MC Overlord - Dirty Dog Bar - January 18, 2008

From the ... department... MC Overloard wrote in to tell us about his dope show... Revive the Mic Night @ The Dirty Dog Bar on Jan 18th... with himself, MC Overloard, TrayGod and DJ Rapid Ric!

Two of Austin's most notable MC's team up for an epic night of live Hip Hop! Both artists will perform solo sets with a blazing live band and the night will be infused with the sounds of DJ Rapid Ric on the One's and Two's! This is a Hip Hop party A-Town deserves to kick off the New Year! So come out to the Dirty Dog and witness the strength of Austin Hip Hop!



More info:

Overlord is a record NINE-Time Austin Hip Hop Artist of the Year award winner with eight independent CD's currently under his belt. His status as a ground breaker is unmatched. He was the first Austin MC to introduce Hip Hop with a regular live musician line up and have a presence in the rock dominated venues. Known for epic live performances and lyrics that connect, he has built a fan base that extends beyond ordinary Hip hop boundaries. The Austin American Statesman has called him The Godfather of ATX Hip Hop. He remains determined to bring national attention to his adopted hometown.

Overlord is without question the most consistent voice in Austin, Texas Hip Hop.

And keep visiting for all the inside dope.

First Night Austin - Downtown Austin - December 31, 2007

From the what do I do for New Year's department... Check out Austin's Hip-Hop Project with The Cipher and Southwest Key Programs @ First Night Austin on Dec 31st.

“Austin’s Hip Hop Project” - Southwest Key and The Cipher
Young rappers and poets perform original beats and rhymes in a Cipher, a circular formation representing completion, community cohesion, and ideas that have come full circle in thought. The Cipher Youth will be joined by Established Austin Hip Hop artists Blacklisted Individuals, Public Offenders, and the Xblicit Dance Group. www.swkey.org, and www.thecipheratx.org



More info:

Come to First Night Austin 2008!

On Monday, December 31, 2007, you're invited to play a creative role in transforming downtown Austin. The stage will be the city's plazas, parks, streets, storefronts, and building facades. Indoor venues will be settings for a palette of performing and visual arts.

First Night Austin is a public celebration of the arts that revives the ancient tradition of marking the passage of time with art, ritual, and festivity. It is a family-friendly, affordable, and alcohol free New Year's Eve festival. Join us on December 31st and help create a new tradition for Austin that celebrates the culturally rich and artistically diverse place we call home.

Don't be confused by the name of the event. First Night Austin 2008 takes place on the last day of this year, December 31, 2007. We will look ahead collectively to welcome the New Year with hope and optimism.

The Gathering - Karma Lounge - December 27, 2007

From the migraines today department... The final Gathering for the year tonight, Dec 27th @ Karma. It's been a great run this year and props to Notion and all the artists he's been able to pull together. We'll definitely be expecting nothing less in the '08 and be guaranteed we'll be expecting a whole lot more!

Definitely go check out The Gathering tonight and support some ATX Hip Hop!

The 512 - Emo's - December 29, 2007

From the trilogy department... The 512 presented by Nick D and hosted by Lil Mike @ Emo's on Dec 29th featuring all your favorite holiday hit from the Kriminals, Big Dirty, Yung Prodigeez, Pain Killaz, Gutta Gang, Shooting Starz, CTB, Drunken Flows, S.T.R., Bravo & Kee Low, SMC, L.G. All Starz, and DJ Cyborg comin' at ya' the the late and great PIMP C to get you in the holiday mood.

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Hope everyone had a good Christmas... and in the words of my buddy Ebon... May a fat white man break into your house and leave presents instead of an eviction notice! Peace.

Austin Beat Battle - Flamingo Cantina - December 27, 2007

From the sittin' in H-Town wondering what to do next department... Adrian Croom wrote in to tell us about Austin Beat Battle @ Flamingo Cantina on Dec 27th. Beatmaker will battle for the Austin Winter Trophy. Tickets are $5/$8.

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Happy Holidays Everyone!



More info:

Adrian Croom presents the Austin Beat Battle. This is a head to head producer battle that only leaves one beat maker left on stage. If you're an up and coming beat maker who wants to test their skillz against local talent, then this event is for you. This is a monthly beat maker battle that also features local poets, emcees, comedians, djs, and more. If you would like to compete or to find out more then please send us a message.

Lupe Fiasco - Emo's - January 22, 2008

From the we major department... Lupe Fiasco @ Emo's on Jan 22nd... Lupe will be rolling through to promote his new album, The Cool, which was released Dec 18th... the video, Superstar, is the first single off the album and is the video below... the 0-8's gonna be major...

