by Andrew Sacher

Pusha T

Pusha T is playing in NYC TONIGHT (12/22) at Gramercy Theatre with NinjaSonik, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Gilbere Forte, Emilio Rojas, and Jasmine Solano. Tickets are still available.

Earlier this week, Pusha dropped a freestyle over Common's "Sweet" off of his new LP, The Dreamer/The Believer, which came out on Tuesday. The Smoking Section reports that the track is a diss at Drake (who is touring in 2012 with Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky). Stream it below.

Common played Highline Ballroom on Monday (12/19). Nas joined him at the show. You can stream the whole show below, and also check out a video of Nas joining in on "Ghetto Dreams" below.

Pusha T collaborator Wale also plays a show in NYC TONIGHT (12/22). HIs is at Webster Hall and tickets are still available. More dates, including one at Irving Plaza, are listed below.

Speaking of Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire and Emilio Rojas, they both just played S.O.B.'s with Kendrick Lamar on Monday (12/19). Talib Kweli saw the show, and tweeted, "The ASAP crew did a 20 min walk thru during the set. Classic Harlem lol." Check out a video from the show below.

Maybe Talib should give Diplo a heads up about Kendrick. Diplo recently tweeted "Kendrick lamar sounds like somebody that played for the supersonics in the 90s. Didn't know he was a rapper. What's his best tune?" (Hey Diplo, check out "The Spiteful Chant").

In other news, Kendrick told XXLMag that he and J. Cole are planning a joint album. "We're still trying to formulate it and sit down in a neutral zone, where either one of us is moving and doing shows, interviews and press all the time," he said. Kendrick told HipHopDx that he's lined up Just Blaze and Pete Rock for his next LP.

Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire will play NYC again when he opens for Action Bronson at Highline Ballroom on December 27. Tickets are still available. eXquire and Bronson both made Heems' list of favorite albums released in 2011.

Speaking of Talib Kweli, his group Idle Warship played Southpaw on 12/9. Some videos from that show are below. They'll do it again on January 4 at S.O.B.'s. Tickets are still available.

Dates, videos and stream below...

Continue reading "Pusha T & Wale play shows tonight (and other dates); Kendrick Lamar & Common & guests played recently (videos)"

by BBG

Rap legend Heavy D -- one of the most influential rappers of the '90s -- died earlier today ... Heavy D -- real name Dwight Arrington Myers -- was rushed to an L.A. hospital around noon today ... and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1 PM. He was 44 years old.

We've learned a 911 call was placed from Heavy's Beverly Hills home around 11:25 AM to report an unconscious male on the walkway .

When help arrived, we're told Heavy D was conscious and speaking -- and was transported to a nearby hospital.

He died a short time later. - [TMZ]

R.I.P. to the "overweight lover", who was responsible for many staples on 90s R&B/Hip Hop/Pop radio. He also introduced the world to one of the greatest producers of the era, his cousin Pete Rock.

Check out some videos of Heavy D below including one from a few weeks ago on the BET Awards, his first performance in many years.

Continue reading "R.I.P. Heavy D"

"Five people who were arrested at an album release party at a Lower East Side bar said Thursday they were released on their own recognizance because the police were the real aggressors.

Police say they were called by club security at Tammany Hall bar early Wednesday to help with overcrowding and a fight between party-goers outside. Soon after they arrived, the rumble turned into a battle with the law.

Four of the defendants -- 27-year-old Gabriel Diaz, 24-year-old Jade Everette, 35-year-old Lewis Pena and 21-year-old Cynthia Rosa -- are facing felony assault charges. A fifth defendant, 32-year-old Jessy Ayala, is facing a misdemeanor charge.

Kenneth Montgomery, the lawyer representing all five people who have been charged, said the Internal Affairs Division of the New York City Police Department is looking into what happened and investigators interviewed his clients in the hospital." [NY1]

LES club Tammany Hall (where the Annex used to be) hasn't even been open a year and already made the mainstream news. Watch NY1's recent report on the situation at NY1's site. Watch video interviews with Pete Rock from outside the gathering at New York Criminal Court yesterday (6/30), below...

