Zeale & Phranchyze

Photo by Sandy Carson

Zeale & Phranchyze

Declaring their style "Austin hip-hop with no add-ins and no preservatives," local wordsmiths Zeale's and Phranchyze's charm was put to the test early Sunday afternoon when the two moseyed on stage to a slim-picked crowd of early risers. That didn't stop the charismatic pair from working over those who did show up with a survey of hip-hop's diverse offerings spun out by longtime ally DJ Kid Slice. Be it a New York-style hustle or an ATL drip, Zeale & Phranchyze flaunted their battle-rapping chops ("You couldn't come hard if you ejaculated marble slab") and, as if they ever fail to, threw a nod to their "Customs," inspiring Zeale to take off his right high-top and cradle it like a baby. After a second wave of beat-seekers arrived midway through the set, the young guns onstage locked into Pink Floyd's "Time" before closing out with Zeale staple "Haterz and Robotz" and Phran's iconic "Love Me Back." Austin may not be theirs yet, but they've carved out one exciting niche for the future.