Mojoe

Dirty Genes (StraightLine Entertainment)

Soulful Texas hip-hop, a phrase best said by Austin’s Bavu Blakes, doesn’t need to sound like someone prevailing over the elements. That’s just how it’s done best. Few put that theory to practice better than San Antonio’s MoJoe, whose Dirty Genes never fails to find the “Silver Line” in any potential ailment. Genes digs up years of heartbreak (“Tragic Love Song”) but also plenty to move the party (“My Favorite Cut”). Over mostly live band production, with D Madness playing bass on “Cheatin’ (On Hip-Hop)” and “Call It Forever,” Tre and Easy Lee blend ATLiens flow with vocals evoking D’Angelo and Anthony Hamilton (“Every Tear”), tossing game (“Let’s Chill”), and getting out their dreams on “Call It Forever.” Nothing beats “Strange Revival,” though, Dirty Gene‘s first single and a track so infectious that Mr. Blakes had to drop a verse of his own. (Wed., 12:30am, Klub Krucial.)

***.5

This article appears in March 19 • 2010.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US