Some gut reactions based on the first round of bands named for this year's SXSW Music Festival, which will take place in Austin March 18-22:1) Only two "crystal" bands...so far (Crystal Method and Crystal Stilts).2) Most Stereotype-Edifying Japanese Band Name: Tokyo's Futumomo Satisfaction.3) Straight-Up Worst Band Name: Toronto's Candy Coated K...

Fiery Atlanta MC Killer Mike is on the verge of signing to Grand Hustle, T.I.'s imprint of Atlantic Records, according to a HipHopDX report. In an interview with the website, Mike said, "I'd love to get [the deal] done by [Barack Obama's] inauguration...but quicker if possible," so nothing is finalized yet. Still, if this leads to another "Never...

Oh, Outkast. How we pine for the days when you were releasing records regularly as a duo, with nary a negative rumor in earshot. But these days are all about Andre 3000 movies and guest verses and Big Boi's ballet, (non-)beef with Killer Mike, and his (eventually!) forthcoming solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot ... Son of Chico Dusty.As might ha...