CLICK HERE To Go Back To Blurred Culture’s SXSW Artist Page For March 14th, 2019
AUSTIN, TX- For this year’s SXSW I had a shortlist of acts I absolutely needed to see; one of which was a hip-hop trio from Phoenix, Arizona called Injury Reserve comprising of rappers Ritchie With A T, Steppa J Groggs, and producer Parker Corey. Their first release Live From the Dentist Office (2015) made its rounds in the hip-hop subreddits and generated a loyal fan base that has grown rapidly with each new project. Since then, Injury Reserve has produced Floss (2016) and Drive it Like it’s Stolen (2017) which led them on their first country-wide tour. I was lucky enough to attend their sold-out show in NYC last year and I couldn’t wait for the next opportunity to see them perform. That opportunity turned out to be on Day 2 of SXSW 2019 at the legendary Mohawk Austin for a Brooklyn Vegan showcase.
Equipped with only a laptop, small soundboard, and microphones, that’s all Injury Reserve needed to bring the ruckus. Their set list consisted of their biggest bangers and most popular singles such as “Boom x3”, “All This Money” and “What’s Goodie”. What makes Injury Reserve so different and so fun to listen to is that no two songs are alike. Parker Corey is a producing genius because he’s able to mix and match every type of sample to create exciting music that just slaps. Everything from jazz to punk to EDM is incorporated into hip-hop beats over which Steppa and Ritchie With A T lay down intricate bars addressing a variety of personal issues and topics. While the subject matter may at times be heavy, it’s relatable and that’s what resonates with their fans.
What really stands out with their music is just how energetic and hype it really is. During their SXSW set there were multiple mosh pits and crowd surfers despite it being a venue that holds only a few hundred people. The place was jumping as Steppa and Ritchie were riling up the audience with their on stage aggressive and wild rapping. The addictive hooks and body shaking beat drops can’t help but get you pumped up. The set ended with Injury Reserve’s craziest song “Oh Shit!”, which Ritchie prefaced by apologizing: “To all the older people, I’m sorry about all this ruckus. LET’S FUCKING GO!” proceeded by the bass coming in and the crazed mosh pit closing up.
Injury Reserve put on a hell of a show for those of us lucky enough to be there at SXSW this year. Their energetic and brash style mixed with heart pounding beats show why they’re only going to get better and better as artists and performers. Their self-titled debut album comes out tomorow out on May 17th and the few known features of Rico Nasty and Amine are indicative of how far up this trio from Phoenix, Arizona has risen in the hip-hop world. Be sure to see them live and prepare to mosh the next time they go on tour.
Follow Injury Reserve on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
CLICK HERE To Go Back To Blurred Culture’s SXSW Artist Page For March 14th, 2019
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