MC Overlord - All I Want for Christmas is a Black President

From my 2 front teeth to a Black President department... MC Overlord & DOS tell it to us straight up, no bullshitting, check out their latest single, All I Want for Christmas is a Black President!

Does that scare White peeps?!?

Austin Beat Battle - Karma Lounge - October 30, 2008

From the Vote however you like department... Austin Beat Battle & The Gathering @ Karma Lounge on Oct 30th! Competing producers J-Tigg, Galactic, Da Bosnian and Mr. Willis and then performing Tha Pharmasis, Super Smash Brothers AND your DJ's Notion & Aspekt fill those awkward silences!

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Have you voted yet?

The Mutated & Straight Outta Hell Show - Flamingo Cantina - October 29, 2008

From the I'm speechless @ <--- that department... The Mutated & Straight Outta Hell Show @ Flamingo Cantina on Oct 29th staring Dubb Sicks, Painkillaz, GrimNasty, J-Biz-R, Crew54 and Brokebread!

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Dude what is <--- that?!? Is that Furby on crack?!? Happy Halloween & don't do crack!

Crown City Rockers - Emo's - October 28, 2008

From the I Voted! department... Crown City Rockers @ Emo's on Oct 28th!

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Wanna say props to Open Labs for the great event, the Beat 'N Treats Music Festival, this past weekend. They definitely showed a glimmer of what the event could become. Hopefully we'll see it again next year, but without the fighting or atleast capture it on Ustream. :)



More info:

Crown City Rockers are a five-member hip hop band from Oakland, California, by way of Boston, Massachusetts and Pasadena. Formerly known as Mission:, they play old school inflected hip hop music with live instrumentation, citing influences such as A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, KRS-One and De La Soul. They are currently working on their upcoming album 5 Gold Stars.

Beats 'N Treats Music Festival - Mohawk - October 24-25, 2008

From the getting caught with your pants down department... Open Labs hosts the Beats 'N Treats Music Festival @ Mohawk this Friday and Saturday, Oct 24 - 25th!

The list of artists is insane and this isn't all! Recorder, Mickael, DJ Veedub, Rattletree Marimba, CTRL, Bavu Blakes, Fiction, The Beautiful Supermachines, CockVanDyke, Ginsu Wives, Aciable, Androids of Ex-Lovers, Salero, Shriner Threat, El Paso Heist, Hot Pentacostals, Blackolicus, Salesman, Lovebones, Perfect Strangers, Epicene and more.

There's a beat contest where you can win a gold plated Neko!

And a costume contest!



More info:

Catering to the growing urban music scene, Open Labs will be hosting a two-day music event titled "Beats 'N Treats Music Festival" at the Mohawk venue on October 24-25, 2008. The two day event will feature live bands and a beat competition called the "Gold Rush Beat Competition," in which the winner will receive an Open Labs NeKo LUX encased in a 24-karat gold chassis. The instrument is worth over $24,000, and is Open Labs' most expensive instrument to date. The competition will be held on the outside stage of the Mohawk for both days, with running times of 5 pm to 2 am on Friday, and 2 pm to 2 am on Saturday. Local Austin MC Dru Fay will be the masters of ceremonies. The inside stage will feature live bands and DJs throughout the event.

AHHS Mobile - October 21, 2008

From the Hello Moto department... So the Google/T-Mobile G1 launches in about 20 hrs. And people are already receiving in their snail mailboxes their pre-orders.

So since I'm too cheap to buy an iPhone, I chose the Google Android mobile platform to develop Austin Hip-Hop Scene Mobile!

Although far from a finished product, it is definitely usable. This will be an iterative process.

I have many ideas for where to take it. However, I want the scene to chime in with what you would like to see! Just email me at emptyonline@gmail.com!

Vote = Voice - Historic Victory Grill - October 20, 2008

From the I am not President Bush department... Vote = Voice : Hip Hop 4 President @ Historic Victory Grill on Monday, Oct 20th!

More info below...

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Since everyone is endorsing their candidate of choice this weekend, Colin Powell, Austin American Statesman and Houston Chronicle, Austin Hip-Hop Scene wants to say that we endorse Barack Obama! We like everyone else were to pussy to say until it was absolutely certain who is going to win.



