Be honest. When you first think of Texas hip hop what artists do you think of first? Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Lil' Flip? I know the majority of people do. The great state of Texas is mostly known for its gritty, southern influenced street music that was born through the gospel of its godfathers: Scarface, The Geto Boys, and U.G.K. But, there is more to the "Lonestar State" than you think. Aside from Rap-A-Lot Records and Swishahouse there is an organic scene of Texas hip hop that transcends what South Western rap music meant to the genre before. Led by its most popular artist, Bavu Blakes, the small underground Texas scene showcases talented artists such as: Strange Fruit Project, Mojoe, Verbal Seed, and a quirky trio that captivated me when I first heard them a few years back on accident-- P.P.T.
P.P.T. is a Dallas bred Funk/Soul/Hip Hop group consisting of three creative artists and producers, Pikahsso, Picnic, and Tahiti. Comparable to Sa-Ra Creative Partners, but with a lot more hip hop influenced music, the group basks in a glow of funny, colorful, funky, soulful, and original soundscapes that can either be the soundtrack to a bbq, or a baby making session.
With their debut album "Tres Monos In Love" P.P.T. proved to Dallas, the state of Texas, and the hip hop community that this music could still be fun. In a scene that is most notable for its flashy, candy coated, diamond encrusted themes the trio provided numerous house party, panty dropping, funk-filled anthems that any music fan could appreciate and blast on a regular basis-- something Texas has never seen or heard before in a hip hop collective. They also blasted their careers off by becoming the music for the Dallas Mavericks and their playoff run in 2006 with the song, "Rowdy, Loud, and Proud." A track that eventually put them in the arena spotlight for the past few years by becoming the Mavericks staple half-time performers, as well as putting them in the run for multiple Grammy nominations, which were unfortunately shut down when the final envelopes were entered into the show.
While the group caters to a different vibe than your usual 'underground hip hop' fan is used to, the music has enough originality and power to catch your attention and embed its seed. Addicting, playful, and odd-- Pikahsso, Picnic, and Tahiti are part Pigeon John, part Kanye West, and part Black Eyed Peas (Pre-Fergie). Mix all those ingredients together and you get one fine piece of soulful hip hop pie.
If you need a break from the heavy political, battle-themed, or golden year throwback hip hop this is a trio that you can pop in the iPod and refresh your eardrums with. The smooth and sultry production compliment the bouncy vocals so well that this might be one of the few groups you can feel safe throwing on at your next get together or in the car with your girl.
So, before you write off the state of Texas as being the "candy paint and wood grain" capital of the hip hop world remember the fellas from P.P.T., because before you know it you will see their goofy mugs flashing across your television screen and will be making your white friends embarass themselves at dance clubs around the country. Whether you like it or not the boys from P.P.T.--
