TCB

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RAP THRIVES ON RIVERSIDE

Although it remains largely a metal outlet, thanks to promoter James Dean the Back Room is also fast becoming Austin's primary rap venue, and not just during SXSW. (Note that the Travis County Expo Center welcomes T.I. and Young Jeezy May 12.) Son of general manager Sean McCarthy, Dean began at the Riverside Drive mainstay as security at SXSW 05, and a few months later passed on managing in favor of promoting. Watching local crew Dirty Wormz's monthly shows at the club gave him an idea. "It's halfway a rap show, but people hadn't noticed it," says Dean. He talked his father into letting him have the run on Sunday nights, when the club had traditionally been closed, and saw it fill up with locals hungry for homegrown talent like Nac & Swift and Casino & Gutta Gang. "My dad was real into that, because one thing the hip-hop crowd does is spend money," Dean says. That in turn opened the door for popular regional acts like Bun B, Devin the Dude, Trae, Z-Ro, and Big Pokey. Better still, after years of foundering in Houston's shadow, Dean says Austin producers Carnival Beats and up-and-comers like Basswood Lane and J-Kapone are helping the 512 hip-hop scene forge its own identity. "It's been nothing but positive response," asserts Dean. "I've had shows where I haven't even had time to get flyers or radio ads out, and 200 people show up." Expect a full house for his 25th birthday party Sunday, with Devin, Bavu Blakes, Chale Boy, Basswood, 3rd Degree, and lots more.