Sir Tunk

Indie artists have always had a special place in my heart. From the hint of hunger in their delivery that allows each bar to stick, or having a sound so pure because of full creative control -- It's refreshing to hit play and hear someone talk about their life without the filter.

Dallas emcee Tunk released his latest project "No Meal No Deal" and the masses are definitely loving it. With features from Trina Mai, Worldwide, Glo Gaines, T Hall, D Hayes, Rick Blaine, Paris Pershun of A.Dd+, Jaeson Green and Anonymous Culture laced throughout the tape, a southern feel is felt from start to finish with a humbling input from all. Make music with meaning, not music for the moment -- and that's exactly what he's done. - Sandrine P

It’s been almost a year since the release of Direct Deposit from Tunk. Since then we have seen numerous music videos, shows, and a growing respect for Tunk and his music. It seems that more and more people are listening to what he has to say. And this is just not in Dallas, it’s around the state. I felt that when Direct Deposit was released, I had called it the project of the year out of Dallas, and I still stand by that. And it looks like we might have the album of the year for 2014 in his newest release, No Meal No Deal. Yeah I know it’s still 2013 and 2014 hasn’t started yet, but with the lack of overall albums being put out locally the last year I’d say that this has the early lead.

No Meal No Deal feels and bleeds Texas raps. Although there is a great presence of the southern sound throughout the project, there is something there for everyone. Tunk did a great job of balancing those sounds. His raps speak over a variety of topics like struggle, triumphs, accolades to Texas raps, and moving forward as an artist. It’s something I think everyone on any scale can relate to. I’m really proud to say that I know Tunk and have worked with him. His has passion, love for his family, his music and drive are the perfect storm for him or any artist that wants to be successful at the music thing. I think he is well on his way. Peep the album below, download it and enjoy. -

Bouncing synths, skittering hi hats, and a new five letter word that fits nicely on each fingernail; hello “ALLAT,” goodbye “UOENO.” I may be simple, but Tunk cracked the case for what I want blaring through the speakers and sure knows how to unintentionally catch my attention with the aforementioned things. Along with fellow Dallas rapper Glo Gaines, the two detail what needs to be done on their easily relatable quest to win at life while pursuing everything and beyond.

If you like what the Dallas rapper has to offer, head over to BandCamp and download Tunk’s the new tape No Meal No Deal. - Julie J

Kevin Arradondo could be considered a Dallas anomaly. He rushes into verses like a running back who knows only one running style – a violent burst of punchlines and real life situations similar to Earl Campbell up the line. A man who understands the fine balance between the pulpit and the strip club and wavers between both on any given notice. Craziest of all, he’s a Redskins fan deep in the heart of the DFW.

And he’s also a bad man who’s released one of Dallas’ most noted rap projects of the year with Direct Deposit. It’s late October follow-up, No Meal, No Deal once more finds our hero Tunk not coasting or resting on any of his laurels. He’s swinging away through a myriad of punches and topics including a synth scale touching, hi hat spark in “Allat” with Glo Gaines that dresses itself up like a banger and ultimately comes out like a motivated anthem for success. Tunk could rap for eons about certain topics, much like Starlito, Don Trip and to an extent Big K.R.I.T. — life has smacked and shaped the man into writing the songs and sounds that we can easily match in our own path. Stream “Allat” with Glo Gaines below and download No Meal, No Deal via Bandcamp as well. - Brandon Caldwell