Tickets are $20 and you can get them here.



More info:

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (born February 16, 1982) better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. Prominent hip hop mogul Jay-Z describes him as a "breath of fresh air" in a new hip-hop world characterized by mainstream pop and glamour, a sharp contrast with the widespread lyricism-focused rap of the 1990s, and critics have called him the "hip-hop Generation Next vanguard."[1] His second album, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool, was released on December 18th, 2007.

Lupe Fiasco was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago,[2] Wasalu Jaco is the fifth child of nine brothers and sisters. His father (died February 27, 2007) was an engineer, a prolific African drummer, karate teacher and owner of karate schools and army surplus stores.[3] His mother was a gourmet chef.[4] Jaco went to high school at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois.[5] He started rapping when he was in the eighth grade, but was initially put off by the vulgarity and violent imagery of his father's Public Enemy and N.W.A. records.[2] It wasn't until he heard Nas' 1996 album, It Was Written, at the age of 17 that he began to pursue hip hop music.[4][3]

Growing up, Jaco was given the nickname "Lu", the last part of his first name, by his mother. "Lupe" is an extension of this nickname, which he borrowed from a friend from high school. "Fiasco," he says, "came from the Firm album. They had the song, 'Firm Fiasco'. I just liked the way it looked on paper".

Afrofreque - Sherlock's Pub - December 20, 2007

From the feeling lazy today department... Afrofreque @ Sherlock's Pub on Dec 20th.

Afrofreque to Hold Encore Performance Celebrating Release of Fresh Soul Frequencies Album

After performing for a sold-out crowd during the original launch of the groups debut CD release, Afrofreque will be holding a second event in North Austin on December 20th, 2007.

Reggae soulsters, electronica lovers, and conscious hip-hop connoisseurs rejoice...again! The long-awaited debut release from Austin's favorite groove junkies, Afrofreque, will be celebrated on Thursday, December 20th, 2007 from 9pm to 12am at Sherlock's in Austin, TX. Visit the band's site (myspace.com/afrofreque) to listen to the track Illumination for a sample of the sounds on the Fresh Soul Frequencies album.

Fresh Soul Frequencies, available now at DJ DOJO, features ten original tracks written collectively by band members Tigre Liu, Michael Hale, DJ Resinthol, Claude 9, Fumi-Hito Sugarawa, and John Siebenthaler.

CD's and t-shirts will be available for sale at the show. Sherlock's is located in North Austin at 9012 Research BLVD, Ste. C1. Admission is free for patrons 21 and up.

More info:

Afrofreque’s music is live soulful hip hop, with elements of reggae, electronica, and afrobeat. the lyrics are positive and conscious, reflecting hip hop culture, social issues and just plain having fun.We are an experienced and talented group of musicians. Band members are/have been integral parts of other bands such as: The Killer Bees, Big Game Hunter, Dirty Wormz, Patrice Pike, David Garza, Laura Scarborough, Raggamassive, Futurelight Sound System, Pressure, and Shantytown Underground.

Paul Wall - Club Fuze - December 29, 2007

From the People's Champ department... Paul Wall @ Club Fuze on Dec 29th. Looks like it's the club's grand opening and they're hiring on craiglist. LOL. Very obscure, but if you goto the Club Fuze myspace page and click on "Events", it will tell you that you can buy tickets at the club starting today.

Just some friendly chiding, the guys at Club Fuze should get their act together. I mean first off, is it Fuze or Fuse? Let's get a site up atleast telling people how to get to the party. (505 Neches, Austin, TX, 78701) AND let's tell people about the party! ;)



More info:

Paul Slayton (born on March 30, 1980[1]) better known by his stage name Paul Wall, is a rapper, DJ, promoter and jeweller, originally part of Houston hip-hop group The Color Changin' Click.[1]. Wall is a graduate of Jersey Village High School and studied mass communications at The University of Houston for three years.[2] He is affiliated with Swishahouse Records, having released several albums under the label as well as collaborating with other rappers signed to the label.

At a young age Paul Wall, along with fellow rap music artist and childhood friend Chamillionaire, decided to make music his career. One day while promoting themselves at a Texas event, he and Chamillionaire ran into Michael "5000" Watts, a popular mixtape DJ from northern Houston. After proposing to do promotions for Watts' company, Swishahouse, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall came to Watts' studio and convinced Watts to allow them freestyle on an intro to Watts' radio show on Houston hip-hop station KBXX.[3] Watts, who was convinced to rap on the record, enjoyed the freestyle so much that he put the verses on one of his mixtapes. The freestyle became so popular in the streets that Chamillionaire and Paul Wall became regular staples on Houston's mixtape circuit, appeared on several of Watts' mixtapes, and became permanent members of Swishahouse.

