Mar
06

Art Rap in the Museum: Serengeti, Sufjan, and American Eagles

In which a Chicago-born rapper enlists a sotto voce indie rock star to warble auto-tuned hooks over wintery raps. But before the s/s/s super-group of Serengeti, Sufjan Stevens, and Son Lux gets accused of sharking KanyeIver, it’s worth noting that this track was recorded at least one or two Casimir Pulaski days ago. Besides, I’d… Continue reading »

Feb
13

Video: Serengeti – “Shazam”

To quote Trey Kerby, wry humorist, shrimp burrito connoisseur, semi-professional Brad Miller impersonator: “If this video doesn’t blow your mind — which seems impossible, but I’ll allow that maybe it is too early for you to really appreciate it — then the story surely will. A made-up, mustachioed alter ego throwing shots at one of… Continue reading »

Feb
07

Jolly Green Giants Get Cut: Serengeti’s “Shazam”

It’s been a rough week for Shaq. Last night, Kobe Bryant passed him in scoring on the all-time list, now Serengeti has unleashed the power of the Killa Deacon on the Big Aristotle.  For those who don’t know the back story, Kenny Dennis (Kdz) and Tha Grimm Teachaz were signed to Jive Records in ’93.… Continue reading »

Jul
19

That Blog Post Got Viewed the Most: Serengeti’s “California”

Take your sub-Dipset technicolor Dreamcoat hyperlink rap, I will opt every time for the caustic smirk of Serengeti and his former Saluki, Open Mike Eagle. Admittedly, there is home field advantage at work, now that both Chicago natives are permanent residents of my smog-scarred birthplace. I have a feature in next week’s LA Weekly on… Continue reading »

Jul
27

Baths-”Lovely Bloodflow”

Along with Tobacco, Baths is one of the standard-bearers of the new Anticon, a label dedicated less to antagonizing rap reactionaries and more to releasing some of the most psychedelic beats on the planet. The amicable parting with Sole didn’t hurt matters — thereby disassociating themselves with being Linda Tripped. Baths quibbled with Pitchfork recently… Continue reading »

May
21

Wacky Tobacco and Maniac Meat

Tom Fec will never receive the acclaim he deserves. This is to be expected from a man pushing 30 who goes by the name of Tobacco and titles songs  “Lick the Witch,” Constellation Dirtbike Head,” and “Grape Aerosmith.” Then again, that never seemed to stop Animal Collective. What’s different is that Fec refuses to play… Continue reading »

Apr
14

Bed, Baths, and Beyond

Despite his ardor for Baths and claw foot bath tubs, Aaron Frank does not wear Bathing Apes. Now that we’re several months into the new year, those December resolutions are slipping and I’m again regularly making poor personal decisions. This time it wasn’t answering my ex’s belligerent 3 a.m. phone calls, but rather skipping Baths… Continue reading »