Keezy is a relatively new Santa Fe transplant and recently released his
debut EP, Speak in Spells. The album is an ode to
veganism, sustainability and riding bikes. Each track focuses on
hard-hitting realities that force the listener to re-evaluate issues we
may perceive as commonplace. Using commercial-sounding beats throughout
the album is a stroke of genius; it lures listeners in and, before they
know it, political statements are made.
“Right now, a man in North Carolina wearing dark blue coveralls and
steel-toed boots is kicking the shit out of a baby pig/If you don’t
know, now you know,” Keezy informs us on “Animalicious,” a song that
displays the ugly truth of factory farming. With this kind of blunt
honesty, Keezy paints a picture that most of us don’t want to see, but
of which we ought to be aware.
Bearing in mind a few exceptions, Santa Fe doesn’t have a wealth of
hip-hop talent. That’s not to say the people doing it are without merit,
but, rather, they’re few and far between, and are rarely afforded the
opportunity to perform. We see touring hip-hop acts from time to time,
but it seems like the locals have a harder time of it. While there are
plenty of DJs spinning hip-hop, local live performances are sporadic at
best.
Take 22 Spinx, for example. He is a talented and socially conscious
artist who chooses to rap positively and add varying styles to his
sound, yet he almost never performs.
Local emcee and producer Cas Uno is about to put out the follow-up to
his previous album Last of the Tusken Raiders, and he
recently played at The Pub & Grill at Santa Fe Brewing Company—but
as the opener for the California group Gift of Gab.
Yes, these touring acts are important, and I love a national act as much
as the next guy. However, charity—or bookings, as it were—should begin
at home.
Is it a lack of interest within the scene? I want to say no because I
talk to so many people who love hip-hop and want to see it performed. Is
it apathy on the part of the artists? I don’t think that’s the case
because having spoken with or interviewed a number of emcees in Santa
Fe, I find they are among the hardest-working musicians around.
My theory is that Santa Fe has become so musically entrenched in
Americana, country and bar blues that show-goers are almost afraid to
operate outside these genres. Look, I’m a huge Americana fan and I’m
endlessly impressed by the strength within that particular genre—but
there are other styles out there, for Christ’s sake.
Any time I’ve seen a local get on a stage and rhyme, I’ve been blown
away. In other words: The talent is there, it just needs a chance.
Shows that touch on several genres are exciting, not only for the
variety but for the different kinds of energy that each style provides.
In order for the scene to unify, cross-genre promotion should become a
major consideration. In addition to opening up the scene, people might
get to hear things they otherwise would not. Imagine that.
Follow SFR music news on Twitter: @SFRsA_Sharp
Some of your best writing Alex. Kudos!
Excellent article! Although I do have to comment on the part about 22 spinx, you are absolutely right about him not having many performances. I do believe that partly has to do with him and the persona he tries to achieve/manipulate. When you come into a place where the majority of locals/non-locals are semi-new to the scene, you have to realize that you are no better than anyone else. I have seen may of plenty times where people have gotten tired of this airhead individual treating others as though he is ENTITLED to "blow up" and much better than any other Emcee out there...it truly gets old after awhile. People by nature get turned off by this arrogance. I have much respect for the whole hip-hop genre but this type wannabe vibe truly gives the scene a bad wrap especially in a small state...
that twitter above, isn't me. ok.