Choo Jackson - Choo, Where U Goin? (Album)

Choo Jackson photographed by Kingy Kings

Towards the top of 2016 InTheRough detailed some time spent with musician Choo Jackson. A written piece studied the rapper's past "Anime" mixtape, the first of three total projects he pushed this year. Text familiarized audiences of Choo and this publication with the spirit of his musicianship as well as music-making in Pittsburgh.

At the time in February, Choo was ahead of a productive year, trying to maintain a steadily growing fanbase and establish his sound. He indicated his fans would begin to hear clear differences in his songs. Choo wanted to experiment with "alternative," rock.

As the year progressed, the Foreverkool Records owner and Southern gentleman continued to make neo-hip-hop bangers like "Back From Texas" and "Myself." He pleased youthful listeners on his "Pray 4 The Best" extended play with producer Sledgren of Taylor Gang which they released in June. But, Choo's introspective vocals about his life qualities could also match a production influenced by rock bands of the 1990s and 2000s who he listened to as a kid.

The sonic transition was heard upon the release of his newest "Choo, Where U Goin?" album this December. Basically, the artist introduces a hopeful narrative that various people can relate to for its humanity and nostalgia. "Go to the light my nigga," he says in "Camo" over a plucking guitar. The evolution of Choo's music comes from childhood memories he told us over Snapchat.

“Man I had a friend in Florida I used to skate with his name was Anthony. When I went to his crib he would only play his shit like Green Day, blink-182, and System Of A Down. Then I found N.E.R.D. on my own. So that’s how me and Brad kinda cliqued up musically because he’s into the same shit. It was only later that I started to like John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, or even like Marvin Gay or Al Green. I want to be remembered like them too.”

— Choo Jackson

On his third project this year, Choo finds frequent collaborators Bradley [Brad] Atom, Big Jerm of I.D. Labs, and Bounceman Christo helps cement the retro production for "C.W.U.G.?" Alternative sentiments are genuinely felt in the record's opening hook and "Feel This Way."

Though "Choo, Where U Goin?" explores another style of music, many parts of the work are dramatic and rhythmic thanks to Choo's cadence, like in "Make It Last" when he mutters "my neck, my wrist, my car, my kicks," talking fresh.

Overall, Choo Jackson's growth is made audible through each track he releases. He possesses the creativity to satisfy contemporary ears, and he gains respect for branching out to allow other genres to influence his music.

Kid Swizzy - Hippy (Mixtape)

Call on a "Hippy" for a pleasant mood, or at least for some spiritual motivation. In the form of music, "Hippy" is a mixtape by Local Foreigner Kid Swizzy.

Swizzy is a Pittsburgh-based artist who finds himself in a creatively progressive environment. His mates in the Local Foreigners group and his skate affiliates in We're Not Free crew allows their individual and artistic attitudes to manifest in songs and defiant, youthful activities.

Themes of free spirit, drive, and camaraderie fill Swizzy's new "Hippy" project. "I put my all in we did it, my team we all the way committed," the Kid raps in his "Perception" track. While Swizzy's work bolsters his rap career, it also symbolizes the fun he and his friends have. "We live when we awake," he says in "Earned This." When fans and listeners dive further into Swizzy, Local Foreigners, and We're Not Free, the fun they have as a collective is easily visible. Watch W.N.F. footage from skate sessions and antics to feel the groups' vibe.

Beyond hearing youths like Ahse, Jake The Kid, and James Perry on the Swizzy tape, people should attend the release party for "Hippy" at The Bushnel tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 7 p.m. Free entry is available, and Ahse, Jake, James, Swizzy, and other members from the crew like Que Dafoe will perform. Local rappers Deemtrill and Seas will be there in support as well. DJ Spillz will host the event.

Absorb "Hippy" below via SoundCloud.

The Bushnel 

4415 Centre Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Perspectives from the Left Coast (Playlist)

May they come back 'round soon

When InTheRough began to build, we wanted staff to be representatives of various cities across the country. Maybe our domestic footprint could turn into something international. Regardless, we wanted commentary, projects, and collaborations to feature progressive culture from different regions that would deliver through different perspectives. Pittsburgh is a huge focus, but so far actions in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and London have captured our attention too.

Here L.A. staff pinpoints sonic tastes influenced by a growing musical environment in the west as well as popular sounds from elsewhere. 

Listen to "Bone Music" in The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally's New Single

The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally photographed by @tiki_mon

Look to the west, across the coast to Portland, specifically. Musically this area catches waves due to a jumping song called "Caroline" by Aminé. However, there is plenty of untapped talent in this region, and that is what is delivered here today.

Two artists by the names of The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally present a work they call "Bone Music." The description refers to the strong, rough synth sounds that hit with a certain hollowness, and the duo's upcoming album. Officially called "Oofda," the first single off the album is written and produced by Dodgr and Tally. The raw lyrics and additional production by Zip Zap Studios create a tough track with the right amount of grit that an audience could feed off of.

The hardened tone of "Oofda," thanks to vocalist The Last Artful, Dodgr, will carry over into her and Neill Von Tally's "Bone Music" project. Themes of the album focus on a blue-collar worker struggling with work and his relationships.

Listen to the interesting music below and keep up with Dodgr and Tally here and here.

Franchise - Corner The Market

Photo by David Newbury

There are benefits to a rap duo. Two musicians could present dynamic stories and styles packaged together in a cohesive unit backed by a joint fanbase. One of the more experienced pairs with an impressive musical catalog is Franchise and Vinny Radio of The Come-Up from Braddock, Pa.

While Franchise and Vinny Radio succeed together as a partnership, especially in mixtapes like "Visions From The Pacific," they also have solo outputs. How the two fare on their own is the focus of this piece, specifically Franchise and his new project "Corner The Market."

The first half of the record has some progressive, turnt sounds that some youths could relate to and enjoy. Expect glitzy musicality and rapid flows that show the mastery Franchise has in contemporary hip-hop. "50 Dimes," "Showtime," and "Confidential" provide the described energy.

Additionally, the second half of "Corner The Market" transitions to unveil a soulful and introspective side to Franchise. Listen to "Memories & Regrets" and "Real Estate."

What is so artful about Franchise and his mixtape is the control. He offers something for many people's ears whether it is a new school vibe or something chill that is pleasant to understand. He plays to popularities and maintains his sound utilizing a Pittsburgh cast, like Big Jerm and Sayez of I.D. Labs recording studio.

Altogether, Franchise delivers a strong effort to "Corner The Market," and you can listen to the music below.