Blackillac - “Gym Bag”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Kota the Friend, Earthgang, Magna Carda

Psychedelic rap, Southern hip hop, and Houston trap influences take form on Blackillac’s latest EP Green Room, a deep, bassy sound rumbling under the Austin duo’s smoked-out vocals. It’s a balance of tripped-out chill beats and more pop-oriented club rhythms, a mood that matches both rappers talk-like flow. Their songs sludge along but still with a little bounce, loose but moving forward. Detailed, weird melodies prod ZEALE and Phranchyze’s music just enough to take it beyond just grooving, low-key hip hop and gives Green Room repeatability within a hypnotic space. The duo are common coconspirators with fellow Austin artist Gary Clark Jr. and are gearing up for a full-length in 2022 alongside the electric blues-rock artist. (Kevin McStravick)