You ain't Know?

WELL NOW YA DO!

MC Overlord (http://www.overlordmusic.com/) has been wrecking the live music scene in Austin for a hot minute. The players he has walked with are stellar. The list of musicians he has influenced, worked with, performed on their stage, our shared his with, is mind blowing. He is humble about what he does and how he does it and he defends his friends, musical compadres, and the music scene with an  attitude and vigor that gives people a reason to be scared. A decades worth of music awards and a lifetime achievement award under his massive arms gives you a reason to pause and listen when he speaks, musically or literally.

The new, WAY over due disc by MC Overlord - 'You Ain't Know' (available on all platforms) is a thing to behold. Better than the rest and a definitive departure from his previous 2 efforts. You Ain't Know may prove to be his crowning jewel. With VMG behind this and a funky attitude and approach to the new music from the Legendary DJ Crash Da Scratcha (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009971946550), it should be a great source of enjoyment for anyone who touches it and listens to it. There is an intensity in this disc that out weighs the previous efforts. I can't put a specific finger on it, but it's there. Now, let me take the approach that you are unfamiliar with MC Overlords prior music, never been to a live performance, and don't know the accolades.

This is a hip-hop CD in it's purest, greatest form. It is head bobbing, in the car, turned up to 11, slipped down low in the seat, hip-hop music! The first time through provides some of those smile inducing moments as you listen. A chuckle for some of the song outros and some of the skits in between tracks. Then you listen to it, again. You play it again, and you listen to it, and again.

The production and the little samples and loops of some OLD O L D School funk reek of DJ Crash. It adds to the comfortable sound, wraps your ears around something that you think you have heard before, and makes you play it again. Then you hear it again, and realize the lyrical content, the storytelling, fun, funky, challenging, and ballsy is pure Overlord. Still and always clean, but a little on the edge of scandalous.

Then you realize the overall polish on the disc is only a finishing touch which is a VMG stamp. The players, guitars, and co conspirators on this disc is ONLY topped by a live performance.

I purposefully and willfully am staying away from talking about the individual tracks. I have some definite favorites and a couple that make me scratch my head. I can appreciate the talent that pours out of the speakers from everyone involved in making this one finally drop. I hope you enjoy and put it in your rotation.

If you haven't seen him live, and don't have a previous disc, the last line is simple to write..















YOU AIN'T KNOW!!!
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/mcoverlord3
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-aint-know/id1218637312




Laters

How do you HipHop

This is not just a post about a performance, but a little sneak peek behind the scenes of the Austin Hip Hop Awards (AHHA). I am very proud to have been behind the scenes and part of it as a contributor.

So here is a quick insight to the process. The decision was made on what dates were to be included for the award nominations from the prior year to current. The link was then opened up to nominations for each of the categories. Once the nominations were closed the next step was to sort through the nominations for what was legit, and what was shit. Some clowns out there just made up stuff as a nomination - not a real group, performer, or even part of hip hop or Austin. Once all the bogus stuff was tossed out this is where the committee I was on came in.

We had the task of setting up what would go out to the web for voting. For example, did the nomination qualify in that category? There were a lot of one off nominations to be sorted through for validity and worthiness. The committee was diverse with some having video production skills, writing and lyrical skills, performance skills, and media skills. We also had to kick around the fact there was talent in Austin that didn't get a nomination, but deserved the respect of being on the ballot. Any of those nominations had to be vetted by all of the committee and agreed upon to be added. There were websites, videos, and songs to sort through....and we all did our part. This was a massive pain in the ass. This was a labor of love as the committee was not compensated for our time, effort, or knowledge.

After all of our final deliberations were done and turned in the voting lists were created and went live.




Moving forward a few weeks to the awards is were it all came down and this is my specialty. Helping unpack the awards and get things set up was when I had a sneak peek at the winners. NOPE! I did not see them all, but I did see some. That was some pretty exciting shit.