Belo - The Tap Room - December 18, 2007

From the tap dat ass department... belo, a new weekly gig every Tuesdays @ The Tap Room by Richard Henry, DJ Rhythmic, The Percussionist, and promises from Richard that special surprises coming through. No pressure Richard. ;)

A new excuse to drink on Tuesdays, as if you needed another one!

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I was recently at the Tap Room, after it was the Bitter End. The Bitter End burnt down if I remember correctly. Now the Tap Room is part of Six Lounge. It's basically the same. But I don't remember the extra pool room that they now have downstairs, which I think it really cool.

American Drug War - Antones - December 20, 2007

From the hip hop mathematics department... American Drug War movie premiere by Kevin Booth @ Antones on Dec 20th. Performance by The Kriminals, Done Deal, Sane, Southern Made Click, Mash Ent., Throwed House Click, and Texas Young Kingz. Tickets to the show and movie are $10. Get 'em here!

All this and you get Alex Jones as your MC!

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So during my time off, I've picked up a few books to read. One of them is The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham. It is touted by Warren Buffett as "by far the best book on investing ever written." Let's see if I can become the next Warren Buffett. ;)



More info:

35 years after Nixon started the war on drugs, we have over one million non-violent drug offenders living behind bars.

The War on Drugs has become the longest and most costly war in American history, the question has become, how much more can the country endure? Inspired by the death of four family members from "legal drugs" Texas filmmaker Kevin Booth sets out to discover why the Drug War has become such a big failure. Three and a half years in the making, the film follows gang members, former DEA agents, CIA officers, narcotics officers, judges, politicians, prisoners and celebrities. Most notably the film befriends Freeway Ricky Ross; the man many accuse for starting the Crack epidemic, who after being arrested discovered that his cocaine source had been working for the CIA.

AMERICAN DRUG WAR shows how money, power and greed have corrupted not just drug pushers and dope fiends, but an entire government. More importantly, it shows what can be done about it. This is not some 'pro-drug' stoner film, but a collection of expert testimonials from the ground troops on the front lines of the drug war, the ones who are fighting it and the ones who are living it.

After 4 years of production including several sold out test screenings in New York, Austin & Los Angeles, the final version of American Drug War "the last white hope" is locked and loaded.

Soul Lounge - Light Bar - December 19, 2007

From the friend's bday party day after is rough on the body department... Every Wednesdays get treated to the Soul Lounge @ Light Bar... open mic, spoken word, live performances, live band, and so much more. :) Oh and it's Free.

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Happy Birthday Mike! As usual, we hit all the highlights of a Michael party... lots of drinks... missing Ernie... night ending on the can... and good company! Say goodbye to your 20's!

Poise - Whisky Bar - December 14, 2007

From the sucky weather department... The sucky weather isn't going to stop us from listening to some Austin Hip Hop... Poise, Alpha 20/20, and DJ Diamond Tip @ Whisky Bar tonight, Dec 14th. Get out of the cold and into some beverages and hip hop.

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So my last official day at work for the '07, now it's time to do some of the stuff I've been putting off... like eating, drinking... hittin' shows... and some R&R.

Table Manners - Fuego Lounge - December 13, 2007

From the Curry in a Hurry dinner department... Table Manners @ Fuego Lounge tonight, Dec 13th.

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Hungry... time to eat... I wish I could order dinner through the Austin Hip-Hop Store... what an idea!

Spin Off 2007 - Ruta Maya - December 29, 2007

From the check out the Austin Hip-Hop Store on the right sidebar department... Spin Off 2007 @ Ruta Maya on Dec 29th with Meridian Prime, The Fools Inc., The Halo Error, Spin Alley, DJ Trouble & DJ Shoestring and B-Boy City!

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So I'd like to introduce you to the Austin Hip-Hop Store on the right sidebar... it's a PayPal widget so you can be certain that it's safe... as I get more products to sell, I'll add to the store... but for now, check out a couple of the hottest CDs in the Austin Hip-Hop Scene... Great Holiday Gifts!

DJ Shadow - La Zona Rosa - January 18, 2008

From the rational choice theory department... Kicking off our new year on the right beat... DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist @ La Zona Rosa on Jan 18th!

Cool description from the La Zona Rosa website about the show...

Following in the footsteps of their now-legendary "Brainfreeze" (1999) and "Product Placement" (2001) sets, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist have outdone themselves. Their new, all-45 show, entitled "The Hard Sell," incorporates eight turntables and two guitar loop pedals, allowing tricks and complexity rarely attempted by a DJ duo.

