Seattle-based experimental hip-hop group, Shabazz Palaces, has brought us some brand new visuals for their track "#CAKE." These guys have been around for some time now, as their Sub-Pop debut Black Up was released in 2011, and they definitely explore the dark corners of hip-hop. Releasing their critically acclaimed album Lese Majesty last month, the group proves they've maintained their efforts to create new raw, cryptic, and cosmic sounds. The aura this music creates is evident on the track "#CAKE," which featured guest vocals by Catherine Harris-White of THEESatisfaction. Directed by Hiro Murai (Earl Sweatshirt, Childish Gambino, St. Vincent), the surrealistic video induces horror by means of wandering a post-apocalpytic cityscape. Check out the video below and catch Shabazz Palaces this Saturday at AFROPUNK Music Festival, Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn. They take over the Red Stage on August 23 from 5:15 - 5:45.
N3W 4GE OF HO99O9
HO99O9, pronounced HORROR, is an experimental thrash core rap, punk band from New Jersey. Consisting of vocalists theOGM and Eaddy, the duo is quickly building a name for themselves, as they've performed with NinjaSonik, Japanther, and many more. Frequently crossing potential boundaries as to what is politically correct, HO99O9's lyrics touch upon subjects such as necrophilia, drug use, blasphemy, and the 999 revelation. Sure, you're already thinking this band sounds similar to Death Grips (never forget), and lives a lifestyle similar to that of Flatbush Zombies, but they've already accumulated their own cult following. It's evident that their shows are filled with volatile energy which can easily be justified by their self-directed video, "Bone Collector". Watch the video for "Bone Collector" below, and be sure to check out their new tracks "Casey Jones" and "Cum Rag" which released at 6:66pm (we'll go with it).
The band shared that the two new tracks are off their upcoming full length record, so there's confirmation that well be hearing much more of them in the near future. Catch HO99O9 this Saturday at AFROPUNK Music Festival, Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn. They take over the Black Stage on August 23 from 1:45-2:15.
Bank$quiat
Who is Robb Bank$? South Florida based Rapper, and definitely some sort of hip-hop antagonist whom makes references to Pokémon and Naruto. In 2012, clothing brand Dertbag collaborated with Robb to release two tee shirts featuring Dragon Ball Z cell camo and Xanax respectively. So there's that, but on another note, he’s been around for some time now and he is not to be slept on. It was last October he released his most recent mixtape, Tha City. Just a few names on productions of the mixtape feature POSHstronaut, Miami producer Nuri, and even Raider Klan member SpaceGhostPurpp. With 14 tracks all named after various cities throughout the world, be it London, or Baton Rouge, Robb Bank$ makes moves worldwide. As his first mixtape, Calendars, was released in early 2012 and had an apparent happy tonal setting, Robb Bank$ brings unsettled aggravation to the table with Tha City. Check out the music video for "Counting" below and download Calendars here.
Robb Bank$ may come off as an antagonist with his deep voice and varying tones. Why the anger you ask? Well, the cover of Tha City is a photograph of Robb as a child centered around his father, Shaggy. Yes, I am talking about the “It Wasn’t Me” Shaggy, the song we all knew back from the year 2000 that became an iconic pop hit. There was some shade between the father and son but things are seeming to resolve, but this very well contribute to the anger and aggressive tones throughout the Tha City.
Tha City is a must listen, as the production is spot on wether or not you beg to differ. Some say his lyrical flow sounds like a bunch of baritone mumbling, but it's much more than that and it defines his character. It all quickly fuels the antagonist persona behind Tha City, and every track tells a story of his life over time, whether it's his infatuation with a woman, passion for drugs, hatred towards an ex, or his love for Naruto.
Robb Bank$' career has only started and he's already tested the waters of changing from a protagonist to a dark nemesis via his two mixtapes. His full length album, Year of the Savage, is still in the works so be sure to give Tha City a listen while you wait. Download Tha City here.
"Puttin' on your momma dress don't make you no killer / Shit, Norman Bates ass nigga"