NOW, let me talk about the night of the awards itself and the 11 performances. From solo performers to group performances. There was spoken word, a rap battle, and a DJ battle. It was pretty damn much everything you would want and expect, and EVERYONE was dressed to impress!

This was also my first time at The Vulcan Gas Company (https://www.facebook.com/VulcanATX/) which is located on 6th St. I loved the Steampunk theme of The Vulcan Gas Company. There was a great stage with a riser, a large dance floor, and a DJ booth tucked away in the corner. There was also a very large bar that provided service 360 degrees as you entered the venue. The service was good, but would have been better if the one female bartender with the stick up her ass wasn't having a bad night, otherwise it was great bar service. The upstairs area provides nice seating, another bar, and a great view of the stage and riser downstairs. I would really like to check out The Vulcan Gas Company again...either with a live band or just to grab a couple of drinks at in the future.

As for the entertainment of the evening, it rolled very smooth. I will litter this post with my criticism, as well as my suggestions (same thing I guess). But this is what I want to do for the success of something that is good for Austin and the Austin music scene. First bitch and gripe about the AHHA, it started to damn late...like doors at 9ish and first performance around 9:30. Damn son...not all of us are young cats with no job on Monday morning!

None the less, Dante Maurice  (https://www.facebook.com/TheDanteMaurice) was a last minute addition to start the awards show and he was perfect. His voice and flow was just right to set off the evening. It was worthy of mention and worthy for the awards.

The next two artists up were Big Tree and Bigg John of East 35  (https://www.facebook.com/Bigg-John-Of-East-35-113463072100418/). The both performed seperately and were very stylistically. Bigg John was different enough form Big Tree it felt like almost a duel as they were back to back performances. The crowd cheered and stayed in the moment.

There were several awards given out and here is where another piece of criticism lands. I was hoping and thinking (and looking back, I agree with myself) there should have been presenters. The distribution and announcement of the awards was handled by the President of the Austin Hip Hop Awards himself, George Corbin. I am just thinking I wanted a little diversity  - either the artists giving out awards to other artists - or even special guests. My suggestion for the next upcoming awards show.

G-Flame performed at this point. I can't comment on the performance aspect because I simply do not remember the performance. Sorry, BUT Anya with the Cake Project stormed the stage and lit up the crowd. It was a stellar performance by all of these women. What I do know here is the stunner performance of all of these women was Lady Shacklin (https://www.facebook.com/LadyShacklin/) DAMN! Her rhymes and flow was electric. The overall performance of all was outstanding and flowed mercilessly through our ears.

After a few more awards we had Krypol Haze (https://www.facebook.com/krypolh/) get onstage. Here was another performance that was so bad ass..it was just mesmerizing. With an almost hypnotic video projection going on behind him, Krypol Haze just rolled us up the crowd and lit the fire. With all of the performances of the evening, here is the one which absolutely stood out to me the most. I really look forward to seeing him again soon and doing a whole set.

NOW after the previous artist did his thing, here was the halftime show PERFORMANCE. I did not have any idea of what was happening and had no forward knowledge of this performance. George Vondoom   (https://www.facebook.com/jeanyus.corbin) came out and did a stunning performance piece. Wheelchair, sledgehammer, costume, and all the theatrics. Even though the mask muffled some of the vocals, it was not about that. It was about the whole crowd taking a step back and giving out a collective"WOW!" Good job G, this was worth the whole night right there, to me! AND THE NIGHT WASN'T EVEN OVER!

Ndeo The Blindsider (https://www.facebook.com/NdeoTheBlindSider/) hit the stage next. Although this may have been a tough spot to be in, following the previous electric performance, Ndeo hit the crowd hard, like a heavyweight champ, with what he had...and what he had was great. Here is another artist I look forward to seeing around Austin again!

Another piece of criticsm for the performances of the night. The musical performances overall, could have been kept to two songs only. This would have allowed for more time to celebrate the achievements of the winners and what they won for!


