Wednesday 19 Jun
 
 

Kanye West — Yeezus

Try as you might, but there’s no escaping Kanye West. Turn on the TV, radio, computer — hell, take a stroll downtown and you might see his mug projected on the side of a building. It’s an undeniable fact of life in 2013: Kanye West is bigger than Buddha, Krishna and The Beatles (today, anyway) and he’ll be the first to let you know about it.
06/18/2013 | Comments 0

John Moreland — In the Throes

With the soul of a poet and the look of a Sons of Anarchy extra, Tulsa’s John Moreland has been gifted the sort of gravely, booming voice that does Bruce Springsteen proud and a similar understanding of the universal human experience. It’s made for some fantastic records — both as a solo artist and with his dissolved Black Gold Band — and In the Throes is his best yet.
06/19/2013 | Comments 0

Jumpship Astronaut — Lights Burn Out

Oklahoma has never been the haven for electronic rock music that it is for country, folk and, as of late, psychedelic pop, but from the sound of Lights Burn Out, Oklahoma City upstart Jumpship Astronaut seems intent on changing that.
06/12/2013 | Comments 0

Various artists — Reaching Out

Like so many Oklahomans, the local music scene has responded with generosity and grace in the wake of last month’s tragedy in Moore. In the weeks since, droves of local musicians have banded together for benefit concerts and radio marathons to raise funds for the relief effort, and with extraordinary results.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0

Progress in Color — Get Well

It’s been a long, bumpy ride for Glenpool’s Progress in Color, which saw a record deal with Epic evaporate before even one record could come of it, but it’s led the outfit to where it was supposed to be.
06/04/2013 | Comments 0
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Soundcheck: Beetyman — Underdog


Matt Carney September 28th, 2011  

It’s refreshing to hear earnest backpack rap at a time when some of the most topically vile, base and offensive music in the genre’s history (read: Odd Future) is what’s buzzing.

That said, another quality GRP FLY-sporting rapper’s emerged from the fertile Oklahoma City ground that produced Jabee, Josh Sallee and aDDLib. Beetyman hails from the east side, as he informs us on his aptly named debut LP “Underdog,” a record full of optimistic brass samples that surround a genuine, young talent.

Per the album title, most of Beetyman’s metaphors and concepts skew sports (“run the city like a marathon, I break that tape,” “like the Patriots in the Super Bowl with no cleats,” “coaching like Mo Cheeks”), and DJ Chips’ production features a lot beats and sample arrangements that are heavy with soft-rock synthesizers. It’s a fresh combination that, if continued, will undoubtedly produce success on the local and regional levels.

My only wish for Beety (and this will come as he matures and continues to work at his craft) is to continue to develop his technical game (a la Sallee) and the authority of his vocals. Despite B’s quality, endearing verses (“I write as a way to heal my scars”) on “Choices,” mentor Jabee shows up and owns the track with his more assured and emphatic delivery. But that’ll come with time. I’ll be waiting. More like anticipating.

To stream or purchase “Underdog,” check out beetyman.bandcamp.com. —Matt Carney


 
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