New Year's Eve Manners - Plush Bar - Dec. 31, 2005

The Table Manners Crew is throwin' a hip-hop New Year's Eve party at the Plush Bar. I'll be in San Francisco for New Years, but this could be something worth checking out. "Admission is cheap" - don't know what that means, so you might want to call the club and find out. Here's the only info I could google on the Plush Bar - 617 Red River - 512.478.0099

So here's hoping you and your family and friends have a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Years! And always be careful... it can get crazy out there on New Years. So be safe!

Tee Double - KVRX Local Live - Dec. 4, 2005

Just poking around for radio stations in Austin that play hip-hop and I came across a performance that Tee Double did for KVRX 91.7 FM. Did anyone catch this?!? Looks like they haven't put up the recording yet... but I'll be looking out for it definitely!

So going back to what started all this... Austin radio stations that play hip-hop... I've recently had several requests for this... I don't really listen to the radio... just rock the ipod... so it's proving difficult for me to suggest to other what stations to listen to... I only know of a couple that are solely hip-hop... Hot 93.3 and Beat 104.3... any others?

Iced Out 2 - Karma - Dec. 10, 2005

Clean looking flyer! If you're looking for something to do this Saturday, might check this party out. Party's thrown by Southern Komfort's Kunal M.

Never been to club Karma before, but looking at the site wow!

KARMA Lounge provides a unique atmosphere not available anywhere else in Austin. Located two blocks away from the world famous 6th Street Scene, KARMA escapes the frenzied and crowded atmosphere of most destinations, while still retaining the energy and excitement for which the area is known. Providing a truly enjoyable experience with plenty of seating, KARMA has a style all its own that has to be seen to be believed. From the soft, relaxing tones of the Shag Room, to the sensual enlightenment of the Candle Room... KARMA is an experience to remember.

Souled Out - Motive 807 - Dec. 3, 2005

Wow! Cool flyer... and looks like a cool show! So from what I can tell... starts off as an art and apparel show with DJ's at Motive 807 which is a shoe store. The afterparty then moves to Plush. Only wish I didn't have prior obligations.

In the words of a friend... "Too many good times..."

Sqratch Karnival 4 - Studio 35 - Dec. 2, 2005

Sqratch Karnival, this looks like it'll be alot of fun! If you like yourself some Technics... vinyls... and some scratching... this seems like the place to be. Never been to Studio 35... couldn't even find a website on google... but atleast the address is on the flyer... hope it's easy to find! Won't be able to make it since I'll be in H-town for the Big 12. So if you go, tell us all about it.

Respect The Mic Tour - Caribbean Lights - Dec. 1st, 2005

Haven't heard any of these guys... (anyone know about these guys... please chime in) but hey if you're looking for something to do this might be worth your time. There might be a cover, but I've read that it shouldn't be more than $10. You might want to give them a call before going. I'll lookup more info on the acts and update this post later.

DJ Spinay - Zero Degrees - Nov. 22, 2005

Looking for some pre-thanksgiving day hip-hop festivities? Might try checking out this slew of dj's at Zero Degrees.

I'm currently chillin' in H-town doin' the fam thing... so hopefully ya'll can tell me about it...

Here's a description off of Forbidden Rhythm:

"Forbidden Rhythm is a collective of talented and motivated individuals who have a sum of over 20 years of experience with the party, radio and production scene. While we might not all be blood-related, the love of music courses through all of our veins and enables us to to achieve a common goal together. We all have different talents, and we help each other develop new ones. That's what sets us apart from other entertainment groups. The different styles and infused ingenuity call for a level of musical understanding unrivaled by many other groups."

Chuck D - Paramount Theatre - April 25, 2006

I know it's a long ways away... but didn't want to forget it... Chuck D is coming to town as part of the KLRU Spark Lecture Series.

Description from Spark:

In this moderated panel discussion, rap artist Chuck D and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Leonard Pitts will discuss culture, social issues and race. University of Texas professor and author of Hip Hop Matters, S. Craig Watkins will lead the conversation.

All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue.

As the founder of Public Enemy, Chuck D. is one of the most colossal figures in the history of hip-hop. Since the late '80s, he has crafted music with a message. As part of Public Enemy and as a solo artist, Chuck D has released more than 10 albums and has become an outspoken advocate. He is also a respected voice on the American cultural landscape and hosts a weekly show on Air America Radio.

