Underground Fossils was an indie rap focused blog run by myself (Dimxsk) and by Trylemma, who passed August 3rd, 2024 from liver failure of unknown origin at the age of 34. We mostly posted week or twice weekly, the bulk of which were rare rips we made, found on old blogs, he acquired through his insanely broad connection to the scene, etc. We did all we could to make sure we didn't post stuff that (1) You could still reasonably buy from the artist directly, (2) You could reasonably buy secondhand for cheap, (3) You could download easily elsewhere, (4) The artist(s) asked us not to for any reason. Being involved in this blog was some of the most fun I ever had, even if at times it was time consuming, challenging or intimidating (having a readership). It was the product of one of the best friendships I've ever had. If I could say one last thing, it's to encourage all of you: if you have the time and desire, make your own UGF. Find a friend who loves this shit like you do and build it together. It will bring you incredible joy, enhance your connection to this amazing community, and change your life in unexpected and exciting ways. I know it did mine. Love you all!

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

New Music: Sach - A Zeal of Zebra





The goal of new music Wednesdays is to highlight, and drop a couple thoughts on, new music from artists from our particular little circle of indie rap. It isn't necessarily to highlight and discuss new music that we personally enjoy. We have such a case this week with Sach's new release, "A Zeal of Zebra." 

Sach, an LA Blowedian legend, experienced a sort of prolific revival a handful of years ago when he began dropping copious amounts of tunes. While the output has slightly decreased since that initial drop, he remains active and this past Sunday the man gave us the six track "A Zeal of Zebra." The project is described as "Should of, would of, if I could of, singles." While, as you'll see, I wasn't generally a fan of the music here - I am certainly glad that Sach didn't push these songs as singles! 

To start off with the positive, the track "Last Night" is indeed a single-worthy song that finds Sach, over a great sample, reminiscing on performances and writing processes of the past. It also serves as a light tribute to the great Yusef Afloat. The production and content really come together and, on top of that, Sach's schemes and flows are top rate throughout the track. 

Unfortunately, the other five tunes find no such success. "Baptist" and "Underbusting" are rather boring light-weight braggadocio based tracks that beg to be skipped. The remaining three tracks ("She's A Drum," "Girl DJ," and "Uber Nasty") are various tributes to females and while the themes differ between the tracks...all three songs are pretty corny ("Uber Nasty" borders on cringe-worthy.) The jazzy loop production, and the samples chosen, on all five of these tracks come across as quite uninspired as well and Sach himself doesn't really seem that into the songs.

Now I realize, based on the project's description, that these joints may be demos of sorts. But, speaking honestly, I'm not really sure if any brainstorming or cleaning up could have made even half of these tracks good. And, at the end of the day, we can only judge what the obviously talented man gives us. 

This is just one guy's opinion though, so peep "A Zeal of Zebra" here and let me know what you think! 

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