][4] based in Los Angeles, California, USA[1]. The stage name "Mayer Hawthorne" is a combination of Cohen's real middle name (Mayer) and the name of the street he grew up on in Michigan (Hawthorne Rd).[2] "Mayer Hawthorne and The County" is a name Cohen often uses when performing or recording as Mayer Hawthorne with other artists. In Cohen's words, "The County" is basically anyone who plays an instrument or sings on his album. It’s also his band when he performs live.[3] Cohen also performs and records Hip Hop music under the stage name "Haircut", sometimes as part of the groups "Now On" & Athletic Mic League.[3]

Video: Bavu Blakes - Smiley Faces

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:20:02 PDT

From the playing in ACL Fest mud fun department... Check out Bavu Blakes new music for Smiley Faces featuring Pikahsso! One of my favorite songs, I'm glad to see it put to video.

Leave comments and tell Bavu what you think!

Austin City Limits Festival 2009 - Hip Hop

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:37:39 PDT

From the brrrr department... ACL Fest is once again upon us and this time the weather will be down right nippy.

Friday, October 2
John Legend - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/john-legend
Bassnectar - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/bassnectar
Raphael Saadiq - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/raphael-saadiq
The Knux - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/the-knux
K'Naan - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/knaan

Saturday, October 3
Mos Def - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/mos-def/setlist

Sunday, October 4
Girl Talk - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/girl-talk/setlist
Mike Posner - http://2009.aclfestival.com/band/mike-posner

Did I miss any?

Crew 54 - Beauty Bar - September 28, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:12:55 PDT

From the paying attention department... Crew 54, The GUUD and KB the Boo Bonic @ Beauty Bar tonight, Sept 28th!

Nasty's Lucky 13th Anniversary - Nasty's - September 28, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:30:00 PDT

From the Lucky 13 department... Wow! Can't believe it's been 13 years. Props to DJ Mel for keeping our Mondays hip hopping all these years!

Celebrate with DJ Mel @ Nasty's tomorrow, Monday, Sept 28th!

More info:

Man, I've been doing this weekly since the summer of 1996. Through the years, I've partnered up with some great dj's and I've seen the music, people & attitudes change. Those changes aside, one thing remains the same - this night has always been about having the best time ever. ON A MONDAY NIGHT.

Before the internet, blogs and when skills still mattered, we were doing this shit and doing it large. In it's infancy, no one in Texas (especially in Austin) was really delivering a multi genre weekly. I've watched it start off slow, blow up like crazy, plateau, slow down and blow up again. In that small dive we do our thing at, I've had homies take their future wives on their first date, seen dudes propose to their ladies, mad kids having their first dj experience & couples literally sexing on the dancefloor. Even my past love life is marked significantly with moments from this night...

I pride myself in knowing that this night is for the people - it has nothing to do with cliques, class or race. I thank all the folks that come out week in and week out. Their support is steadfast. Monday is a hard sell. Which makes me appreciate those folks even more.

So with all that said, we are finally throwing our first anniversary party. I've never been one to throw events like this, but I think this night & our people deserve it. It's only fitting that we bring my friend DJ Eleven into town to do his thing. Playing alongside the dude will be a pleasure.

If you're around these parts, come out and support. It's gonna be a celebration!

Qwel & Maker - Club Deville - September 27, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:24:44 PDT

From the needs a break department... The "So Be It" Tour starring Qwel & Maker @ Club Deville tonight, Sept 27th with MSG Crew, Boomset, Sidewalk Alumni and DJ Notion!

More info:

Qwel is an underground rapper, originally from Chicago, Illinois. Qwel is also the co-founder of an underground rap crew called Typical Cats[1], with MC's Denizen Kane, and Qwazaar. Qwel has been featured on interviews and performances on UndergroundHipHop.com. Qwel has had collaboration projects with Maker, Jackson Jones, Meaty Ogre, Mike Gao, Silence, and Robust. His current label is Galapagos4 which was founded partially by Offwhyte.

Review: COD Ova the Stove Volume 3 Cut Throat Records 2009 by Harvey Canal

noreply@blogger.com (-= MT =-) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:05:17 PDT

In hip-hop, there are those fine lines where keeping it real slips into ignorant folly and white rappers can only hope to hold their own next to their black counterparts. Well, South Austin’s COD aka Cash on Delivery is a multi-cultural group poised to obliterate those pre-conceived notions as they advance their own brand of hood rap to new heights of sophistication.

Within city limits, it’s no surprise that COD’s S-Dot won lyricist of the year at 2009’s Austin Hip-Hop Awards show. Cleverly sidestepping the rhythmic cliché’s typically put forth by the brunt of Caucasoid rhymers, S-Dot bobs and weaves his way through lyrical gauntlets fit for only the most skilled of rappers. Along with fellow COD members Mr. Greezo, Tukdagat and Lil J, S-Dot leaves combustible flames in his wake throughout the group’s latest release titled Ova the Stove Volume 3.

Primarily fueled by original production from the likes of Swollendrumz, and Mike Biggs, Ova the Stove Volume 3 is less a run-of-the-mill freestyle compilation and more of a fully realized album that just happens to be mixed by DJ Rapid Ric. Whereas songs including “Wheel Spin” and “In the Kitchen” stick close to formulas indicative of Dirty South origins, others such as “Colleyweed”, “Get Low” and “So High” sound more like compositions RZA would throw together drawing samples from Spaghetti Western soundtracks.

Do overblown topics of drug sales and blatant consumerism permeate this project? Yes, they do. But COD not only expands the limits of the usual thematic repertoire, but somehow even manages to make the same-o sound interesting. COD show staples “Countdown to the $” and “Get Money Season” are not only overt and infectious, but inspiring to boot. There’s just this certain enthusiasm that COD lets bleed through every breath of their music that just can’t be denied.

Review written by: Harvey Canal