With so many controversial opinions about race in America nowadays, it’s about time we had Mindz Of A Different Kind. Composed of four Austin-based emcees (Darrion ‘Chi-Clopz’ Borders, Nick ‘Pip Demascus’ Cruz, Te’aunna ‘Blakchyl’ Moore and Breez ‘BZA’ Smith), this local, socially-conscious hip-hop group prides itself on exposing injustice and promoting positive forward action through its lyrics. The first manifestation of the group evolved from the strategic use of hip-hop culture to empower underserved community members, originating through non-profit youth program Cipher ATX back in 2007. The winding-down of Cipher in 2012 coincided with the de-facto birth of MDK, and after four years and two albums, we now have Foursight, the group’s longest release to date.
The first single, “Black & Brown,” evokes the gritty, low-fidelity sounds of classic ’90s hip-hop while examining the contemporary role of race in identity. Austinite producer Kydd Jones provides a sample-based instrumental, almost reminiscent of a Stones Throw track, as a platform for the four lyricists to trade bars in a call for unity, action, and change.
Foursight is available for purchase on MDK’s Bandcamp.
—Jack Anderson
