XXLMag and Hennessy are teaming up to present Kendrick Lamar at S.O.B.'s TONIGHT (12/19). The show will also a feature of showcase of artists from XXLMag's The Break, "the spot where new MCs get to show and prove their skills." The Break showcase will include Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire (who also plays Highline Ballroom with Action Bronson soon), Emilio Rojas, Phile Ade, and King Mez. Doors open at 8 PM and Hennessy is serving free drinks, You must be 21+ to enter, but you might have to be on list. Kendrick, the venue and XXL don't make that 100% clear. The show flier is below.

In February Kendrick is heading out on tour with Drake, who will meanwhile be in NYC (and on TV) on New Year's Eve (you can try to see it live via that link). As previously mentioned, ASAP Rocky was also chosen for Drake's tour (which was originally supposed to happen in the fall). All of those dates and a video of ASAP talking about Drake, Kendrick, Odd Future and other stuff, below...

Continue reading "Kendrick Lamar in NYC for Hennessy event, going on tour w/ Drake & A$AP Rocky (dates)"

photos by Eric Townsend

Q-Tip and Common

"The Hennessy Artistry concert series ended with it's grand finale in Hip-Hop's birthplace last night in a true celebration of Hip Hop Music. As The Roots band backed Common, New York City erupted with energy unmatched even at a certain "fest" that took place last weekend. With only Common and The Roots on the bill, special guests Bilal,Don Omar, Consequence, Karen Wheeler of Soul II Soul, Q-Tip, and Queen Latifah made it night to remember. Seriously, watching Queen Latifah perform "Unity" live gave me chills." [MissInfo.TV]

Pictures and videos from the night (10/7), below...

Continue reading "Common, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, The Roots, Consequence & friends @ Terminal 5 (Hennessy Artistry) - pics & video"

photos by Bao Nguyen

The Roots @ Webster Hall - 7/30/09

"Hennessy announces the fourth annual edition of the acclaimed Hennessy Artistry series, curated and headlined by hip-hop impresario Common, with The Roots also appearing as the house band.

Hosted exclusively by Hennessy, each show will feature a unique blend of performers and collaborators ranging from up-and-coming talent to cameos by iconic special guests.

Says Common: "Hennessy is the master of blending, and Artistry, is all about artistic blends of music genre, culture and style. The lineup is coming together nicely. The Roots and I are really collaborating to create a musical blend of talent that will do Artistry justice. We are planning some surprises as well, it should be quite an experience and I am thrilled to be a part of it.""

Four Hennessey dates have been announced, one of which will take place at Terminal 5 in NYC on October 7th. I'm not sure how you get tickets at the moment, but it will probably involve doing something at Hennessey's website.

You can also catch The Roots as house band each weeknight on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (which Arctic Monkeys play tonight - 8/4), and on a regular basis with special guests at the Highline Ballroom.

Last week (7/30) The Roots played a Diesel-sponsored show where they were joined on the Webster Hall stage by Lykke Li (who played All Points West on Sunday). All Hennessey dates, a Hennessey trailer, and the rest of the Roots pics from Webster Hall, below....

Continue reading "The Roots playing Hennessy shows w/ Common & guests (Terminal 5), played Diesel show @ Webster Hall (pics)"