Show Review: Spoek Mathambo with Pegasus Warning, Duckwrth and Armani Cooper at Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 7/23/2012

Nthato Mokgata aka Spoek Mathambo
Nthato Mokgata aka Spoek Mathambo

The death, rebirth, and re-death of hip hop music is a continuing cycle that has been foretold, discussed, and beaten into the ground so often that it seems to be a career staple for any artist that will willingly embrace the label. The genre itself seems to be in a constant struggle to maintain relevance as an art form, and as a powerful method of expression, while also battling to remain incredibly popular and appealing to fans of all creeds and backgrounds. There is a constant race to be the next big MC, the next hot producer, or to do something wholly original with your performance that eschews established “rules” of hip hop in favor of something fresh, but also accessible. Adding a set of live instruments, and a thunderous stage presence during his delivery, are two key elements that South African hip hop newcomer Spoek Mathambo (pronounced “Spook Mah-tem-bo,” real name Nthato Mokgata) is using to shatter such conventional stylings, and bring startlingly bright life into the world of beats and rhymes.

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Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 7/19/12 – 7/25/12

This guy is really excited about the show at Rickshaw Stop on Friday Night!

Here’s another sampling of the fine music out your disposal in the Bay Area this weekend! I think that there’s something for everyone this week.

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Spinning Platters SXSW Report: 25 Instant SXSW Gig Reviews

Approximately .0003% of the attendees at SXSW 2012

This is my fifth year straight where I descended to the great city of Austin, Texas to enjoy the most insane week of live music you will ever enjoy. I took a little easier than most years, but I still had a very fulfilling week of music. I get to enjoy a wide array of great stuff, and, without further adieu, here are my thoughts on that time:

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