RVA Magazine Videos

Chance Fischer, "The Intent"

Necci — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:11:50 -0400

This video comes from a well-known emcee with quite an eclectic buzz. Chance Fischer hails from RVA, and is the sort of artist that puts real art into his hip hop. He recently dropped a EP titled The Sneaker Bar Presents The Preview EP: So Soleful which was premiered at The Sneaker Bar and Charged Up Enterprises event “Peep My Feet,” held at The Camel recently. This video, which was shot by Soul Live Media, is visually flawless in quality. The video features stunning shots of Monument Ave statues and Fischer rhyming in front of The Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart. Chance Fischer is an artist who has so many meanings behind his music, you really have to listen carefully to every bar that he drops. I enjoy listening to his music and look forward to hearing more from him in the future. You can peep out the project from which this single is taken on bandcamp here.

By Roger Tyler

Quen, "Girl Of My Dreams"

Necci — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:36:21 -0400

I have come across some rather peculiar clips since I’ve been covering RVA hip hop videos, but this one (which is not actually from RVA) is one of the most eccentric that has caught my attention. This comes from a rapper out of California who goes by Quen. This song could have several meanings to it, though to the broad mind it may mean only one. The video starts off with Quen waking up in an open field to what seems to be a dream and sees a beautiful redhead girl. You might think that it's about nothing more than that, but the funny thing about this song is that in my eyes, it seems to be about political injustice in America and government. Like I said, though, another person may come up with another conclusion. Feel free to draw your own. This video was shot by Jon Primo, an independent videographer in Elk Hill, California. Catch Quen on his upcoming EP I.Q., dropping later this month. Check out his older work on bandcamp, and keep up with him on facebook to find out when the new EP drops.

By Roger Tyler

Mass feat. Fam-Lay & Drama J, "Transitions"

Necci — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:37:26 -0400

This video comes from an emcee out of the 757 who goes by Mass. He also brings in well-known VA Beach emcee Fam-Lay of The Neptunes' Star Trak Entertainment to drop a verse. I respect the fact that Mass took the step to reach out to a fellow artist from his area to drop a few bars on this track. This song is talking about the transitions that are part of coming up from the streets and making a change for the better. I particularly love the camera work on the video, which comes from Illusive Media, a production company out of the same area. Even though these artists are from Tidewater, you'll see some nice shots of the RVA area in the video as well. Mass has been getting a lot of notice around RVA from doing shows at different locations, including Strange Matter. I also featured him last year when he was a featured emcee in the video for fellow Tidewater artist and friend Handles' track “Tape Rock." Like his website says, Mass is makin' moves.

You can purchase this single on ITunes by clicking HERE.

By Roger Tyler

Tungs, "Bosses"

Necci — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:46:03 -0400

We've been meaning to post this one for a while, and we really have no excuse for only getting around to it now, but better late than never, I guess, right? This song actually comes from Sisters, Tungs' split LP with Heavy Midgets, which at this point has been out for nearly a year. However, the recording of the video is a recent development, clearly intended to give a second wind to promotion for the split LP (which made multiple lists of our favorite local albums released in 2012--so if you haven't bought it yet, you definitely should).

While the song was recorded by Tungs when they were still a quartet, the video was filmed since singer/guitarist Alex Criqui quit the band and moved to Baltimore. This factors into the fictional plot of the video, in which remaining members Paul Himmelman, Ben Miller, and Matthew Thiem play harassed office workers dealing with a pompous boss who swigs alcohol on the job and behaves inappropriately with attractive female coworkers. Said pompous boss, played by Ian McQuary of Heavy Midgets, also taunts his employees with a picture of Alex Criqui that's labeled "Employee Of The Month"--apparently Alex's departure from the band was amicable enough that they can all joke about it, which is good at least.

"Tapestry," the previous Tungs song released as a video from Sisters, is a much more straightforwardly catchy tune than "Bosses." This track is basically a psychedelic wall of noise in which the group repeats the same riff over and over, indicating the division between verses and choruses through volume and intensity of performance. It's reminiscent of the sort of noise jam that showed up on some of the weirder records released in the early 90s as part of the whole grunge phenomenon--it isn't too far from something that Steel Pole Bath Tub, Godheadsilo, or even Monster Magnet would do. And of course, I've compared Tungs's strangely melodic wall of guitar noise to New Zealand's Bailter Space before, a comparison that remains apt here. The best part about the way this song pairs up with this video, though, is the way the final noisy crescendo arrives at the same moment that Paul, Ben, and Matthew decide they've had enough of their stupid jobs and proceed to trash every piece of computer equipment in the room, Office Space style. Who hasn't wanted to do that at least once? Considering that May Day was earlier this week, this is definitely an appropriate video to check out while you contemplate throwing off the shackles of wage slavery once and for all.