SpokenWord AB  (https://www.facebook.com/SpokenWordArtistAB) came on stage, and before a hushed crowd, opened our minds, peeked inside, and collectively blew our minds all at once. A stellar spoke word performance indeed!

One of the two battles of the night happened next. With no microphones, two minutes each x 3 rounds - David Coleman (https://www.facebook.com/david.coleman.39501) and  Foolish Karlito went toe to toe. As thrilling as the rap battle was between these two men...it was only the smallest of things that made one man stand out. David Coleman dished out some verbal hits in the first round, taking the won like a bull. But he stumbled at the end of round two when he repeated the same lyric to close out the two minute round - oops, giving it to Foolish Karlito. With what would seem like a tie battle going into 3... the most shocking thing happened during David Colemans two minute finale...someone in the crowd was repeating his battle rhymes in the same time and tempo as he...WHA WHA WHAT the fuck! Apparently this was more rehearsed, used up old lines, than it was a battle responding to the opponents verbal jabs ... Match ... Set ... Point ... Foolish Karlito takes the win!

And finally...to end the night an EPIC!!!! The DJ Battle between DJ Crash  (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009971946550) and DJ Dbest  (https://www.facebook.com/Dabest1out). This was as exciting, ripping, spinning, cutting, and crazy as you would expect...until DJ HellaYella cut in and BAM! it was all done then.



I leave these words and sentiments. It was a great evening. It is something the city of Austin should be proud of and embrace.


Laters

To the Wormhead in you

This is more than another post, this is a heads up. If you are in a band and you are trying to move to the next level, you will want to follow me on this.

I did a blog post about The Dirty Wormz at Spinners Live a while back. I believe it was actually for Smackola of The Dirty Wormz supporting a new song and the newly produced video starring Boxing champ Roy Jones Jr. (http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2014/03/spin-this.html).

This post isn't about becoming a fan of The Dirty Wormz (although you should) it is about Smackola of The Dirty Wormz approaches, believes in, and sells The Dirty Wormz brand (http://dirtywormz.net/).

First about the performance. Spinners Live (https://www.facebook.com/spinners.live.73) is located on the Southbound side of IH 35 as you are entering the Austin City Limits from the north. Unassuming and located in a little micro strip mall, if you don't GPS it and don't look, you will miss it. The venue contains two sides, the sports bar & grill, and the live side - for parties and live shows. The live side is pretty much a long rectangle. The bar is immediately on your left when you walk in and runs a third of the way down the wall. There is a stage immediately to your right when you walk in door that takes up the majority of the short end of the rectangle. As you look all the way down the venue, it is pretty much open with a mix of tables, chairs, and sofas spread out and along the walls. The bathrooms are located all the way to the back.


This night onstage brought 2 openers and the headliner, George Vondoom and Nubia Emmon. With Special guest, DJ Versus keep the crowd entertained, The Dirty Wormz know how to do it.

DJ Versus (https://www.facebook.com/djversus512) had the lights going, the video projection, and of course, the music. Once the house music switched off and went to DJ Versus, you could tell the vibe changed in Spinners Live. From everyone standing around kind of ho hum, to everyone now moving...we had waited long enough. It seemed like DJ Versus was doing the video music, as the projections looked to be the artists videos. Spinning a wide variety of tracks from old school rap to brand new cuts, everyone was getting ready. I thoroughly enjoyed the mixing and fill that DJ Versus provided. However I did have one gripe. It was also echoed by the bartender that I was hanging out with...why all the PG versions of the songs. The show was 21 and up, but it appeared the tracks were either edited or radio versions. It wasn't bad at all, it was just very weird not to hear Jay Z tell us he had 99 problems but a       ain't one. I will assume there was a reason. Otherwise i have always said, play to the crowd, play for the crowd.

