by BBG

The Jungle Brothers at SOB's last night via MuphoricSounds

As expected, The Jungle Brothers DID bring out members of the Native Tongues (and others) last night at SOB's (2/7), but that did not include many of the "invited guests". The reunion and associated guest appearances were limited to Leaders of The New School (Charlie Brown & Dinco D, but sans the crucial Busta Rhymes), Jarobi (of a Tribe Called Quest), members of the UMC's and Black Sheep, Sadat X, Force MDs and possibly some others. Bum out, but it was sort of expected.

No word on whether members of A Tribe Called Quest will be in attendance at Harlem Stage in March either, but they will be the subject of a three day event:

On the heels of a major Producers Guild Award for the documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest -Harlem Stage, in conjunction with Revive Music, will celebrate the impact, importance and influence of the pioneering crew with A Tribe Called Quest: Innovation and Legacies - A Movement in Four Parts March 1-3 at Harlem Stage. This four part series features live performances, dance events and a free humanities event headlined by a panel of hip-hop scholars, journalists and artists.

"A Tribe Called Quest is one of the most important groups in the history of hip-hop, with a legacy that continues to impact generations of artists, musicians and audiences." says Simone Eccleston, Harlem Stage's Assistant Director of Programming, who curated the tribute. "With their signature sound, they created timeless gems, and this series seeks to celebrate their cultural significance, their musicianship and their roles as composers and producers. It is our goal to provide audiences with a multidimensional experience that highlights ATCQ's music, the historical context, and their influence on artists that have come after them."

In the span of three years, starting in 1990, A Tribe Called Quest - made up of rappers Q-Tip, Phife Dawg and Jarobi White, and DJ/producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad - released three albums - People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders - widely acknowledged by hip-hop fans to be some of the best recordings ever. The crew became part of a larger community of artists making redemptive, transcendent music: groups like the Black Sheep, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, and Leaders of the New School; solo performers Monie Love and Queen Latifah; and others who formed the collective Native Tongues. They made songs together and often referred to each other in recordings.

Tickets for A Tribe Called Quest: Innovation and Legacies - A Movement in Four Parts, range from free to $25 and are available by phone at (212) 281-9240, ext 19 or 20, and online at www.harlemstage.org. Free programs require RSVP at boxoffice@harlemstage.org.

In other hip hop news, head on over to Public Assembly TONIGHT (2/8) for a FREE show as part of the Red Bull Academy. Kicking off with a conversation with Buckshot (of Black Moon), Dru Ha (of Duck Down), and Skyzoo, the evening will also feature live performances from Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot and Skyzoo as well. The show kicks off at 7PM and you can RSVP at Yamez@redbullmusicacademy.com (might not be necessary).

Check out a preview of tonight's discussion, as well as a new video for "Still Standing" by Pharaohe Monch and a preview of Sean Price's Mic Tyson (both are on Duck Down), with more Harlem Stage info, below...

Continue reading "Native Tongues sort-of reunited (not really); A Tribe Called Quest are subject of Harlem Stage series; Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot & Skyzoo play FREE show tonight"

Black Star @ Rock the Bells 2011 (more by Dana (distortion) Yavin)

After cancelling shows including one at Irving Plaza in NYC, Mos Def & Talib Kweli aka Black Star will give it another try at Best Buy Theater on Saturday, December 3rd at both 8pm and 11:45pm. Tickets for both shows go on sale today (10/21) at noon.

Meanwhile spend the day with Talib Kweli this Saturday (10/22). Talib and Res are Idle Warship and will make an exclusive CMJ-week appearance at the free BrooklynVegan day party at Public Assembly on Saturday. Talib will then play a collaborative set with Pharoahe Monch, Jean Grae & Buckshot w/ Band at Music Hall of Williamsburg Saturday night as part of the Duck Down VS Blacksmith CMJ Showcase. Tickets are still on sale.

words & photos by BBG

Hopefully, there weren't masses that headed to DUMBO on Saturday (10/15) expecting a few Mozz-a-repa stands, a sausage & pepper cart, and a dealer selling his collection of "tobacco" pipes while looking for the live music. The Creators Project had much more to offer. It celebrated the different facets of creativity within art, music, and theater while showcasing live music alongside interactive sculpture to create a wholly different "festival" environment.

The musical portion was limited to two live stages and a third "DJ" stage which also housed a few exhibits. One live stage was located under an archway beneath the Manhattan Bridge. The other was in the "Tobacco Warehouse", a brick structure that has also hosted the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. The shows were free, though you needed to RSVP (and even then you needed a confirmation that you were accepted).

I kicked off my afternoon at the Tobacco Warehouse stage with Teen Daze whose laptop knob-twiddling didn't make for much of a live event. After a few songs I moved on to my first band of the day, Brooklyn's Chairlift. Caroline Polachek is the clear focus of the band's sound, with her vocals pushed to the front and the electronic-pop complementing her lilting voice. Their sunny and simple compositions were sugar-y, well executed and a good way to ease into the day, but not particularly memorable. The next performance would bring about an abrupt change.

John Maus

No one outcrazys John Maus. After the crew cleared the stage of seemingly every piece of gear, the very unassuming Maus came on to plug his Roland SP-404 sampler into the DI and his microphone into an echo pedal. With the hit of his sampler, Maus kicked off his set by bouncing left and right and jumping around. Veins bulged in his neck and face as he began to scream, sing, whimper and all but cry into his microphone during his vocal parts. Even if I had no interest in his recorded material (which I do, and tons of it), I would, as I'm sure any passerby would, still find the maniacal John Maus live (almost freak) show absolutely enthralling. Catch him again this week at 285 Kent.

