Latest Posts

Short Moscato Lets Production Hands Shine on New Beat Tape

March 6, 2020

The grind doesn’t stop with Buffalo hip hop artist Short Moscato; The rapper, producer and frequent collaborator is back with a new project in Slow Drifting Home that focuses on his skills behind the boards and ear for dreamy sounds. A member of 14 Trapdoors, Moscato is a scene mainstay relentless with his releases. His latest drop in his prolific output is a 10-track instrumental project with a familiar ambient feel. Album opener “Reincarnation” is build around Kid Cudi’s moans from Kids See Ghost’s “Reborn,” accentuated with some head nodding bass drum. Moscato again flips a recognizable loop of Grimes’ iconic “Genesis” with a mesmerizing boom boom clap. Other highlights include the cinematic ambient soundscape of “redhead gurl” and the bright keys of aptly titled “weed beat.” Take a listen below and see another side of the scene leader.

Tonight: Herd Fest Day 2

June 16, 2017

After a successful night one of Herd Fest where we saw Sammus take the crowd in the palm of her hand and Award Show burst our eardrums, we are psyched to continue on to night two. Mohawk Place starts early at 6pm with loop artist Griffin! and indie folk singer Kerry Fey playing Happy Hour. If you are there before 8pm, there is no cover and $2 PBRs and $2 off all drafts. Doors start at 7:30pm with a $7 cover. Slotted to open the night is atmospheric producer qwelis, followed by raw indie rock act Jack, and Rochester slackrockers Big Fred. At 10pm, soaring synth rock act Humble Braggers hits the main stage followed by up-and-coming indie rockers Nylon Otters, cavernous experimental rock act Bold Folly and  hip hop wordsmith Dean Chatham capping of the night. Milkie’s is set to host a night of local hip hop with sets[...]

Short Moscato Drops Music Video For “Steady”

June 2, 2017

Buffalo-based emcee Short Moscato dropped a trippy new visual for his song “Steady” which came off his recent project The Colour of Air. The video goes in an experimental film route with jump cuts between rainbow-dipped images to go along with the lyrics of the song which exercise Moscato’s ability as a wordsmith. The video adds to the sporadic nature of the song, jumping from sex, drug use and the quest to find a steady mindset. For anyone that listened to the EP, the video adds another dimension to the song. Check out the visual music video for the song below.

Tonight: GZA

February 25, 2017

Tonight Wu-Tang original GZA aka The Genius  will be breaking it down at The Waiting Room with special guests Mayhem Lauren and Short Moscato. A true legend, GZA is the realest of real deals whether it’s with the Wu-Tang, unleashing Liquid Swords, being strong on STEM research and opportunities for students of color or using his rhymes to decode the universe on the long awaited Dark Matter, possibly out later this year. Joining him will be Queens MC, Viceland star, sensualist and bon vivant Mayhem Lauren and Buffalo’s own Short Moscato, who dropped the first single of his upcoming debut earlier this week.

Short Moscato – “Whisper (Disappear)”

February 21, 2017

Buffalo rapper Short Moscato is a proven wordsmith that also comes through with thematic songs and projects on the regular. His latest track “Whisper” discusses his methods of escape from his insecurities and beyond. The voice of John Lennon talks of the transcendental powers of meditation, and Moscato follows him up by delving into his own explorations. He delivers just one titular verse, allowing for Lennon and medasin’s production to frame his messages. Medasin’s light-yet-abrasive outro captures the flux of Moscato’s deliverance, and wraps up a tight track. “Whisper” is the first single off of Moscato’s commercial debut The Colour of Air, due out March 17th.

Tonight: Freddie Gibbs

April 27, 2016

Tonight, the Shadow of a Doubt Tour will be making a stop in Buffalo. Gary, Indiana native Freddie Gibbs is bringing his aggressive and personal style of rap to Mohawk Place for an intimate evening with the rising artist. Fans of hardcore hip-hop are sure to enjoy the rapper’s versatile blend of influences (ranging from DMX  to ODB), something he displayed on his most recent release, Shadow of a Doubt. Two local rappers will join Gibbs tonight. Short Moscato is coming off of his 2015 release of laid-back hip-hop, Whatever | Forever. Opening the show is Lucky Seven, who founded local label Howhood University Records, under which he has released several mixtapes. Doors are at 7pm at Mohawk Place. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door.