More info:

'HIPHOP 4 PRESIDENT'
COME VOTE EARLY AND CELEBRATE WITH US

WHERE: VICTORY GRILL 1104 E. 11TH STREET

WHEN: OCTOBER 20, 2008 5PM-MIDNIGHT(1ST DAY OF EARLY VOTING)

WHAT: VOTE EARLY AT THE CARVER LIBRARY/MUSEUM AND THEN PARTY WITH US(1ST DAY OF EARLY VOTING)

PERFORMANCES BY: BAVU BLAKES, BLACKLISTED INDIVIDUALS, LAS KRUDAS,DENVER, BREAKFAST CLUB CREW,DJ HELLA YELLA, CASINO,LEON LYRIC DAND MANY MORE

VOTE EARLY AT THE CARVER MUSEUM(ROSEWOOD/ANGELINA 4 BLOCKS AWAY) AND THEN PARTY WITH US. HIPHOP REPRESENT!!!!

New Austin Hip-Hop Scene Logo!

My awesome friend Ellen Wong, an awesome graphic designer hooked me up with a bad ass new logo! Good riddance to the shitty ass logo I cooked up one night on my Ubuntu laptop with Gimp. Austin Hip-Hop Scene now has a new look!

M.O.P. - Flamingo Cantina - October 19, 2008

From the Joe the Plumber department... If you're seeing your retirement disappear like the diarrhea covered toilet paper flushed down the toilet, go see a free show by the recession proof Scion! M.O.P. @ Flamingo Cantina on Oct. 19th with Connie Price & the Keystones, Percee P and DJ Haul!

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Man how many times did McCain blink last night?!?



More info:

M.O.P., short for Mash-Out Posse, is an African-American hardcore hip hop duo. The duo, comprising Billy Danzenie and Lil' Fame, are known for their angry, aggressive delivery. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they had some minor mainstream success in the early 2000s with the songs "Ante Up" and "Cold As Ice". The group has frequently collaborated with DJ Premier. Fame sometimes goes under the production moniker Fizzy Womack, and has produced on several M.O.P. releases as well as three AZ albums, Cormega's Who Am I?, Termanology's Da Cameo King, Big Noyd's Illustrious and the St. Da Squad mixtape.

As childhood friends, Bill Danze and Lil' Fame grew up together in a rough section of Brooklyn known as Brownsville and were members of a neighborhood gang named Mash Out Posse headed by Fame's older brother, Big Mal. With a desire to express themselves through rap, they formed a group named after their gang. Originally, Fame was the DJ of the group. With encouragement from Big Mal, Fame began to write his own rhymes.

Dwele - Dirty Dog Bar - October 19, 2008

From the sprung, boing! department... Dwele and Tje Austin @ Dirty Dog Bar on Oct. 19th hosted by Bavu Blakes!

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Man, this show came at the perfect time. Honestly, I've been feelin' a little ghey these days. So what is the litmus test for determining whether you are sprung or just horny? Maybe they're one in the same. ;)



More info:

Dwele (born Andwele Gardner) is an R&B and soul singer, songwriter and record producer from Detroit, Michigan.

Dwele grew up in Detroit, listening to such Motown artists as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and jazz on the radio. Dwele began honing his songwriting skills at the age of ten, after his father's murder outside his home. He also attended Detroit's Cody High School. After briefly attending Wayne State, he left college to pursue a more informal education while working for the American Automobile Association.

His demo tape, The Rize, generated interest, and he subsequently began collaborating with hip hop group Slum Village and Bahamadia. Dwele's debut album Subject was released in 2003 through Virgin Records, and his second album Some Kinda... followed in October 2005. Dwele was recently nominated for a Grammy, as was uncovered by Jada Thompson in an interview for FLASH magazine.

Dwele has recently left Virgin Records and has signed a new recording contract with Koch Records. His first release under his newly adopted family will be his third studio album entitled 'Sketches of A Man'. The first single off of this project 'I'm Cheatin', is currently making the rounds on radio and the web.

J Biz R - The Oaks - October 17, 2008

From the slutty Palin department... Thanks to J Biz R for the heads up! Hell At the Oaks @ The Oaks on Oct. 17th!

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I'm getting excited about Halloween! Every year there's a hot costume that everyone wears. Well everyone knows this year is gonna be the Presidential & VP candidates. Prematurely, Bavu already sported his Obama mask at ACL Fest. I'm sprung to see all the slutty Sarah Palin's this year! I'm putting in my order for the Sarah Palin Sex Doll too and telling Dubb Sicks to do the same!