After 3+ songs from Clams Casino on the laptop which was about as exciting as it sounds (dramatic key-stroke!), A$AP Rocky opened his set by explaining that people are saying he is the "biggest thing to hip hop since the Wu-Tang Clan". I'd like to meet these people. Regardless of how over/correctly hyped A$AP is, he and his crew (which included an appearance from Spaceghostpurrp) were particularly high energy - stage-diving, inciting mosh-pits, and hopping around on stage. The crowd didn't move with the same enthusiasm though. Despite calls for more participation, the crew didn't ignite similar energy in the crowd.

After a visit to see Four Tet (another knob-twiddling set), I cruised over to see Bradford Cox do a one-man Atlas Sound. I prefer Atlas Sound in full band mode to Bradford solo, but his set was fresh change to the mostly electronic vibe of the day. Cox's voice coupled with the Bridge backdrop and the Manhattan skyline was particularly impressive.

Company Flow

Up next was Company Flow, my main motivation for being there since I missed their recent reunion shows at ATP and Santos Party House.

It had been around 14 years since I saw Company Flow on tour with Organized Konfusion, the former celebrating their seminal Funcrusher Plus and the latter promoting what may be their final effort, The Equinox. That summer in 1997, Co-Flow sounded so alien to everything else in the era; primitive, noisy beats made with crude synths and harsh scratches were complemented by abstract and double-time rhymes. Lead by a white redhead-ed MC (a rarity in the era), Company Flow was truly unique in their time.

Company Flow were massive to me in that certain, early-backpacker Rawkus era, the blast-off point for El-P's noisy and dystopian blueprint at Definitive Jux. So it pains me to say that the primitive Company Flow sound hasn't aged so well live; El-P still has a good stage presence as always, but unfortunately the rawness of the tracks just now come across as simplistic in comparison to his sleeker production. It was good to see the crew though, and with Pharoahe Monch in tow, much like that night in DC in 1997.

After Co-Flow, I caught a bit of Florence & The Machine before calling it an evening meaning I also missed the abbreviated Justice DJ set. Though cops shut down Jusice early and a vocal minority of DUMBO residents complained about the takeover of their neighborhood streets, the complaints were minor leagues compared to the impressive spectacle that descended on art galleries, parks, storefronts, and even an archway underneath the Manhattan Bridge.

We're splitting this into multiple parts, so stay tuned for the rest. Meanwhile, more pictures of everything I saw, below...

Continue reading "Creators Project in DUMBO in pics & review -- part 1 (Company Flow, John Maus, A$AP Rocky, Chairlift & more)"

by BBG

The artist soon to be formerly known as Mos Def
at Rock The Bells (more by Dana (distortion) Yavin)

Countdown is on. Only 3 months and 10 days left of "Mos Def":

Following a lengthy line of rappers that have hung up their show names, rapper Mos Def says he's definitely giving up his rhyme alias come 2012.... the artist born Dante Smith revealed that he's changing his name to Yasiin. After more than a decade in the business, though, he won't be mad is you slip up and call him "Mos."
"No, no, not at all... 'Mos Def' is a name that I built and cultivated through the years... I feel that I've done quite a bit with that name. It's time to expand and move on."
...He's usually credited as Mos Def during cast listings. But his several identities will soon just be that one.
"I also don't want to have to deal with having any moniker or any separation between the self that I see and what [people refer to me as]," he continued.
At press time, his publicist wasn't able to confirm what Mos' full name will be after it's changed or if he'll simply just be Yasiin. -[EW]

In other Talib Kweli and Mos De.. -ahem- Yasiin news, the pair will also cross paths on 10/8 at the previously mentioned Restoration Rocks! Music Festival on Fulton Street between Marcy & Brooklyn Ave. The FREE show, now with an expanded lineup, kicks off at noon and will close at 5PM, featuring appearances from Idle Warship (with Kweli), Pharoahe Monch, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra with Mos Def. Flyer is below. More Mos Def & Philharmonic appearances listed HERE.

Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch will also cross paths at the just-announced Duck Down vs Blacksmith CMJ showcase at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 10/22 with Pharoahe Monch, Buckshot, Jean Grae, Smif N Wessun, Kidz in the Hall, Promise, and a Statik Selektah "Population Control" All-Star Set. Tickets go on sale at noon on 9/23, or you can use your CMJ badge (if you're one of the first 150 to try and do so). Flyer below.

All Black Star tour dates and flyers below.

Continue reading "Mos Def's new name, Black Star tour dates, free Restoration Rocks! Fest, a Duck Down vs Blacksmith CMJ showcase & more"

Wild Flag at Williamsburg Waterfront (more by Dana (distortion) Yavin)

The first round of CMJ 2011 artists have been announced. The initial list includes Neon Indian (Webster Hall with Purity Ring), CSS (Webster Hall with EMA and MEN), Zola Jesus (KF and LPR), Wild Flag (Bowery Ballroom with Eleanor Friedberger and Hospitality), Metronomy (MHOW), Portugal. The Man (T5 with Givers and Alberta Cross), Viva Brother, Wombats, The Good Natured), Kvelertak, Handsome Furs, Memoryhouse, Pharoahe Monch, and more.

The Viva Brother show is on October 19 at Bowery Ballroom with 1,2,3 and Kitten. Tickets are on sale now (or you can try to get in with your CMJ badge). All dates below.

The Wombats show is on October 19 at Webster Hall with The Postelles and The Good Natured. Tickets are on sale now (or you can try to get in with your CMJ badge). All dates below.

Other bands scheduled to play that aren't part of CMJ's initial announce include Still Corners, Shonen Knife at Public Assembly, PS I Love You, and Revolver. Full list below...

