Although not immediately evident, there is an active and very impressive hip-hop community in Austin. However, hip-hop and rap are horribly underrepresented in local mainstream media. Chances are that you typically may not know about any local hip-hop shows going on or where to see them, perhaps with the exception of a few social media invitations announcing shows – if you happen to catch them.
Fortunately, two awesome local hip-hop/rap ambassadors are working damn hard to spread the word of the growing scene here in Austin: Leah Manners (host of Hip Hop Hooray on KOOP Radio) and Adam Protextor (rapper p-teK), esteemed founders of the popular weekly hip-hop open mic night at Spider House Ballroom, Austin Mic Exchange. Since its launch in 2012, the AME has provided a much-needed platform for hip-hop and rap artists of all skill levels to showcase their talents, and has further helped to cultivate the local scene.
Then, along came the next step. In a city known for all manner of music festivals, the AME thought it was high time to further represent with a fest that would be the first of its kind in the Live Music Capital. Enter the Weird City Hip-Hop Festival, organized by the AME and many others who’ve been involved in hip-hop for awhile in Austin. The goal was to not only attract touring artists, but to finally bring attention to the incredible talent emerging in the local scene. You can check out performances today through Sunday at several venues throughout the Red River Cultural District, including Empire Control Room, Beerland, Red 7, Holy Mountain and The North Door. Visit the Weird City website for a schedule of events and participating artists.
Don’t miss out. And here’s to many more years to come for Weird City Hip-Hop Fest. This one comes highly recommended
Featured on today’s AMM: Los Angeles group Dilated Peoples, with the track “Show Me the Way,” featuring Aloe Blacc.
– Photo of Dilated Peoples by Scott Sheff. Special thanks to Leah Manners for her help with today’s AMM.