George Vondoom (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010396653591) was the first act up. The two guys rolled right into their set with a very interesting intro. It was attention getting for sure. The crowd looked like they were into his set and there definitely appeared to be more than a few fans in the house. If I have to criticize, I have to. With the crowd enjoying the set, it seemed off by just a little. Nothing that I saw anyone around me getting pissy about. It was a fast set and there was no bullshitting around on this.

I know there is a talent in writing and performing the music, but when you are singing, rapping, or playing over your own track, even with a live mic...it seems like a let down to me. The unfortunate truth is I know the huge amount of work it takes to put on a live production, with that, I give George Vondoom huge props.

Nubia Emmon  (http://www.nubiaemmon.com/) was the slam dunk moment of the night. I knew something was up when when local super producer Ter'rell Shahid (https://www.facebook.com/terell.shahid) was in the house with his beautiful wife. Nubia Emmon was a stunner with her voice and to the edge of the stage performance for the crowd. Although she sang to tracks, she definitely did it live. There was nothing to hide here. It was all voice. The crowd new it and felt it. The stunned silence the crowd stood there in was only broken by there swaying back and forth. It was a mesmerizing performance.













When I saw Ter'rell after this performance. I exclaimed with eyes wide open and jaw gaping "You knew about her?" With no words, Ter'rell simply nodded his head yes and smiled a very big smile. Son of a bitch, what a smoking hot find in Nubia Emmon. Go see her preform and wrap your head around this woman doing it with a live band...and there are only a select few players that could back this girl well!

The Dirty Wormz (http://dirtywormz.net/). What can I say about this band that I haven't said before...probably alot. So let me make this quick. On the rare occasion, The Dirty Wormz are to appear with a full band...it is a MUST SEE production! Like several other bands here in Austin, this group is balls out, 'Top of the Food Chain' (https://youtu.be/bbAg_-ELjsQ). Sorry for the corny ass reference, but if you haven't seen them live, you don't know and you don't get it. So you need to get it!

This performance was with the core members, Smackola, DJ Crash, and Mr. Swift. The lights, the performance, and the music. Here is where I start preaching to anyone and everyone reading this that is in a band trying to make a name for themselves. This shit was rehearsed, rehearsed, and then rehearsed again. This was not a rehash of every performance they have done for 20+ years. It was a new mix, a new set list, and just new. Take note, listen, and learn.

Here is the summary of what I mentioned in the intro. I will be doing an interview with Smackola very soon. This will be an Epic interview and will be released in several parts. The discussion will range from the state of the Austin music scene today, where we see it going, what you the fans and the players can do. We will also discuss brand and image. THIS, my friends, is what can make you. Local, national, world wide! Listen to the worm and learn.











We will start promoting this video very soon. Watch for it. Until then












Laters

Crash into this

Spinners is located on the edge of Austin,  your last stop before you leave weird and land at the rock. The bar consists of two sides,  the bar side with an outside deck, and the lounge side - set up for private parties and live music performances.

The bar side does have a small stage as you walk in the door, immediately to your left. It opens into a large room with the bar to your left and the outdoor patio to your right. There are plenty of TVs around for your sports watching pleasure. If you walk all the way through, the bathrooms are to the back.

The 'live' performance this particular evening (and check the schedule because I believe he is here most Saturdays) was DJ Crash. Yes! THAT DJ CRASH of Dirty Wormz fame. It is live for what he does and how he does it. 

Crash has been a fixture and part of Austin music legend for damn straight on 2 decades. It isn't the length of time, but his ability. Not really untouchable, but he commands respect. Being good and in demand is one thing, but to cross music genres as a DJ that does more than rap, hip hop, but also metal.

Tonight he was straight entertainment. Impressive at keeping the beats and the music entertaining for the crowd. Skillful in not taking your conversation away from you and your friends, but bad ass enough every few minutes to make people in the crowd look up. Yes, I heard people say 'DAMN!'

If you have to, or want to hire a DJ, do you want Pandora or someone that can control the crowd. Bring them up, bring them down. If you want your money on a man who can entertain and be invisible, but be the center of attention on demand...DJ CRASH.

