Saturday, April 14, 2012
Review: Steddy P.- Better Make Room
Steddy P. wears a t-shirt that implores "Always Support Locals" in the embedded video for "Local Heroes." I don't subscribe to that philosophy.
Advocating an artist just because he or she shares the same area code is patronizing and delusional. I didn't place Steddy P.'s Style Like Mind on my top ten album list in 2009 because it was a local product. It truly resonated with me more than internationally acclaimed releases like Kid Cudi's Man On the Moon.
Most worthwhile music bloggers are eager to examine the sounds that originate in their own backyards. I regularly write about locally-based music at There Stands the Glass and Plastic Sax, but as many artists have learned the hard way, I don't play the role of an undiscerning cheerleader.
Steddy P. has never needed to worry about getting bashed by me. He's good. Scheduled for release next week, his Better Make Room is another impressive addition to his discography. Steddy P.'s smart raps and welcome guest spots from Ces Cru's Ubiquitous and Godemis are typically excellent, but it's the sample-free production that sets the release apart. A rapper who has demonstrated that performing with a live band is infinitely preferable to using canned accompaniment, Steddy P. is a genuine music obsessive, a trait that's shockingly uncommon in the hip hop community.
The only aspects of Better Make Room that don't appeal to me are Steddy P.'s juvenile references to marijuana and a few too many self-referential boasts about his Indyground crew. Steddy P. hopes to build an empire along the lines of Doomtree. Better Make Room doesn't quite reach the artistic heights of the best of the Twin Cities-based collective, but it's very good.
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I reviewed Bassnectar's concert Thursday at the Midland Theatre.
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I caught Leon Russell's return to Knuckleheads last night. Here's my review.
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Here's a nice documentary about one aspect of Lawrence's hip hop scene. (Tip via oh! mr..)
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Kudos to Sporting KC for posting a video titled "Who has the Best/Worst Taste in Music?".
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Here's an EPK for Kenny Garrett's new album.
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Fun setting KC on fire at Middle of the Map. (Not my thing, but much respect…)
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Kansas City Click: My official picks are published here.
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3 comments:
From Steddy P.:
April 19, Dark Horse Tavern: IndyGround Entertainment, in promotion of Steddy P’s new album, BetterMakeRoom, is proud to announce the dates and locations of the upcoming listening parties for the St. Louis and Kansas City markets. Steddy P and DJ Mahf will spin a portion of the new record. BetterMakeRoom, Steddy’s fifth major release, is a real gem and truly showcases his unique brand of hip hop. Coupled with the extreme talents of DJ Mahf, the night promises to be one you won’t want to miss. Taking the Midwest by storm, BetterMakeRoom features guest appearances from some of the areas best talents, Godemis & Ubiquitous of CES Cru, Smoov Confusion & Louiz Rip of the Soul Servers, PREACH, Farout, J Bomb, and Adrian Truth. Produced by the one and only Matthew Sawicki of Suburban Pro Studios, the album has enjoyed both fan and critical acclaim. So come out and support one of Missouri’s finest MC’s and celebrate his new release, and remember… Always Support Locals.
That Leon Russell set list is really something. Thanks to Songkick to showing me that he's playing here in Chicago on Thursday.
By all means go, Andy.
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