Dallas Observer Music Awards - Part 4 - “Best Rap/Hip-Hop”

by Cindy Chaffin of Life Outside The Bubble

Here's the 4th installment of the "Preview the Dallas Observer Music Awards Nominees" series. Click here to cast your vote!

Part 4 - "Best Rap/Hip-Hop"

In all honesty, 6 months ago, I knew very little about the local Rap/Hip-Hop scene. I have enjoyed Steve Austin, Pikahsso and Tahiti live performances a few times over the years, otherwise, I've always been stuck up the arse of other genres.

Alan and I invited Pikahsso into the TexasGigs.com studio back in December of 2005 for an audio interview and we were both instantly hooked. We all were hooked. Since meeting, interviewing and getting to know the artists and the music of the local Rap/Hip-Hop, R&B community here in Dallas-Fort Worth, I've fallen in love on more than one occasion. Do yourselves a favor and don't neglect all this amazing talent right here under our noses.

Interview with Pikahsso (Audio)

Interview with Steve Austin (Audio)

Interview with Tahiti (Audio)

Interview with Headkrack (Video)

Money Waters has been out of town and quite busy, so we've yet to sit him down with our mics - but we will - we will.

The nominees are:

Steve Austin

"Steve Austin the Bioniq MC is a Louisiana born and bred Dallas-based rapper known for his undeniably precise, versatile lyrical flow laced atop attention-grabbing, body-moving beats and hooks. Standing tall at 6'5", the toned, stylish Austin is as readily distinguishable in person as he is on a verse. Austin's smooth delivery tinged with his unique southern perspective and flow, flawless production, passion and relentless energy both on and off the stage have facilitated his opening for countless renowned artists including Outkast, Run DMC, DMX, Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, David Banner, Chico DeBarge, Bonecrusher, Twista and Biz Markie, among others."

"Also highly regarded as an impeccable professional mastering/recording engineer, Austin has contributed to solo and collaborative efforts of K.N.E.S. a/k/a Jelly Johnson, Money Waters, Pikahsso, Missy Burton, G.Y.L.O., South Side Boys, Bavu Blakes, Al Lyric, and many more through his company, Bioniq Labs."

"Austin's releases include a series of successful mix tapes (Unleash the Beast and Let the Monkey Out Vols. I, II & III), and the album 800 LB. Gorilla, in addition to a host of mixtapes and albums produced by other artists."

"The former U.S. Marine is a Southern University graduate who holds a masters degree in physics and is Cisco-certified in network engineering."

Steve Austin is not only wickedly hot, he's also wickedly talented. See for yourselves:

"Bussa Move" (Video)

"Bussa Move.mp3" (Audio)

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Headkrack

"A Bronx, New York, native, Headkrack has the makings of a major hip-hop talent with the persona, breath control and credentials to back it up. He has appeared in and won many underground hip-hop battles across the country, such as Scribble Jam and the Blaze Battle Championship in which he won 2nd place. A producers dream come true, all Krack needs is a beat and a mic. The right and left side of his brain takes care of the rest."

"Headkrack was one of the featured hip-hop artists on the 2003 and 2004 Vans Warped Tour. He has performed at SXSW and opened shows for Run DMC, Common, Jurassic 5, De La Soul, Big Pun and Xzibit, just to name a few. He also appeared on a 15 city tour with Wyclef Jean. Currently, Headkrack is a popular radio host on Dallas' 97.9 The Beat."

Headkrack is an amazingly talented artist in his own right, and he also works tirelessly to help promote other local artists and the local Rap/Hip-Hop scene.

"One Man Army.mp3" (Audio)

2002 Rap Battle Featuring Headkrack (Video)

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Money Waters

"Straight out of Loop 12 ("The Loop") in the Grove of Dallas, the blues and funk influence of this rapper is manifested throughout his beats and lyrics. Money Waters takes rap to the origin of soulful music with southern blues overtones."

"His debut album on Noir Sound Records, The Porch, has a variety of production and hard hitting tracks that is undeniably the down south flavor. Waters worked with Kerav Shimon of Noir Sound to bring The Porch to life, along with a variety of other producers, including Gugu Funkadelic and Toni-O of the Rummsquad, and Riddles of the group Kabaal. Several underground legends appear on the CD, including Kabaal, Limp Leg and D-Style."

I hope Money is asked to perform at this year's awards show - but if not - I still won't make the mistake of missing a live performance next time he's in town.

"Junkyard Band.mp3"

Videos by Money Waters

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Pikahsso

"Pikahsso is one of the most prolific urban artists in North Texas, soon to be the entire planet. From Starvyn to Dysphunkshunal, he has always been on the cutting edge of underground Southern Hip-Hop with his infectious melodic hooks, and his tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, which he infuses into all elements of his artistry. Witness the miracle that is - PIKAHSSO."

What can I say? I adore Pikahsso. How can one not love the guy? He's a great talent. He's probably the best self-promoter I've met, the man is tireless, which will continue to work in his favor as his career skyrockets.

"Verb.mp3" (Audio)

Check out "Verb" (Video)

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Tahiti

"When it comes to losers, Tahiti is at the top of the pile. After years of being rejected, slapped, pepper sprayed, kicked in the groin, and verbally abused by beautiful women, this Fort Worth resident decided to tell his story through the ancient art of hip hop!"

"Unfortunately, it had been years since this old timer had "kicked a rhyme." Hip hop had changed! It was now "Rap," and rather than talk about personal or political issues, they talked about "bling bling" or "hoes and pimpin'" and "murder." Wow! Tahiti wasn't trying to stoop to that level! So, he rapped about what he knew about! The "rappers" said he was "whack" 'cause he spoke about things other than what they did! He proclaimed that "he would rather be WHACK than rap about the things that the 'rappers' spoke of in their music!" So Tahiti takes pride in being a true whack loser."

If Tahiti gave up his career as a Rap/Hip-Hop artist, he could pick right up as a filmmaker/director/actor or stand-up comedian. He is....what is it all the cool kids say...dope!

"The Birth of Whack.mp3"

The Birth of Whack (Video)

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Click here for Part 1 - "Best Act in Town"

Click here for Part 2 - "Musician of the Year"

Click here for Part 2 1/2 - "The Venues"

Click here for Part 3 - "Album of the Year"

Click here to cast your vote!