Outkast hasn't released an album since 2006, and UGK are defunct due to the death of Pimp C. So, you're probably looking for a new favorite southern rap group. Enter A.Dd+. The Dallas two-piece is one of the most refreshing Third Coast acts I've heard lately, and their debut full-length,
When Pigs Fly, is an exercise in the finer points of Dixie rap.
Emcees Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy act as musical chameleons on
When Pigs Fly, adeptly tackling a set of beats (all provided by producer Picnic Tyme) that are about the furthest thing from uniform yet somehow cohesive. From the thumping highlight "Southbound" to the introspective and downtempo "Under," there's something here for just about every kind of hip-hop fan.
As lyricists, Slim and Paris are commendable but nothing amazing, as they don't spit many quotable or memorable lines. How they really make their songs effective is by playing off each other like a true duo should, creating tracks that are greater than the sum of their parts.
All told,
When Pigs Fly is an exciting showcase of how creative and versatile A.Dd+ are -- and they're only getting started.