ROX-TV presents the “Sounds from the Underground” hot track list
Welcome to the “Sounds from the Undergound” where we celebrate the music that’s bumpin the streets and making heads nod around the city. This is going to be a rotating series where I let the readers in on tracks I’m digging on and think are worth a look. Some of the tracks are hot off the press, others might be slow burns….like a triple dipped moon rock, and since I’m running the ship….I might feature a song from the old school just because I can.
Obviously, the last year or so in America has pretty much been a cluster fuck due to the pandemic. I’ve got my own feelings on that, but that’s not why we are here. This space is dedicated to giving Indie Artists from the Murder Mitten and around the country a chance to be heard and celebrated. I’m from the nineties and I’ve waited a long time for this day to come. I’m from a long lost place where bullshit radio stations and the music monopoly mega-monster MTV called the shots. Back in the day, these institutions played “king maker” and shut out anyone that didn’t dance to their bullshit tune.
The Michigan underground was ignored, largely on purpose for many years and it was very frustrating for me as a fan in my formative years. To know that the sounds coming out of Detroit and Flint were so amazing, and yet, no one was really allowed to hear it correctly. Ridiculous big time record labels and stations and all that went with that….hell, even the music magazines of the day would try and placate to the empire of dirt.
If the the publications mentioned ICP or anyone else from the zone, which they didn’t do all that much anyway, it was to throw dog shit and minimize the music. From being outright dismissive, to down right ignorant in their opinions about Michigan’s astronomical underground, I had to listen to it all. There was nothing that could be done, except to toss them the bird and a few choice words.
Well, I’m glad to announce those days are dead my friends. ROX-TV is committed to bringing music from the Indie scene right into your living room, while your mom is burning shit in the kitchen. We are here and we plan to hoist up our own champions. This is an enduring scene and it’s survival is a testament to the quality of the music and the talent of the artists that have kept the train rolling, for the last three decades.
We pay homage and respect to those that came before and welcome with open arms, the new school of loyal underground followers. It’s been a long time coming and I’m really honored to play a small role in getting down for the Michigan scene as well as other neglected hot spots in this place we collectively call home. It sure as hell isn’t perfect by ten miles, but I say we make the best of it. Respect and treat history good, and it will take care of you. Forget that shit and pay a heavy price. Ok, enough with all that for a minute, lets get to the music and get it bumpin. Just like we did in the nineties homeboys and homegirls. Lets ride….
“They all float” by Tre LB with Pennywise
The first track of the day is the banger “They all float” by Detroit’s very own Tre LB. I think he’s a very interesting and talented artist, but beyond that even….he’s got that golden touch when it comes to producing and mixing music. I won’t get into all of it here, but I plan to invite Tre LB to sit down with ROX-TV for a more in depth interview in the coming weeks. When I first came to ROX-TV, I started to receive music from the underground and indie artists in the area.
I kept noticing this name pop up, over and over again. From album credits, to featured tracks, to guest appearances, Tre LB is fucking everywhere doing his thing. I respect people that work hard and put everything they have into their music. Beyond that, I tip my fucking hat to those that not only make the songs, but the people that chill in the shadows, puffing on a blunt, putting it all together. There is a real skill required to sit at the studio boards, with an ear to sounds, searching and finding the perfect format to bring dope beats to life.
We will be taking a more in depth look at Tre LB’s place in the local underground in the coming months, but today, we are here for the track “They all float”.
Right from the get go there is an intoxicating beat, set at just the right pace. The video has great shots of the Detroit skyline at times. As Tre LB drops his lyrics, the mighty Renaissance Center looms in the darkness. I dig rappers that aren’t afraid to sing a little in the track and Tre does it well. You can feel the words as the images pass by on the screen. Tre LB takes the listener on a ride through his reality with rhymes, and talks about his perspectives in real time.
I’m an old school third shift kind of guy, that loves the night time and the imagery with the city streets at night. I respond to this type of presentation and enjoy the video as much as the song. There is a haunting guitar that hovers in the background of this track and it hits all the right chords. As for the silent and dark clown, you already know….I love that shit too. If you haven’t heard this track or are just getting acquainted with Tre LB’s music, this is a good enough place to start as any. Oh yeah, there is definitely more coming on this cat, stay tuned.
“Season of the Witch” by Daniel Dahmer
I’ve just recently been introduced to Daniel Dahmer’s Terrorvision E.P. and I’ve haven’t been this excited for awhile. Although the actual album dropped about a year and a half ago, due to the world breaks with the pandemic, nothing from this time period really got the correct exposure or coverage. For all intensive purposes the last year or so will probably go down in history with a bizarre asterisk next to it (*shit was fucked up). So beyond the recent events that no one at our level can control, we find ourselves with a really interesting album from Daniel Dahmer.
