SXSW 2019: Injury Reserve Are Hip Hop’s Velvet Underground

At Brooklyn Vegan’s showcase at Mohawk, Injury Reserve performed their first SXSW show of 2019.
Over the past few years, the group has largely been ignored by publications. That was until the release of their game changing single ‘Jawbreaker’, featuring Rico Nasty and Pro Teens. The accompanying video is visually experimental and as original as the song.

The free gig was packed full of teens with giant, black X’s on the front of their hands - the American venue symbol that this person is not to be served alcohol.
Rapping duties are split between their two magnetic emcees, Stepa J. Groggs and Ritchie With a T.
Their chemistry is undeniably. The trio is completed by beat maker extraordinaire, Parker Corey.
Throughout the set, each member is given a chance to shine. During the emotive track ‘North Pole’, Ritchie With a T points to the sky mournfully exclaiming, “That was round when Kendrick had dropped OD/Man, I wish them pills ain't make you fucking...holdup”. Songs are left to play out longer for Parker to show his production skills.

Can’t wait till @InjuryReserve blows up! Thnx @brooklynvegan #SXSW pic.twitter.com/ybSboO98Rk

— Ed Murphy (@rockinfoed) March 15, 2019

Harder bangers spawn spontaneous mosh pits as bodies hurl into each other. The band’s final and most well known hit ‘Oh Shit’, causes carnage. The ferocious social commentary anthem hypes up the venue. “I say this ain't jazz rap, This that this that spazz rap, This that raised by the internet ain't had no dad rap”.
Having signed to Loma Vista Recordings in autumn 2018, Injury Reserve are expected to release their debut album within the next few months. Do yourself a favour and catch up with their previous 2016 mixtape 'Floss' and their 2017 EP 'Drive It Like It's Stolen', before their highly anticipated new material drops.