Leonard Pitts is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and authority on black America and popular music. Since 1994, Pitts has penned a syndicated column of commentary on pop culture, social issues and family life. He recently wrote an article that captured national attention entitled The Rap Against Rap: It Celebrates Ignorance. Pitts' work has appeared in such publications as Musician, Spin and TV Guide.

Talib Kweli - Stubb's - Nov. 13, 2005

Bummer! Just looked on Stubb's website to check for tix and here's the quote, "The official statement is that Mos Def is suffering from exhaustion, is under a doctor's care and is unable to perform." Hopefully, Talib and et. al. will still be performing and tix are now $15! Which is awesome!

So get better Mos, we'll miss you and come back soon!

Nobody Leavin' - Antones - Nov. 17, 2005

Austin's own, Bavu Blakes, is having a music video premiere on Nov. 17 at Antones.

Also on the ticket is h-town's own Devin the Dude from Rap-A-Lot Records.

"When it comes to consistently producing critically acclaimed rap albums, Rap-A-Lot recording artist Devin the Dude is certainly in a class by himself. Defying the stereotypic criticism that Southern hip hop lacks musicality, wit and just plain old lyrical skill, Devin the Dude’s lyrical skills combined with his silky laid back flow continues to win more and more fans with each new record."

Live Underground Hip-Hop Show - The Whisky Bar - Nov. 14, 2005

So it looks like Nasty's has some competition for Monday night hip-hop...

Live Underground Hip Hop... Killathon, Maxwell Cavasier, Clemits, MSG, Uderus, DJ Notion

FREE SHOW!!!!

This will be the first show at the Whisky... and seems like it will repeat every Monday... so it'll be worth checking out.

Supreme Clientele - Tambaleo - Thursdays

New gig at Tambaleo (one of my favorite places in town) on Thursday nights. Looks like it'll be interesting!

Looks like they'll be playing a whole range of music... what is motor booty funk? I guess I'll just have to find out.

Here's some more info from StarsignDesign:

I am starting a new weekly at Tambaleo under my "party-rocking" guise, The Lord Imperial along with J. Angle (aka The Young Adorable). We aim to move your butts and shake your soul. Music heard will be a suave mix of funky beats ranging from electro, rock, hip hop and old schoolness. Dancing and sweating is heavily encouraged.

You can get an audio taste of what to expect, by listening to the "Rock The Radio" mix.

Enter the 36 Chambers - Plush Bar - Oct. 29, 2005

Looking for a hip-hop halloween?

The B-Boy City Ninja Clan will be rockin' the floor at Plush. With DJ Tats, Nerdy Harry, DJ Digg, and Kunal M. on the 1s & 2s. Also on the mic will be Zeale 32 and Nonsince.

With a flyer like this... it should be good fun...

Make sure you wear your hip-hop kung fu outfits.

I'm sure Romeo and the gang will be tearing the floor up... break dancing in their Shaolin gear.

And shout out to his bro Ernesto (Ernie)... get well man.

Rosa Parks, 1913-2005

Just wanted to take a moment to honor Rosa Louise Parks, the mother of the civil rights movement.

The pic was taken from the Apple Site. I was pleased to see they've put something up in her honor.

Hopefully Austin will have events commemorating the significant life of Mrs. Parks. I'm sure our fine city will. If anyone knows of any events scheduled... please post.

Tony Touch - The Parish - Oct. 25, 2005

Another... and last free show brought to you by Scion... yup... the car company... featuring Tony Touch... Awesome 2... and local DJ's... DJ Mel... and Inverse...

Don't know how critical it is... but it's recommended that you RSVP at the Scion site.

For those who don't know who Tony Touch is... he's one of the best freestyle mixtape DJ's... I was first introduced to him when The Piece Maker came out... awesome!

Go check out the show... what the hell... it's free....

Just had to do it...

Being from h-town... i just gotta say... Go 'Stros!

Getting restless... rumblings from the streets

The other day I saw this post via austin.metblogs.com. It's a message to the editors of the Austin Chronicle:

Dear Editor,
No disrespect but I don't see how the Chronicle can go week after week of not covering rap music. It's kind of funny to know that hip-hop music has some of the biggest albums every year but you wouldn't know that people listen to rap if you read the Chronicle. And I don't mean doing another feature on Overlord, Bavu Blakes, or some other UT co-op performer. There are real hip-hop Austin artists and producers with styles that are definitely street, groovy, and jumping. Your reporters just have to know who they are and where they at (and no you can't find them on Sixth Street). I have the scoop. I'm in the business because it's the music I love and I'm tired of Austin being overlooked by Houston when it comes to talent in the rap category. I sent my last CD in and even dropped one off personally for Christopher Gray and didn't get a call back, interview, nothing. And that's cool if the paper doesn't want to cover our music. But at least be up-front about it. Austin, "Live Music Capital of the World but No Urban Music."