Just stop by Spinners, look him up, find him with the Wormz, and feel good.

Laters

Written with extreme prejudice and a challenge and a dare. I challenge you to be daring!

Save for the wicked

First time to see a live music performance at Elysium (http://www.elysiumonline.net/) on Red River. Unassuming outside with a cool little fenced off area out front to host the smokers and a haven away from the crowd and sound inside. Inside the front entrance it opens into a large room with the bar dead in front of you, dance floor with DJ booth and stage immediately to your left. Plenty of lounge seating scattered all around. They even have a couple of pool tables in a far off back corner.

The stage hosted the 'Hunger Pains Tour' this particular evening. With a whole list of talent that started about 8 and ran all night. All of the local MC's and rappers mounted the stage one after another early on. Celebrate the Villain, Travis T w/Candace, Nemesis the Lyricist, Syko Sickness, and then Smackola of DWZ. Most of these opening bands were rappers trying to cut their teeth any way they can. Being on the opening bill of this tour is definitely a check mark on the resume of life.

A lot of the lyrical content for each of the groups were about the same. Smokin weed, fuck the police, damn the man...horrorcore. I will tell you what was attention getting out of each of them.

Celebrate the Villain (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Celebrate-The-Villain/147913665250995) are a duo with some smart lyrics. Not necessarily the filth lyrics of new, but intelligent, real, and watch out for the black helicopters. The actual vocal duo was really clean and damn near flawless with the back and forth between them.

Nemesis the Lyricist (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nemesis-the-Lyricist-aka-Grim-Reefer/181781925240856) did his thing on stage. I believe he did a song called addiction or addicted that was pretty righteous.

Travis T w/Candace (https://www.facebook.com/travistyatx) The rhymes and the flow were about the same here BUT from the young lady on stage, it was fuckin bad ass! It was unexpected, catchy, and she was really damn smooth. Worth checking out again in my book.


















SYKO Sickness was the youngest of the guys on stage. Putting down his rhymes with no fear was pretty cool. I would like to see this MC get battle worn, get his head up, and put it out for every one. Do that shit right at the front edge of the stage and call people out in the audience with your rhymes. Can't wait to see him worn, torn, ripped and ready the next time.

Smackola DWZ (https://www.facebook.com/smackola) w/DJ Crash (https://www.facebook.com/djcrash.dirtywormz) finished off the set of local Austin talent with a BANG BANG! Without a doubt, still the pinnacle of Austin Rapcore! The founders and originators. Your favorite rock bands rock band! Even as a solo project this man and this duo is long lasting for a reason. The lyrics, the music, the stage presence and the command of the audience! Every young rapper and MC that was in the house this night should have been standing dead center of the stage and taking notes on everything this man did and does. Don't be an ass or a fool, The DWZ is here in Austin because of a love for the city. The contracts will come and go, but for a pound of flesh, Smackola will not sell his wicked soul!

The awesome part of the 30 minute solo set this evening...the fact that it was about an hour long. When the promoter is smart enough to leave you on stage because you have the crowd going, then damn the man, keep going!

The Hunger Pains Tour officially kicked off with -
G-Mo Skee (https://www.facebook.com/FunkMasterFilth) In what G-Mo Skee terms Filth, G-Mo commands the audience. G-Mo plays to the anger in all of us, you hate the rich, you hate the government and you "hate that f*ckin b*tch ex". Getting the audience to sing along to his chorus lines was not funny or scary, but it sure was damn freaky to see everybody so entranced by his lyricism.

G-Mo Skee even through out the challenge to have some local MC's come on stage to do a cypher. Cool and impressive for him to give up part of his stage time for this. Even better when it just creates who whole other level and element to the performance. Check out the video of the cypher here http://youtu.be/iI4xGVY8zxI



Dirtbag Dan (https://www.facebook.com/DirtbagDan408) came on stage and did his thing. A surprising apparition on the stage. Rolling through his set and keeping the few hardcore fans on the floor entertained . It was as much as a private show could be, for a public touring show, as I have ever seen. Dirtbag Dan was the irreverent Damn the man persona that I expected. Clear, concise, funny, and pissed off all at the same time made for a damn good set.

