News from The Aztext

The Aztext have been steadily raising the bar on Vermont hip hop, and along with The Loyalists, they've elevated our scene to a national level. Their last album, The Sacred Document, was truly impressive and packed full of just plain banging songs. They also raised the bar for guest appearances: the album featured Mac Lethal, One Be Lo, and the super-dope but under-rated Rich Mo.

They're also really down to earth guys and true fans of hip-hop culture. When I asked them what they're up to, one of them got back to me right off with this update:

"Right now, we are taking some time off from the live-show scene, to work our recording our third LP. We are at the very beginning phases of getting the record together (gathering beats, concepts...). The lineup will consist of the usual suspects, Dub Sonata, E Train, Touchphonics, Framework, Double AB... but, if everything goes as planned, will have some exciting surprises. We hope to have something by May 09."

They've also got some major news on the way, but I was sworn to secrecy. Get psyched, though...I will say that much.

The Loyalists -- Redemption (2008)

THE LOYALISTS -- "REDEMPTION"

1 Maximum
2 Gasoline
3 Third Strike
4 Machine Gun Alley
5 All In A Days Work (feat. Louis Logic)
6 Denora Hill (feat. Melinda Wiggins)
7 Endurance (feat. The Aztext)
8 Sunday School
9 Loyal Theory
10 Compatible Opposites (feat. Planet Asia)
11 Impulsive Wandering

Like I've already said, every single track is a gem. This is a truly impressive piece of work, and I highly recommend this if you're into quality lyrics and beautiful production. Or if you're into classic boom bap hot shit. Or if you're into progressive hip hop that pushes boundaries and innovates. It's that good.

You can also get Redemption on iTunes, but I myself don't use that evil shit.

The Loyalists are currently in San Francisco doing shows and building their rep. I wish them the best in 2009, they've put in more than enough work. Once again: Buy the album right here.

News from Rhythm Ruckus

I was flattered and happy to see that I'm quoted in the very first sentence of the Rhythm Ruckus bio on their myspace:

"Rhythm Ruckus has been called "the closest thing to Slayer that Vermont hip-hop will ever see." From an inauspicious complex nestled in the abdomen of Vermont's lush green mountains, Dr. Caucasian and Scribe1 dispense serrated infotainment from the barren, shrieking maw of Generation Dead. MSNBC's "Current Magazine" says "their gritty, experimental music represents a re-emergence of raw, socially conscious hip-hop." Their new LP, due in early 2008, is a sprawling meditation on rural existence, confusion, rebellion, depravity, joy, and ruin. It includes guest appearances from Kool G Rap, Vast Aire of Cannibal Ox, Sticman of Dead Prez, Cottonmouth TX and Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the United States of America. Their last gig was a sold-out hometown show."

Also, Scribe1 has a free EP out called "I'm Leaving You for Hawaii" -- apparently my dudes haven't discovered mediafire or winzip, cuz you can download all the individual tracks, not the whole album at once.

Also, something's going on here with Judas Booth. Time will tell.

VERMONT HIP HOP IS BACK

I'm sorry I was gone so long! Blame the Navy.

Here's what's been going on since I left: first and foremost, The Loyalists have a new album out and it's nothing less than FUCKING AMAZING. Caps lock, swears and all. Every single track is a gem. Hardly anyone in hip hop makes an album like that. I'm sure Loyalists would like to be known as Cali hip hop now that they've left Vermont but we'll always know where they started from, and they're still the best music VT has ever produced.

I'll be doing a whole post on their new album, with links to buy it, in the next couple days.

I was also extremely impressed with the Algorhythms EP, which is Wombaticus Rex emcee Thirtyseven collaborating with Boston-area producer (superproducer?) Dr. Quandary. This was an experience: I had myself a sizable joint, sat down and gave this my full attention, and it's still in heavy rotation three weeks later. The lyrics are out of control and Quandary is on some outerspace funk shit with this EP. Very, very tasty music -- and it's free.



Of course, the new Aztext album has been out for awhile, but it's stood the test of time. I still bump The Sacred Document all the time, especially ROLL CALL. I wake up to that jam!

I'm just getting back into the swing of things, trying to reconnect with people...what's up with Rhythm Ruckus? I'm always worried that my favorite acts are going to retire. More updates coming!

IF YOU'RE DOING HIP HOP IN VERMONT, GET AT ME. Let me know what you're doing, let me know about upcoming shows. Again, I'm really sorry to get this started off and just let it die, but I'll stick to it now. Vermont needs this and I'm sure not giving up the name to someone else.

PEACE!

e

Egon's Vermont Hip Hop Top 10

1. The Loyalists. I'm willing to admit most of this list is only opinion. But you're crazy if you don't agree that The Loyalists have set the bar for Vermont Hip Hop. Nobody makes tracks as good as these guys right now. myspace.

2. Rhythm Ruckus. Still my favorite Vermont Hip Hop act. These guys are insane to see live, and they'll be playing at The Tinder Box in Brattleboro on November 16th. (All Ages, $5, go see for yourself why these guys kick ass.) myspace.

3. The Aztext. I've given these guys props before, they have their business game and live show down better than 99% of hip hop, period. They will be celebrating the release of their CD on November 24th at Nectars. myspace.

4. Nastee. Makes beats, holds down VT Union, has occasionally dope verses, apparently he's a mixing engineer, too. Definitely one of the main entrepreneurs holding down the Vermont scene. myspace.

