For its first sold-out event, Swamburger Presents hosted Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic, otherwise known as alt-rap supergroup Hail Mary Mallon (Mar. 5, The Social). This project packs the kind of exponential potential that happens when two MCs who are also noted producers join forces. Despite their conceptual tendencies, their live vibe jumped with an original roots kind of fire.
It wasn’t always the tightest rap clinic around, but the spirit was hot and true. Adding serious heat to the performance was Rhymesayers gunslinger DJ Abilities (of Eyedea & Abilities), whose stone-cold, no-headphones cuts were given lots of nice spotlight to flex.
Under the spell of collective force like this, the capacity crowd was in their palms, ready to go wherever with them. In mainstream days like these, it’s good to be reminded that the truth and pulse of the hip-hop underground is not just still very much alive but here.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene.
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
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This article appears in Mar 4-10, 2015.
