23 February 23-March 1, 2023 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents they used to have witch hunts for people who liked anime. I read manga, I don’t give a shit.” Though their earlier mixtapes aimed toward digital culture as a whole, infusing elements of fashion and “nerd culture,” the gaming aspect didn’t become apparent until later. And while video games began adopting aspects of hip-hop into games like Grand Theft Auto and Fortnite for de- cades, Designer Artillery are one of few lyrical artists adopting videogame themes into rap music, making music videos over- laying popular video games and directly referencing game culture in their verses and style. “The video game shit didn’t come in until the third song, ‘Burberry Bowstaff,’” says J4, reflecting on how gaming naturally became part of Designer Artillery. Udon’s verse in the first Designer Artil- lery goes, “I got a long-ass reach with Burb- erry Bowstaff. HBO special how I make them hoes laugh.” As active gamers, the duo’s topics, style and deliv- ery are inventive and well-placed in hip-hop. A back-and-forth rap style makes their music in- vigorating for gamers and non- gamers alike, and exclusive for those in the know, as they make plays on words and specific references to game tac- tics appreciated only by those who have played the games. Some of Udon’s verses include actual controller guides: “Press X to jump/Press twice to double up.” But their music remains personal to gam- ers who can relate, J4 says. “There’s some very intricate gamer- bars,” says J4. “If you didn’t play video games, you’d have no idea how intricate that bar is.” The storylines are well drawn for all who listen, though, as they bounce off one an- other with ongoing ad-libs that personify the game world, with onomatopoeias of weapon sounds, personalized gamer knowl- edge and inside jokes that characterize the Designer Artillery brand. Similar to past artists like Tenacious D, the duo’s clear bond, conversational musical style and ongoing humor keep listeners en- gaged. Above all, there’s a kinship that goes beyond worlds and shines throughout the three mixtapes as it does in person. The two musicians maintain a solid admiration for one another, arguing over whose verses were better. “The whole thing started with an idea. We knew it wasn’t about to take off right away,” says Udon of Designer Artillery. “We knew we had to connect the dots. Like a doctor’s handwriting, we’re rough. We didn’t think of the game side of it, it was just organic. We were just being our- selves.” “LIKE A DOCTOR’S HANDWRITING, WE’RE ROUGH. WE DIDN’T THINK OF THE GAME SIDE OF IT, IT WAS JUST ORGANIC. WE WERE JUST BEING OURSELVES.” -UDON puffnstuffsmokeshop.com Current Store HourS: MON-THUR 10aM - 10pM •FRI & SaT 10aM - 11pM • SUN 12pM - 10pM The Best Selection & Prices of Smoking Accessories and more in DFW! We Carry CBD! 214-350-1904 10261 Technology Blvd E, Dallas, TX CheCk out our website for the most up-to-date info! 11am to Close wednesday-sunday @amplivetx @amplivetx @amplifiedlivetx Hand built not bougHt. Franklins TaTToo and supply TWo loCaTions: 469-904-2665 • 4910 Columbia ave, dallas, TX 75214 682-499-5755 • 8323 Camp Bowie w Blvd • Fort worth, tX 76116 proFessional TaTToo supply For pros only Call for your appointment or design commissions today!
