CasinoATX: The Mayor of Partyville Speaks

Austin hip-hop staple CasinoATX has spent more than two decades shaping the culture—blending street wisdom, nerd culture, and community leadership into a sound and brand entirely his own. Known affectionately as The Partyville Mayor, CasinoATX reflects on his roots, creative evolution, and his role in pushing Austin’s hip-hop scene forward.

Background & Influences

10OutOf10Magazine: What first got you into hip-hop, and who were your biggest influences growing up?

CasinoATX: I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember, but what specifically got me into hip-hop was my mom. She was a journalist and used to write about current trends and music. When I was 5 or 6, she took me to see a break-dancing show, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Since I can’t dance, I gravitated toward rapping over the years. My first influences were Ice Cube, Geto Boys, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG.

10OutOf10Magazine: How did the name “CasinoATX” come about?

CasinoATX: I was initially just Casino. I started going by that name in ’96. Back then, I was into being really flashy, and I thought, what’s flashier and more money-driven than a casino?

The ATX got added in the 2010s after more people started using the Casino name. Adding ATX to all my social media made it easier to find me and differentiate myself.

10OutOf10Magazine: You call yourself “The Partyville Mayor”—what does that title mean to you?

CasinoATX: It started as a joke. During SXSW in 2007, some people from a major label were scouting me and spent the day hanging out. Everywhere we went downtown, people stopped me asking where I was performing or where the party was.

One of the A&R guys said, “Damn, you know everybody.” I joked back, “Yeah, I’m the Mayor—the Mayor of Partyville.”

The fact that the nickname stuck and the Austin hip-hop community treats me that way lets me know I’ve made a real impact. That makes me proud.

Music & Creative Process

10OutOf10Magazine: Your music blends street knowledge with a nerdy, creative twist. How do you balance both sides?

CasinoATX: It took time. Early on, I leaned heavily into the street side—that’s typical in hip-hop, especially when you’re young and trying to look tough.

But I’ve always been a nerd: comic books, sci-fi, karate movies, even D&D. As I got older and wanted to separate myself, I leaned into those references more. I realized there were a lot more “street-nerds” out there than I thought, and it became a staple of my music.

10OutOf10Magazine: What does your creative process look like when making a song?

CasinoATX: I prefer starting with a beat, which is why I’ve surrounded myself with a large network of producers. I used to produce myself, but that’s another story.

When a beat catches me, I usually come up with the concept and hook first. Sometimes I’ll have a specific idea and have one of my producers build the beat around it.

10OutOf10Magazine: Your album The Street Nerd made waves. What inspired that concept?

CasinoATX: had stepped away from music for about five years. My first project back was a joint album with Dat Boy Supa called Afro-futuristic.

After that, I wanted a title that explained who I am right away. The Street Nerd felt perfect—it tells you everything you need to know.

10OutOf10Magazone: How do you approach collaborations? Any dream collabs?

CasinoATX: First, I think about who will complement the song or project sonically. Second, I look at whether they’re business-minded and willing to help push the project.

If they’re not going to work it, it’s usually a waste of time. My two dream collaborations would be Devin the Dude and Ludacris.

Projects & Future Plans

10OutOf10Magazine: You’re one-half of SupaSino and the creator of Nerdy McFly. What’s the status of those projects?

CasinoATX: SupaSino is me and Dat Boy Supa. Supa has decided to retire from music for personal reasons, so that project is on permanent hiatus unless he chooses to return.

Nerdy McFly is definitely coming back. I’ve written over 20 episodes and plan to produce them this summer. I want to expand that universe—my interests go far beyond music.

10OutOf10Magazine: Your latest project, Sleep When I’m Dead, Vol. 1, just dropped—what should fans expect?

CasinoATX: I took what was originally going to be one big album and split it in half. Volume 1 represents the success side of my mantra and work ethic. I’m always working and juggling multiple things—hence the title SWID.

Fans will hear a mix of fun records, inspirational tracks for hustlers, and some funny but very real joints like “No Mo.”

10OutOf10Magazine: You’ve got a strong presence in Austin’s hip-hop scene. How do you see the city evolving, and where do you fit in?

CasinoATX: I believe Austin will produce a nationally or globally known hip-hop act in the next two to four years. All the pieces are falling into place, and the city’s presence is growing again.

At this stage, my role is to help the next generation—offering inspiration, business advice, and possibly even financial backing. At the very least, I can share the knowledge and contacts I’ve gained over a 20-plus-year career.

Brand & Online Presence

10OutOf10Magazine: How do you use social media to connect with fans?

CasinoATX: The pandemic forced me to rethink everything. I stepped away from music between 2015 and 2020, so my old tactics—mainly shows and merch—were outdated.

Social media became the main way to reach people, which meant creating strong, visual, catchy content that shows who I am and draws people into my brand.

10OutOf10Magazine: If someone is new to your music, what song should they start with?

CasinoATX: That’s tough because I do a lot of different things. But if I had to pick one, it would be “I’m On” from The Kush Doctor.

It captures all sides of me—strong bars, a catchy flow, and the perfect blend of street and nerd energy.

10OutOf10Magazine: You wear many hats. If you had to choose just one, which would it be?

CasinoATX: Writing—without question. The creation process is my favorite part.

I write music, short stories, movie scripts, and TV episodes. Writing gives me the most creative freedom.

Personal & Fun

10OutOf10Magazine⁴What are you passionate about outside of music?

CasinoATX: I studied RTF and would love to direct movies and videos in the future. I also want to get back to producing more episodes of Nerdy McFly.

I’m also really into D&D—I run a campaign that includes several rappers from around Austin.

10OutOf10Mahazine: If you could score a movie, what kind would it be?

CasinoATX: A weed comedy, for sure. Everyone knows my love affair with cannabis.

Second would be an action-drama. I make high-energy music that fits action scenes perfectly.

10OitOf10Magazine: What’s the wildest experience you’ve had in the music industry?

CasinoATX: I can’t tell the wildest stories—but I’ll share this one.

During SXSW 2008, I was bar-hopping with Bushwick Bill. We were drinking heavily when he heard Ice Cube was at a club called Spiros.

By the time we got there, I was black-out drunk. I don’t remember meeting Ice Cube—but for weeks afterward, people told me stories about jumping on bars, headbutting security, running into random cars, and rapping.

Partyville Mayor behavior.

10OutOf10Magazine: What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists?

CasinoATX: Consistency is everything. When you start, don’t stop.

It sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. You only get better as you go, and once you stop, it takes twice the energy to regain momentum. No matter how hard it gets—keep going.