Continue reading "CMJ 2011 initial lineup (Handsome Furs, Viva Brother, Wombats, Memoryhouse, Kvelertak, Pharoahe Monch, more)"

photos by Brook Bobbins

Talib Kweli / EPMD

The energy and atmosphere was so Hip-Hop in every way! The crowd roared as the legends of the game hit the stage. A top memorable moment of the event was the LOX reunion. Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch all hit the stage and performed classic material. They all did solo verses as well. The crowd went crazy when Styles P did his verse off Rick Ross' " B.M.F." Overall it was a great night for Hip-Hop. If you were there you would have felt that love, that energy and most important, you would understand that Hip-Hop is not dead. -[MsDramatv.com]

Yo MTV Raps of 1990s exploded onto the stage at Best Buy Theater on June 30th, as Hot 97 hosted a lineup of hip hop greats from the era and beyond. Headlined by Talib Kweli, the show featured appearances from EPMD, The Lox, Large Professor, M.O.P., Keith Murray, Nice n Smooth, Brand Nubian, and many many others. Pictures from the show, which include shots of DJ Premier, Pharoahe Monch, JuJu of The Beatnuts, Lil' Ceasar, and many others, continue below...

Continue reading "Talib Kweli, EPMD, The Lox & many more Saluted Hip Hop @ Best Buy Theater (pics)"

Pharoahe Monch at Fun Fun Fun Fest in 2010 (more by BBG)

In addition to the free show at Weeksville Heritage Center, Pharoahe Monch has a few other NYC shows in July. He plays B.B. King's on July 12 with Heltah Skeltah, OGC, and Black Rob. Tickets are still on sale.

Pharoahe Monch also appears as a guest with the Miguel Atwood-Ferguson ensemble at Harlem Stage on July 9 in Annunciation Park (entrance Amsterdam Ave. and W. 134th Street). Jazz vocalist Jose James and Zap Mama will also be guests at the FREE show that Taylor McFerrin opens. J. Period is the evening's DJ. This one runs from 5-9 PM, with 4 PM gates. "In addition to the live music, concert guests enjoy food and hand-made products from local vendors, and an American Airlines raffle. Blankets only, no lawn chairs allowed."

If you haven't heard of multi instrumentalist/dj/arranger/composer/music director/producer/educator Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, you probably at least know some of his collaborators like Stevie Wonder, Outkast, Rihanna, Flying Lotus, Aloe Blacc and countless others. His ensemble performs original music, covers of unreleased J Dilla tracks, and will pay tribute to Gil Scott-Heron at the Harlem show.

A similar show happened in LA in 2010 with Flying Lotus as part of the ensemble and with special guest Aloe Blacc and Bilal. You can listen to that entire peformance, and watch some video from it, below....

Continue reading "Miguel Atwood-Ferguson Ensemble playing free Harlem show, Pharoahe Monch playing other shows too"

Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn (1698 Bergen Street) is hosting a 'Garden Party every Saturday in July. The free shows will open at 4pm, except the first one on July 2nd which opens at 2pm. Pharoahe Monch (who plays a few shows in July) and Baolji play that Emancipation Day Celebration.

Theophilus London (whose last NYC show was at Music Hall of Williamsburg during the Northside Festival) plays the Garden Party on July 23 with Phony PPL (who also opened for Theophilus at Brooklyn Museum). The free show is two days after Theophilus plays a not-free show at Bowery Ballroom on July 21. Tickets for the Bowery show are still on sale.

Theophilus' debut LP Timez Are Weird These Days comes out July 19 on Warner Brothers and features contributions from Holly Miranda and Sara Quin.

Full Garden Party lineup below...

Continue reading "Weeksville Heritage Center hosting free shows, Theophilus London playing other shows too (Bowery included)"

by BBG

Sean Price at Southpaw (more by BBG)

"I like no female rappers. Not like I don't like them personally; they don't hold my interest. Except MC Lyte," he told Vlad TV. "I haven't bought a female rap album since MC Lyte, Lyte as a Rock. That album? I haven't bought one since, straight up. I like none of 'em."

P was quick to clarify, explaining that he holds a soft spot for Digga. "Let me take that back. Rah Digga. She get busy too. But other than that, none of 'em. I'm not buying none of they albums. All of 'em. That's just me. I be fooled. You have a nice single. If the single is good, I'll buy the album. I got a fooled a few times. Who did I get fooled by? I was so pissed. Boss. Remember Boss? I was so pissed, b. I fell for a few, but I like no female rappers. None." -[Hip Hop DX]

Can't make it tomoight? Tomorrow (Wedneday, 6/22) Random Axe to play a ANOTHER NYC show, this time a headlining date at Southpaw with labelmates Black Moon and SkyZoo. Tickets are still available. The pair of shows are in addition to the crew's upcoming appearances at Rock The Bells and Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest. Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest's lineup recently expanded with the additions of Shad, Homeboy Sandman, Nitty Scott MC, Eternia, and Twilite Tone.

Random Axe is celebrating the release of their new and self-titled LP out NOW via Duck Down Records while Smif N Wessun will release their new collaborative LP with Pete Rock, Monumental, via the label on 6/28. Stream the entire Random Axe LP at Complex, and check out two recent Random Axe videos, "Random Call" and "The Hex", below.

And while we're on the subject of Duck Down Records, Black Moon, and Smif N Wessun, look for the two crews to join fellow Duck Down affiliates Heltah Skeltah, OGC, Pharoahe Monch, and Black Rob for a "Hip Hop Legends" night at BB King's on July 12th (Black Rob & OGC... hip hop legends?). Tickets are still available.

Reminder: Duck Down signee and collaborator Talib Kweli will play a free show at Red Hook Park TONIGHT, a day before he hits The Colbert Report.

A bunch of videos and song streams are below.