Continue reading "watch Pete Rock explain what happened @ Tammany Hall, check out NY1's report on the story"

The scene outside of Tammany Hall

June 28th was reportedly a "peaceful, fun classic hip hop party" featuring Smif n Wessun and Pete Rock who were celebrating the release of their collaborative LP Monumental. That is, until a near riot broke out otside of LES venue Tammany Hall that led to arrests, violence, five injured officers and calls of police brutality.

Pete Rock's lawyer Kenneth Montgomery and his wife Shara McHayle gave their firsthand report to Hip Hop DX. Via Shara McHayle:

...We all left the venue to be greeted outside by a sea of NYPD gloved up and very aggressive. As we began to move we all witnessed the most brutal beating of a party patron. He was on the floor surrounded by 10 police officers with sticks out beating him. In shock, we must have not moved quickly enough to the officers liking and they shouted "Move the FUCK back" and then shoved myself and my daughter down to the ground. Now we were surrounded by 3 cops and 1 pinning us down. My daughter shouted "Get off my mother" and was handcuffed and arrested... Tonight with a lump in my throat my daughter remains in police custody with 4 others. She has been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

Here's the official statement from Duck Down Records:

"It was a peaceful gathering inside of a sold-out Tammany Hall (lower-east side Manhattan, NY) to see the group perform new music from the project. Earlier in the evening some guest wanted to enter the event but were turned away by the management and bouncers employed by the club. A minor argument ensued but eventually was diffused by the bouncers. Thirty minutes after that minor skirmish (no 61 or incident was ever filed by the club or bouncers) some 15-20 uniformed Police Officers from the 7th precinct arrived at the venue. When the officers arrived some of them entered the venue where they witnessed a peaceful environment, they quickly exited the venue and joined their fellow officers in the exit area of the venue.

Upon joining their fellow Officer's they all began to put on black leather gloves. At that time more uniformed officers arrived in marked rmp's and exited their vehicles. The officers then hurried into the club and began macing and assaulting individuals inside the club, dragging one of them out and pummeling him directly in front of the club. Present at the event were artist, industry tastemakers, fans, photographers, and cameramen. Several people began filming and recording the unprovoked brutality much to the dismay of the police. The officers then began to mace and assault anyone within arms length, including several women. Their behavior was unjustified, unprovoked, and simply barbaric considering there was no provocation. Pete Rock, Tek and Steele fortunately were not harmed, however some of their friends & family were assaulted by the Police.

The statement also says that "today at 12PM EST, Pete Rock & Tek & Steele of Smif N Wessun will be holding a press conference to address all questions at New York Criminal Court on 100 Centre Street, New York, NY." Shara McHayle's statement mentioned "a peaceful protest tomorrow morning 9am" at the same location (I assume it was sent out last night). Video from outside of the show is below.

Continue reading "mayhem at Tammany Hall Smif n Wessun/Pete rock show -- Duck Down issue statement, police brutality captured on video"

Brian Wilson played the Highline Ballroom [Sunday] night as part of its sister club's month-long Blue Note Jazz Festival, and though the two-set show featured his entire current Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin album of Gershwin standards, it wasn't jazz, really, but no less demanding--and rewarding.

The Beach Boys' beloved creative genius brought a 12-piece band of multi-instrumentalists/vocalists--and a local female string section--and all lived up to his contention that it's one of his best bands ever.

The Gershwin album, which was conceived under the aegis of his hero George Gershwin's estate, led off the second set--the first being a breathtaking recreation of Beach Boys classics ranging from the ultra-romantic 1963 ballad "Surfer Girl," his first composition, to the symphonic "Heroes And Villains" of 1967. While Wilson's ability to sing his signature falsetto vocal leads and harmonies is long gone, guitarist Jeff Foskett was downright spooky in mimicking it on hits like "Don't Worry Baby" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice." [Examiner]

As mentioned in that review, Brian Wilson's three shows at Highline Ballroom this week are part of the ongoing and inaugural Blue Note Jazz Festival, a month-long celebration of Blue Note's 30th Anniversary. The fest includes a ton of shows including the recent Aloe Blacc, Idle Warship, and Larry Graham gigs. Brian finished his run Tuesday night, while, Dave Brubeck (who just turned 90) and George Wein & the Newport All-Stars each began their own three-night run at Blue Note Jazz Club. Advanced tickets to the Dave Brubeck shows are sold out, but you can line up to sit be at the bar on a first come, first served basis (if you're 21+). Tickets are still on sale for George Wein.

