Mike and Ike - Whisky Bar - August 4, 2006

With the "Sp" and you've got some Sick and Twisted Cartoons... but this Friday, Aug. 4th, we've got Mike and Ike and In the Pocket at Whisky Bar! Check out what Almost Urban thought about them while during a girl's gone wild moment! ;)

So bummed... I maybe missing the J5 show due to work... had a feeling this was going to happen. I'm sure tix are prob sold out by now. Well shoot me a line and let me know how it goes. And I'm not talking about the white powdery stuff!

More info:

That classic sound is coming out of Austin, Texas, and its making noise in the hip hop scene as Mike & Ike present their debut album, Introducing Mike & Ike. The duo blends smart, but accessible lyrics with the infectious sounds of jazz and soul music to create a style that recalls the best elements of where rap music has been, but stays fresh and inventive, always looking toward the future. In a musical landscape full of studio gangsters rapping about how hard they are and money they may or may not actually have, Mike & Ike are a refreshing change of pace. Rather than fall into the all-too-common trap of preaching about what they are not, however, they choose to focus on what they are, and the original styles they bring. They kick intelligent rhymes that a wide range of people can relate to their own daily struggles and triumphs. The raps show that the two are aware of and concerned about social ills, but avoid becoming overly self-righteous or cliché in their treatment of them. Mike & Ike know when to be serious, but never lose sight of the idea that hip hop should be at least as much about the good as the bad, and maintain an overall positive and fun vibe on the album. Tracks such as "Classic Sound", "Home Invasion", and "Genie in Disguise" show that Mike & Ike have what it takes to bring their classic sound to the masses.

Rakim - Emo's - Sept 1, 2006

Update: Previously I had Sept 3rd... Yao points out that it's the 1st! That's what I get for writing in a state of drunken stupor. :) Thanks!

Man I can hardly contain my excitement at the moment! I'm sure I won't be able to go to sleep tonight... shit... I'm gonna go out on a limb... but this will EASILY be the best show of 2006.

It's f*ckin RAKIM in AUSTIN! Booya! Not much detail's been posted... but it's at Emo's on Sept 1st... and tix are a measly $17.50... get them here. It's to be "Paid In Full".

More info:

Rakim (full name Rakim Allah, born William Michael Griffin on January 28, 1968 in Wyandanch, Long Island, New York) is an African-American rapper. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers in hip hop history, and as having revolutionized hip hop lyricism with his complex flow, elaborate metaphors and rapid delivery.

Apart from possibly Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., no other rapper has such a formidable personal legacy in hip hop music as Rakim. As music journalist Dima Leybman has observed, many recent rappers (both underground and mainstream) acknowledge a huge debt to Rakim's innovative style; one of his more prominent fans include Nas, who dedicated a song to Rakim, "U.B.R. (Unauthorized Biography of Rakim)", on his album, Street's Disciple. Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Will Smith, Lil Wayne and Eminem have all also acknowledged a great deal of respect and admiration for his work. His lyrics have been interpolated or parodied by other rappers on numerous occasions, including by Eminem ("I'm Back", "The Way I Am"), Method Man ("Fuck Them", "N 2 Gether Now"), Kool G. Rap ("Where You're At"), Canibus ("2000 B.C."), Master P ("Ghetto D"), Mos Def ("Love"), Lil Wayne ("I'm A Dboy"), Nas ("H to the Homo" Instrumental), P. Diddy ("Diddy"), Talib Kweli ("Eternalists") and Timbaland ("Try Again"). Rakim also made cameos in the Juelz Santana video "Mic Check" and the Timbaland & Magoo video "Cop That Disc". Rakim was named the number 4 greatest hip hop MC of all time by MTV. Eric B. and Rakim's classic album Paid In Full was named the greatest hip hop album of all time by MTV.