Short Moscato Releases Spree of Songs

February 3, 2016

Buffalo hip hop mainstay Short Moscato started off the New Year strong with four new quick-hitters in the month of January. Moscato dropped the 13 song Whatever/Forever project in the last quarter of 2015, an album filled with great tracks from he and his talented friends in the scene. This year’s loosies work off of the Short Moscato blueprint: a hard flow, personal lyrics, and beats of all sorts. The string was lead by “Turquoise,” an ethereal track with a heavy psilocybin influence. In between moments of reflection and revelation, Moscato cuts through with refreshing poignancy, as seen in the line “a Dutch should never ever cost more than $1.50.” Much of the track stays true to the titular theme though, as Moscato questions his need and habit and is guided by a narrator suggesting the use of turquoise as relief. Moscato goes on to appear on the Lucky Seven track “Netlfix &[...]

Tonight: Short Moscato

October 16, 2015

Tonight over at the Gypsy Parlor, stop on down to celebrate the work of one of the Buffalo hip-hop scene’s finest members in Short Moscato. Whatever|Forever, the new album from the Good Huemans/Death Picnic MC, was just released a few weeks ago, and the record is nothing if not a testament to the city that built it. With it’s hard-edged rap and subtle melancholy, Whatever|Forever tells the story of a rapper, who like the Queen City, appears rough, but is thrillingly alive and brimming with originality. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention Wza’s production, which is almost reminiscent of the work of the late-great Nujabes. Short will be performing the album in full tonight and will be joined by some of the city’s most exciting upcoming artists, including MileHighMusik! and Billie E$$co. It goes without saying that tonight’s show will reflect the album it celebrates, which is to[...]

Short Moscato Releases Debut Full-Length Whatever / Forever

September 30, 2015

Short Moscato has been fervently involved in the Buffalo hip hop scene. Whether it’s showing other acts love on Twitter, or collabing on tracks with some of the city’s other great artists, the Good Hueman remains ever-present and dedicated. His full-length debut Whatever / Forever is a fine testament to city and craft, boasting a whose-who of features and great new Buffalo music. The feature list is really something, with appearances from Dr. Ooo, Komorebi, Hitch Burney, Gaines, M-A, Illusive, WZA, and Truey V. The Dr. Ooo-assisted “Swishers” is a project highlight as Ooo’s signature jazzy flow pairs perfectly with the gruffness of Moscato’s voice. “Face It” with M-A is the project’s banger, as Moscato and the MileHigh rapper take exchange frantic flows over a knocking beat. Though packed with impressive features, Moscato’s solo tracks stand as some of the project’s best. Opener “Steady” sees his wordplay on full display, with clever[...]

Radarada

Tonight: Radarada & Death Picnic feat. Short Moscato

September 18, 2015

Radarada, one of Buffalo’s most prolific hip-hop ensembles, promises to get you turned up tonight at Nietzsche’s. They’re playing all the old favorites that most fans know by heart. It’s no secret these guys are a lot of fun on stage and put on a high-energy show that keeps you buzzing for hours afterwards, but I have to say since I first saw them perform last summer, the band has grown significantly more confident and comfortable in their sound. This forward mobility breaths new life into songs I’ve heard before, making them sound more rich and dynamic with each performance. If you miss out on seeing them tonight, catch them tomorrow at the Elmwood Village Associations’ 20 Block Bash (between West Utica and Hodge) from 5pm -10 pm. Also featured in tonight’s showcase is one of Buffalo’s freshest hip-hop outfits, Death Picnic featuring Short Moscato. They offer no lulls in the[...]

