Proving that soulful Texas hip-hop still has a pulse despite the departure of Bavu Blakes, locals Neckbone turn ATX on the Southern-playalistic tip with Filthy Raggs Ridin Muzik (Urbanian Entertainment), a 19-track mother ship connection that's all "Bounce Slide Bounce." Fueled by the dirty stank of Ter'ell Shahid's Promethazine-injected funk, rappers Cooley Fly and James "Kowboy" Lang emerge "Soul V.I.P.'s," with Kowboy's guttural drawl setting the bar on "Tryin So Hard (2 Be a Baller)." Contributions from a slew of Austin's finest, including Blakes, Gerald G, Black Mike, Drift, and D.O.S. make this a fitting "Welcome 2 Austin" for the modern age. Just as fresh out of the frying pan but without the pedigree, Lil' A & Lil' Nash go "Barkin' Up the Wrong Tree" on Loyalty Is Everything (Blood Money), chasing swagger, "Top Notch Dough," and "Stunna Shades" on this Houstonized street release mixed by DJ Grip. "Turn My Swag On" is undeniable, but Loyalty trips on too many trite beats ("Fakin' Real," "Make a Lot of Money") and loose hooks. "Jolly Rancher," Neckbone's "Lollipop," should provide a few laughs. With a slew of support running all the way up to Chamillionaire and Fonzworth Bentley, East Austin's Gerald G turns to the Mixtape Mechanic once again (can't G just make an album, already?) for What's Really Hood? (Monsta Entertainment). It's what you'd expect from the man dubbed Mr. 512 – pristine lyricism ("Whut It Dew") and plenty of heat ("Rodeo") – and Hood rides on DJ Rapid Ric's effortless mastery of mixtape structure. Need proof? Check the four-song string of "Gangsta Paradise," "My Bread," "Bitches," and "Get Yo Game Up."