Fatlip - Emo's Lounge - August 12, 2006

Daum! Dem some big ol' lips! You know him from Pharcyde... you've seen him peeing with Ludacris... now see Fatlip live at Emo's on Aug. 12th! Just don't shake his hand... I didn't see him wash them. ;)

More info:

In the midst of Los Angeles early 1990s gangster rap takeover, the Pharcyde presented another slice of Southern California living. The Cali quartet delivered imaginative story raps about peoples mothers and unfulfilled love, and rhymed over a diverse collection of jazz-influenced beats that were as creative and trailblazing as they were catchy. Even though the quartet shared equal time on the mic, one member stood out because his stories were the best, his delivery was the most captivating and his sense of humor was the most biting. His name is Fatlip.

Diplo - The Parish - July 27, 2006

Sorry guys, I dropped the ball on this one... thanks to Sharon for letting us know about this... so Diplo is gonna be at The Parish TONIGHT... tix are $12 at the door... see ya'll there.

I gotta make it to werk tomorrow... we'll see how productive I am... ;)

More info:

Diplo, Diplodocus, Wes Gully, and Wes Diplo are all pseudonyms of Wesley Pentz, a Philadelphia-based producer and DJ. Together with DJ Low Budget, he runs Hollertronix, a club and music collective. In addition to his solo career, he has worked with British-based singer and artist M.I.A.. The two were also romantically involved. Pentz's alias, short for Diplodocus, derives from his childhood fascination with dinosaurs.

As a DJ, Diplo is characterized by his eclectic, often 80s-oriented mashups, mixtapes, and live sets. On his full-length solo effort, Florida, however, his sound is closer to sample-based cinematic instrumental hip hop, not unlike the work of DJ Shadow.

Rap-It-Up Tour - Travis County Expo Center - August 5, 2006

From the "it's not supposed to feel so good people", the Rap-It-Up Tour is comin' to the Travis County Expo Center on Aug. 5th with "Austin's #1 Selling Rapper", NOOK! (How do we confirm this claim?) The B-list artists include... Juvenile, E-40, Jon B, and Tyrese. ;) Presale tix are $20... get them at the Texas Box Office.

I hope they pass out condoms at this thing... my unopened box is getting pretty old... and for some reason I suspect my ex-girlfriend poked holes in them!

More info:

RAP-IT-UP is BET’s call to action, grassroots HIV/AIDS awareness campaign designed to address the epidemic in the African American community. RAP-IT-UP seeks to help African American youth and families protect against HIV/AIDS related illnesses and diminish the incidences of HIV/AIDS.

Rap It Up is the nations largest HIV/AIDS public education campaign reaching African Americans. In a recent national survey, more than nine in ten young African Americans (ages 18-24) recognized Rap It Up.

B Scene - The Blanton - August 4, 2006

Alright fools... I know ya'll needed a good excuse to hit The Blanton to see some artsy-fartsy sh*t without looking like a p*$$y... I certainly did... :) Well here ya go... August 4th... the Austin Poetry Slam is throwin' it down at The Blanton with some spoken wordz! And DJ Nick Nack will get ya booty bumpin' and grindin' at the museum of fine arts... don't even try to hump the Mona Lisa... she's all mine... ;) Tix are $5 for members and $10 for non-members... get them at the museum or at the Texas Box Office.

More info:

This month: the Austin Poetry Slam presents the 2006 National Poetry Slam preview party. Get a sneak peek at the super bowl of spoken word as the Blanton showcases artists that will be a part of the upcoming National Poetry Slam, August 9 - 12. Also, music provided by DJ Nicknack.

