Beware – NatStar by OfficialNatStar

First up, we spoke with Houston super producers Beanz & Kornbread. Followed by a freestyle the big homie Rob G did after the interview, to an exclusive Beanz & Kornbread beat.

Shouts out to Beanz & Kornbread for taking the time to talk with us. Big shout out to the homie Rob G for hosting and helping out with the series. Expect lots more cool shit to come.

Also, make sure to check back on the 3rd Friday of this month, February 17th, for our next ‘On the Spot Interivew’, hosted by Rob G. Next up: Chingo Bling.

Great crowd tonight. Had the little shopping center Check Others is located in poppin’. I think one contributor to that was K-Dogg was in the building, along with KAB Da Don & Bar None, who tends to roll deep. Great hip-hop atmosphere, and the freestyle session really went off. More on that later.

First act up, was Van Solo. Beats were a little softer than I generally enjoy. He had pretty decent lyrics, and a very laid back style. On a funny note, he pointed out some chick in the crowd, while he was doing his song for the ladies. She was confused. It was entertaining.

Justified was up next. First female rapper I have seen at Turnin Headz. She set the bar high as fuck. Her lyricism, content, and delivery where polished hip-hop all the way through. I really liked the different topics she covered, which she did in a really honest and positive way. And again, lyrics where very much on point. Would have hated to be the follow up act.

And that act was Iceman. As with a lot of the artists I see at Turnin Headz, which is one of the reason we love it, this was a new face to me. Pretty dope shit. He had the lyrics and delivery, and he was confident on the mic. A little too much looking down, rather than into the crowd, while he performed though.

Headlining tonight, was K-Dogg. Dude was a beast on the mic. His lyrics are very dope, and his flow/delivery come off so natural, it made for some great tracks. The crowd was really feeling his music as well. He also had the confidence on the mic, and controlled the ‘stage’ well. Along with K-Dogg, to perform some of his tracks with features, was KAB Da Don, another Bar None rapper who’s name I didn’t catch, and Headwrecka representatives Yung Truth & Mr. Luke. KAB Da Don always makes for a good show, and a dope verse. He reminds me more of the old school Houston attitude and delivery, which I love and came up on, mixed with the lyrics of the ‘new Houston’ movement. Mr. Luke, who’s mixtape we reviewed, was pretty dope as well. Yung Truth wrecked it as he generally does. And of course he mentioned Kush Clouds at least once.

Now, I forget if the freestyle session was before or after K-Dogg, but either way, it was dope. Make sure to check out the video on that. Lots of rappers in the crowd, so lots of people where jumping in. Everybody was trying to out rap everybody. In a good way. Couple of people clearly where just fucking around, but generally speaking there was a good amount of dope shit.

All in all, a great Turnin Headz. If your in Houston, and have not come out to this showcase yet, don’t know whats stopping you. Each and every time, there are new artists. You will not see the same artist twice. Going on two years now, that’s really impressive. Bottom line, 2507 Bagby, first Thursday of the Month. Go.

As always, pictures and videos below. You can also check out all the videos in one place on this playlist on our official YouTube Channel.

‘

Big K.R.I.T. – BOOBIE MILES by BIGKRIT

So Richie Roc is that dude. If you haven’t heard his music, check it out here, and here. I didn’t know that for the past 4 years (this year made 5) Richie has been hosting the ‘Roc The Block Toy Drive’, and has helped out a lot of kids. So when he asked us if we’d like to help this year, obviously we said yes. So just to be clear, RTB is Richie’s baby, we were just lucky enough to be able to help out.

Here is a little bit more about ‘Roc the Block’, from the official site we created:
“Roc the Block is a Non Profit Origination that’s has hosted Christmas toy drives for the last 4 years. In the past we have worked with the Texas Childern’s Hospital, End Hunger Foundation, and Brownie Elementary. Also we have hosted our events at Little York Flea Market, Armadillo Flea Market, WE-R-ONE tattoos, and D & T Drive Inn. Our goal is to try and raise money and gathering donated toys as our way in giving back to the city of Houston.”