Gabriel Williams

Just maybe we are on the right track...

Lyfe Jennings - La Zona Rosa - Nov. 15, 2005

Recently I was introduced to Lyfe Jennings. And Wow! His music is raw and fresh... just genius! So just days after listening to his CD... I was pleasantly surprised to see that Lyfe would be coming to Austin and playing at La Zona Rosa.

Here's a blurb from the VH1 biography on Lyfe... I love this story:

He only had a month of freedom before he was on-stage at the famous Apollo. He was booed when he walked on-stage with an acoustic guitar but when the Apollo audience heard his gritty falsetto and lyrical songwriting they were swayed. Swayed to the tune of five amateur night victories in a row.

Brannen Temple’s BLAZE, Bavu Blakes, D Madness, Soul Expression feat. Mirage - Flamingo Cantina - Oct. 22, 2005

Definitely worth checking out! At the Flamingo this Saturday, expose yourself to some of the local acts throwin' it down. Support the locals... especially in Austin... the music capital.

Here some info from the Flamingo:

A fantastic bill that pairs the most musically progressive combo Austin has to offer in BLAZE with its most prominent local MC, Bavu Blakes, as he launches a new live combo that I’ve heard smokes. This show would be best described as a progressive hiphop show. Two old school mcs with new live outfits bookend the best jazz group in austin. Ain't no better way to spend saturday night if you're into the funky stuff. Also worth mentioning: the one and only D-Madness is performing w/ Bavu.

Damian "Jr Gong" Marley - La Zona Rosa - Oct. 27, 2005

So the other day a friend of mine sends me an email "guess what? i actually like a rap song! \"road to zion\" by damian marley feat. nas. have you heard it?"... this just brought a huge ass smile to my face... she's a lovely girl... but doesn't have a flippin hip-hop bone in her body... and that's fine... to each his own... so I guess it took a Marley for her to appreciate a track with Nas on it... maybe this will be the beginning of something... ;)

So Damian's coming to La Zona Rosa on the 27th... should be a great show... I've liked the latest cd alot... my favs are Pimpa's Paradise, Beautiful, and Road to Zion... find more information about the show here...

Legendary Hats

Shameless plug here... but I'll get to it at the end... So with Houston rappers blowin' up like mad... with the likes of Swisha House, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug... lest us forget The Geto Boys... and Scarface... and all those I'm too lazy to name... how come not more rappers from the South sport the cowboy hat? so this'll probably destroy any cred I may have... if I even had any... haha...

I can only think of two guys who sport this bitchin' hat... Chingo Bling and Cowboy Troy... neither of which I've listened to in any extent...

I would think being from the South... there would naturally be more fusion of the two... I just think it's an amusing thought... don't take me seriously... like I said this IS a shameless plug... Legendary Hats... participate in the fusion... :)

Mos Def & Talib Kweli - Stubb's - Nov. 13, 2005

The internet's going nut's! Mos Def and Talib Kweli are coming to Austin! As part of the Breed Love Odyssey tour and sponsored by Sony Playstation, Jean Grae and Pharoahe Monch will also be accompanying them. Stubb's hasn't yet posted the concert yet, but be on the look out. More to come... updates will be posted... stay tuned...

Ghostface Killah - Emo's - Oct. 22, 2005

Dude the Killah is coming to town! Will be at Emo's, Sat. Oct. 22nd... Gotta go check the show out! More info can be found here.

As one of the original members of the seminal '90s rap crew the Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah (aka Tony Starks) made an impact before he released his debut album, Ironman, late in 1996. Like all members of the Wu-Tang Clan, the rapper used the group as a launching pad for a solo career, which was assisted greatly by other members of the Clan, particularly producer RZA.

DJ Jazzy Jeff - The Parish - Sept 27, 2005

Remember DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince! Oh back to the old school... one of my favorite shows... :) Well DJ Jazzy Jeff is coming to Austin on Tuesday, Sept. 27th @ The Parish... more info here... the RSVP is full... but when I went to the Qbert show there was an RSVP also, but no one checked once you got there... so... I'm thinking you can just show up at the door... if they deny you... maybe you can slip the bouncer a little somethin' somethin'

The Livest Texas Rap Show - Fri., Sept. 16 - Antone's

Damn! I said DAmn! I can't believe it's been a week since I've last posted. Believe you me I did not intent for that to happen. I guess shit happens... or actually life happens... so actaully it's only been 5 days since I last wrote... I don't really count Fri.-Sun. since I was in Vegas for a bachelor party and didn't have access to my laptop... lame excuse... but let's see if I ever go more than 5 days again... bound to happen... but f*ck it...