Tungs will be heading out on a tour of the Southeastern United States later this month, so if you're reading this from North Carolina, Tennessee, or somewhere else down in that area, keep an eye out for our boys over the next couple of weeks. And RVA locals, have no fear, because later this month, Tungs will be rocking The Yerb, along with Brother Bill and Toxic Moxie, as part of the release celebration for The Yerb's forthcoming CD compilation of music by local bands--which will be given out for free at the show! Get the details about that event by clicking HERE.

Matthew E. White, "Steady Pace"

Necci — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:26:13 -0400

Here's the latest video by Matthew E. White, from his hit album Big Inner--which came out last year on local label Spacebomb Records, and was picked up a few months ago for international release by Domino Records (European home of Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, and many more). "Steady Pace" has a mellow, soulful sound that wouldn't be too out of place on mid-70s AM radio, as if it originated from that moment in music history when R&B, soft rock, and the forerunners of disco were all occupying the same playlists. The video, directed by Richmond artist Travis Robertson, begins with White hanging out in the same landscape that forms the cover of Big Inner, complete with white suit, white background, and strange two-dimensional images that make up the scenery. As the song begins, the still image is set in motion, and as the song continues, White sings and dances around a constantly changing landscape that features a variety of other cutout objects. Sometimes as he dances, his image splits up into several different exposures, heightening the psychedelic feel of this mellow gospel-disco tune that seems like the perfect music for relaxing after a hard day at work. So check out this video, let go of the stresses of the day, and chill.

If you still don't have a copy of Big Inner, grab it on LP or CD from Spacebomb Records, or get the mp3s from iTunes.

By Andrew Necci

Don Flair feat. Coop, "Polaroids and Flashbacks II"

Addison — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:55:35 -0400

This video by local RVA emcee Don Flair of the group New Era Click is definitely one of my favorites right now. I admire the message behind it and respect the fact that he is straying away from his usual content to discuss issues like memories and family. This video was shot by local videographer and graphic designer Sha Styles. It's a definite must-see if you are a fan of hip-hop, and the way he uses actual old pictures of himself in the video really adds to the vibe and meaning of the video. Flair has been heard on 106.5: The Beat, and is currently doing shows around RVA with New Era Click.

By Roger Tyler

Young Burna & Lucy B featuring Doe The Paperboy, "One Day At A Time"

Necci — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:10:24 -0400

This inspirational video comes from Petersburg natives Young Burna and Lucy B, and also features RVA artist Doe The Paperboy. It was shot by local videographer Jay Aura of Aura HD and Imagery, who is getting a lot of attention in RVA with the amount of work he’s putting in. This song is off of Young Burna and Lucy B’s project on their label G.S.U.P Productions, Global Music Volume 1, hosted by DJ Flava of Ipower 92. The song talks about the hardships of life and overcoming obstacles and struggles one day at a time. Since the release of this song, it's becoming a local hit, putting eyes on Young Burna and Lucy B through the city. I like the fact that this song actually shows what happens when the community backs you and your movement. You can download Young Burna And Lucy B’s mixtape for free from Datpiff HERE. Check it out.

By Roger Tyler

Science Team Teaser

Necci — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:37:20 -0400

Hey guys, check it out! Last Sunday, as part of a screening of his previous film, The Taint, which took place at Gallery 5, local director Drew Bolduc premiered a teaser for his new film, Science Team. Well, if you weren't able to make it to Gallery 5 for that showing, never fear--we've got that teaser for you right now. This brief introduction to the film's namesake, an elite group (mostly made up of attractive young women) who fight to protect Earth from evil aliens and other technologically-based threats, features a lot of grandiose speechifying about preserving the future of our civilization. However, there are still some pretty great action shots involving laser cannons, alien dissection, psychedelic interstellar landscapes, and ranting maniacal scientists. The result is a bit like a Stanley Kubrick film (say 2001, or Dr. Strangelove), only produced by Roger Corman (Death Race 2000, Little Shop Of Horrors, Piranha, Humanoids From The Deep... so many more). I can't be sure whether this impression will hold up across the length a full feature film, but as viewers of The Taint already know, whatever Bolduc comes up with is guaranteed to be interesting.

