Tribe Mafia: Austin Hip-Hop Doing the Most
“Yeah, I be doing the most
I swear I’m completing like all the goals on the board with the shit that I wrote”
I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time (Tribe Mafia Remix)
I was about 19 years old, taking an Austin Community College audio production course at a local recording studio, when a fellow student, the only other person who had arrived early that day, turned to me and said, “Yo! This kid is gonna blow up!”, as he handed me his headphones. This was the first time I ever heard a snippet of “Illmatic” by a young Queensbridge MC known as Nas. We scrunched our faces like only a die-hard hip-hop fan hearing undeniable bars could ever do, as we nodded our heads. After class, we joined another classmate as we flipped through an issue of the Austin Chronicle, the weekly alternative newspaper where all the local venues listed their upcoming concerts, looking for a hip-hop show the three of us could attend together. We found one. Only one.
Austin is a very different city now. Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Lil Uzi Vert, and Travis Scott are just a few of the many huge names who have performed in the Live Music Capital of the World. And the most exciting part of it all, is that as much as we love Houston hip-hop stars like Tobe Nwigwe, Teezo Touchdown, and UGK, we now have a community of our own, with artists like Tribe Mafia representing Austin with a versatility that makes them appealing to hardcore hip-hop heads and radio-friendly pop-rap fans just the same.
With tracks like “Take Me” and “Aye Shawty”, Chinasa Broxton and Carlos Moore have massive crossover appeal. They’re placing music on television shows and movies and have a short film releasing soon. Between finishing grad school and getting in touch with their Native American and Nigerian backgrounds, Broxton and Moore have released music that is authentic to who they are in a city that once ignored hip-hop, but now has something to say, to borrow a line from hip-hop legend, André 3000.
Introduce yourselves, please.
We’re a hip-hop duo from Austin, Texas, all about making music that’s timeless, fun and relatable. We do it for us and for those moments everyone can vibe with.
Austin has been known as the Live Music Capital of the World for a long time, but back in the day, when I was an undergrad in the 90’s, you rarely heard of any venues hosting hip-hop shows. I remember having to drive to San Antonio to see touring acts. What’s it like being a hip-hop artist in Austin in 2023? Do you think hip-hop is a respected part of the Austin music community?
We believe the world is finally recognizing Austin, Texas, as a legit hip-hop capital. It’s the result of hard work from creatives who paved the way. Local support, like from stations such as KUTX, has given not just the hip-hop scene but also BIPOC communities a chance to showcase their talents. Being hip-hop artists in 2023 is a blast because none of us really know what we’re doing; it’s all about feeling it. In this exciting yet scary era of social media, we’re just playing the game to survive. Austin’s growing fast, and we’re confident that some fantastic things are happening in the city’s music scene. That’s why we see big names like Drake, 21 Savage, and J. Cole adding ATX to their tour dates. Normally, they skip Austin, favoring Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, unless it’s SXSW or ACL.
Your album “Teepee Gang”, which came out in 2020, is a lot more of a straightforward rap album than your recent songs like “Take Me” and “Aye Shawty”, that have more of a pop, dance, or RnB feel to them. Your “Search and Rescue” album from earlier this year on SoundCloud almost feels a bit more like your recent singles, but it still has a unique sound. What prompted that versatility and creativity?
We just love creating new vibes and hate being confined to one sound. If we want to make something edgy and lit, we’ll go for it. If we’re feeling smooth and playful, we can create that too. A significant part of it comes from learning to record and mix our own music, adding a new level of excitement to our musical journey. The freedom to create without being constrained by a studio budget makes us feel like the sky’s the limit. Exploring versatility has also opened doors for us to create music for TV and film.
Chinasa, Grad school almost drove me to insanity. Please tell me how you managed graduate school while also putting out music and staying active in hip-hop. Are you planning to incorporate your Master’s degree in Social Work into your music career, or do you have separate plans for that part of your life?
I believe school played a crucial role in helping me understand the importance of building a community and forming solid connections in almost anything. I have friends in various fields, which has enabled me to pull plenty of favors and secure countless unfathomable opportunities in my music career. Graduating wasn’t an easy balance, but my professors and track and field coach supported me the whole way, making it a smooth sail. Carlos has always been a big help, ensuring everything is mapped out for shows, interviews, tours, and music deadlines. My background in social work will always be a part of me. Whether I’m giving personal advice on someone’s mental state or assisting someone in finding resources in music, I always try to help others who come to me needing support.
Carlos, Can you talk about the significance your indigenous background plays in who you are, not only as a member of Tribe Mafia, but also a member of hip-hop culture in general?
My indigenous background is a big part of who I am in Tribe Mafia and hip-hop in general. It brings a unique flavor to our music, shaping my perspective and the stories we tell. It’s not just about being in the band; it’s about adding something authentic and personal to the rich tapestry of hip-hop culture. In 2024, you’ll see me opening up even more about my cultural identity, showcasing it in our short film “No Closure.” I like to weave in small elements of music you’d hear at our powwows. If you listen closely, you can catch some unique Pima chants and instrumentations. If we do any live shows that delve into cultural awareness, I often go pretty heavy on the Native American side (face painting/costume wise), influencing Chinasa to do the same, expressing his Nigerian roots. It’s a fusion that reflects the diverse influences within Tribe Mafia. By the way, how many Native Americans do you know trying to make it internationally in hip-hop music? It’s not something you see every day, and I’m proud to be part of changing that narrative.
Time for the most dangerous question you can ever ask a hip-hop fan: Who is in your Top Five Dead or Alive?
Michael Jackson, Lil Wayne, Nipsey Hustle, OutKast, Wiz Khalifa
When people think of Texas hip-hop, Houston is usually the first city they think of. What Austin hip-hop artists should we be keeping an eye on?
Pat G, Jai Bliss, J. Mill, Mike Melinoe, Drethegr8, Sam Sage, cyph mike, Jake Lloyd, J Soulja. (So many to list).
“Somebody told me
that I’m finna be
The one who will be
the greatest, the biggest
My city has seen
Just imagine what’s destined for me”
You know I have to ask: What do y’all think of Andre’s new album? What prompted y’all to drop bars over 3 Stacks’s flute music?
Andre is one of our favorite lyricists of all time. He released something he finds fun, we just wanted to do the same in respect to his work. Now, we’re receiving a couple of recommendations to remix other popular songs on the air, which is pretty cool.
What were your favorite albums of 2023?
“All the Dogs” (Drake), “I told them” (Burna Boy), “Fridayy “(Fridayy).
What’s next for Tribe Mafia in 2024?
It’s a Tribe Ting” (album: Dancehall), “No Closure” (album: R&B/Alt Hip-Hop), “No Closure” (short film). Expect more placements for TV and film, new merchandise, and a major feature.