The festival also includes many other shows we've mentioned before including the Jimmy Scott shows at The Blue Note on June 23. Tickets are still on sale.

The recently mentioned Bjorkestra show at Highline Ballroom on June 14 is also part of the festival. As discussed, tickets are on sale and can be purchased with a 50% discount by using the access code "BIGBAND."

The Chaka Khan shows at BB King's on June 18 are also part of the festival. Tickets are still on sale.

The festival also includes the Roy Ayers and Pete Rock show at Highline Ballroom on June 22. Tickets are still on sale.

Bootsy Collins

Bootsy Collins, who just played Bonnaroo, brings his previously announced Blue Note festival show to BB King's on June 26....

"Bootsy Collins was just one more band on our to-do list -- we didn't expect him to nearly steal the whole festival. After an annoying hour-plus wait that had the crowd chanting "bullshit," Collins instantly won the fans back in his favor by bringing THA FUNK. Everything was on the one after that. Lead guitarist Blackbyrd McKnight melted minds, while original P-Funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell provided the ballast. A special mid-set run found the band tackling classics by P-Funk, Jimi Hendrix, and Sly and The Family Stone." [American Songwriter]

Tickets are still available for the NYC show.

Tickets are also still on sale for the two Roberta Flack shows at BB King's on June 24.

Questlove is presenting Mo' Meta Blues I at The Blue Note on June 20 and 21. Both days consist of an early show and a late show. Mo' Meta Blues I features Questlove on drums/electronics, Booker T on organ/keyboards/vocals, Eric Krasno on guitar, and Christian McBridge on bass. Tickets are on sale.

The following night (6/23), The Roots will present Mo' Meta Blues II - Paid In Full 25th Anniversary featuring Black Thought and Rakim at The Blue Note. There will also be an early and a late show. Advance tickets for table reservations are sold out, but you can still get in at the bar on a first come, first served basis (if you're 21+).

English R&B singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer Estelle plays two shows at Blue Note on June 24, her only upcoming appearances. Tickets are still on sale.

Al Kooper & Organ-asm play BB King's on June 29. Tickets are on sale.

"The Music of Stax Records" featuring Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Eddie Floyd and Lester Snell is happening on June 26 at Highline Ballroom. Tickets are on sale.

Last but not least, we want to highlight the Dances of Vice presentred Powerhouse Stomp II: a musical tribute to the classic cartoons of the 1920s, '30s, and '40s on June 29 at Highline Ballroom featuring Brian Carpenter's Ghost Train Orchestra. Sounds fun and tickets are on sale.

Check the Blue Note Jazz Festival's website for the full schedule. A selection of related videos below..

Continue reading "Blue Note Jazz Fest continues -- Brian Wilson, Dave Brubeck, Bootsy Collins, The Roots, Roberta Flack, Estelle & more"

The cover art of Derobert & The Half Truths' 2010 LP

Nashville 60's throwbacks De Robert & The Half-Truths will play their first funkin' NYC show ever at the Dig Deeper event at Southpaw on April 30th with Magic in Threes. Tickets are on sale. Though the band did not exist in the soul/funk heyday, it definitely mirrors the styles of that era much like popular retro-leaning acts like Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and Lee Fields & The Expressions. Check out a few samples of the band below.

Speaking of Lee Fields, he has some shows coming up too.

In other funky news, funk-jazz vibraphone great Roy Ayers will team with producer/DJ/MC Pete Rock for a show at Highline Ballroom on June 22nd. Tickets are on sale. The show takes place less than two weeks before Ayers celebrates his 70th birthday at the Mainstage at Central Park on July 2nd. The FREE show features a "collective of jazz virtuosos, top MCs, singers, arrangers, and composers called The Jazz Mafia" who have "re-envisioned Ayers' classic works for this special show" which is one of many free Summerstage events that were recently announced.

BT Express will do it til you're satisfied, or at least until the endo of their set at Betsey Head Park on June 9th. They'll be joined by Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue and the FREE show kicks off at 7PM. The Felix Hernandez Rhythm Revue will also support Harold Melvin's Blue Notes on July 29th in Queensbridge Park (also FREE, 7PM).

