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Editor’s Note: Over the next 10 days, I’ll be presenting my favorite local records of the year, counting down from No. 10 to No. 1, one album a day. Keep checking back to see how the list pans out, and, in the meantime, click after the jump to see albums No. 20-11 in the Top 20 list that will update as the it grows…
No. 10: Dem Southernfolkz — The Message
With a sound that blends a strong gospel influence with the stylings of Nappy Roots, Outkast and the production of Kanye West’s early, soul sample-heavy beats, Dem Southernfolkz‘s The Message seemingly came out of nowhere to steal our attention in an otherwise Boogie-heavy 2008 for Dallas hip-hop.
And it had a good message to spread: The trio behind the group–Big Ben, Saturday Alridge and Kinfolk Jack–have plenty to say on The Message about family, about struggling through tough times, and about war (Big Ben just returned to Dallas after serving in Iraq).
Bonus mp3:
Provocative, but never preachy, The Message is an eye-opening debut from an act well-worth keeping an eye on in the future. —Pete Freedman
The Top 20 Local Releases Of 2008
20. Collin Herring – Past Life Crashing
19. Stumptone – Gravity Suddenly Released
18. Dove Hunter – The Southern Unknown
17. Febrifuge – A Short Instance Of Separation
16. Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights – Hot Trottin’
15. Toadies – No Deliverance
14. Record Hop – Record Hop
13. The New Frontiers – Mending
12. Fight Bite – Emerald Eyes
11. Lil Wil – Dolla$, TX
10. Dem Southernfolkz – The Message
9. True Widow – True Widow
8. ??????
7. ??????
6. ??????
5. ??????
4. ??????
3. ??????
2. ??????
1. ??????
…and keep checking back, as this list will update daily.