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So I just read this great article on Bruce Bueno de Mesquita a political scientist that uses a computer model based on rational choice theory to predict political outcomes. Don't know how accurate the model is, but it's a great read. Check it here, The New Nostradamus.



More info:

DJ Shadow (born Josh Davis in 1972)[1] is an American DJ, turntablist, music producer and songwriter. He is considered a prominent figure in the development of instrumental hip hop and first gained notice with the release of his highly acclaimed debut album Endtroducing....., which was constructed entirely from samples.

DJ Shadow began his music career as a disc jockey for the UC Davis radio station KDVS. During this period he was significant in developing the experimental hip hop style associated with the California-based Solesides record label. His early singles for the label, including In Flux and Lost and Found (S.F.L.), were genre-bending works of art merging elements of funk, rock, hip hop, ambient, jazz, soul, and used-bin found records. DJ Shadow is often cited as a leading creator of U.S. trip-hop, a label he contests. Though his music is hard to categorize, his early contributions were certainly important as an alternative to the voice of hip hop and gangsta rap, scenes that never accepted him. He cited groups such as Kurtis Mantronik, Steinski and Prince Paul as influences on his sample-based sound, further claiming that "lyrics ...were confining, too specific". His music rarely features voices or vocal work. [2].

Although he previously released several original works (during 1991-1992 for Hollywood Records) by the time Mo' Wax's James Lavelle contacted him about releasing In/Flux on the fledgling imprint, it wasn't until his distribution association with Mo' Wax that his sound began to mature and cohere.

He eventually formed the label Quannum Projects in 1999 out of the previous label Solesides.

DJ Shadow has also collaborated with fellow hip-hop DJ Cut Chemist. Together they have created two popular mixtapes entitled Brainfreeze and Product Placement. These mixes fuse jazz, funk, and soul in the framework of a cohesive concept. He has also collaborated with several other artists, including Blackalicious, Zack de la Rocha, Keak Da Sneak, Mos Def, David Banner and Dr. Octagon (also known as Kool Keith).

In 2005, Brian Udelhofen began work on the Shadow Percussion Project, an attempt to adapt some of the tracks from Endtroducing... for a live performance group. The result was largely successful and well-received by DJ Shadow himself.[citation needed]

In 2006, he signed a deal with Universal Records.

Interview: J Biz R

J Biz R (aka JBizzy) of Dented Mindz is soon to be a household name... comin' up in the Austin Hip Hop Scene... We recently got a chance to catch up with him outside of his busy schedule. Thanks for taking the time... here's what he had to say...

Can you give your fans a quick bio of yourself?

I'm a rapper from Austin Texas and founder of my very own production company DENTED MINDZ PRODUCTIONS. I have been rapping and putting together projectz since 2003. Solo and working with other members of my group DENTED MINDZ. I have Produced and written over 300 songs, 8 underground albums. Dubbing my solo music Polar Rap. My style is often that of a bi-polar person. Sometimez I'm friendly/party-party. Sometimez im wicked/sinister. I like to divide the two into separate projectz.

Every Halloween I release a limited amount of my Darker style albums. This year it was the first of the series "The Terror Tapez Vol.I". Available in most Austin Record Storez.

Because I've lived in many different places throughout the United Statez. I've become very versitile, allowing me to have a great sense of adapting to what ever project I happen to be working on.

Which is your latest CD? and how do you think it differs from your previous works?

Actually, I have two that just came out.

First was my Full-length Halloween Album. . . THE TERROR TAPEZ VOL. I

Then on Veterines Day 2007, I released my newest mixtape for free download at www.soundclick.com/jbizr . It'z entitled. . . MIND BENDIN' MIXXTAPE .

20 trackz of that raw rap spillin, hi-jacked beat havin, remix flavor packin freshness!

With every project I really feel that I grow as a Artist. So the Biggest difference is that slowly you see the quality of work inproving.

I look back at old projects and think. . . ... "I can't believe I left it that way!"

But hey, Live and Learn baby! . . ..

What gives you inspiration and how does that transpire into your music?

Honestly, a nice peace of mind. After a couple of bluntz and few drinkz. When all the drama is off my mind for the night. The sound of nothingness kickz in. That shit'z fuckin' nice!!

Now, I'm kind of a workaholic so I eventually start feeling the need to be doing something productive. So I hit the lightz up the studio and get to work. It'z a beutiful thing!

Which artists inspire you the most? and why?

First would have to be Tupac Shakur. Followed by Esham Smith, Insane Clown Posse and Tech N9ne.

I've alwayz admired multiple-style artistz that had lotz of material. It really showz the dedication of a person to have such a volume of music.

