SXSW 2011 Music Teaser: Das Racist, Binary Star, Black Milk, Talib Kweli and more...

So it's that time of year again....everyone that owns a pair of tight jeans has once again descended upon Austin, as they do every year around the second or third week of March. SXSW usually boasts some great hip hop, and this year is no exception.

I'm really stoked to see the Brooklyn collective, Das Racist, on Wednesday. Any act that can speed up Billy Joel's "Movin' Out" and make it the beat to a Hip Hop song is ok in my book. These guys are playing about 3-4 times, I plan on catching them on Wednesday at Speakeasy.




Pontiac, Michigan lays claim to a once looked-over click that goes by Binary Star, who have recently reunited and are again playing shows. There is little known about this crew other than their swan song, 2000's Masters of the Universe. There had been past speculation the 1/2 of BS, One Be Low would continue making solo material without the help of Senim Silla, as Be Low cited creative differences. It seems that if these two have decided to yet again hit the stage and give it another go, lucky for us Austinites, these chose SXSW to showcase their comeback.




I'm currently sitting at Halcyon coffee bar, getting ready to hit send on this post, and then go check out Das Racist at Speakeasy!! Yes, Wednesday has come. I also plan on seeing Black Milk, who's nearly heir to J Dilla's throne, and word is Talib Kweli is playing sometime this week as well. Also just heard that DJ Premier is doing a set before Binary Star plays tomorrow. This is like the holiday season. I just caught a really cool trio of MC's called the UPPERCLASSMEN. tons of energy, really fun crew of younger kids from Brooklyn. Now that I'm in the thick of it, it's time for me to do my 'thang, as they say.

More to come...

-Marty.

Hot Tracks of the day: Atmosphere "The Best Day" b/w Blueprint "Keep Bouncing"

The first Hot track of today comes from Minneapolis' own Atmosphere. This cut can be found on the double EP To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy. Really great piano riff that has a faint but yet powerful Doo-Wop feel gives this track an unmistakably original sound, as only Ant can do. The video is a great photo montage of Atmosphere and some of the great Rhymesayers' crew on tour. It looks as if this video/song was made as a sublte tribute to Mikey (eyedea) Larsen, who passed away last year.




Rounding out today's Hot Tracks brings us another member of the prestigious Rhymesayers crew, Blueprint. The seminal track off his new offering, Counter Cutlure, due out in April. Bombastic Akai-drum machine tracking shines through as only Blueprint can do. The last I looked into Blueprint was his record 1988 which contains the classic raw indie cut, "boombox". Looks like he's still ripping through tracks and making some of the most original hip hop music around.

The Rhymesayers label pulls no shorts when it comes to the talent they sign and the records they put out, I'm always excited to see what's up and coming on an already packed roster full of unassuming and idealistic talent.

Both acts are pulling into Austin in may, with Atmosphere headlining. I am more than hyped for this show. See y'all cats at Stubb's!

-Marty.