Jazz/funk/afrobeat trumpeter Hugh Masekela will play the Mainstage at Central Park on June 26th, teaming with Freshlyground and Somi for a FREE show. Doors open at 2PM with the show kicking off at 3.

George Clinton & The P-Funk All-Stars will hit BB King's on May 31st. Tickets are still available. Meanwhile, his former Parliament/Funkadelic bandmate Bootsy Collins will hit the same venue on June 26th as part of the month long Blue Note Jazz Festival. Tickets are still available. Collins released his new LP Tha Funk Capital Of The World on Tuesday (4/25) and will also appear at Bonnaroo 2011.

BB King's will also host dual-show evenings with Chaka Khan (June 18th, tickets), Morris Day & The Time (July 29th, tickets), and Roberta Flack (June 24th, tickets). Flack will also make a pair of private appearances in NYC in the coming months. She'll play a show as part of the Tribeca Film Festival on May 1st and the Apollo on May 19th as part of a fundraiser with Lou Reed and many others.

In semi-related news, Morris Day's former bandmate Prince is currently in the midst of a 21-night show stint at The Forum in Los Angeles with "roughly 85 percent" of the shows being only $25 with service fees. One of Prince's influences will also play NYC this summer. Larry Graham appears at BB King's on June 3rd with Funky Nights. Tickets are still available. Last time Larry played there, Prince showed up. Last time Prince played NYC, Larry opened up.

Tour dates and videos below...

Continue reading "funk & soul roundup (Larry Graham, Roy Ayers, Bootsy Collins, Roberta Flack, George Clinton, Morris Day & more)"

photos by Andrew St. Clair, words by BBG

Headlined by Nas and featuring appearances from Cee-Lo (who did perform "Fuck You!"), Pete Rock with surprise guest Dres of Black Sheep, Diplo and "surprise guest" J. Cole, the Heineken Inspire show went down on Saturday (11/13) at Pier 36 under the Manhattan Bridge in Manhattan. With doors at 3pm, it was a long show, and Nas had some technical difficulties but it was free and there was free beer. DJ Kool Herc didn't perform but he came out on stage to say hello.

DJ Premier was not on hand to link up with Pete Rock, even though the duo are working on a new LP together! The album is expected to be completed by year-end, and though hardly any details regarding release have been revealed, it is known that GZA will make an appearance on the album. Preemo and KRS-One also have a collaborative LP in the works, and Nas recently told Premier that he still wants a collaborative album, and he recently announced a label comp entitled Get Used to Us due on December 7th. Premier recently spoke with the Village Voice on the current state of hip hop.

More pictures and some video from the Heineken Inspire event are below.

Continue reading "Nas, Cee-Lo, Pete Rock, Diplo, J Cole & others played the Heineken Inspire event on Pier 36 (pics & video) "

Nas @ Williamsburg Waterfront (more by Samantha Marble)

Heineken Inspire Encore
Sat. Nov 13, 2010 at 3:00pm EST (-05:00)
2 days away
Venue: It's a Secret!
Check your phone for location details morning of 11.13.10
New York, NY 10001

Ages: 21 and Over
Price: $ 0.00
This is a free event.

I.D. Required. Must be a US resident only.

Saturday, November 13th: 3pm
- Roxy Cottontail
- Pete Rock
- Diplo
- Cee Lo Green
- Nas
- & Surprise Guest

Enjoy Heineken Responsibly.

"Tickets" are now on PRESALE. Password = ENCORENYC (thx hiro). And if that doesn't work, "Tickets go on sale Sat. Nov 13, 2010 at 3:00pm EST (-05:00)"

by BBG

Ghostface Killah at Rock The Bells (more by Andrew St. Clair)

CMJ is almost here, and as usual hip hop is well represented with appearances from the greats as well as those on the upswing. Ghostdini (aka Ghostface Killah) obviously is one of the former, and he'll headline BB Kings on 10/22 with Sheek Louch (of D-Block), and Frank Dukes. Tickets are on sale, or you can get in with your CMJ badge.