Devin the Dude - Emo's - October 17, 2008

From the Mays Gilliam == Barak Obama department... Devin the Dude and the Coughee Brothaz @ Emo's on Oct. 17th!

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Watching Head of State, is it just me or does it eerily resemble this election season? ;)



More info:

Devin Copeland, better known by his stage name, Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip hop artist, best known for his exceptionally unique rapping style, and his long career signed to Rap-A-Lot Records. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."[2]

Copeland started out as a member of Odd Squad, 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 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).

In 2008, Devin ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records because the label failed renew his contract.[3] Later that year, Devin signed with indie label Razor & Tie.[4]

Screwed Up Click - Spiro's - October 10, 2008

From the my 401K is now a 201K department... Screwed Up Click @ Spiro's tonight, Oct 10th!

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I wished I had money to go see shows! Property value crashed! Stocks crashed! 401K crashed! Windows crashed! Then the fools at AIG are taking my money and partying it up at some resort.



More info:

The Screwed Up Click, also known as S.U.C. is an assortment of rappers from Southside Houston started by the late DJ Screw. After appearing on numerous screw tapes and spreading their name throughout southern hip hop, they have become well respected and have earned a proud reputation. Despite the deaths of several members and the incarceration of others, the S.U.C. continues to represent for Houston and remains a strong presence in the southern hip hop scene.

The original members of the S.U.C. include DJ Screw himself, Kay-K, Lil' Keke, Fat Pat, Big Hawk, Big Pokey, Botany Boyz, Big Jut, Big Moe, Z-Ro, Lil' O, Trae, Dat Boy Grace, Southside Playaz, Lil' Flip and E.S.G..

Since then, members have left while others like Woss Ness (Big Steve, Big Bee & Mistah Luv), Big Mello, TowDown, Point Blank, Yungstar, Wood, and Al-D (DJ Screw's brother) and others have joined. In addition, Lil' Troy, UGK and South Park Mexican are considered "Screwed Up Affiliated". 3rd Ward/South Park is the group's place of origin. In 1999 they released the "Block Bleeders" compilation. In addition to this recording, the numerous members have all played a significant role in the hundreds of DJ Screw mixtapes to filter out of Houston during the 1990s.

There is also a number of Screwed Up Click members most people never heard of cause it was not limited to rappers. Many others were S.U.C. that ran the streets. Included, Baytown, .380 & Big Country.

Zeale - Karma Lounge - October 9, 2008

From the you're stupid department... Thanks to Anirak for the heads up! Check out The Gathering this week with Zeale (still wondering what the 32 meant and now why it's dropped), Promise Pseudo, OT23 and DJs Notion and Aspekt @ Karma Lounge tomorrow night, Oct. 9th!

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Man, I must be PMSing today! Everyone is just stupid today and talking gibberish. Thank goodness for lunch, that was the only time I was normal today. Hanging out with like people talking about McCain tickling Obama's asshole and giving him the shocker! Lunch at Korea House is always the best!

Wet T-Shirt: Big Dirty's B-Day - Dirty Dog Bar - October 11, 2008

From the it's all good department... Wet T-Shirt Contest: Big Dirty's B-Day @ Dirty Dog Bar this Sat., Oct. 11th! Yeah it's all good! I don't even care who's performing!

If you know someone who wants to win some easy money... call Big Jumbo @ 512.786.0396 to enter the Wet T-Shirt Contest!

Actually why don't you just send me your wet t-shirt picture. ;)



More info:

A wet T-shirt contest is an exhibitionistic beauty contest that typically features young women performing at a nightclub, bar, or resort. They have traditionally been a staple of college spring break celebrations at locations such as Daytona Beach and Cancún.

At the outset of a wet T-shirt contest, participants generally wear white or lightly colored T-shirts, usually without brassieres or other garments beneath. Water is then sprayed or poured onto the contestants' chests to make their T-shirts turn translucent and cling to their breasts. Contestants may take turns to dance or pose before the audience, with the outcome decided either by crowd reaction or by the opinion of judges.

In more risqué contests, participants may tear or crop their T-shirts to expose midriffs, cleavage, or the undersides of their breasts; may go topless or even fully nude; or may kiss and fondle each other in displays of simulated lesbianism. These contests are sometimes filmed and distributed as a form of softcore pornography.

