Aux Files .002
For our second installment of Aux Files, we dig even deeper in the artist infrastructure in Space City. While things might not be as clutch as the Rockets were ’94 and ’95, this selection of rappers and DJs will show you that Houston is still ahead of the curve when it comes to music. So turn on your speakers, have your AUX cord ready, and keep your ears open to this selection of music curators.
“Forbidden Fruit” — Genesis Iver
Being one of the most eclectic out of the bunch, Genesis Iver has stood out in the broad mix of underground artists who are on the rise in the city. His cinematic driven sound was first displayed on his project, Book of Genesis, and he continues to push that bar even more so on his upcoming mixtape, Wolves. One of the first installments of that is “Forbidden Fruit,” a visual that incorporates the sacredness that comes with wanting the mirage of women that Iver portrays. The blend of using a garden and a strip club as settings for the video completes the record in terms of making it lusty and simultaneously elegant. The cohesion just shows Genesis’ talent and why he’s on the cusp of making waves in Houston and beyond.
“Ascension” — 9th Sage
Moving away from those who make music and shifting the focus to some individuals who curate it, 9th Sage is among one of the premier workers on the turntables. Originally known for his photography work, he transferred his talents to music and established himself as one who can blend the modern vibes of today’s music with dust blowing samples you don’t normally hear on Soundcloud. This mixture is found on his latest “Ascension” mix, which is just over 30 minutes of soul and classic hip hop at it’s finest. The flips of Notorious B.I.G., A Tribe Called Quest, Lil Kim and more puts one in a nostalgic mindset. These vibes are substantial and the mix is ideal for your next chilled out gathering.
“Swim Drown” — Rizzoo Rizzoo x Sauce Walka
The Sauce tidal wave has made its mark in Houston and continues to do so with each artist excelling in their own fashion. While Rizzoo Rizzoo has been keeping things hot with his breakout smash, “Off The Lot” featuring DJ XO and Sosamann, Sauce Walka reclaims his throne as the “King of Splash” on his new mixtape, Holy Sauce. While Walka has grown in terms of becoming one of Houston’s premier rappers, he also knows he still has to do some footwork to become greater and this project embodies that understanding. The 18-track piece includes a galore of hits, with one of the standouts being “Swim Drown.” This Rizzoo and Walka collaboration fuses the flavor of the vintage Sauce Factory sound while at the same time advancing it with Walka’s punchlines and Rizzoo’s catchy hooks. The “Sauce” is still prevalent and the record certainly shows it.
“Playa Made” — ChemDawg
Although Texas may be conservative territory for the most part, it still doesn’t stop Texans expressing their love of Mary Jane. Chemdawg, the leader of the growing creative collective Bizzie Hippie, is a prime example of fusing 420 vibes with his music. If you’re wondering if he’s a Devin the Dude 2.0, that’s not the case. Chemdawg strays away from just speaking on strains and body highs and meshes his “playeristic” point of view into songs such as “Playa Made.” This modern Third Coast jam oozes out an aura that’s meant for listeners to enjoy while riding I-45 South at night and seeing the city’s skyline. The record depicts a visual as soon as you hear it and it’s one that resonates in the hearts of any Houstonian. It’s deeper than providing vibes that one can blow to, it’s a soundtrack that one can thoroughly enjoy.
“Big Bagg of Dope” — King Hendricks
Even without producing a full-length project, King Hendricks has managed to garner the attention of Splashtown with his grimy, money hungry rhymes. Setting the city aflame with records such as “Boss in My City” and “Coke in The Sink,” he keeps his foot on the pedal with his new record, Big Bagg of Dope. While speaking on the matters of maintaining and not wanting to go broke again, he delivers a versatile flow that’s descriptive and doesn’t lack any sense of realism. Climbing the ranks as one of the most promising acts in Houston, one can see that King Hendricks is a threat but not only in the sense of the way he raps but also showing a broad scale of his subject matter. From speaking on his diamonds flowing on his tee and keeping Novocaine in his ice tea to him expressing how he would never be on the side of the road with his thumbs up, Hendricks displays an art of storytelling that’s gritty and uncut. His raw delivery proves how much of a asset he is and why Houston should keep a close eye on him.