King James - The Parish - August 5, 2006

Haha... I love it... calling "King James is the Lenny Kravitz of Hip-Hop-Soul"... James Kinney, AKA King James, will be gracing the stage at The Parish with Mr. Blakes and DJ Kurupt on August 5th! Tix are $8... for Austin's own Lenny... that's not so bad... ;)

Man it's hot out there... go buy an A/C! For real! And drink them fluids. Oh yeah... and Go Tiger! Even if you did cry like a little baby... ;)

More info:

King James is an Icon in training. King James is a self-taught and self-motivated Singer-Songwriter-Musician-Entertainer. King James commands the stage with an international fan base and has performed 800 shows to date. King James collaborates with, and has shared the stage with artist such as: The Roots, DJ Logic, Jamie Cullum, and Ben Taylor to name a few. King James has three albums to be released in 2006. His project list includes: Its on you, The Incredibuls, and Lady Killers. King James is a fusion artist using elements of Hip-Hop, Soul, Latin and Dance hall to create energy and bring life to music. King James is a stellar songwriter with stunning melodic hooks and soulful vocals. MTV, The Grammy Awards and Midem global music conference in Cannes, France.

Too $hort - Dessau Music Hall - July 28, 2006

The P.I.M.P. himself, Too $hort, coming to the Dessau Music Hall this Friday, July 28th! Along with locals Thoze NufSed Boyz and Lil O. Tix are $20 pre-sale and $30 at the door.... get pre-sale tickets now at:

3rd Coast Unlimited - 281-0600
Mitchie's Fine Black Art - 323-6801
D-Town Body Shop - 712-9500

More concert info here.

So what ya'll think of the Z-Trip show? Wasn't that just sick?!? The illest part of the night was definitely when Z-Trip, Tats and Nick Nack were all rippin' it at the same time. That shit was hot... just like the weather. It was good kickin' it with Ernesto, Mike, and Anjali and watching them sweat their ballz off... :)

More info:

Too Short, or Too $hort, (born Todd Anthony Shaw on April 28, 1966 in Los Angeles, California) is a rapper who started his career as a youth in Oakland, California. Through his music, Too $hort has cultivated a persona of a no-nonsense pimp, and is widely credited for popularizing pimp culture in hip hop, along with Ice T.

Too $hort is one of the pioneers of the West-Coast hip-hop sound. Initially, his first releases had raw and simple drum beats using a TR-808 or TR-909 drum machine. With his 1989 release, Life Is...Too $hort, he began infusing Funk and Blues sounds with his trademark beats giving birth to the Bay Area hip-hop sound known as Mobb music. While $hort's backing tracks have matured, his trademark rap style has changed little throughout his career - something $hort takes pride in both in songs and interviews.

Slam-a-thon - Progress Coffee - July 21, 2006

UPDATE: Event has been moved to next weekend. I was just informed by Anjali that the event has been rescheduled... I think someone got cold feet.

Now this is just insane! A 24 hour poetry slam! Mike Henry of the Austin Poetry Slam is throwin' this wild fundraiser at Progress Coffee from Friday, July 21st @ 8pm through Saturday, July 22nd @ 8:03pm... wow! I didn't know these poets were THAT crazy. ;) Get your pj's washed... we bout to get P.I.M.P! Ah... I should wash my blankey.

Check out Austin Poetry Slam on how you can donate!

More info:

AUSTIN POETRY SLAM’S MIKE HENRY TO ATTEMPT MORE THAN 24 CONSECUTIVE HOURS OF POETRY READING AT PROGRESS COFFEE JULY 21-22
Marathon reading to double as fundraiser for upcoming National Poetry Slam, in Austin August 9-12

(AUSTIN) – Mike Henry, who has led the Austin Poetry Slam for most of its 12 years, is attempting the ultimate endurance test for a poet – reading for 24 straight hours and three minutes – at Progress Coffee, 500 San Marcos, from 8 p.m. on Friday, July 21 to 8:03 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.

The marathon reading, co-sponsored by Austin Poetry Slam and Poetry Slam, Inc., is doubling as a fundraiser for the 2006 National Poetry Slam, which will bring as many as 70 teams of poets from North America and Europe to Austin for four days of poetic combat August 9-12

In the coming weeks, Henry will solicit sponsors for his reading in similar fashion to Walk-A-Thon participants – donors can give Henry a flat fee, or make donations per hour or per poem. Audience members will also be able to bid on silent auction items featuring items and packages from a number of Austin-based companies and arts organizations

The Take-Over - Club 115 - July 28, 2006

What can you say about MC Overlord? He's an Austin staple... in food terms, that would be meatloaf and casserole for you white folks... and rice and soya sauce for me. ;)

Seriously tho (me serious... yeah f*ckin' right), Overlord's been havin' us groovin' at the Lucky Lounge with BoomBox forever it seems. This time he's goin' solo at Club 115 on July 28th. Other acts will be World Trade, Trey God, and DJ Panda!

