GOOD WTHR is Coming

For a long time now, Pro (The Aztext) and Kin (UnKommon) have been quietly putting in work on a new project, GOOD WTHR. There's a ton of studio experience between those two, and they've been polishing carefully in the lab with Nastee.

Based on what I've heard of their upcoming debut LP, Somewhere Shining, it's going to be big, ambitious and melodic boom bap. It's also a heavy, personal album dedicated to the legacy of Ryan Morin, aka DJ BP. They address themes like fatherhood, our fracturing society, and of course, coming to terms with loss. There are some outstanding guest spots and hooks, too.

We're almost exactly a month out: Somewhere Shining will drop on December 3rd. Expect to see a lot more noise on the way.

Remembering DJ BP

As many of you know the music community took a big hit with the sudden loss of Ryan Morin aka DJ BP. Ryan was a past member of The Lynguistic Civilians a long time collaborator with The Aztext and member of the group UnKommon while also serving a DJ for a multitude of occasions around the state. DJ BP had an immense love for music. Not only making it but being a true fan indulging in the inner workings of a song taking appreciation for the most subtle things that most don't pick up on. He had an incredible spirit and positive energy that many were able to encounter through years of performing live around Vermont and beyond. His group UnKommon with his longtime friend and collaborator Kin, recently released their new project titled Back In The Building. Take some time to listen to this album and pay tribute to DJ BP. The Vermont Hip Hop community will sorely miss his presence.

Dec 12th: Masta Ace @ The Rusty Nail, Stowe VT

Vermonty Burns Productions keeps it moving even in the dead of winter: up next, they're bringing Masta Ace to Stowe, VT's finest venue, the (formerly) infamous Rusty Nail. This is a deeply stacked bill, featuring The Aztext, Lynguistic Civilians, BTV newcomers Maiden Voyage, and Crusty Cuts doing a DJ set. (You should know Crusty Cuts from the recent Ler Stevens project, Green Hour.) Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of.

Aug 30th: A-Dog Day Celebration

This weekend is going to be huge. Skate Jams on Church Street, two stages of music at Arts Riot, and very nearly too many acts to actually list.

A-Dog Day is a serious milestone for Vermont Hip Hop -- not this dinky little blog, but the actual scene itself: you and me and everyone we know. (Most of whom are on the bill at Arts Riot.)

This is a celebration of an inspiring human being who left this Earth more than a little bit too soon, and also an opportunity to take stock of the culture he helped grow here. If you're not familiar with A-Dog and his legacy, start here: an excellent Seven Days memorial gathered from his friends, co-conspirators and protégés.

Also: big ups to the homie Miro Weinberger for making this possible.

Write Brothers is Kinda Blowing Up Right Now

First of all, you've heard this, right? If not, fix that...



This single has been legitimately blowing up. The Write Brothers are making waves way beyond the 802, and this is good because they should be. Since being debuted on Earmilk.com, they've been getting writeups with hip hop diehards KickKickSnare, being featured on the Seven Days website, and even landing a spot on DJ Booth.

Still, my favorite coverage so far was this: a long-form interview with Dante Davinci, an excellent read that offers a lot of gems for independent artists. Good strategy is good business.

Agent Slacker: Really Damn Good

I caught these cats last night opening up for People Under the Stairs, who put on one hell of a party at Arts Riot. The chemistry between Humble and Tommy Alexander is a proven winner, but the real revelation is these Loupo beats -- a diverse and ambitious canvas, his style has grown more intricate and more refined. It was a great Full Moon Masquerade soundtrack, and it was over too soon.

In related news, the Daysies finalists were posted yesterday: congrats to A2VT, Bless the Child, The Aztext, Lynguistic Civilians, and naturally, VT Union, who have been putting in constant work and bringing majors acts through the 802 in 2014.

March 20th: Brain Gang presents The Hip Hop Hullabaloo, Club Metronome

The Brain Gang crew is bringing a heck of a show to Burlington this week. Founded in Springfield, VT, the posse has been growing steadily ever since, so producing and promoting shows is a logical progression. (The "explanation" on Metronome's website indicates they might need to hire a copywriter at some point, though.) Brain Gang is bigger than the 802, boasting members in New Hampshire and North Carolina, but the bill this Thursday will feature familiar faces. According to the 7 Days listings, the lineup goes a little something like The Aztext, Bless the Child, FixHate, Crows, Mad Dog, DJ BP and host Emcee-T.

Best of all, this show is completely fucking free. See you at the bar.