Continue reading "Random Axe released LP on Duck Down (stream it), playing shows w/ Smif N Wessun & Black Moon & more"

Pharoahe Monch @ Fun Fun Fun Fest (more by BBG)

Pharoahe Monch's latest tongue-twisting LP W.A.R. is out now via Duck Down Records and Monch has a pair of dates scheduled in the coming weeks. He'll head to Santiago, Chile to play a date on May 15th with Heltah Skeltah and Das Efx, and will play Brooklyn Bowl on May 10th with Jean Grae, Boogie Blind, J Period, and DP One. Tickets are on sale.

Pharoahe Monch recently joined Buckshot for a performance at the Comedy Awards of "Jon Cryer Will Fuck You Up" featuring the Two & A Half Men star. Check out video from that comedic performance as well as a recent interview below.

Continue reading "Pharoahe Monch released W.A.R., played the Comedy Awards, playing Brooklyn Bowl w/ Jean Grae"

Pharoahe Monch @ Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010 (more by BBG)

Pharoahe Monch's new LP W.A.R. is out today (3/22), and to help promote that...

Pharoahe Monch (Live Streamed Performance + Instore Signing)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
7:30pm
Union Square

Be one of the first 150 people to purchase Pharoahe Monch's new album, W.A.R., starting on Tuesday 3/22 at 12:01am at the Union Square Best Buy and receive a wristband that guarantees admittance to this event. Arrive early, time & space are limited.
Watch the live broadcast of the performance on www.liveatbestbuy.com!

Continue reading "Pharoahe Monch released W.A.R., making appearances "

by BBG

DOWNLOAD: Raekwon - "Molasses" f. Rick Ross & Ghostface Killah (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Pharoahe Monch - "Clap" (MP3)

Lupe Fiasco has sold-out his previously discussed record release party at Webster Hall on March 8th, but the Chi-city MC has added another, and for free. Lupe Fiasco will appear at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 2/27 as part of a free, RSVP-only event at the venue. RSVP is currently open. Lupe's new LP Lasers hits store shelves on March 8th. Stream the new track "All Black Everything" at his site.

If you didn't get tickets for Webster Hall, that means you are free and clear to check out Raekwon at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 3/8 (tickets). The show is a record release party for the Wu-Tang great, as Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang will drop the same day as Lasers (March 8). Raekwon recently dropped a new video for title track and a new song, "Molasses" featuring Ghostface and Rick Ross. Download "Molasses" above or stream it below alongside the new video.

Pharoahe Monch has a new disc on the way, W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), and he'll celebrate that with a March 24th show at SOBs. Ticket info is forthcoming. W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) is due via Duck Down on 3/22 and features "Clap" available for download above and streaming below.

Still not many Diplomats reunion tour dates popping up, but in addition to the NYC & Philly shows previously mentioned, there's now also Chicago, and a March 25th show at Northern Lights in Clifton Park which is on sale. The list of dates is below.

Tickets recently went on sale for a Wiz Khalifa show at Roseland Ballroom. Kid Cudi's total number of sold out Roseland shows is three.

Big Boi and People Under the Stairs are on the lineup of the just-announced Governors Ball Music Festival.

And last but not least, Southpaw has a couple of interesting hip hop shows in the coming weeks including the imperial Rah Digga with Eternia on Thursday (2/24, tickets) and the one and only Big Daddy Kane with Brand Nubian as part of a benefit on March 25th (tickets).

All streams and some video is below.

Continue reading "a free Lupe Fiasco show, Raekwon video, new Pharoahe Monch, updated Diplomats dates & other hip hop news"

by BBG

Snapcase

It's 1PM in Texas and I just tied a bandana around my face before its time to get down to business. I'm not some outlaw out to rob a bank and hop on a speeding stagecoach; With the dry dirt and the hordes of kids in full-on circle-pit/floorpunch mode, a bandana or a surgical mask is a key tool in dealing with the clouds of dust that form around the chaos.

Chaos it was, off-stage that is, as the crowd popped for the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Snapcase, Dwarves, Municipal Waste, Gwar, Mastodon and others on Fun Fun Fun Fest's Black Stage (where I spent a good bit of my time). Though I wandered to the Orange Stage to catch amazing performances from Cap'n Jazz, The Hold Steady & Descendents (among many others) and the Blue Stage to catch scorching shows from Big Freedia, Pharoahe Monch, Dam-Funk, and A-Trak, but it was the Black Stage where I caught pretty much every single band in action.

And that's a lot! One of the great things about the Black and Orange stages is that they are actually TWO stages each. A band will finish their set, and then on a stage right next to it, another band will line check and play. Times between bands varied (due to set time length and on occasion, technical difficulties), but there were moments when it was as low as 5 minutes between sets. More music and less downtime.

I started out my Saturday (11/6) with Black Congress, whose powerful post-hardcore impressed the early crowd. Hatred Surge followed, and even with a new singer in tow, the brutality has stayed a constant. Power Trip was next, and they do crossover-thrash that is less DRI/ Municipal Waste, and more serious/furious. Bands this good shouldn't play this early.

I'm very picky about sung vocals and punk rock, so it's sort of no surprise that I didn't care for either Bad Religion (who had no guitar in the mix for the first three songs), The Briggs or The Vandals, but I did enjoy what I saw of Strike Anywhere's live set (even though I am not into their recorded output). Dreadlocked singer Thomas Barnett is as energetic a frontman as I would see on the Black Stage all weekend, and really added tremendous power to the band's melodic hardcore.