So needless to say, was looking forward to the show. When I got there, I was amazed by how many toys had already been donated. There was a mountain-o-toys, and it wasn’t even 1pm yet. Looking good. Very good. And, it just got better. People came through all day to donate toys.

The event was from Noon-7pm, and the performances weren’t until later in the day. So that first part of the day, was hanging out, enjoying a really great family, Christmastime atmosphere. Richie’s parents where both a big support; with his Mother preparing a bunch of free food and drinks for everyone, and his Father playing the role of santa. A jolly santa at that. (Check the overview of Santa breakin’ it down)

This coverage is a little bit different, in that the focus of this event was really on the kids in need, toys and donations. The show was more to draw people in, and entertain the crowd. But, still had some dope performances, so let me run through those for yall.

First up we had Wayword. A rapper I’ve become more familiar with lately. He’s got a more abstract style, but not as abstract as say Aesop Rock. Lyrically, and delivery wise, dude is on point. I’m a big fan of a couple of his songs, particularly “Bubble Burst” and his track over the famous June 27th beat. Wayword prefers that we don’t show the videos. He’d like you to come out to a show. You should do that.

Next up, was Bishop Black, along with his son. I have never seen a father-son, rapper-hypeman team before. And that’s just what this was. Bishop Black, killed it as usual. He was self-censoring some of his lyrics because of the kids in the audience, so I think that slipped his delivery up a few times. But overall, good shit. His son, was going apeshit his whole set. Breakdancin, running back and forth; the lil’ hype man was hype. At one point he grab the mic from Bishop, and proceed to start a battle. That’s whats up. So, moral of the story is, listen to Bishop Black. Then, if a few years, you’ll be able to listen to his son’s music as well, I’m guessing. Great, and very entertaining, set.

Following Bishop Black and son, was the homie D-Risha. Another rapper, that if you have not heard, you need to go do so immediately. OG Ron C recently chopped-not-slopped one of his tracks, so, you know I’m not bullshitting you when I say it’s dope. I think the self-censoring was making him trip up a little as well. Overall, cool set though.

Bossmade was up next. Never heard, or heard of, Bossmade. I will tell you this though, the two songs I heard them perform, and that where on the CD they gave me, could both be hit singles. I can see the radio/club jamming either, regularly. They where just catchy, feel good tracks. Not really tracks I would regularly listen to, but there is a big audience for what they do. Performance itself could use some work though. I also don’t like the font they use for their jackets. Though, that has nothing to do with anything, beside me being a graphic designer. But yes, all non-important criticisms aside, looking forward to hearing more tracks.

That was it as far as performances for the night. Richie was going to perform a set, but we ended up running out of time. Next year. And again, the main thing was collecting a lot of toys for the kids. And man, did Roc The Block do that! Check out the overview video and pictures to see the massive amount of toys that were collected.

We could have absolutely not done any of this with out the help of our awesome sponsors, both families and local businesses:
Ramirez Family, Vaughan Family, Garcia Family, Failing Family, Anonymous Family Donation, Anonymous Family Donation #2, Dion Beats, Houston Whole Sales, TrackstarLaxative.com, Lonestar Security Specialist, Liveevil Click, Skin & Bones Jones, Houston Wholesales, Trendsetters Barbershop, ENGlobal, Check Other Outfitters, Bolli Bros Pizza, Nick’s Place, Bishop Office Needs, Vision Sign & Graphics, Brookstreet BBQ, Skyline Deli, High Life Smokeshop, Mojo Music.

On Christmas Day, Richie Roc & family/friends, passed out all of the toys at a local children’s government home. With Richie’s Dad once again dressed as Santa, they passed out the boat-load of toys that RTB collected, and made a lot of children’s day!