Kung Fu Vampire (https://www.facebook.com/kungfuvampire) blew my away. Knowing of him from the video with Smackola (Save my Wicked Soul) was my loss. My win is seeing him perform live this evening. I really didn't know what to expect, but the PURE musical part of this was complete badassery! It was a performance piece without the stage theatrics. Damn straight that I have been watching his videos and streaming his music. He made a new fan here in the ATX and I will make damn sure I bring any and all with me the next time Kung Fu Vampire performs here!

Unfortunately for me Wrekonize was not scheduled for my part of the evening as I had to bail. My bad Craig.


Laters

Spin this

Spinners Live and Spinners Bar & Grill (https://www.facebook.com/spinnersliveaustin) is located on the IH 35 sb access road, just south of Wells Branch Pkwy. The bar and grill has an outside patio and inside has a small stage for a DJ. The whole bar has a lot of wood and definitely has that feel of a good ole country bar. Just that style. They do have a menu, but I didn't order from it this evening.

On the other side, right next door, is Spinners Live. The entry way is set up well, for checking id or collecting cover, and then you step into the venue. A decent size room, long bar to the left, stage on the front wall next to the entrance. To the back are some hi top tables and the bathrooms. The space closest to the stage has some alternative seating (a couple of chairs and sofas).

The bar staff, security, and even the manager are all very cool and approachable. Only heads up here is staffing on a busy night, but with the couple of cute bartenders, they did a good job of keeping up.

The first group onstage was TRZAN of Hustle Hard Mobb (https://www.facebook.com/robert.ramos.927?fref=ts). With hard hitting vocals and a back and forth between Trzan and his nephew, it was what you would want and expect for your fix of rap from the 'Citaay'. The surprise here were the special guests. Mixing up the vocals with the female guests was pretty bad ass. I will say I have never been a fan of so many DAMN people on stage you can't tell what's going on, BUT if that adds to the energy and excitement for you...check them out!

I don't always miss bands and sets, but this night I had to step out on the second act on stage. Having to wait outside with paparazzi for the main event, star attraction, special guest to show up, ate up an hour of time. Sorry guys, hit me up for your next show.

This night was for Smackola of the Dirty Wormz and special guest, the One and only Roy Jones Jr. Roy Jones Jr was special guest as we were all celebrating the release of Smackola's video 'Shattered Stone'. The new video features Roy Jones Jr as the male lead, check it out here (http://youtu.be/d6StM4Uiy-M)

Props to the staff at Spinners for handling the grand entrance of Roy Jones Jr and Smackola in a very cool manner, literally. A walk through the bar and grill, lots of photos, and then sneaking the stars of the night into the club via a walk through freezer...cool, very cool!

This was my first opportunity to see the solo project of Smackola. Onstage, with special guest Mr Swift and DJ Crash, Smackola leaves his blood, sweat, tears, and even bares his soul for your entertainment. It is powerful, intense, exciting, and absolutely NON STOP! It seems crazy that this man is not a rap demi God. Whether you are into rock or rap, it is undeniable that Smackola (with or without the Wormz as a whole) is definitely 'Top of the Food Chain'.

There is also something to be said for the artist/musician/performer who has the balls to get down off the stage and down in the pit with the fans.

Ending the night with some words from Smackola about his 15 year friendship with Roy Jones Jr was nice. It was AWESOME hearing from Roy Jones Jr and his take on Smackola and his graciousness toward Austin for making it a memorable night. All in attendance were treated to a performance by Roy with Smackola. Check out a video clip for part of that here (http://youtu.be/3zQdT7XngaQ).

All said and done, this night proves that there is always a great place to hang out and ALWAYS great music to find!

Laters