Muncipal Waste (more here)

Strike Anywhere is from Richmond, and the band got a "Richmond represent" shout out from the great Municipal Waste that day. The band thrashed their way through one of my favorite sets of the afternoon, complete with thrown trash cans, a wall of death, stage diving, and an "execution" courtesy of fellow Richmond band Gwar. Gwar was fun in a kitschy way and delivered a great set later in the day, but the crowd energy and the precision of MW's live show was the most memorable.

Also on the Black stage were Valient Thorr and The Casualties who both delivered energetic sets, with the latter giving a crusty spin on the Ramones classic "Blitzkrieg Bop". The mohawk-ed kids went ape, and a wall of death, which was later faux-mocked by Municipal Waste when they initiated their own wall of death, was called upon by vocalist Jorge Herrera.

On the Orange stage, I managed to catch Woven Bones, The Appleseed Cast, and Jeff The Brotherhood. Jeff The Brotherhood is a staple of the small stage in NYC, so it was a bit odd to hear that guitar tone blaring out of 50 feet of PA speakers. Odd, but no less fun/impressive.

Along with Municipal Waste, Big Freedia was another one of my favorite sets of the day. Her nonsense odes to ass, ass, and ass-clapping were a pure sugar-rush and left 90% of the crowd in hilarious amazement and the other 10% with a big old "WTF" look. The Freedia set was tamer than her usual appearances, but no matter, it was still much fun and much booty-shakin. Dam-Funk would also get the crowd moving on that same stage hours later.

Seeing Big Freedia meant missing a good portion of Cap'n Jazz, who announced on stage that Fun Fun Fun would be their last show. Unbelieveably kinetic and powerful, Cap'n Jazz reminds me that emo is short for "emotional" and not just a psuedonym for pop-crossover. Mesmerizing and awesome.

Peelander-Z

Sunday (11/7) was a late start for me, so I got to the venue to see the tail end of Junius (who played 2nd, after Eagle Claw on the Black Stage). They're a band I'm very familiar with for their latter-Isis crunch-and-clean vocals steelo. It was surprisingly the next band that really got me going: Peelander-Z. With a large crowd looking on, Peelander-Z delivered an incredible mix of energy, stage presence, audience participation, fun and simple song-craft, and plain old good times. They played from the crowd. They stage dove. They led the audience in a giant game of limbo. They had a footrace. Totally fun.

I have a lot of recent experience seeing OFF!, High on Fire, Kylesa, Floor, Mastodon, and The Bronx, who all played the Black Stage that day. All gave predictably excellent shows though Kylesa in particular seemed a bit more energetic that usual (lots of Laura pogoing). It might have been the fact that FFF marked the end of their US tour with Torche and High on Fire, but they were particularly good on that sweltering Sunday afternoon. Floor was great as usual, though I enjoyed them more at Red 7 later that night... possibly because their music felt like a bookend to a great weekend. Both High on Fire and Mastodon's setlist delved into all of their recorded efforts which, as a long time fan, was comforting.

I'm not particularly scared of anyone, but Human Furnace of Ringworm gives me the shakes. His gravelly voice propels the rest of the Clevo-hardcore band forward and blew my mind that afternoon. They were one of my highlights of the day, and if I had only seen them and Snapcase on Sunday, I would have been content.

If my dad listened to modern music anymore, he would go apeshit for The Hold Steady. The band cranked out a crunchy Springsteen-esque set and sounded better than I have ever heard them before. Though they were killing on the Orange stage, I made the hard decision to bounce to catch the rest of Suicidal Tendencies' set.

Nothing against Mike Muir, but he isn't in the same shape that John Joseph of the Cro-Mags is (Muir and the rest of the known universe). No matter, it doesn't stop him from zigging and zagging back and forth on stage as the rest of Suicidal Tendencies runs through hits like "You Can't Bring Me Down" and "I Saw Your Mommy". High energy stuff; I can't imagine running in circles while trying to recite the words to "Institutionalized". Catch Suicidal and Cro-Mags together at Terminal 5 on November 14th.

If I was to pick two of my favorite sets from Sunday, the winners easily go to Snapcase and Descendents. Snapcase was brutal, technical, confrontational, and totally fun; the crowd gave back every ounce of energy that the band put in. From the opening notes of their third song, "Zombie Transmission" from Progress Through Unlearning, I knew that this was going to be a highlight. We need more shows from Snapcase.

Descendents, who we also need more shows from, are one of the few bands that pass my "no clean vocals in punk rock" test. Their songs are funny without being goofy, melodic without being overtly pop, and driving/hard when they want to be. Classics like "Suburban Home", "Bikeage" and a good portion of Somery, "Everything Sucks" and many of the highlights from that LP, and tons of others all made their way onto the setlist that night. And yes, the band made sure to fit in "All" and "Weinerschnitzel". Too fun, and though I left Mastodon early to catch them, I have no regrets.

As far as pictures go, we already split the fest up into ten other posts, my pictures from Saturday included. This post is number 11 and it includes all my pictures from Sunday (and it is our final set of Fun Fun Fun pics from this year) which continue, below...

Continue reading "Fun Fun Fun Fest in review w/ more Day 3 pics (part 4) - Snapcase, Floor Suicidal Tendencies, Kylesa, Ringworm & more"

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 "

photos by Dayane Ohira

"Later today / video of spike lee, snoop dogg, the ((((orb))), and myself at prospect park Michael Jackson day!" - Pharoahe Monch

"Michael Jackson's birthday is being remembered around the country, but unanswered questions about his death shadow the celebration of his life. [August 29th] would have marked the King of Pop's 52nd birthday, had he not passed away last June, at age 50. Recent developments in the music icon's murder trial may call for the exhuming of his remains. The controversy makes it difficult to celebrate Michael Jackson's birthday, when he may have to be laid to rest yet again." [AC]

Continue reading "pictures from Michael Jackson's birthday in Prospect Park (part 1) "

Jay Electronica @ Summerstage in Red Hook Park (Solo72vh)

The rain didn't stop the show and Jay Electronica was joined by a guest at his SummerStage season kick off on Tuesday (6/1) - Pharoahe Monch stopped by to check out the show and got called onstage to do an acapella verse. Video of that, and other parts of the night, is below. Tonight (6/2) Roy Ayers & DJ Jon Quick are at Brooklyn's Betsy Head Park.