In my opinion the entire tone and vibe is done correct and in the spirit of Samhain and Juggalo sensibilities, that harken back to the early days of horrorcore. That’s some heavy verbiage, but all it really means is that this album captures the spirit of those earlier years, and does the Halloween theme to near perfection. This is the type of shit that got me excited back in 1993 and 1994, when the “golden age” of the wicked (wicket) shit was really starting to form up. I can think of several examples that come to mind from that time period, although I won’t get into that here.
The song opens up with that famously creepy commercial by the Silver Shamrock Corporation, from one of the greatest movies ever made, although seldom gets it due….Halloween 3 “Season of the Witch” (1982). For those that failed to make the connection by the name of the track or the commercial at the beginning of the song…there’s probably nothing I can do for you except advise to study up. Horrorcore has a lot of layers, and if a person has no background in the 1970’s and 1980’s horror films, they need to check out that universe to gain a true appreciation for the themes, when they appear on tracks and in the art work. If we know the past, then we understand the present, and can usually predict with a fair amount of accuracy, what’s coming next….
The music is spooky, with almost impossible bass lines that make me wish I still had my twelves in the trunk. This song should be played loud in high residential areas. Fuck em. The only thing wrong with this track is that it is not longer. Clocking in at right around two minutes and fifteen seconds, the song is over like an evaporating nitrous oxide high. But maybe that’s ok too. Limited exposure often makes the heart grow fonder, word to the wise. Besides, I can always hit repeat. I was lucky enough to kick it in the studio with Daniel Dahmer the other day and we had a great discussion about the earlier years of horrorcore, and how it has been amazing to be part of the Juggalo Universe for all these years. Our thing survived against all odds and predictions. Whoop Whoop. I dig this track and the same goes for the rest of the album. Go find it.
“The Detour” (LAPD Confiscated Our Footage) by Wil E. Haze
This track just dropped on March 10th, 2021 and is a hot one for sure. Just like with Tre LB’s video, this one captures the West Coat “city at night” and I can’t get enough of the visuals. When I hear this song, it reminds me of old school California rap from the mid nineties. That laid back Los Angeles weed smoking sound, that is perfect for the end of the night festivities.
The video is great and even features a dope clip of Lamont Sanford and Rollo Larson from “Sanford and Son” (Season 4, Episode 11:Fred’s Treasure Garden). It’s a perfect fit, with Wil E. Haze in the background smoking and cruising the city. Throughout the video, Wil E. Haze is rolling on some dope ass wheels to boot.
I’m digging on this track and recommend a listen. Make time and do it…..high.
“The Devil’s in the Skills” by HEXXX
This track dropped on February 25th, 2021 and is an absolute murder machine. I met the big homie HEXXX in Detroit when he flew in to Motown a few weeks ago. We chopped it up at the CRB Studio while on the “Cruisin The Barrio” show (hosted by Rudy “Rude Boy” Hill, and rolls with the all-star team of DJ Carlito, Lady T, A.T. Huck, and Eric the Prodigy). Before HEXXX went on air, I was able to interview him for ROX-TV about his music, his mission to put it down for West Coast Wicked Shit, and his wild background from the “High Desert” in Cali.
HEXXX is a dope artist and I’m feeling everything he’s dropping right now. As a member of the Juggalo Community since 1992, its surreal to hear an LA artist giving up props to the Wicked Clownz and the Mecca in Detroit. While the big homie was here from LA, he was able to hit the Southwest and connect with scene. I also have to give a shout out to Macey Fox, the very talented lady who handles business for HEXXX in the industry. We had a great night with the homies, and good times were had by all.
This jam hits so hard, that the rear view mirror is doomed. This track has me amped up and ready to smash some shit when I hear it. I anticipate great things from this priest of the West Coast Wicked Shit in the very near future. Grab it up today.
HEXXX recently lived streamed a concert on March 13th, and I recommend people watch that set when they can. HEXXX was dropping fire, and even took a few tokes during one of the songs he was performing. I dig this cat. Support to the 760 from the 810 and the 313.
“Hack em up” (Freddy vs Jason) IZZ2NICE featuring ACE SOLOW
Thanks to IZZ2NICE for the heads up on this track. The homie from 7 Mile Detroit turned me on to this special project. The music and lyrics are right on the money, with that homage to horror flicks from back in the day.
I don’t know if IZZ2NICE read my mind, but this is horrorcore done proper and correct, just the way I like it. The track is fire and I can’t wait to hear more. I will be looking out for his music at the April 10th music festival for independent artists, featuring some of the fresh acts in the undergound and of course King Gordy.
Well that about raps it up for this week’s episode of “Underground Sounds” hot track list. Keep coming back for more dope content, already in the mail for ya’ll. Until next time…..
Signing Off,
Mike Shepard
ROX-TV Head Writer
shepard2909@hotmail.com
Check out other dope articles from ROX-TV now….
https://rox-tv.com/2021/03/16/daniel-dahmer-sits-down-for-an-exclusive-interview-with-rox-tv/
https://rox-tv.com/2021/03/12/sitting-down-with-detroits-izz2nice-from-west-7-mile/