5. Burnt MD. Another busy, busy man. Burnt MD has been bringing Burlington some of the best hip hop it's seen in years, and it's been huge having the hip hop acts come DOWNTOWN instead of fucking Higher Ground, home of the $10 jack and coke. Everyone owes Burnt MD a thank you. myspace.

6. Wombaticus Rex. They might never release an album or get their shit together, but I still love their tracks, which are all given away for free on their website. Wombaticus Rex will also be at the Aztext CD Release Party on the 24th. myspace.

7. Tha Home Team. Hip hop is a live art form, and every time I see these guys, the crowd is going nuts. They always have high energy, even if I can't understand much of what they're actually saying sometimes. Hadi has a ton of great rhymes, too, and definitely steals the show on the mic. myspace.

8. Kahlagh. Best producer in the state, by far, and somehow hardly anyone works with him. Don't know what the deal is there, but if you've been sleeping: please stop doing so. myspace.

9. DJ A-Dog. Vermont's own skateboarding sneaker freak super DJ celebrity, if you don't know about this guy you're living in New Jersey. And even then, you should have heard of him. myspace.

10. Fuck a #10. I just wrote this to stir some shit up, only a couple cats have even acknowledged that I'm doing this site, and I'm doing it for you. If you have a problem with this list, let me know. If you dig it, let me know. Thanks.

-e

Witness comes to Burlington, November 7th

I checked out Pennsylvania artist Witness recently -- and hot damn, the kid is good. He's coming to Burlington on Wednesday the 7th, but unfortunately he's playing at Kriya Studio, which is one of the most amateur venues in Burlington history. I'm writing this in hopes people go out to support him anyways, because his music is worth listening to. He will be playing with local fixtures 2nd Agenda, and the show is apparently free.

Honestly, it's really hard to tell what is going on, based off the Kriya Studio website, which actually lists the show at "Whitness" -- which has to be one of the funniest typos of 2007. GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER IF YOU WANT TO HELP THE SCENE.

Neighborhood Returns to Club Metronome for Halloween

From good old Lotus Entertainment, a Halloween party in downtown Burlington featuring the return (as far as I know) of Neighborhood, a group featuring Manus, who's been a local fixture since forever. Also featured: The Odd Couple, described as "2 DJs on 4 Turntables", and Echonomix. 21+ gets in free if you're wearing a costume...and why wouldn't you be wearing a costume on Halloween?

New Album from the Loyalists:

I have no information beyond this promo image -- once I know what "Coming Soon" means, I'll let y'all know. But I think anyone who knows them can agree, any news from The Loyalists is good news.

A Very Dope Vermont Graffiti Gallery

The best part of vthiphop dot com is definitely their gallery of Vermont graffiti. If you have pics, you can submit them to graf@vthiphop.com -- and if you just feel like saying thanks, leave 'em a comment.

The Aztext, Granite State & The Alchemystics @ Club Electra, Lebanon ,NH

The event is billed as the Fusion Sneaker Party & Fashion Show, and the bill includes The Aztext, NH legends Grantite State, and The Alchemystics, who are definitely one of the most polished bands from Boston these days. Fundamental will be giving away free copies of their new Mix CD to the first 100 people at the door.

GTD ILL SESSIONS: Tonedeff & Pack FM (!!!) October 25th @ Nectars

If you don't already know, one of the most amazing live shows in hip hop is none other than Tonedeff and Pack FM. It's on par with Edan, Insight or Count Bass D -- there's a lot of good rappers, but few who are such well-rounded performers and fewer still devoted to honing SKILLS like Tonedeff.

Anyways, that's my take on this show -- ESSENTIAL. Big thanks to Burnt MD and GTD for making this possible in Burlington.

Admission will be $15, and for a show like this, that's pretty damn reasonable. Be there at Nectars in Burlington on Thurdsay, October 25th. The show is 18+, but if you're 21+ you can get advance tickets through the Flynn.

The Aztext Album Release Party: November 24th @ Nectars

The Aztext CD Release Party for their 2nd full-length album "The Sacred Document" will be at Nectars in Burlington on November 24th. Opening acts will include Burnt MD & Network, The Truth, Wombaticus Rex, and DJ Anubus. Miraculously, ADMISSION IS FREE.

HOW THIS SITE WORKS

If you're doing hip hop in Vermont, this site is a PR tool for you. If you've got news about shows or albums, let me know: egon.suskind@gmail.com -- I will be happy to help you promote that here.

I don't book shows and I don't have any idea how that works. I don't have any pull in the "scene," and I can't help your career or get you in touch with anyone. I'm just bored enough to give something back.

New Album from The Aztext: "The Sacred Document"

The Aztext have been hitting it hard for awhile now. It's rare to see a group so focused and clear about their path to success, and these guys are a case study in What To Do Right. They always provide high-energy shows, release high-quality tracks, and they're also polite, generous and outgoing dudes. On top of all that, their business game is nailed down tight: they get consistent high-profile gigs and they've netted a sponsorship with the area's best clothing company, Fundamental.

Their debut album, Haven't You Heard?, featured some impressive guests, like Boston legend Krumbsnatcha, Double AB, and even Lyricist Lounge heavyweight Wordsworth. The Aztext are outdoing themselves for The Sacred Document, however, bringing on One Be Lo (from Binary Star), Rich Mo and Mac Lethal.

There's going to a (huge, essential) album release party on November 24th at Nectars in Burlington. The evening will be hosted by E-Train of the Loyalists, and opening acts include Burnt MD, Wombaticus Rex, and The Truth. Apparently there's a lot of other special guests to be announced -- I'll keep updating this as news trickles out.