Deep Thinka Records

June 19, 2015

Buffalo-based independent hip-hop label Deep Thinka Records has been a leading local institution since 1997 for discovering forward-thinking, inspiring MC’s dedicated to furthering the eclectic, socially conscious tradition of the genre. The label’s current roster boasts some of the city’s finest rap talent with artists like Mad Dukez, Billy Drease Williams, Chuckie Campbell, and Tanya Morgan each bringing a unique vision to the Deep Thinka camp. Tonight, Duke’s on Allen will host a hip-hop showcase for Herd Fest curated by the Deep Thinka crew, who have brought together the most exciting local rap talent, including members of prolific collectives EVC and Koolie High. Rapper Toneyboi of Koolie High, whose video for his latest single “Guacaroni & Cheese” was featured here at buffaBLOG earlier this week, will host tonight’s event. The MC is set to release his latest album, Leaders of the New Kool this summer featuring abstract production and the artist’s signature gritty,[...]

Short Moscato and Truey V Team Up for “Aaliyah”

May 22, 2015

Buffalo emcees Short Moscato and Truey V are two of the city’s most talented, and one month before their appearances in Herd Fest’s 2015 Hip-Hop Showcase presented by Deep Thinka Records, they’ve teamed up for a great collab. Taking the name from the late turn-of-the century RnB goddess, “Aaliyah” begins with a mystical beat of which Moscato remarks “Sometimes I wonder why all my songs sound like intros.” His verse goes on to be bar-rific with shoutouts to a young Batman (who he cleverly calls “Lil’ Wayne”) and “girls that do power squats” before he hands the chorus and second verse off to Truey V.  V’s verse starts off with the line “Sometimes I rhyme slow, sometimes I rhyme quick,” an allusion to the oft-referenced 1991 hip-hop classic “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” from Nice & Smooth. It ends up being something of a guideline for his verse, as V’s flow becomes[...]

Tonight: Buffalo Rap Round Robin

April 16, 2015

What began as an annual Baltimore tradition has made its way to Buffalo, where three local acts meet three touring acts for a nonstop rap action in an innovative presentation of music. The Gypsy Parlor hosts tonight’s event, which begins at 9pm. The aim of the Rap Round Robin is to eliminate the “dead air and general lameness” of rap shows by creating an environment where there is continuous music throughout the show. Three stages are set up, and each act performs a single track before passing the mic to the next group. The audience is literally surrounded by music, and with three local favorites representing, this is a can’t miss show for hip hop heads. Jack Topht & Little Cake will take a stage tonight, along with Dr. Ooo, and Short Moscato. The touring acts for the tour are Passalacqua, Height Keech, and Eze Jackson, along with special guest PT[...]

Tonight: Headshots! Vol IV

February 19, 2015

Looking for something fun (and free!) to do on yet another frigid Buffalo night? Gypsy Parlor has you covered with another installment of their Headshots! series. Featuring some of Buffalo’s best hip hop acts, the showcase, soundtracked by Covert and hosted by Wza, is the fourth in a series that shows no signs of slowing down. Doors for the 21+ show are at 10, and with so many performances on deck, you don’t want to be late. Whether you are a staple of the scene a la We Stole the Show, the duo comprised of Grand Phee and Rhyson Hall, or are newer to the game like Short Moscato featuring Death Picnic,  musically there is something for every hip hop head in the city. Headshots! also has performances by Koolie High and Drew Hartman aka Dr. OoO. There will be a merch table disguised as a popup shop, brought to[...]

Tonight: Cage

January 16, 2015

The Studio at the Waiting Room is becoming the definitive place to see hip hop shows that not nearly enough of your friends are excited about. Tonight, it’s Cage: progressive rapper, founder/establisher of underground favorites  Smut Peddlers and The Weathermen, and (unsurprisingly) object of Shia LaBoeuf’s artistic boycrush affections. Cage (born Chris Palko), a part of the East Coast hip hop scene since the late 90s, has a body of work that spans over 20 years and 4 studio albums. His most recent effort, Kill the Architect, was released in late 2013. Openers include Buffalo artists Short Moscato and Tr38cho, along with the always intriguing Ceschi Ramos, who head south next week to kick off another tour, and  Weerd Science. The act-packed show is 16+ with ID, and tickets are available at the door for $15. Doors for the event, hosted by rapper on the rise Chuckie Campbell, are at 7pm.