Austin is overflowing with talented musicians and artists looking to create the next best single. We see plenty of alternative indie rock bands composed with beards and basses. 

What Austin is lacking is a rap and hip-hop scene. Senior Megan Tillman, who goes by stage name Megz Kelli, is the lyrical genius behind the Austin hip-hop duo Magna Carda.

It all started in October 2011 when Megz Kelli and Dougie Do performed on stage together for the first time at the St. Edward’s University Hip-Hop on the Hilltop, a showcase of hip-hop at St. Edward’s. Dougie Do provided the rhythm and Megz Kelli provided the raps. The two were successful on stage and gained immediate followers. Magna Carda also performed at the St. Edward’s 2013 Battle of the Bands. 

Now, Magna Carda has two full-length albums and several music videos out. Their most recent release is “Van Geaux,” released for free online in January. All of the band’s music can be downloaded for free from their Bandcamp page.

Magna Carda has played at the University of Texas at Austin’s WXWC and the Austin Music Blogger Awards, where they were nominated for Best Single for their song “Shoes $ Money.” Magna Carda will also be performing at the Austin Chronicle’s “Hair of the 3-Legged Dog” SXSW Day Party.

Inspired by classics, hip-hop, blues and jazz, Magna Carda is unique. They are one of the few hip-hop groups that perform live with a full band, much like The Roots.

The two artists are extremely versatile. Dougie Do provides the beats that range from soulful jazz to electronic. Kelli provides the words that can flow in choruses or bounce in quick rhythms.

The content of the lyrics is what truly makes the band phenomenal. Kelli’s experience as an English writing and rhetoric major with an emphasis in creative writing shows in her music. Her lyrics address the human experience.

“I like to tell stories with my music,” Kelli said.

Kelli has been a musician since she was a young girl. She began her music career through her church, but she did not want to sound stereotypical.

“I need to come up with something more interesting to tell people,” Kelli said.

The future for Kelli is not set in stone yet, but she hopes to continue her art.

“I want to stay true to hip-hop and to myself,” Kelli said.

Keep an eye out for Megz Kelli and Magna Carda at SXSW and in the future. This authentic and exceptional band is going places.