KC’s Music Monday: PJ Katz

When it comes to the genre of hip hop, I’m lazy.

A quick glance at my iTunes library will reflect that inexcusable flaw of mine. I’ve got Dilla, Biggie and the Beastie Boys in heavy rotation, plus a couple albums from left field, such as Mr. Complex’s latest on local label Sub-Bombin. As for the rest? For some reason, I want tastemakers to bring quality hip hop to me, when I least expect it.

Luckily, there’s crew like Pig Food Records and an extended family within 518 hip hop looking after me. If you don’t know much about the genre and are willing to admit it like I am, rest assured that while you’re sleeping, countless people are working hard into the night contributing to the genre and helping to build and sustain an important cog within local culture.

The latest example is one-man band and producer extraordinaire, PJ Katz.

Katz’ new album, ’92 Renault Music, (which drops tomorrow on Pig Food Records), is about to show you firsthand why he’s one of the areas best kept secrets that just can’t be kept quiet anymore.

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Must Watch: “Marshall Applewhite” by PJ Katz ft. Giant Gorilla Dog Thing and Gorilla Tao

Ever get a song stuck in your head before you even get the words down? That’s basically what I experienced yesterday after I listened to this track from a local gem of a musician, PJ Katz.

In advance of his release of his latest work, “’92 Renault Music,” which will be available on October 16th via Pig Food Records, Katz gathered his best troops for a modern day battle of an epic nerdy proportion, all set to the soundtrack of “Marshall Applewhite” which features Giant Gorilla Dog Thing and Gorilla Tao.

The video came out simply awesome and there’s a lot of local faces throughout. The music video’s concept and execution matches the song perfectly, in a weird, creative way and the editing/direction is of the highest calibre. I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least, that something featuring ninja turtle masks could come off so realistic and professional (?), while still being lighthearted and fun and maybe even totally serious. I can’t wait to check out the full album, which is available for pre-order here. PJ Katz will also be throwing a release party in celebration on November 17th at Valentines. Peep details here.

Also with full disclosure, I’ve watched this video (and therefore listened to the track) about six times in a row so far and I can’t get enough. I’m sure “Marshall Applewhite” will speak for itself, so check it out below: