Underground Fossils: The Shape Shifters

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!

Friday, October 4, 2019

The Shape Shifters - Showtape (1998)

We're digging into the 90s LA underground with today's post - The Shape Shifter's "Showtape."

The product is 14 tracks from a live Shape Shifters show from 1998, the year of the Shifters' "Planet of the Shapes" and Omid's "Beneath the Surface." On top of some pretty crisp sounding performances (ripped from cassette) we get lots of hilarious banter in between tracks, including a description of what is known as a "slap your homie contest."

For the future, we have two other Shape Shifters cassette releases to post dating back to 1993 (before the likes of Awol and Circus joined the crew.) I am currently collecting some information on the releases, however, to accompany the rips so expect those before the year is up! Enjoy!

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