INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Hip-hop comedy

Coolzey, the Crest, Cool Man, Twilight Sentinels
Locals Only
Thursday, Feb. 22, localsonlyindy.com

A self-proclaimed “beathead” on the road promoting his latest EP, He Did, Coolzey’s tempo sets the stage for lyrical performance. Absolved of all guesswork, Coolzey’s lyrics are straightforward as “French Fries and Ice Cream.” He Did brings us back to a lighter, anecdotal way of enjoying independent rap and hip-hop, far from the commercialism Coolzey sees in today’s major labels.

Out of Dallas City, Iowa, his influences stem from the early East Coast hip-hop genre, resounding in 2002’s ROYGBIV and 2006’s Akstoopid. He Did holds on to Coolzey’s early production style but heads back to suburbia with a subtle Southern sound. Guest performers include bluegrass artist Will Whitmore and psychedelic composer and producer Brendan Spengler. Coolzey’s solo career has also earned him performances with Brother Ali, Blueprint and other hip-hop independents.