Audible Treats have announced their 2010 showcase at Sullivan Hall in NYC, and once again it's chock full of interesting indie hip hop. Veterans Black Sheep will join Nottz, Diamond District, Big Pooh (ex-Little Brother), Chip Fu (of Fu-Schnickens), Rah Digga, Von Pea, Moe Green, DaVinci, and The Left (Apollo Brown, DJSoko, Journalist103). The show goes down on 10/21 and tickets are on sale.

Von Pea of Tanya Morgan will play two shows at SOBs in the coming months, with the first happening on 9/29 when he supports Pac Div along with STS and Beyond Belief (tickets). Then less than two weeks later, Von Pea will play the venue again with J-Live in tow to celebrate the release of his new record Pea's Gotta Have It. Tickets are on sale.

And while we're on the subject of former members of Little Brother, Foreign Exchange (aka ex-Little Brother member Phonte and producer Nicolay) will play a CMJ how at BB King's on 10/23 with Darien Brockington, Zo! and a live band in tow. Tickets are on sale. Darien Brockington, who also contributes to Foriegn Exchange, will also be at SOBs in the coming weeks as part of a collaborative show with R&B singer Yahzarah on 10/14. Tickets are on sale.

Duck Down will team up with Blacksmith Music (Kweli's label) for the Duck Down vs Blacksmith CMJ Showcase with appearances from Jean Grae, Pete Rock, Strong Arm Steady, Pharoahe Monch, Skyzoo & !llmind, Marco Polo with Torae & Ruste Juxx, Team Facelift and Boot Camp Clik (Sean Price, Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Heltah Skeltah & 9th Wonder). Sounds amazing. Tickets are on sale for the 10/19 show at LPR.

The Duck Down CMJ show is part of a "15 Year Anniversary" tour for the label. All dates below.

And for those of you planning next week, keep in mind that Talib Kweli will play Brooklyn Bowl on Tuesday (9/28) with Res and K-Salaam. Tickets are on sale.

And speaking of Pete Rock, BB King's will host a night curated by the year 1992, as Pete Rock & CL Smooth will team with Brand Nubian and Das EFX for a show at BB King's on 10/20. Tickets are on sale. Pete Rock & CL Smooth reunited at Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest earlier this year.

Eric and Parrish are making more dollars at Knitting Factory on November 19th, as the duo known as EPMD will team up to tear down the joint with D-Money. Tickets are on sale.

Joell Ortiz of recent Slaughterhouse fame will play SOBs on 11/9. Tickets are on sale.

Pittsburgh weed kingpin Wiz Khalifa will play the Best Buy Theater on November 13th as part of a huge US tour dubbed the Waken Baken Tour. Tickets are on sale. All dates below.

Statik Selektah & Termanology's new collaborative LP, 1982, gets an album release party on October 25th at SOBs. Tickets are on sale for the show, which will feature support from REKS & more special guests TBA. Dig on the recent video by 1982 featuring Bun B & Masspike Miles, "You Should Go Home", below.

Some videos and tour dates below...

Continue reading "upcoming hip hop shows & tours -- CMJ, Duck Down & more "

"After announcing the closing of their New York and Los Angeles locations, Fat Beats is excited to present a send-off worthy of their hip-hop legacy. A week-long series of in-store performances and music industry panels at both stores will allow the music community to not only learn about the history of Fat Beats and what the future of the music industry holds, but to also celebrate the legacy of one of the strongest music brands in the company of their favorite artists. These week-long in-stores are sure to go down in hip-hop and New York history. Everyone is welcome to come and all events are free.

Today marks the official start of the week-long in-stores for the New York location. This location will host artist performances every day this week from 4-9pm until it closes its doors for the final time on Saturday, September 4th, 2010. Additionally, both locations will be selling limited edition commemorative t-shirts, as well as discounted music and merchandise"

The schedule for the New York location is as follows:

Continue reading "free in-stores all week @ Fat Beats (leading up to closing)"

by BBG

"Edan and Paten Locke last night at The Knitting Factory... the illest rap show I've seen in years..." -junksciencerap

"Edan at knitting factory, so dope." -moesuli

"I felt weird wearing a Mr. Lif shirt when Mr. Lif came on stage. I left as soon as the encore ended. I didn't wanna be #thatguy. #nogroupie" -greenspam

Edan and Mr Lif at Knitting Factory on Tuesday (via & via)

" In his finale set, Edan did it accapella, spitting a, what seemed like, infinite rhyming masterpiece without missing a beat or taking a breath. He brings a level of intellectualism to his lyricism and it shows with his fan base, many of who remained after the show ended in small clusters to discuss the performance." [DD172]

Mr. Lif also made an unannounced appearance at Tuesday's Edan show (8/24) at Knitting Factory which doubled as a screening for Edan's film, 'Echo Party'.