If you'd like to make sure you get to see the finished product, there's an easy way to do so. Bolduc and co. have set up an Indiegogo fund in order to defray the costs associated with completing Science Team--special effects, location rentals, costumes, and more. Contributors to the fundraising campaign can receive anything from t-shirts and DVDs of the finished film to, for sufficiently deep-pocketed contributors, executive producer credits and the opportunity to be brutally murdered onscreen as part of the film. Who could pass up an opportunity like that? If you have the means, this is a rare chance at what surely must be the dream of many horror movie fans.

To donate to Science Team's indiegogo campaign, click here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/science-team-an-independent-feature-le...

Alternately, if you can't afford to swing huge amounts of money Science Team's way but would still like to help out, and have some fun in the bargain, there's a great fundraising event for Science Team taking place tomorrow at Studio 7E in Scott's Addition. Beginning at 8 PM and lasting all the way until the wee hours of the morning, this event will feature music from a variety of great local groups, including The Trillions, Navi, Heavy Midgets, Wolf//Goat, Toxic Moxie, and Graphic Melee. There will also be food trucks on hand serving a variety of delicious cuisine--subs from Goatacado, tacos from Nate's Taco Truck, grilled cheese sandwiches and s'mores from Super Fresh Carts, and more! To top it all off, there'll be plenty of Science Team merch available for purchase (t-shirts, comic books, posters, etc), and all of the proceeds from the event will go to fund Science Team's production. $5 gets you in the door for what's guaranteed to be a highlight of the weekend! For more info, check out the facebook event invitation HERE.

By Andrew Necci; Artist's rendering of alien by Brendan Mauer

Conditions, "Open Eyes"

Necci — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:52:05 -0400

Local emocore troubadours Conditions, who really impressed us with their 2010 debut album, Fluorescent Youth, have returned with their long-anticipated followup, Full Of War, which was released last week on Good Fight Records. "Open Eyes" is the first single from that album, and it features a dramatic, action-packed video that is sure to grab your attention.

Conditions vocalist Brandon Roundtree has stated that "'Open Eyes' is a song about the real world vs. the perceived world. This video shows the dangers of living in the latter of the two." Brandon stars in the video as well, which has a plot that kind of reminds me of the Ewan McGregor/Cameron Diaz movie A Life Less Ordinary, only with an added dose of infidelity. Add in thievery, confrontation with deadly weapons, and a literally steamy shower love scene, and you've got a recipe for a spellbinding video. Crazily enough, the shower scene is not the only interlude of physical intimacy in the video, and although things stay just this side of NSFW, you definitely get a few glimpses of some serious skin from both male and female actors in the video. Plus a really dramatic ending, which I won't spoil for you.

As for the music, Conditions have scaled back to a four-piece since their first album, due to the departure of founding rhythm guitarist Jason Marshall last fall. However, the double-tracked guitar lines in the verses of "Open Eyes," with a low chugging rhythm part adding heft to a higher melody line, prove that Conditions are still able to create their previous thick guitar sound. And then there's the chorus, in which Brandon's high, clear tenor mingles well with an ascending sequence of chords to create a beautiful, uplifting melodic hook. I haven't heard all of the new album yet, but if "Open Eyes" is any indication, Full Of War will be every bit the equal of Conditions' excellent debut. I look forward to getting a copy (grab one for yourself right here), but until I do, I'll just be playing this video over and over. And loving every minute of it.

By Andrew Necci

Nils Westergard Mural Time Lapse

Tony — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:24:34 -0400

Nils Westergard has been a constant artistic force in Richmond for several years. We bumped into him at the G40 Mural Project last year and followed his work with SHHO, which included directing this killer video for Nickelus F earlier this year. The guy is always working on something. His newest project is this time-lapse capture depicting the creation of a mural on the side of Stuffy's Sandwich Shop located on Harrison St, near VCU. If you're in that area much, you've seen the mural. And now you can check out the people who did it. Enjoy.

Sleepies Live At Strange Matter, 3/8/13

Necci — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:24:57 -0400

Here's some bonus content for you that we shot the night we did our interview with Slutever. Sleepies are a three-piece from Brooklyn who mix some old-school garage-rockin' energy with great melodic punk riffs. I can't tell for sure whether the singer's affecting a fake British accent, Billie Joe Armstrong-style, or if that's just a bit of good ol' Noo Yawk accent coming through in his vocals, but either way, this tune rocks like crazy and has a really catchy verse riff, so feel free to dance in your swivel chair to this one.

