photo by Kelly Loverud
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s song, featured on the Morning Show with John Richards, is “Bangarang” by Doomtree from the 2011 album No Kings on Doomtree.
Doomtree may be best known for their affiliation with fellow Minneapolis rapper Atmosphere, but the hip-hop collective is as much focused on their beats as they are on their introspective lyricism. Though the core members of the group have known one another since high school, Doomtree’s official debut didn’t pop onto the scene until 2007, a full six years since their original inception. The five emcees and two DJs who make up the central figures of the collaboration used this time to their advantage, gleaning valuable experience and knowledge, which is reflected impressively in their output. Their latest, No Kings, is a whirlwind of fresh beats and intellectual, affecting vocal work, featuring contributions and collaborations between nearly everyone in the collective. Today’s track, “Bangarang” -- featuring P.O.S., Cecil Otter, Sims, and Mike Mictlan with production credits going to Cecil Otter and Lazerbeak -- plays out like a theme song to the crew, naming influences, calling out naysayers, and beefing their rep. You can just imagine the crowds during their live shows waving their arms to Mike Mictlan’s hook.
You’ll get a chance to be part of that crowd when Doomtree comes to Seattle this Friday, January 27. They’ll be performing live on KEXP at 1PM and then at the Crocodile that night (find tickets here). Find out more about this talented crew via their website, and be sure to check out the new video for “Bangarang,” featuring karaoke crasher Har Mar Superstar:
