This Week, Erykah Badu Dialed It In.

Each week, we take a survey of the local music scene and try to determine which acts in town are really putting in work and seeing it pay off. Which bands have the most intriguing shows coming up? Which bands are getting the most press around town? Which bands have accomplished the most notable feats of late? Based off these criteria, our music writers submit a list to be weighted and compiled into a master list revealed each week in this here space. We like to think it's fairly revealing. Check out our previous Buzz Rankings here.

Is it just us, or is Erykah Badu bigger now than she's ever been? While that assertion might be one that's up for debate, nobody's arguing against her claim as one of the hottest artists in the country at the moment. After hosting last weekend's Soul Train Awards and dropping one hell of a hotly anticipated mixtape, there's absolutely no question who should take home the top spot in our weekly, local music power rankings.

After three consecutive weeks in the No. 2 hole, the Queen once again reigns this week. The reason, of course, for that threepeat of futility was Leon Bridges' own domination of the pop music world. He'll be the musical guest on this weekend's episode of Saturday Night Live, in case you've forgotten.

Also in the national spotlight this week was Demi Lovato, thanks to her current run on KISS-FM's Jingle Ball tour. Locally, the return of Pleasant Grove was big news all across the state of Texas.

Then there was Bobby Sessions, whose Trees show last weekend was more than just an album release, but a showcase for his labels wide range of talent. Similarly, These Machines Are Winning's album release saw the multi-sensory project headlining the Granada over the weekend.

Other big shows of note affecting these rankings include last weekend's anniversary edition of the Prophet Bar Jam Session with RC & the Gritz and Snarky Puppy, Eisley's swing through Trees, King Diamond's potential headlining spot at House of Blues and the DOMA showcases, which will feature a whole slew of buzzing acts.

(Also receiving votes: Keith P, Justus, Myopic, New Fumes, Eleven Hundred Springs, Quaker City Night Hawks, The Longshots, G.U.N., $kaduf, Cory Patrick Coleman, Skagg Philips, Nervous Curtains, Daniel Markham, Sealion, True Widow, Darius TX, Buffalo Black, Huffer, Sam Lao, Rat Rios, Lou Charle$, Kirk Thurmond, KEYTARI, Vagician, Tunk, Beasting, iill, Kaela Sinclair, Doods of Love, THEMOODYBLUEOYSTERCULTURECLUBNOUVEA.)

Cover photo by Karlo X. Ramos.

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