Continue reading "Pharoahe Monch joined Jay Electronica in Red Hook Park (videos) "

Central Park Summerstage (more by Chris La Putt)

The schedule for the 2010 SummerStage series, which has music not just at Central Park, is out, and there are some great looking shows to highlight.

At Central Park, the first "rock" show happens on Saturday, June 5th with Living Colour, Ebony Bones!, Pillow Theory and CX KiDTRONiK. Baaba Maal, who just played Irving Plaza, will be at Central Park too on Monday, June 14th The Tinariwen show on Saturday, June 26th also features Syrian beat & mikeman Omar Souleyman. Gil Scott-Heron plays Central Park in June and Marcus Garvey Park in August.

There's also El Guincho, Bostich and Fussible and others in Central Park on July 7th. Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff plays Central Park on Sunday, July 11th. Raphael Saadiq performs there Saturday, July 17 at 3pm. The Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba/Fool's Gold show on Sunday, July 25th will also feature "West African electronica" band Burkina Electric.

On Wednesday, July 21st, there'll be a Comedy Central's The Daily Show and Friends Central Park gig hosted by Lewis Black with John Oliver, Rob Riggle, Wyatt Cenac, Adam Lowitt and Rory Albanese.

There's also music from St. Vincent, Tune-Yards and Basia Bulat on August 1st at Central Park. The xx play with Jack Penate and Chairlift there on August 8th. At the same spot, Public Enemy play an August 15th day show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Fear of A Black Planet, and the Specials play on August 22nd with Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears and $mall ¢hange.

The borough-wide shows kick off with Jay Electronica in Red Hook Park on June 1st. Also at that park is Dan Deacon on Tuesday, June 15th. White Rabbits play East River Park on August 12th.

There's lots of great jazz too: McCoy Tyner plays with Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding and Francisco Mela as part of the CareFusion Jazz Festival on June 23rd. He also plays in the Charlie Parker Jazz Fest, which comes at the end of the summer with an incredible lineup. McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Scott, Jason Moran and the Bandwagon and Revive da Live play during the day at Marcus Garvey on Saturday, August 28th. Then the next day, James Moody, Catherine Russell, Vijay Iyer and The JD Allen Trio play at Tompkins Square Park.

The park benefit shows include John Butler Trio and State Radio on June 15th (tickets on sale), The Flaming Lips on July 26th, The Black Keys with the Morning Benders on July 27th and 28th, Hot Chip/Hercules & Love Affair/Holy Ghost on August 4th, Govt' Mule on August 11th (tickets), and one of the four Pavement shows September 21-24. Plus there's a "songbook of Simon & Garfunkel" benefit on June 8th.

Not all "Summerstage" shows are in Central Park anymore which drives home the point even further that the name of the venue in Central Park is actually "Rumsey Playfield" which hosts non-"Summerstage" shows too. Those so far include Coheed/Torche, CAKE, Ween, and Broken Social Scene.

The full Summerstage free show schedule is below...

Continue reading "Summerstage (Central Park & elsewhere) - full 2010 lineup "

by BBG

De La Soul at Coachella (more by Rachel Carr)

Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest 2009 was a blast (with one notable exception) and so far 2010 is turning out to be similarly interesting with the addition of the great De La Soul to headline the shindig on July 10th alongside Buckshot, Evil Dee and Smif-N-Wessun. Tickets are on sale.

The show is part of a week long celebration:

The calendar for the 6th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival kicks off with Show & Prove on Monday, July 5th. This Hip-Hop showcase of independent and local talent is the final event of Brooklyn Bodega's three month Show & Prove competition,
Tuesday, July 6th will feature the Bodega Education Initiative, a day of panel discussions and seminars about the legendary producer, J Dilla. Speakers include Q-Tip, Ma Dukes Yancey, DJ Spinna and more.
Wednesday, July 7th is a mini Film Festival that features a variety of Hip-Hop films and a Q&A with established and burgeoning filmmakers.
Thursday, July 8th is a night dedicated to the backbone of Hip-Hop: the DJ. It will feature performances by the best DJs, from NYC to LA.
Friday, July 9th is the kick-off party to formally welcome Festival goers, past and current artists and community leaders to the 6th Annual BHF.
Saturday, July 10th is the culmination of the 2010 Festival. De La Soul, just ahead of a new album to be released this year, will headline on the DUMBO waterfront. Earlier in the day, we set it off with Family Day - a block party for families and children that celebrates the core message of Hip-Hop - social change and individual empowerment.

YO LA TENGO have worked with a huge variety of artists from different genres over the years.... In 2010, the band presents an EP of remixes of "Here To Fall," the lead track from last year's "Popular Songs," by De La Soul, RJD2 and Pete Rock.
"Here To Fall" is the most popular track from "Popular Songs," a couple having a tense conversation about the future over the background of menacing, descending chords and distorted wa-wa guitar. Each of these legendary hip hop performers has taken the track and the story and made it their own.

Buckshot, Evil Dee, and Smif N-Wessun will be celebrating 15 years of Duck Down Records at the BHHF show, a milestone they'll also celebrate at BB King's on July 13th with the addition of Sean Price and Pharoahe Monch (who headlined the Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest last year). Tickets for that NYC show are on sale.