What has kept you from moving to cities with larger markets? especially since it's only been recently that Houston has blown up.

Well, I will take any chance to do a show anywhere. If I'm traveling, as long as the price is right! I was actually born in Houston, I go there every once in a while, but I would love to go more often. Shit, if your a promoter, . . .. Hit me up!!

How do you see the scene locally? and where do you see it going?

I see several different campz of artist around Austin. It'z good to see the unity.

They heard of us (Dented Mindz). Might not know alot about us, but we're around,

I'm around. See I'm striving to make this DMz a household name!

People just need to listen out for it!

What is your favorite venue to perform at? and why?

We use to do alot of open mic'z @ the Gatherings back when DJ Notion was having those at Emo's Lounge. I like that place alot. Also Flamingo Cantina on sixth has a good atmosphere.

Can you give us 3 of your most favorite local artists?

Locally. . ...

Bavu is cool.

Jonny Danger rocks some shit. (but I think he just moved to Dallas.)

Dubb Sicks is fresh, (though he never callz a motha fucka back!).

It'z all good though!

What is the best piece of advice that someone in the industry has given you?

"Watch those closest to you."

Straight up!!

And a more light-hearted question: Have you seen a correlation between your level of success and quality of hoes?

Chickz just tend to be hotter when your out on the seen.

I think it all dependz on how you go about handling them. If your just meeting the chick, don't tell her exactly what it is that you do.

If it'z at a show to where it'z pretty obviouse, then just watch all the pretty smilez.

That too is a beutiful thing!

Any parting words?

I just wanna part with these final wordz. . ..

"Watch for the snakez, be like an owl at night."

and as alwayz, STAY DENTED!!!

Crew54 - Flamingo Cantina - December 7, 2007

From the Carol of the Bells department... our boys Crew54 @ Flamingo Cantina this Friday, Dec 7th for their Aggressive Soul release party! Congrats, guys! To ring in the momentous night... The Gyft, Cali Zack, Mike & Ike, Zeale32 and DJ Notion will also be performing.

Check out the latest Crew54 hit, "Keep on Moving", on our player on the right sidebar!

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Pimp C, you will be missed...



More info:

Quickly becoming regarded as one of Texas’ brightest new acts, Crew54 is determined to make their way into the game. Combining raw reality lyrics with soul driven banging beats, G-christ and M.O.S. deliver a high energy product that bumps in your system and will blow you away live in person.

After serving in the Army, G-Christ ended up in Killeen, TX. Using his southern breeding, mixed with world traveling experience, he crafted a lyrical style that is versatile, with the ability to sound natural on almost any type of beat. From east coast grimy to southern bounce, G-Christ is ready to destroy any beat and song concept. MOS is constantly crafting his writing style to connect with the listener on all bases. Having worked with bevy of crews, artist, and producers, the unofficial official MOS catalogue is profuse. It was a natural connection when they met, and that moment a legacy for born.

Young Nick - Karma - December 6, 2007

From the tweet tweet department... It's another The Gathering this Thursday, Dec 6th @ Karma with Young Nick, Shay Boogie, Organized Rhymes, B-Will, The Brain and DJ Notion and Kasanova's Birthday. Happy Birthday!

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More info:

Nick Baynard, a.k.a. “Young Nick”, is an Austin based hip-hop artist and emcee who is quickly on the rise in the area music scene. Nick first started working on his craft over lunchroom battles while residing in Reston, Virginia. Growing up as a military brat, he benefited from moving around the country as he was able to study different styles of hip-hop from Virginia, D.C., Seattle, and eventually Austin. It was when Nick settled in Texas that he decided to concentrate on his own unique music interests and projects. He quickly released two mix tapes, The Campaign Trail and The Inauguration, which enjoyed acclaim at local music stores, all while unveiling his own label, Dirty Politics ENT. Aside from his own mix tapes, Nick has appeared on the From Austin to Boston mix tape, The Kingpen Compilation Album mix tape, and The Formula 512 mix tape which gained much attention in the Austin area by making the Austin Chronicle “Top Ten Best Hip-Hop Releases of 2003.”

Twitter @ Austin Hip-Hop Scene

From the what's twitter department...

I've added a new service to the site, it's called Twitter. You will notice it under the section "Holla" on the left sidebar.

I think this will be a great service for all.

For artists and promoters, you can post and share the latest news on shows,
music, thoughts, anything...

For everyone else, you can keep informed on the latest Austin Hip-Hop news
through your cell phone, email, instant message, etc...

Join Austin Hip-Hop Twitter by following the link below...

http://twitter.com/emptyonline

Give it a try, have fun with it...