Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Dirty Doomsday

Playing host to yet another bad ass Austin based event, Come and Take It Live   (https://www.facebook.com/comeandtakeitlive/) continues to make their mark on the Austin music scene at the place to see and be seen.

Located on Riverside Dr in South Austin, just mere blocks from the hustle of the down town music scene sits this landmark of a venue.

As you pull up, the giant neon lit sign begs you not to know where you're at! Depending on the event, the parking can go from "Bad ass spot." to "Holy Fucking shit...get an Uber!" Outside is a very nice little seating area for smoking, conversation, and some good eats from the food trailer there. As you walk in the door you are greeted by a very nice divider that displays some of Texas' awesome history and an awesome piece staring you in the face. To your left, the club opens up to a large U shaped bar and the stage farther back against the far wall. There are 3 different areas to view shows; from down in front on the floor, a second level by the merch and sound booth, and then a loft - VIP area with its own bar.

This particular night Come and Take It was hosting an event a few months in the making and what seemed like what the rap/hip hop community seemed to be needing - Some validation.

George Vondoom vs Smackola

The artist thirsting for the title vs the lifetime acheivement

The rapper building brand and fan base vs The Brand not a band with fans that defy boundaries

I can make this very short, but probably won't. What I can say is this should simply be left up to those lucky people in attendance.

It was two completely different shows. There was no battle. The style of Vondoom and the style of Smackola are simply on two different planes. I will not go into the genre stylings between the two. I will just go to the performance.



Vondoom (https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeVondoom1/) had a performance, artistic piece of his show set. The long intro with the mysterious figure and his dog. The epic entrance from Vondoom and into his set he went. The whole set, overall, was more of an artistic expression. Either you got it, or you didn't. But what he did do was keep the eyes turned towards him as he plowed though each of his songs in his 45 minute set. He was like a man possessed.





















Smackola (https://www.facebook.com/SmackolaDWZ/) came out on stage, checked himself in the mirror and then just threw down. He was the man called out. He was the champ. He didn't have to prove himself, he simply had to to entertain. He did. This was not an artistic set. It was the "I'm gonna come out and do my damn thing!" He did. But remember this is a different style, beat and tempo. It can't be compared. Just can't.







Depending on your expectation and your personal preference and taste  one would suit you better than the other.



Yeah Smack is the lifer and has built a brand from his band. The fans have a name, his music has the heart and soul of that old school rap, with the new world edge.



But Vondoom, 20 years in the game persistance, polishing of the craft, and some kid is gonna by knocking on your door.

I will qoute both of these damn fine artists and performers...nah..I'm gonna steal the remark.

If this was a Rap battle

The City of Austin Texas, the fans of hip hop, and all those in attendance were the winners.




Laters


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Three Beers and a Whiskey

Debut episode

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=235957970360109&id=180021712620402