Tampa plays host to a bevy of different sounds, from its legendary status within the death-metal scene to the burgeoning, multifaceted hip-hop underground to jazz stylings molded in Cuban culture. In true Tampa fashion, though, the city houses a ton of secret pleasures to round out its musical palette, and for those not initiated into nerdcore, there isn’t a better time or place to get acquainted than MC Chris’s May 12 show at Crowbar in Ybor City.
Nerdcore is the hybrid lovechild of the rhythmic stylings of boom-bap beats, nostalgic video-game soundbits, and the ‘80s synthwave aesthetic. Branded around the year 2000 in the wake of Y2K, (“Y2K” is also a style of the genre, ushered in by MC Frontalot), nerdcore has found a space to grow in the general hip-hop lexicon. For those interested in the idea of mixing their science fiction, wizardry, comic-book references and/or Final Fantasy with their 808 drops, look no further than this.
Christopher Ward, 42, better known by his stage handle MC Chris, something of an icon in the nerdcore world. His visit to Tampa on May 12th is his first since 2016, and the nerdcore scene has blossomed regionally and nationally since then. His 2017 single “Real Deadpool Rap” is a genre benchmark, and the emcee has consistently toured and produced record after record, truly helping nerdcore reach a wider audience. His last two projects, Marshmellow Campground and the Foes EP, both serve as solid additions to his long-running tradition of concept-driven albums.
On them, MC Chris brings high energy over 8-bit synths and drum breaks that almost sound pixelated; if you’ve never heard him before, we guarantee you’ve never heard anything like it. In addition to being a pioneer in the scene, MC Chris also is a philanthropist who has, throughout his career, campaigned for the fight against cystic fibrosis. His live sets find fans supporting his showmanship and talent but also helping support a great cause, too.
Currently on a 2018 nationwide tour with MC Chris is the stellar Bitforce, a nerdcore trio from San Antonio, Texas. Taking heavy inspiration from the Legend of Zelda video game franchise, the group packs a serious punch in their live show with light-up uniforms and unmatched stage presence.
Nerdcore has had quite the impact on the Tampa Bay hip-hop scene, too, reflecting a blending of geek tradition and the gritty bombast of one of the nation’s most popular musical genres. The Lowry Parcade is a relatively newly minted institution that embraces nerd culture, and a recent appearance by other artists — specifically MC Lars and Mega Ran, two veteran nerdcore emcees — was a success. It’s a genre that must be experienced instead of talked about.
This article appears in May 10-17, 2018.