Biography
Magna Carda is an Austin-based hip hop group known for their genre-blending sound that fuses rap, jazz, R&B, and electronic music, often performed with a live band. The group was founded in 2012 by Megz Kelli, a queer Black female rapper originally from New Orleans, and Dougie Do, a producer and keyboardist, while both were students at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. Kelli’s early life in New Orleans immersed her in a rich musical environment, and she began writing lyrics as early as age seven; after her family was displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she moved to Dallas and later Austin, where she and Dougie Do began crafting music that would become Magna Carda’s signature style. The duo quickly expanded into a full band, incorporating live instrumentation and earning a reputation as 'Austin’s answer to The Roots' for their dynamic performances and genre-defying approach. Over the past decade, Magna Carda has become a staple of Austin’s music scene, sharing stages with notable acts like The Pharcyde, Joey Bada$$, Chali 2na, and Oddisee, and winning the Austin Music Award for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist five years in a row. Their music is celebrated for its lyrical depth, jazz-inflected melodies, and the organic interplay between Kelli’s sharp, socially conscious rhymes and the band’s lush, live arrangements.
Fun Facts
- Megz Kelli began writing lyrics at age seven and credits her New Orleans upbringing for her deep connection to music.
- Magna Carda’s formation was a direct result of Kelli and Dougie Do meeting at St. Edward’s University, where they bonded over a shared vision for live-band hip hop.
- The group has been recognized as a leading force in Austin’s hip hop scene, despite the city’s stronger reputation for country and rock music.
- Magna Carda has performed alongside hip hop legends such as The Pharcyde, Joey Bada$$, Chali 2na, and Oddisee, highlighting their crossover appeal.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- The Roots - Stylistic and live-band hip hop influence (General body of work) [2010s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Dougie Do - Co-founder, producer, and keyboardist (All Magna Carda releases) [2012–present]
- Michael Longoria - Drummer (Live performances and recordings) [2010s–present]
- Brandon 'Tank' Tanksley - Bassist (Live performances and recordings) [2010s–present]
- Billy Blunt - Guitarist (Live performances and recordings) [2010s–present]
- Michael Gonzales - Percussionist (Live performances and recordings) [2010s–present]
- Eric 'The Greek' Nikolaides - Early guitarist and collaborator (Early Magna Carda works) [2013–2010s]
- Derek Van Wagner - Early bassist (Early Magna Carda works) [2014–2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cirqlation | 2016-02-09 | Album |
| Somewhere Between | 2017-06-27 | Album |
| Little Trumpet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2023-03-10 | Album |
| To The Good People | 2021-06-15 | Album |
| Self Titled | 2023-10-13 | Album |
| Little Trumpet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2023-03-10 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Digits (Digits)
- The Root (Cirqlation)
- Running With The Clouds (Mercedez Babies)
- Temptation (Temptation)
- Angels/Devils (Mercedez Babies)
- Co-Sign It (Mercedez Babies)
- Cowboy (Cowboy)
- Somewhere Between (Somewhere Between)
- HOME (Little Trumpet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
- Back Then (Somewhere Between)
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not found)
- MusicBrainz
Heard on WWOZ
Magna Carda has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.