Words by Andrew Necci
Video by Brad Kutner, Anna Wittel & Sam Dixon

Octavion X, "Get It How You Live"

Necci — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:06:37 -0400

This video comes from Octavion Excellence, who is one third of RVA local group Suburban District. This RVA street anthem is off of his recently released mixtape project, Vigilante. This heavy hitting banger is produced by Mr. Ivory Snow and features a barrage of bars from Arktik Phreeze, Chance Fischer, and BC Music 1st. Shot and directed by Rob Roby of Soul Live Media, "Get It How You Live" begins with Octavion saying “this is a roundtable for the real ni**as.” I know pretty much everyone involved with this single and I can definitely say they all have major accomplishments and are making major moves around this city. This seems like it could be the RVA hip hop anthem for 2013. Octavion's talent and movements have the potential to take him a long way, and as he says, "It's only the beginning." So keep an eye on him, and we will see where this Vigilante takes us this year. Download your copy of Vigilante HERE.

By Roger Tyler

RPG, "Insult And Allure"

Necci — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:57:39 -0400

Here's a new clip from Richmond stoner rockers RPG, who have been keeping kinda quiet in recent years, but did manage to release an excellent album last year, High Loathsome. Their third full-length, High Loathsome took some sonic detours from the slow n' heavy style they established themselves with over the past decade, integrating elements of Southern rock, blues, and even gospel. However, "Insult And Allure" is one of the more straight-up metal tunes on the album, and its video has an equally heavy and action-packed storyline to accompany the blazing riffs.

Starring local photographer Luna Duran, who is quite photogenic herself, the video begins with a couple getting into a fight that escalates into physical violence. Based on her reaction, it seems that Luna has had enough, and after finding a used condom in the bedroom, she begins to enact a voodoo/witchcraft style ritual. This clearly has an effect on her man, who has fucked off for the nearest bar, found a likely lass to flirt with, and added cocaine on top of the alcohol we've already seen him ingest. That's when everything starts to go wrong for him, and for the rest of the song, the video shifts between shots of Luna wielding knives, open flames, and mysterious substances, and her selfish lover experiencing an escalating series of misfortunes.

The song itself builds up a steamrolling groove that ends all too quickly before even reaching the three-minute mark. "Insult And Allure" is the track on High Loathsome with the most widespread appeal, and this dramatic, entertaining video is guaranteed to get it stuck in your head. You can get your own copy of the whole album over at RPG's bandcamp, and we recommend that you do so--right after you check out this video.

By Andrew Necci

WORLD PREMIERE: Glows In The Dark, "Ed Bradley"

Necci — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:49:42 -0500

Today, RVA Magazine presents the world premiere of the latest video by Glows In The Dark, a local jazz/funk group featuring members of No BS! Brass Band and Matthew E. White's Spacebomb Records house band. "Ed Bradley" is the first single from their forthcoming EP, Research And Development. This EP sees Glows In The Dark in a new mode, merging their avant-garde jazz sound with hip hop. This fusion can be observed to excellent effect on "Ed Bradley," a track that features guest vocals from rapper 20/20, aka uGeorge.

Beginning with a quickly-delivered verse overtop of an ominous-sounding opening riff, "Ed Bradley" spends the first two of its three minutes building tension with pounding drums and a throbbing bassline. After 20/20's opening verse is complete, dissonant horns, played by John Lilley and Reggie Pace, clash and battle for supremacy. The dueling horns finally achieve harmony just as the song's entire groove smooths out and heads into a muscular funk rhythm, over which 20/20 delivers a second verse before the song ends. At a mere three minutes in length, there's a surprising amount of dramatic movement occurring in this song.

The drama is mirrored in the video, which is produced by Studio In The Sun and has a clean, almost retro look. It alternates between shots of actors and random objects, all placed in front of varying solid-color backgrounds. The bright colors stand in contrast to the moods of the actors, who begin the song looking somewhat unsettled and escalate into out-and-out rage during the instrumental middle section. Their rage seems to mirror the horn-section dogfight that's occurring at this point in the music, which, according to producer Sarah Newby, was not unintentional. “We wanted to build tension with escalating performances, and by juxtaposing actors and suggestive still lifes. We thought a lot about the artifice inherent in filmmaking and explored this idea in several ways. For one, actors knew they were being filmed for a music video, but from the start they were asked to act as if they were at an audition.” Once the smoother final section arrives, though, the actors start to calm down, and by the end of the song, they're nodding along with the funky groove of the rhythm section.

