Riders Against the Storm: “Everybody Wanna Be”

The couple that makes music together stays together. We here at KUTX got some proof this past Friday when local husband-and-wife hip-hop duo Riders Against the Storm dropped by Studio 1A for a session with our own Rick McNulty.

The two folks behind Riders Against the Storm are Chaka Mpeanaji and Tiger Lily. They are both native northeasterners, and met in Providence, Rhode Island before heading down to Austin three years ago. They’ve opened for heavy hitters like KRS-ONE, Wu Tang, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and more than a few others. Their brand of hip-hop is intensely tuneful, and they call upon the breath of modern popular music for their songs. You can hear bits of funk, rock, electronica, Latin and reggae all mixing together in a beautiful rhythmic stew, as Chaka and Tiger Lily spin their rhymes. That mix exudes glows with positivity and a sense of community. It’s also darn fun to listen (and dance) to. Speaking of dance, Chaka and Tiger Lily (along with DJ Chorizo Funk) also host Body Rock, underground dance parties at the Sahara Lounge on the first Friday of every month–this Friday Body Rock’ll be doing a tribute to Stevie Wonder.

But before you head to Body Rock this Friday, Riders Against the Storm are playing Stubbs Jr. tonight (after the Kings of the Mic Tour outside) to celebrate the release of their brand-new, self-titled EP. We were lucky enough to get a taste last Friday when Chaka, Tiger Lily, and DJ Riddlore stopped by to perform three new tunes in Studio 1A. One of ’em is a track called “Everybody Wanna Be.” Backed by some booming beats and electronics, care of Riddlore, the couple trade rapid-fire verses on about the pitfalls of materialism. The last verse hits hard, and Chaka almost loses his breath delivering his lines. You can feel the energy and the passion this couple have for their art.

Support KUTX’s ability to bring you closer to the music.

Donate Today