Hip hop legend and Atlanta rap pioneer Big Boi has recently released his second solo work entitled Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. Big Boi, also known as on half of the pioneering hip hop duo Outkast, has kept true to form by challenging the conventional mold of a hip hop album. His daring and genius melting of rock, hip hop, funk with his trademark lyrical flare has led to another fantastic album. When one thinks about what hip hop albums can sound like from this generation it could be characterized as super catchy hook, some synth, blaring base, one of three drum beats and random expletive lay overs in the background. To have a legend decide to make an album that takes hip hop and other way with some renewed focused is refreshing. No one can doubt the skill Big Boi has had for lacing his rhymes with all sorts of schemes, patterns, stories, and intonation changes.

His lyrical genius has been unquestioned the days of kindly telling Ms. Jackson that he “will be present on the first day of school and graduation” to his critically acclaimed and unappreciated debut album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico. Although his freshman effort still isn’t as recognized as many believe, you wont hear a peep out of Sir Left Foot about it. In true master fashion, he retools and comes back with an even more daring project. It took a few years to come together but the end result on Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors forces me to keep doing the same thing, that’s hitting repeat on the album.

On Dec. 11, 2012, Daddy Fatt Saxx released his sophomore project to much anticipation and he sure didn’t disappoint. As I am a fan, I expected to be wowed by the auditory overload that leads to track by track gold. Two things that Outkast’ fans have come to love about them as a duo and individuals, is their creativity and courage. There seems to be an unwillingness to conform to the conventional framework of what is to be a hip-hop album. They have always been more worried about sounds like great music. This album serves up an eclectic mix of rock rhythms, funky bass lines, soul vocals, and of course Big Boi’s unique rhyme flow.

Dangerous Rumors has introduced hip-hop fans such as myself to a popular indie duo Phantogram and their unique sound. You can see why they would be right up Big Boi’s lane with their contributions on Objectum Sexuality and CPU. To feed a fan’s appetite for some new school talent Big Boi enlists the services of newcomers Theophilus London and Tre Luce on the super catchy and not for church play “She Said Ok.” If you like some familiarity you are going to love the ATL banger “In the A.” Big teams up with fellow Atlanta legends T.I. and Ludacris for a track that is sure to make you want to nod your head rapidly. He also links up with long time friend and one of my personal favorites Killer Mike and newcomer Little Dragon for the shoulder boppin’ Thom Pettie.

My two personal favorites are “Lines” featuring A$AP Rocky and Phantogram and “Apple of My Eye” featuring Jake Troth.

In retrospect, I should have known to expect an album that I would like, but I could not anticipate for this album to become the sound track to my day since I got my hands on a copy of it. If classical lyrical talent and great music are important to you, you should head down to your local record store and purchase this album. Who I am kidding? We don’t do that anymore — it’s on iTunes.

Review by Norlex Belma.

In Pennsylvania’s backyard lie some of the most interesting and unique examples of traditional music. Although Pennsylvania is technically part of Appalachia, it is often better to look to our southern neighbors for mountain clogging, or flat-foot dancing.

In the middle of the 20th century a few filmmakers took notice of a seemingly average West Virginian by the name of Donald Ray White, well remembered by his famous moniker, more simply, D. Ray White. Accompanied by only a banjo and guitar, D. Ray White danced and performed, all the while elevating his interpretation of an old dance far beyond the confines of his small West Virginia community.

D Ray White and his family

The fun thing about flat foot is that it sounds good and it’s an interaction with the music rather than just movement. You’ll notice either tap shoes or a dancer on a wooden board or floor with the musicians, not down on the floor. The dancer is to be seen and the feet are to be heard. The music guides the dancer along as they improvise a beat on the floor. It is not the backbeat or choreographed to the song.

Flat-footing is still lives on even though it, and the music, are aged (Pittsburgh has a group called Coal Mining Cloggers). Although it’s a deep-rooted tradition, I can’t help but enjoy flat-footing for being a light hearted, almost silly expression of dance and mountain soul.

John Hartford playing and dancing the ol’ soft shoe

Each week, we’ll be featuring a short interview with one of our DJs who recently put on a particularly great show. This week, that DJ is Dave, host of “Uptown Girl” on Thursday afternoons.

Is your radio gold plated? Do you listen to it in a bathtub full of diamonds eating croissants filled with champagne? Then this is the show for you! UPTOWN GIRL, Elegance, Opulence, Excess; every Thursday at noon on WRCT.

You can listen to Dave’s award-winning show here. And be sure to tune in Thursdays at noon.

What is the concept behind “Uptown Girl”?
I’m really into being emotionally wealthy. Listening to Uptown Girl will make you rich!

What is your favorite song that you played last week?
They’re all my favorites but Wanda Jackson – Funnel Of Love

Describe your dream date.
What a salacious question. I’m not only into rich girls and I think my dream date would involve the Monroeville Mall Sbarro’s OR Sheetz for deep fried mac&cheese. I like other stuff too.

What is your favorite food?
I like to say it’s cantaloupe but really it’s provolone sticks.

What is the best thing about Pittsburgh?
The people are kind.

Below is a photo of Disco Dave. As he said, “I didn’t really want to have a real picture of me out there on the internet (I learned that from a public service announcement) so I chose a really weird one, but I’m in it!”