"Ed Bradley" is not the only song on Research And Development that incorporates hip hop influences and collaborators; the EP also features guest vocal appearances by rappers Count Bass D, John Robinson, and Jawwaad Taylor. And in addition to the five original tracks on the EP, there are also three remixes, including one by noted local hip hop producer Just Plain Ant. Research And Development will be released a week from today, on March 12, but is currently available for pre-order on Glows In The Dark's Bandcamp page. All preorders include an immediate download of the EP's opening track, "Fluorescence," which is also currently available for streaming.

Pre-order the Research And Development EP here: http://glowsinthedark.bandcamp.com/album/research-and-development

By Andrew Necci
Band photo by Sam Allen

The Blue And The Grey, "Our Great Escape"

Necci — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:39:07 -0500

Here's a new video from an up-and-coming alt-country act who've been catching some attention around town lately. The Blue And The Grey is a mellow six-piece that incorporates relatively unusual instruments like upright bass, banjo, dobro, and cello into their sound. "Our Great Escape" ends up with a bit of an old-timey feel, at least musically, though singer Nicholas Grant's lyrical references to hoodies and car engines let us know that, despite the tinges of Americana in The Blue And The Grey's sound, they're firmly grounded in the modern world.

In the video, shots of the band performing on a back deck are mingled with a sweet tale of a young couple getting together for a date and, rather than engaging in some elaborate social ritual, ultimately doing very little, but still enjoying the simple pleasures of hanging out together under the starry night sky. The warm colors and scenery incorporating falling leaves adds a strong feel of autumn to the video, which is even captured in small details, as when you can see Grant's breath as he sings certain lines. It's a nice vibe to capture, and makes sense in light of the fact that the video was filmed last fall. A few months later, as we all wait anxiously for spring to arrive, there's a welcome warmth communicated from these images. And that translucent upright bass that Julianne Codd is playing in the video is pretty rad too.

The Blue And The Grey are currently working with Pedro Aida (of Fun Size and Detached Sound Recording) to finish up their debut EP, which will feature "Our Great Escape" and three other tunes. Keep an eye out for that, as well as another video that they hope to release in the next couple of months. And in the meantime, enjoy this one!

By Andrew Necci

No BS! Brass Band, "RVA All Day"

Necci — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:57:12 -0500

Ladies and gentlemen, spring is coming and the new album from No BS! Brass Band will be here before we know it. To get everyone hyped, they've dropped an advance video for the title track to the forthcoming RVA All Day. The video, directed by Shaun Lilley, is a madcap affair, featuring a plot that revolves around aliens attacking the city, and the horn-wielding warriors of No BS! being all that stands between us and certain destruction. Inbetween CGI-augmented scenes of space battles, in which alien cruisers face off against ships piloted by members of No BS! Brass, we get some great footage of No BS! members like Reggie Pace and David Hood taking solos in the midst of the swirling interstellar lights of the Milky Way. Then suddenly, three minutes in, one of the members (not sure, but I think it's John Hulley) steps up and drops a rap verse on the invaders, who turn tail and bug out. Once again, the day is saved!

The tune itself is also a blast, swinging and grooving due to the funky, syncopated horn arrangements and the crucial contributions of high-flying drummer Lance Koehler, who keeps the backbeat rolling throughout. The periodic jubilant chants of the song's title punctuate the brilliance of this track and let us all know that we can expect the new No BS! Brass Band album, when it hits, to captivate the local scene just as much as their previous albums did.

Before RVA All Day hits, though, No BS! Brass also have some other goodies coming down the line, the first of which is a DVD called Live At Montrose Studios. That DVD will be unveiled to the public this Thursday, with a release show happening at Balliceaux starting at 10:30 PM. There'll be a special night-of-release discount on the DVD that night, and you'll also get to see No BS! tear the house down at Balliceaux, which is always worth it, of course. For more info, click here: http://www.facebook.com/events/418939508192744/

By Andrew Necci

Noah-O x Taylor Whitelow, "Klephnote"

Necci — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:00:02 -0500

Here's the brand new video from Noah-O, a heartfelt tribute to departed RVA producer and hip hop legend, Kleph Dollaz, who passed away last year. "Klephnote" is the first single from Noah-O's forthcoming collaboration with producer Taylor Whitelow, an album entitled Monument Avenue that is expected to come out this spring. The track mixes emotional lyrics from Noah-O with a strong, sample-based backing track put together by Whitelow. The video, directed by Rob Roby of Soul Live Media, features footage filmed at Hollywood Cemetery and in locations around Richmond, and has a hazy, faded feel that accentuates the mournful mood of the song as a whole. "Klephnote" is a strong opening track from Monument Avenue, one that points towards good things coming soon. While we wait for the album to drop, head over to soundcloud.com/monumentavenue and grab your own copy of "Klephnote," which is available for free download. Play it loud in memory of Kleph Dollaz.

