Hell's Hottest Vol. 2 w/ HellCat!, Blakchyl, Censored Dialogue, Naalah, Apollo Black, Sol Basik, Khxnid!, Juliani, Henry B, DJ Ben Buck [control room]

The word “showcase” shall get shelved indefinitely after its annual 10 days of SXSW-induced notoriety. So, let’s call Empire’s two hip-hop shows this weekend an unofficially intertwined platform for a multitude of underground MCs in the Austin and San Antonio areas. Friday’s show, hosted by rapper/producer Hellcat!, homes in on lyrical prowess and lo-fi sonics emanating from both aforementioned cities while Saturday features an all-512 lineup. Friday, Naalah of SATX shines with unashamed confessions over weeping strings on “Manic Maniac.” Locals on the weekend kickoff bill include laid-back rhymer Blakchyl, Censored Dialogue, and Khxnid!, who finally tells us how to address him in latest single “whatsforme?” Ben Buck paces affairs on the 1s and 2s. – Derek Udensi