And another Edan Brooklyn show has been announced. This time he'll appear as part of a "Bowling for Beats" event at Brooklyn Bowl on 9/26 which will be co-headlined by Pete Rock and Prince Paul, with other sets from J-Zone, and J57 (Brown Bag All-Stars), and Psycho Les (of the Beatnuts). Tickets should be on sale soon.

And while we're "Bowling for Beats", why not get "Lyrics To Go", as DJ Evil Dee, Mr. Walt, the X Factor Boogie Blind, and New Beatminerz will spin at a Labor Day party at Brooklyn Bowl on September 5. Tickets are on sale.

Questlove will spin at Brooklyn Bowl every Thursday in September. On 8/31, he and his crew The Roots will be the focus of a listening party for their upcoming LP Wake Up! with John Legend. The event is free, but the upcoming Roots/John Legend live show at Terminal 5 on 9/23 is NOT. Tickets are on sale Monday (8/30) at noon.

Video of Edan at Knitting Factory is below...

Continue reading "Mr Lif joined Edan @ Knitting Factory, Edan joins Pete Rock & Prince Paul @ Brooklyn Bowl (and other upcoming events)"

Battles

Battles' October 26th show at (Le) Poisson Rouge has been canceled, to be rescheduled for sometime later in the fall. No explanation has been given as of yet, though maybe the delay is related to the ongoing recording of their second album. "All tickets purchased online will be refunded immediately. If you purchased tickets in the box office at the venue you can bring your ticket to the venue for a full refund."

The band's London show four days later seems to still be on (though that could change).

Speaking of LPR, Pete Rock plays there Thursday, and tickets are on sale for the September 14th Jim Jones Revue show.

words by BBG, photos by Brook Bobbins

"Wht a fckin day! Was a 90s hipHop reunion backstge DAMN! Nice & smooth, dela soul, group home, primo, pete rck& cl smooth, large prof, craig g" -MastaAce

"Damn Pete Rock and CL Smooth rockin under the Brooklyn Bridge. It's a beautiful thing. Straighten it out! -greenspam

"I really am sorry that you're not here with me watching De La Soul kill shit live in Brooklyn" -djreadycee

De La Soul at Brooklyn Hip hop Fest in DUMBO - July 10, 2010

Though the rain did rear it's ugly head momentarily on July 10th, the crowd was nonetheless rocked at the 2010 Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest on Saturday. It was the final day of a week-long celebration, and also the biggest event of the fest. With a lineup that consisted of greats like De La Soul, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Black Moon, Smif n Wessun, and many others, the surprise additions of Nice & Smooth, Black Sheep and Group Home gave the event an especially 90s touch. It wasn't all veterans though; relative newcomers like Curren$y, Black Milk, Diamond District, The Money Making Jam Boys, and many others brought new blood under the Brooklyn Bridge to get the block rockin'.

Tons more pics (starting with Black Milk's 3:45 set), and video are below...

Continue reading "Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest 2010 in pics & video (De La Soul, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Black Moon, Black Milk & more) "

by BBG

DOWNLOAD: Black Milk - "Welcome (Gotta Go)" (Mediafire)

Black Milk at SXSW (more here)

The new LP is called Album Of The Year. That's bold talk from the great Black Milk, but if there is one man who can get that head nodding, it's him.

The Detroit MC (and recent BV show alumnus) will welcome Album of The Year on 9/14 via Fat Beats, and the LP is chock full of Detroit luminaries like Royce Da 5' 9", Danny Brown, and Elzhi of Slum Village alongside appearances from Mr. Porter, AB, Melanie Rutherford, and Monica Blaire. Dig on the lead track "Welcome (Gotta Go)" available above.