Interview: Ray Sr.

We recently got a chance to sit down with Ray Sr. who just put out his debut album, 5 In 5 Out. Read on to find out how the penitentiary shaped his life and his music.

AHHS: Can you give your fans a quick bio of yourself?

Ray Sr.: At age 18, I was sentenced to five years in prison. At age 23 when I got out of prison, I started recording some of the rhymes I wrote in the penitentiary. I started getting serious about music so I moved to Austin and went to school for it. Now in 2008 I’m on top of my game and I just released my debut album 5 In 5 Out.

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

Ray Sr.: This is my first official album but the songs on the album are different from songs I’ve made in the past because I mixed it in a professional studio and had it professionally mastered by Glenn Schick Mastering…those are the same people that master other pros like Ludacris, Akon, etc. Because I invested a lot of time and money into this album, I have high expectations for this project.

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

Ray Sr.: I’m inspired by real life struggles and that’s what keeps me grindin’ em out. This album is a reflection of my life and real life situations that everyone can relate to…I’m really just expressing my range of emotions that I might feel on any given day. Some days I might be sad than a muthafucka – other days I might be like “fuck the world” – other days I might feel like rockin’ in the club – and other times I might feel socially conscious - and all of that is me…5 In 5 Out.

AHHS: Which artists inspire you the most? and why?

Ray Sr.: Tupac Shakur because he was the realest cat I ever heard. He spittin’ about real life situations and rappin’ about a lot of the same problems that I was going through at that time in my life. He made you feel like he was making that song just for you.

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

Ray Sr.: I feel like Austin is a hidden gem and the market isn’t over saturated yet, which means there’s plenty of room for everyone to grow.

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

Ray Sr.: Right now, I don’t think the Austin Hip Hop scene is what it could be. But I don’t think the artists are to blame…it’s the major radio stations and clubs that aren’t backing the local artists the way they should be. You’ll catch twenty indie rock shows every night of the week in any part of town – but you only catch a hip hop show ever so often. But at the same time, I think Austin hip hop fans are partially to blame too because they don’t go out and pack the venues to support the local artists in the same way rock fans do.

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

Ray Sr.: I think Zeale 32, Dubb Sicks, and a lot of the Shawn Dell artists are doing their thing right now.

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

Ray Sr.: One of my teachers told me that if you act like a pro, people will treat you like a pro. Meaning, you’re going to have to spend some money to get that pro sound…whether it’s beats, mixing, mastering, whatever.

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

Ray Sr.: No…but my baby mama thinks I’m sexier.

AHHS: Any parting words?

Ray Sr.: Check out my website – www.LifesOnTheLine.com – to get free ringtones, wallpapers, and music downloads. You can get the album, 5 In 5 Out, online at www.LifesOnTheLine.com. It’s also available at Waterloo Records, Music Mania, and Sundance Records in San Marcos. Visit my myspace and add me as a friend, leave a comment, and don’t forget to check out my blog at myspace.com/TheOfficialRaySr.

The Roots - The Backyard - October 12, 2008

From the Biden/Palin fight! department... The Roots @ The Backyard on Oct 12th with Gym Class Hereos and Estelle!

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I'm so sad that my home girl, Gwen Ifill, broke her ankle. But she's a trooper and is going to kick ass in the Vice Presidential debates! Don't let that ankle hold you back, grrrl! Also take it easy on my MILF, she's fragile!



More info:

The Roots is an American hip-hop band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are famed for a having a jazzy, eclectic approach to hip-hop which includes live instrumentation. Their debut album was released in 1993 and they have collaborated with a wide range of artists from different genres, including Roy Ayers and Cody Chesnutt. The Roots have garnered critical acclaim and influenced many rap and R&B acts.

The group's original lineup was formed in Philadelphia around 1987.[1] They began to do shows around Philly and in 1992 or 1993 left to perform in Europe. They rented out a flat in London and performed in Europe for approximately one year. In order to sustain themselves financially, The Roots released what would be known as their debut album: Organix. The album went on to sell about 150,000 copies. Following the release of Organix, several major record labels offered deals and the band signed with DGC Records, which at the time was better known for its grunge music releases. With their new record deal, the quintet headed back to the states.