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!

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