Black Milk is scheduled to perform at the Saturday (7/10) show of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest alongside a host of other great mic controllers. Admittedly, as much as I am looking forward to seeing the Detroit rhyme killer, the Duck Down crew (also BV show alumni) and a good portion of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest support (not to mention the great De La Soul), the main event for me is reunion of the great Pete Rock & CL Smooth! The show will be their first US appearance together in 10 6 years. Reminisce no more, my friends....

Tonight's (7/8) BHHF festivities feature a salute to the DJ at Music Hall of Williamsburg with appearances by DJ Spinna, Bobbito, Rhettmatic, Rob Swift, and Wajeed (Platinum Pied Pipers). Prepare thy ass to get shooken. $10 gets you in.

Dig on a bunch of hip hop videos below...

Continue reading "Hip Hop Fest continues w/ Black Milk, a PETE ROCK & CL SMOOTH REUNION (and a salute to the DJ @ MHOW tonight)"

by BBG

DOWNLOAD: Idle Warship - Party Robot (Usershare link to ZIP)

Talib Kweli and his Blacksmith Music imprint are scheduled to celebrate the holidays the right way, with two turntables and a microphone! "The Night Before The Night Before Christmas" at Highline Ballroom on 12/23 will feature Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, and Soul Brother #1 Pete Rock. Tickets are on sale.

It's one of three shows that Kweli has lined up in the coming month, with the second being with his Idle Warship project at Southpaw on 11/28. Trezure The Empress, Jah C + The Antidote, and Niles get credited with the assist. Tickets are still available. Idle Warship recently dropped a new mixtape blessed by the great Mick Boogie. Download a copy of the mixtape, Party Robot, above in one of two mixtape covers. The first is above, the second is available at MySpace.

The third for Talib is the previously-mentioned show at Brooklyn Bowl on November 22nd. Jean Grae is also on that one as well as Mickey Factz and Skyzoo. Tickets are still on sale.

On the same day as the Highline show (12/23), just across town, BB King's will host the Hip Hop Legends show with Method Man, EPMD, Doug E Fresh, Large Professor, Onyx, AG (of Show & AG) and many more. Helluva old school lineup! Tickets are on sale. Rakim probably should be on that lineup, but instead he'll headline a show of his own at BB King's on 11/19 along with Rhymefest. Tickets here.

More imminently, Cee-Lo is taking some time away from Gnarls Barkley to return to his great (and somewhat unsung) Southern hip hop crew Goodie Mob, who are scheduled to play their reunion show at BB Kings on FRIDAY 11/13 with The Ruler Slick Rick (who'll have a live backing band!). Tickets are still available, and I have a PAIR OF TICKETS FOR GIVEAWAY. Details on how to win below with some videos, including a live video of Idle Warship from SOB's, below...

Continue reading "upcoming hip hop includes Talib Kweli in Idle Warship & his label's holiday party ++ Goodie Mob (win tix), Rakim & more"

view from St. Mary's Park in the Bronx (Big Map)

Man Man and the BCC crews are in great company this summer. The New York City Parks Foundation will again present its annual CityParks Concerts series of free concerts throughout the five boroughs. Those free events include shows by KRS-One, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Slick Rick, Naughty by Nature, MC Lyte, and even BCC collaborator Raekwon. (By the way... Cuban Links 2 on August 11? I still don't believe it - BB.)

Not every park is covered in this series (like Prospect, Central, and Asser Levy for instance), but I wouldn't be surprised if covers almost every one that doesn't already host its own larger series . Full schedule below...

Continue reading "free shows in NYC parks (2009 schedule includes a lot of hip hop - Raekwon, KRS-One, & Pete Rock included) "

by Black Bubblegum

Nas @ Rock The Bells 2008 in Jones Beach (more by villageslum.com)

OK, so it's not as much a big bang as last year (A Tribe Called Quest reunion) or the one before (Rage Against The Machine reunion), but Rock The Bells 2009 does have some interesting artists on the lineup. Besides a welcome reunion (Reflection Eternal) (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek), one suspect one (House of Pain) and some great repeat offenders (Nas, RZA, Raekwon, MOP, Sage Francis, Slum Village), this year's Rock The Bells also boasts an Outkast (Big Boi), a windy city fave (Common), and a true sicko (Necro). The full lineup is:

Continue reading "Rock The Bells announces 2009 hip hop fest/tour lineup"