So I've known about The Livest Texas Rap Show for awhile... just didn't post it... so here it is... details in the pic... also here... seems like it'll be a good show... but unfortunately I'll be unable to go... headed off to Brussels to eat some Mussels and fries... heard they are the best there... so please post your comments after the show and tell me how it was...

Disclaimer

So I just wanted to throw a disclaimer out there since I will start writing some reviews. Music is very personal and subjective. Please do not take what I write seriously... most of the time I am full of shit. I am NOT a professional musician. I did play violin for about 5 years. I dabbled with the recorder, chimes, and some other stuff here and there. Currently my violin sits in the corner of my house collecting dust... and it's stringless. I am NOT an expert in the hip-hop scene. I believe that I know more than the average joe, but if I were in a trivia contest with Sway I would definitely lose. I do try to follow what is going on with the scene. Some of my favorite rappers are 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G., Rakim, Nas, Common, Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, and Ludacris. I wonder if those qualifications are just as good as any others. So I throw my feelings, emotions, and personal views into these reviews in hopes that they are of some benefit to someone.

Smokeless

A little late, but last Wednesday we crawled over to Tambaleo for some Krunkaoke. It was the first day of the smoking ban in fact they got a scrubbing by some greenies... to be honest... it was actually pretty nice... breathing was easier... clothes smelled clean afterwards... until they let you smoke the good stuff... the smoking ban might not be such a bad thing...

not many people that night... but it didn't matter... the waitress serving us was banging... and everytime she takes your drink order or serves you, she always seems to be posing... damn... :)

there was a steady stream of people going on stage... and most were good... which was a bit disappointing... part of the appeal of going to Krunkaoke is that you can sit back and laugh at the people too drunk to realize that maybe they should think twice about what they are doing... nevertheless... it was a good night... then we went back home to violate our own smoking ban...

Lounging Around

Ended up at the Lounge tonight... witnessed Tee Double and MC Overlord... BBoy City was there as well... it was a good night... hot girls... finally purchased the Tee Double CD... I'll listen to it tomorrow and let you know what I think... it should be tight from what I witnessed tonight... let me know what you thought about the Lounge tonight...

So tomorrow night we're planning to hit Tambaleo for krunkaoke... it's always a good time... hope to see you there...

Gettin' funky and lucky

So I forgot to mention that Saturday night, after the Del Castillo concert, I ventured over to Tambaleo to chill with some friends and listen to a funk band... I'm ashamed to say that I don't know their name... so if anyone knows... holla at me... going to Tambaleo reminded me that I just read an article lately that later this year they'll be tearing down that building to throw up a new condo... I'm gonna miss it... anyways not going to dwell about it now... just go to as many krunkaoke nights as possible... :)

So the current plan is to check out the Lucky Lounge tomorrow night to see Tee Double and Overlord... hope to see you there... should be krunk...

Charlie Rose

Cool... so I'm a regular viewer of Charlie Rose on PBS... and flipping through the channels I came across the rerun of an episode with Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and Jay-Z... awesome!

Tee Double

After much searching on Google... my neck hurts, I should really use a desk rather than my couch... anyways... I came upon this article... about Tee Double... an Austin's original hip-hop artist... I'm currently listening to "Feel the Vibe Extended" from his website... you can find the link in the link's section... not bad... he also has some up coming shows I think I'll try and catch... I'll keep you informed on which ones I go to... I'm planning on heading down to Waterloo Records today... when the freakin' heat dies down and see if I can find his CD there...

Customary First Post

So this is prob. a trite and unnecessary post as all first post are... but I tried looking for a forum here in Austin, TX (ATX) where I could find the latest information about the local hip-hop scene... and guess what... couldn't find one... :) This all started because a few friends and I went to the DJ Q-Bert show last Saturday at the Sky Lounge... now that was tight! So I started wondering if there were any sites online to tell me where the shows were... no luck... so getting sick of going to the Red Fez every weekend... I figure there must be some other joints in town... I already know of some hot scenes around town... Monday nights at Nastys... Wednesday nights at Tambaleo (Krunkaoke)... and of course the Fez... so come at me with something fresh... and my promise is I'll try to keep this going...