Looking Back at SXSW: More Hip Hop, Bigger Names

The Pack @ SXSW

Last week, MTV News operatives debriefed after SXSW and seemed a bit puzzled by all the hip hop there this year.  Some of the writers are correct in discussing many acts in terms of their relationship to rap's indie rock demographic but part of the growth is clearly in Texas showcases of acts that are not so indie rock oriented.

SXSW still has a list of hip hop acts at this year's festival.  In going through the daily schedule, it looks to me like there was at least 50% more hip hop this year than in 2002 and 2003, the years I attended.  But what sticks out to me, in addition to the stronger regional presence, is that there were a lot more famous acts this year like Ghostface and Rakim sponsored by Scion.

What follows is a random sample of hip hop coverage at SXSW.

From IMMEEM's South By Southwest 2007 blog:
Scion Austin 2007
Mickey Avalon
Greatest Day of SXSW2007

From Fader:
Swizz Beats

I created a SXSW category at VidRap that includes live clips from UGK, Brother Ali & Slug, El-P, The Pack, RJD2 and Redman.

If you covered hip hop at SXSW, please do drop a link in the comments.

Related Coverage:
Looking Back at the SXSW 2007 Hip Hop Festival