Now to really serious matters... Imodium will freakin' stuff you up! Be careful these tricks are not for kids!

More info:

Overlord is a record eight time Austin Hip Hop Artist of the Year award winner with eight independent CD's currently under his belt. His status as a ground breaker is unmatched. He was the first Austin MC to introduce Hip Hop with a regular live musician line up, and have a presence in the rock dominated venues. Known for epic live performances and lyrics that connect, he has built a fan base that extends beyond ordinary Hip hop boundaries. The Austin American Statesman has called him "The Godfather of ATX Hip Hop." He remains determined to bring national attention to his adopted hometown. Overlord is without a question the most consistent voice in Austin, Texas Hip Hop.

Table Manners Crew - Plush - July 22, 2006

I know... I know... TMC's been running Plush on Saturday nights for awhile now... but I couldn't resist with this cute... err... I mean... dope flyer they just put out... :)

I have been out of commission all day... had mad runs last night till 3 AM! Can I say that again... 3AM! After lots of gatorade... and peanut butter sandwiches... all I have to say is either do NOT eat at Pei Wei (atleast don't get the sweet and sour pork) OR do NOT play volleyball in this 100 degrees heat... don't know which one did it... but just warning ya.

Paul Wall - Travis County Expo Center - July 22, 2006

Yo! Get your grillz out! The after party for the Custom Sounds Texas Heat Wave car show is gonna bring Paul Wall through town this Saturday, July 22nd at the Travis County Expo Center! AND apparently there's a famous wet t-shirt contest too! I said daum! Get your tix here!

Man... all this... AND Dave Chappelle's back on TV... life can't be any better... now I just gotta figure out what I'm gonna eat for dinner. I wish a cute Indian girl would bring me some samosas!

More info:

Paul Wall (born Paul Slayton on March 30, 1980) is an American rapper, DJ, promoter and jeweler from Houston, Texas. Paul Wall is affiliated with Swishahouse Records, formerly Swisha Blast Records. Slayton is a graduate of Jersey Village High School and studied mass communications at the University of Houston for three years. His parents are Michael T. and Lee Ann Selmon of Houston. Paul Wall was originally one-half of Houston power duo The Color Changin' Click, alongside long-time partner Chamillionaire.

Jonny Danger - Redrum Club - July 22, 2006

Local artists Jonny Danger, The Grindlab, Texas Assasins, Gang Culture, M.O.S., and 2mental performing at Redrum... you know what that is spelled backwards... this July 22nd.

Check out Jonny's "World of Silence" on his page... I'm really feelin' it... even though it's a bit cheese... :)

More Jonny Danger info:

Let me make one thing perfectly clear. I'm not a gangsta, I don't rhime about money, cars, and living lavish. I don't rap about it because I can't relate. If you can relate, then by all means, rap about it. You do you, I'll do me. I'm an Ivy League educated kid who came from a two parent home and grew up on the "right" side of the tracks. I've traveled the world, and been exposed to things that most people will never get to experience. I've had hard times in my life, but for the most part they haven't been financial. They've been addiction related, relationship related, and basically knowledge related. When I say knowledge related, I refer to the phrase "ignorance is bliss." This is true, the less you know, the less you are exposed to, the more likely you could care less about the world, and how it affects you.

DJ Z-Trip - Elysium - July 21, 2006

WHAT?!? A Scion event that's NOT free! That's some buuuulllsh*t. j/j Maybe they figured out that throwing free shows is a bad business model. :)

Alright guys... DJ Z-Trip coming to Elysium on July 21st... tickets are $10... which isn't too bad considering you got Nick Nack, DJ Tats and Thantos spinning too.