By Andrew Necci

Diplo feat. Gent & Jawns, "Butter's Theme"

Necci — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:03:37 -0500

It's amazing--we just got finished telling you about how much Gent & Jawns had going on already in 2013, and no sooner did we post that article than another major event in the career of the dynamic EDM duo comes to pass. That's right, a brand new video for the collaborative track Gent & Jawns contributed to Diplo's 2012 EP Express Yourself has just hit the internet, and it is striking, that's for sure. To watch the video for "Butter's Theme" is to enter into a kaleidoscopic, hallucinatory world filled with nubile young ladies in masks, leather jackets, and hotpants. As the dancehall-flavored track pumps out its pounding beat, the ladies cavort for the camera, waving their legs, shaking their asses, and opening their mouths to seemingly swallow the camera, all in a highly suggestive manner. But it's still sort of safe for work--no flesh gets exposed other than a little bit of the "undercurves of the buttocks" that the Grammy Awards were worrying about a few weeks ago, but you can handle that, can't you? We would, however, advise you not to watch this video if you've ingested any psychedelic drugs lately. We wouldn't want you to be driven crazy by the sight of a million girls kicking their legs in synchronized formation. Wait, does that make this video some kind of post-milennial EDM version of the Rockettes? We'll leave you to sort that one out. For now, just turn it up and dance.

By Andrew Necci

Noah-O feat. Fam Bizz & Ms. Honey, "Looking Down"

Necci — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:21:10 -0500

Noah-O gives us the first taste of his followup to last year's Thuglas Wilder For President mixtape with this new video featuring CB & Barnone, who make up the West Coast hip hop duo Fam Bizz, plus Ms. Honey singing the hook. As with Noah-O's 2010 breakthrough hit, "I Got It," Noah lets his guests spit first, finally taking the mic for the third verse. In light of the West Coast roots of his collaborators, it's no surprise to see that this video, which is directed by Chris Kae, was shot in the Bay Area, and Noah-O rocks a San Francisco 49ers jacket during his verse. However, he's still proud to hail from right here in RVA, and at one point makes reference to the East Coast/West Coast collab happening on the track by saying, "Barnone and my partner--different coasts, same team." The song's subject is the dominance of Noah-O, Fam Bizz, and their team, but the braggodocio in the lyrics is somewhat belied by the melancholy edge of the piano-driven music. Even Ms. Honey's melodies on the chorus, when she sings, "I'll see you at the top--looking down at all you haters," sounds kind of sad. The video's moody, greyish color scheme, portraying a cloudy day in northern California, only further emphasizes this darker mood. Really, though, whether you're focusing on the somewhat downcast melodies or the proud, defiant lyrics, this track is equally enjoyable, and the video only adds to that enjoyment.

Thug Wilder's Revenge will be out Monday Feb. 18. Keep an eye on chargedupent.com for details, and if you didn't grab Thuglas Wilder For President back when it came out, it's still available as well, so go score yourself a copy!

By Andrew Necci

ADAM ZOMBiE, "Jungle Book"

Necci — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:23:10 -0500

Check it out, folks, it's a new video from RVA hip hop enigma Adam Zombie, who never seem to play shows that much but have an active youtube channel. Their videos often revolve around themes of mysterious violence and youthful hedonism, which fits with their intricate rhyming style, full of internal rhymes and pop-cultural references. With their off-kilter boom-bap production sound mixed in, it seems like there's an Odd Future influence at work here, but what Adam Zombie is doing is unusual in this day and age regardless of their influences. The new video for "Jungle Book," which comes from last year's Kick Kick Punch LP, features a bizarre horror movie style intro--fitting for a group with the word "zombie" in their name--then goes for more of a party vibe once the song starts. Huge shelves full of liquor, couples making out in the background, and flossin' with Monopoly money are what's going on in this video, and combined with a truly solid song for a foundation, the result is four very entertaining minutes of video from this underrated local group. Check it out.

By Andrew Necci