check other

Houston-based hip-hop foursome Check Other stopped in at The Mink/Backroom on Friday, November 7 to contribute to the monthly Mission Control event put on by MC/host Mic Skills and DJ Remix.

Read about the night and view photos and videos after the jump

The past couple of decades have seen many Houston hip-hop artists make their mark on the national (and sometimes international) level, spreading the chopped and screwed style for which the city has become known. While syrup sippers and Willie D wannabes still abound, there's at least one Bayou City-based group of MCs who consistently deliver intelligent rhymes and attention-grabbing beats. Check Other, a collective of four skilled and driven wordsmiths, refuse to cave to any pressures to dilute their product. Their focus is on delivering meaningful, high-quality hip-hop that speaks to a diverse array of music lovers.

We had the opportunity to sit down with these talented MCs (Tommy Bumps, Sid, Mr. Mention, and Sunny D. Cypher) and learn more about their motivations, their dreams, and their plans for the future. Check out the interview, photos, and a video after the jump

Looking for an H-town hump day activity? Head over to Fitzgerald's, where the Houston Beat Battle will be showcasing hip-hop talent in a head-to-head competition. The event features 12 contestants, all of whom are beat makers, producers, emcees, poets, and DJs from Houston and the surrounding areas. We'll be there supporting BOT friends and Check Other members Tommy Bumps and Sunny D. (aka The Soulution). Event begins at 8.

I can say with no doubt in my mind that Saturday, April 12 was one of the nicest days Houston will see all year. I hope my fellow Houstonians enjoyed the beautiful weather as much as I did - the Westheimer Block Party was the place to be for great music and some serious people watching. Armed with extra allergy medication (anyone else out there feel like kicking spring's ass?), I wandered in and around Numbers, Avant Garden, and Mango's to check out the action.

See pictures from the Block Party and read our highlights after the jump

Fresh off an appearance at Atlanta showcase Take The Stage, Houston hip-hop dynamos Check Other returned to their hometown with lyrical guns ablaze. On Saturday, February 2, the quartet of MCs provided the head-nodding soundtrack for a rapt audience at The Mink/Backroom.

Show review after the jump

The first track from Check Other's first full-length album.

If you find yourself itching for a hip-hop fix this Saturday, head over to the The Mink, where local wordsmiths Check Other will be putting their skills on display. Music will also be provided by Fresh Kid Ishan, Mad Sounds and BBC. Check Other will take the stage at midnight.

Click to view the poster

Upcoming shows in the Houston Area:

Thu Jan 31
Dan Dyer at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
I first discovered Dan Dyer when Doughnut and I were checking out a set by New Orleans artist Sam & Ruby at the 2006 Voodoo Music Festival. He joined in for several songs during their set, and added a lot to their total sound. I am interested to see what his solo set is like. Show starts at 7:30; tickets are $10.

John Evans and Southern Backtones at the Hard Rock Cafe
This is a benefit concert for Star of Hope. It features two up-and-coming rock acts that are making big splashes in the Houston music scene. Apparently they are also going to have Jimi Hendrix's guitar there. Show starts at 6:30; they are asking for a suggested donation of $5.

Fri Feb 1
Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, Whodini and Willie D at the 610 Arena
I am not really sure whats going on with this one. I can't seem to find too much information about it. It looks like a great old-school hip-hop show. What could be better than that. Please let me know if any of you have any more information about this show.

Christopher Lawrence at Rich's
Rich's downtown nightclub brings in another world renowned DJ for Houston's dance scene to enjoy. Make sure you always know where your drink is though. Show starts late; tickets are $15.

Sat Feb 2
Blue Mountain at Continental Club
This alternative country band broke up in 2001, and are currently on their reunion tour. They feature Wilco bassist John Stirratt's twin sister Laurie on bass and vocals. Show Starts at 10; Ticket prices at the door.

Check Other at The Mink
Local Houston MC crew Check Other bring their fresh hip-hop sound to the Mink. This should be a pretty fun party featuring a couple DJ's and a midnight set by Check O. Show starts at 9; tickets are $7.

Digital Underground at Scout Bar
Here is another good old hip-hop show for you. Upside - They are taking a two year hiatus from the road. Downside - They are playing in Clear Lake. Show starts at 8; Tickets are $15.

The Fiery Furnaces at The Proletariat
The Proletariet are closing their doors this weekend with a bang. The Fiery Furnaces will assuredly finish it off right. Local Houston acts The Dimes and Elaine Greer support. Show starts early; Ticket prices at the door.

Spoonfed Tribe and D.R.U.M. at Fitzgerald's
Dallas favorites Spoonfed Tribe bring their tribal-rock sound to Fitzgerald's upstairs. Local reggae/afrobeat band D.R.U.M. open up the evening. Show starts at 8; Tickets are $10.

White Williams and Rings at Walter's On Washington
Many good things are going to come of this guy in the next couple of years. He has been compared to, and has ties to Dan Deacon, which says a lot. If you want to get down, this is the place to be. Show starts at 9; tickets are $10.

Yonder Mountain String Band at Warehouse Live
If you did not pick one of those other five shows, make your way over to Warehouse Live for a nice healthy does of some faced-paced newgrass. These guys are a treat for anybody who has never seen them. We have a nice little interview lined up, so stay tuned for the feature. Show starts at 9; tickets are $20.

Now that the holiday season madness is over and things around BOT HQ have settled down a bit, I got a chance to upload all of the pictures from our photo shoot with Check Other. Check 'em out here.

Click for more Check Other news

Big plans were in store on Tuesday, December 18th for us here at Breakfast on Tour. Scion hosted its monthly no-cover at Warehouse Live featuring Slick Rick, Percee P, and Connie Price and the Keystones, and we were determined to enjoy some old school hip-hop. These normally have a really good vibe, but the size of the crowd is always hit-or-miss. Being a free show there is always the slight chance that it will reach capacity, only ever happening once before with Gnarls Barkley. It was evident though on Tuesday night that all of Houston's hip-hop heads decided to come out. When we arrived at about 10:30 it was full. They had already established the one-out/one-in rule, and staying until at least 100 people left did not sound like a good idea to us. Instead of standing around all night we decided to head over to G.R.A.B. bar to catch up with our friends from Houston based hip-hop group Check Other.