Kenan Bell is the latest addition to our SXSW party lineup and he’s sure to stand out. In a lineup full of alt-country and indie rock, he’s a 6′5″ rapper backed by an indie band. Kenan grew up outside of LA and was immersed in the skate scene before becoming a teacher and musician with a unique spin on hip-hop. It’s described as “one that lays the intrepid lyrical flow of Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, and De La Soul over the rich textures of The Smiths, TV On the Radio, and David Bowie.”
He gets additional points with me because he wears huge sunglasses on stage like Kool Moe Dee. I Go To Work was a favorite album of mine in 6th grade.
Kenan will hit our stage around 9:20ish and you can also find him performing at Playboy’s Rock the Rabbit party the following night. You’ll find me running around there too.
Here’s a track to sample:
Kenan Bell – The Chills (Peter Bjorn and John remix)
And speaking of Kool Moe Dee, he fights ninjas in the video for “I Go To Work.” Suck it, Jack Bauer.