Pharoahe Monch also plays a free show in Queensbridge Park on July 21st.

Duck Down also partied for their 15th down at SXSW, during which time Buckshot and Smif-N-Wessun both made appearances at our Attitude Adjustment party at Red 7.

While we're on the subject of classic hip hop artists playing NYC, Slick Rick has scheduled a show at Knitting Factory on June 13th. Tickets are on sale.

Tons of classic video below...

Continue reading "Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest 2010 lineup w/ De La Soul, Duck Down Records celebrates there & @ BB King's w/ Pharoahe Monch"

by Black Bubblegum

Pharoahe Monch at Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest (more here)

Internal Affairs is the solo debut from former (present?) Organized Konfusion member Pharoahe Monch, released on Rawkus Records and Hollywood Records. The album spawned the Hot 100 hit "Simon Says". Monch made his highest debut on the charts, just missing the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 album chart, going on to sell over 200,000 copies. However, because of the illegal use of music from Godzilla versus Mothra as a sample in "Simon Says," the album was deleted. The album was well received by music critics and fans, receiving a near-perfect 4.5 mics rating from The Source. About.com ranked Internal Affairs #84 on their list of 100 best rap albums. - [Wiki]

Pharoahe Monch recently reunited with Prince Po to re-form Organized Konfusion at BB Kings and APW.

Flyer and "Simon Says" video below.

Continue reading "Pharoahe Monch celebrating 10 years of 'Internal Affairs'"

words by Black Bubblegum, photos by Joseph Xu

DOWNLOAD: Pharoah Monch vs the Black Lips - "Drop I Mayor" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Black Lips - Drop I Hold featuring GZA (MP3)

Pharoahe Monch @ the 2009 Pitchfork Fest

Though APW's addition of Jay-Z is rather notable (just a tad), it's the reunion of Organized Konfusion that sets the stage for a big hip hop weekend at APW. Organized Konfusion originally stepped away from the mic in 1997, flirting with a return as recently as 2004, but APW marks their first show back.

Since 1997, both Prince Po and Pharoahe Monch of Organized Konfusion have been busy as solo artists, with Monch recently logging time at the 2009 Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest (pics here) and Pitchfork Festival in Chicago. Pics from Pitchfork in this post, along with fellow hip hop luminary (who didn't send a decoy?) Doom. Chicagoist dug Monch, but Doom... not so much.

After that was Pharoahe Monch, who's hip hop set was everything Doom's Saturday set wasn't: intense, ferocious, and with a level of personality the masked wonder couldn't summon on Saturday. Drawing from the crowd, Monch gave props to those such as Rakim, Mos Def, and Michael Jackson. He was the act we knew least about going into the weekend and coming out he's left us only wanting to hear more.

Mos Def's partner in the recently reunited Black Star, Talib Kweli, is making his way back to the stage with Reflection Eternal at BB Kings on August 28th, a little more than a month after Rock The Bells. Tickets are now on sale.

Styles P, who provided direct support for Pharoahe Monch at Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest, will headline the first night of the Rock The Block Fest at Southpaw (Aug 6, tix here), with Freeway taking over for the second (Aug 7, tix here). Tickets are also available bundled together (here).

DJ STV SLV (of The Hood Internet) recently remixed Pharoah Monch's "Mayor" with The Black Lips "The Drop I Hold". Hilarity ensues. Download that above. Black Lips' collaboration with GZA is is up there too.

The previously mentioned Ghostface, Redman/Method Man jumpoff at Nokia Theater on July 30th is sold out. We're still waiting for Diesel to announce who the special guests will be at the Roots Webster Hall show happening the same night. Speaking of the Roots, their Highline Ballroom residency has now been extended through November 24th. Tickets are on sale.

In other hip hop news, Q-Tip is paying tribute to Michael Jackson at Nokia Theatre, Jedi Mind Tricks and Brother Ali have announced tours, and The Cool Kids are playing SOB's less than a month after All Points West.

More Pitchfork pics, the Rock the Block flyer, and all Mos Def tour dates, below...

Continue reading "Pharoahe Monch (and DOOM) played P4K (pics), (Organized Konfusion) playing APW ++ tix on sale, Mos Def dates & more"

by Black Bubblegum

Marty Markowitz and Ralph McDaniels

The theme of this summer has been rain, and though the skies opened up halfway into the 5th anniversary show of The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival on June 20th in Empire Fulton-Ferry State Park, that didn't stop the crowd from swaying to the classic beats and rhymes by a stable of 90s artists. Thankfully the organizers of the DUMBO show thought ahead, and though it was a little packed in there, everyone stayed perfectly dry inside the emergency tent.

With all the veterans of hip hop on Saturday's lineup, you'd think that the most kinetic performance of the day would come from a Grand Puba or Pharoahe Monch. You'd be wrong. Oddly enough, the least "conscious" MC and the one that I always felt was slightly overrated, Styles P of D-Block (fka The Lox), delivered an energetic performance of hits that was matched only by the energy that the crowd bounced back. I was shocked, though pleasantly so.

I was glad to be wrong about Styles P, and I definitely learned a few other things that rainy Saturday:

Continue reading "the 2009 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival - in pics & review "

by Black Bubblegum

Pharaohe Monch sez GTFU!

Its that time of year again... when NYC flexes its considerable Hip Hop muscle with a summer of killer hip hop shows. One of the most high profile of those is The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, taking place this year on June 20th at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in DUMBO. Tickets are available online or at Fat Beats NYC at $10 for a single, $35 for four, and other configurations.

Headlining the affair is the incomparable Queens tongue-twister Pharoahe Monch, who will join the legendary DJ Premier, The Ghost (aka Styles P), dead prez, Smif N Wessun (who are also playing Brower Park & Southpaw), Grand Puba (no Stud Doogie, love?), Marco Polo & Torae (who are also playing Fat Beats & Southpaw), and many many others. The full two stage lineup is below.