Also, Houston’s TV New station KPRC spoke with Richie about the Toy Drive a day or so after Christmas, and aired the short segment. While it was short, it is still an amazing look, and it’s great to see them recognizing Richie for all the work that he’s done.

Lyrics:
I said I’d take over this game when I decide
confidence is kanye on drugs, bout ye’ high
and thats something u cant deny
rappers tryna diss me is COMMON they wont get a reply
i know these critics always known for testing
still theres no regressing
cuz thats the last thing on my mind when im recording sessions
i made my own direction
my self esteems an albino, it aint got no complexions
i don’t need a metaphor for this, im already fly no need for metamorphosis
rappers better forfeit this, not stayin in accordance with
sniper on the rooftop, got em in my coordinates
i see y’all cats lurking, damn certain
the backlash from these rap cats got me laughing back till my abs hurting
this be my habitat and im gladly puttin that rap work in
im all they talkin bout, griffin on yo ass, perkins
my own grind, my mind is dark but im gon shine
climbed that ark back in noahs time
yea im a beast in my own mind
no time like show time
tryna tell me its yo time
nobody tell me when im finna do it, when i wanna do it, its go time
funny how these people aint wanna do shit witcha
when you bout to blow, they wanna pull the pin witcha
but i nevermind cuz if i only focus on the negatives
iprobably never get to see the big picture
who gon take the crown….they saying he will
theres two meanings when i say that you should keep steel
sad part is i just do this for a cheap thrill
money on the hush last month a made a meek mill
ill, no question bout it
whole damn world betta recognize it
aint making money boy im enterprising
plans get stalled then im improvising
never get the strategy the kids devising
spitting aint a choice its a sickening vice
and i cant fight back like my fists are tied
never had to power to minimize it
now slow it down…they wont survive it now
yea i see y’all rappers looking kinda frail
your chick is hollering i figure that i might as well
and make em say AHHH..tyga yell
so understand, i was made to be a made man
your buzz is upside down, ur like a keg stand
i keep it wavy like drake’s hand/ state of the union?
cali rappers need a union for our state, fam
im authentic, range rover is all tinted
dogs finished, before i before my darn sentence
im jeffery dahmer with nostradamus, im an odd mixture
homicidal with the hardest writings and hard liquor
raw spitter, im everything that you rappers fear
they gotta run to the heat, ex cavalier
you know im suited im, ya i got my battle gear
i swear they scared of the top, thats the stratosphere

Today’s write up is over Young Genocide’s – ‘Commander in Chief’ project. The short version of the review goes like this. Young Genocide is good at what he does. He has a head full of punch lines and metaphors that he uses to glide over his tracks. His delivery cruises over the beats instead of pushing the beats around. He’s not trying to out rap anyone, even though his verses show that he can clearly do that.

Even with all these weapons at his disposal, Genocide chooses to put together great songs about himself in a very interesting way. There are a million rappers in the world. One of the main things that distinguishes the superstars from the hobbyist is them being interesting. Genocide’s delivery and storytelling allows an interesting look at life through the eyes of a boy becoming a man and building his foundation. He has a song where he talks about not wanting to be involved in street life and choosing one girl instead of playing the field. Who brags about that and can still keep their street credibility? Young Genocide does.

All in all, Young Genocide is one of the great artists in our city who deserves to be heard. His delivery is solid, his verses stick to the subject, and he’s interesting. What’s the bad part you ask? Sound quality. The mix and master on many of the songs make some of the features sound pasted together instead of one cohesive project.

A good example has to be the song he has with an R & B artist where I had no clue what the singer was saying during one portion of the hook because it everything was clashing into each other. Somebody PLEASE let Young Genocide use your studio if it’s high quality and give him proper mix and mastering services. He is a starter, now treat him like one and listen to his project.

Grade: A-

See for yourself:

Submit local Houston music and/or letters to the author:
timmay@reupspot.com