The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is a few days shy of a month away from Pharoahe's appearance at All Points West as half of the mighty Organized Konfusion, and a few weeks after Marco Polo & Torae's new album Double Barrel hits stores.

Another major NYC Hip Hop Festival, Rock Steady 32nd Anniversary, has yet to announce any details. Brooklyn fest details below...

Continue reading "Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival - 2009 lineup, date & ticket info "

by Black Bubblegum

The Cool Kids @ Highline Ballroom (More by Leia Jospe)

On some level, yes, perhaps this was inevitable. But after many locals realizing it for some time now, it seems that the Chicago-based hip-hop duo The Cool Kids--or more likely, the people who represent them--have finally been hipped to the fact that, here in [Dallas Forth Worth], there exists a lo-fi punk outfit by the name of the Teenage Cool Kids. And, as such, the Cool Kids' handlers have sent Teenage Cool Kids a cease and desist order, asking that the band change its name. [Dallas Observer]

In related news, The Cool Kids AND KOOL Keith (will they go after him too?) are part of the recently announced All Points West lineup. Both Cool & Kool play on Saturday Aug 1st... that's the NON-Beastie Boys / Q-Tip / Pharcyde / Organized Konfusion (!!!!!)/ Flying Lotus day (which is Friday, July 31).

Kool Keith will also appear at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on April 3rd, but this time as Dr Octagon vs Dr Doom. All dates below.

And probably the most exciting news (to me anyway) out of the APW lineup is the reformation of the mighty Organized Konfusion! The crew released their last LP in 1997, The Equinox which was proceeded by the classic self-titled and Stress: The Extinction Agenda LPs. Since then, Pharoahe Monch has been busy with his own ventures including writing rhymes for certain millionaires and showing up to support his friends The Roots at Highline Ballroom. Prince Po hasn't exactly sat idle either... his last album, The Saga Of The Simian Samurai dropped in 2007. Some videos below.

In other APW-playing, hip hop artist news, Q-Tip who always keeps busy performing (most recently on tour with the Cool Kids) and spinning, will be gettin' down at the 92nd St Y in Tribeca, James Lipton style:

Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg hosts a night of music and conversation featuring famed hip-hop musician and producer Q-Tip, a member of the legendary band A Tribe Called Quest. Rosenberg will sit down with Q-Tip for a candid discussion about the life and influences of this innovative artist, whose career has spanned over 20 years. Jazz hip-hop fusion band Igmar Thomas and The Cypher will perform throughout the night, paying tribute to Q-Tip's music.

Beastie Boys recently reissued (deluxe style) Check Your Head, and have been announcing lots of festival appearances for this summer.

And finally, Flying Lotus (the "experimental music producer, disc jockey, and laptop musician from Winnetka, California") will be in NYC before before All Points West, including two dates in the next month - April 16th and 17th. On April 16th, Flying Lotus will join Kode9, Martyn, Mike Slott, Pursuit Grooves, Ras_G, and Zomby as part of Brainfeeder NYC (Part 1) at Love, a showcase for Flying Lotus's all-digital label Brainfeeder. The next day look for Flying Lotus and Kode9 to play the American Museum of Natural History as part of The Fader Presents One Step Beyond (advance tickets are available).

All tour dates, flyers and videos below...

Continue reading "Hip Hop @ APW, Organized Konfusion returns, Cool Kids vs Teenage Cool Kids, Flying Lotus touring, Q-Tip speaking"

photos by Jacob Blickenstaff

"Since everyone can't live in New York City, OKP took our [video] camera crews into "The Roots present The Jam" @ The Highline Ballroom to bring you a virtual video taste of the new weekly jam session. The jump off [the first] week [March 5th] was a crazy first show, with Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and John Forté Jr. trading verses side by side, along with Black Thought and Dice Raw. Later in the evening Chrisette Michele and Raheem DeVaughn graced the stage for some off-the-top crooning, scatting included. Overall it was an incredible evening. [Okayplayer]

Continue reading "The Roots (and guests) @ Highline Ballroom - pics & video"

Built to Spill @ ATP 2008 (more by Zach Dilgard)

The 2009 Pitchfork Music Festival -- to be held in Chicago's Union Park Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19 -- is announcing the first round of band's to perform at this years festival, as well as a new series that will include Friday's performances. On Friday, the festival welcomes Yo La Tengo, The Jesus Lizard (first show in Chicago in eleven years!), Tortoise and Built to Spill; Saturday will see performances by The National, Pharoahe Monch, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, while Sunday's event includes Grizzly Bear, The Walkmen and Vivian Girls!

In years past, Friday night has been presented in conjunction with All Tomorrow's Parties and their "Don't Look Back" series, which is devoted to artists playing one seminal album from their back catalogue in its entirety. In 2008, Mission of Burma performed Vs., Sebadoh played Bubble & Scrape, and Public Enemy performed It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. 2007 saw Slint performing Spiderland, Gza/Genius performing Liquid Swords, and Sonic Youth performing Daydream Nation.

This year, the Pitchfork Music Festival is mixing things up a bit and putting the set lists in the hands of the fans, under a new series titled "Write the Night: Set Lists By Request." When someone buys a ticket they will receive a confirmation email that will include a link to a web page where they can vote on which of each band's songs they'd like to hear during their set - and truly be the ones to "Write the Night." Voting will begin on March 13 (when tickets go on sale) and will end on June 12.

Continue reading "Pitchfork Fest announces initial 2009 lineup (Gbear, VivGrls, National) - lets fans decide Friday setlists (BTS, Tortoise)"