Shout out to the S.O.B.'s, our Aussie's volleyball team, for winning tonight... hopefully we can keep this one game winning streak going.

More info:

DJ Z-Trip (born Zach Sciacca) hails from the mashup school of hip hop, yet is fluent in many types of DJing, such as techno. A Phoenix, Arizona native, DJ Z-Trip became widely known over the internet when his collaboration with DJ P, Uneasy Listening, Vol. 1, was released in 2001. Only 2000 copies were made, but the album was soon distributed over the Internet in MP3 format. Z-Trip's most recent release, Shifting Gears, marked his major label debut. Released on Hollywood Records in 2005, the album features guest artists Supernatural, MURS, Lyrics Born, Luke Sick, Aceyalone, Mystic, Prince Whipper Whip, Busdriver, Chester Bennington (from Linkin Park), Chuck D (from Public Enemy) and Soup (from Jurassic 5).

Boot Camp Clik - Emo's Lounge - August 6, 2006

Who are these guys?!? Please enlighten me! Atleast they're not lacking in colorful pseudonyms, what with names like Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, and Originoo Gunn Clappaz... haha... love it! Boot Camp Clik is hitting Emo's Lounge on Aug. 6th.

So what about the Cut Chemist show?!? Wasn't that awesome! The visuals were just amazing... and Cut Chemist ripped it up. So did Mel and Nick Nack... but what was Nick Nack's group's name, did anyone catch it?

More info:

Boot Camp Clik is a hip hop supergroup from Brooklyn, New York. The group consists of Black Moon's Buckshot, Smif-N-Wessun, also known as Cocoa Brovaz (Tek and Steele), Heltah Skeltah (Ruck, also known as Sean Price, and Rock) and O.G.C. [Originoo Gunn Clappaz] (Starang Wondah, Top Dog, and Louieville Sluggah).

Correction:

I said Nick Nack's group earlier... after some searching, I'm apparently wrong... the group was Supercontinent... they were good. Which means I must have missed Nick Nack's set... doh.

Way to go Italy in the World Cup! And what was up with the head butt by Zidane?!?

D-Madness - Ruta Maya - July 8, 2006

Ugh... just too much going on this Saturday!

D-Madness is having his solo CD, "It's Time", release party at Ruta Maya's. Along with DJ Aquaman, Mr. Blakes, Element 7-D, and Mojoe... what a line up. Check out the info below.

Well hope everyone finds something to do this weekend!

From Ruta Maya:

D Madness Cd Release
8pm-2am
The Mothership" will open which consists of a DJ, Break Dancers, and live artists (live drawings),
8pm DJ Aquaman
9pm Mr. Blakes and Element 7-D (MCs)
10pm Mojoe
11pm The D-Madness Project

Cover charge: $5

More info:

Lorenzo Dwayne Jackson’s lifelong mission to bring the noise began at the tender age of three. He marched into a church choir rehearsal in his living room, sat himself down at the drum kit and insisted he be allowed to play. His father surrendered a pair of drum sticks, young D refused to put them down, and so it began. By age five D had earned a spot in the drummers’ rotation at Full Gospel Holy Temple Church in Dallas, Texas. When Dwayne relocated to Austin at age eight to attend the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, his early talent was recognized and he was accelerated into a music program with older children. Soon D was playing violin in orchestra, baritone and trombone in marching band, bass in jazz band and keyboards on the side.

The Uprising Has Come - The Parish - July 8, 2006

Hmm... you think we can make it from the Cut Chemist show to this one?!? "The Uprising Has Come" is a free show at The Parish before 11pm then $5 after. You've got Dubb Sicks, Eric White, Young Nick, G Christ, Master of Self, Jonny Danger, and Upitumee... a full line up of Texas underground! I think we can make it!

Hail to the sweet naan! Man I'm so hungry!

More info:

Russell Martin started out like most other emcees ...rapping every now & then here and there as a hobby. Although hip-hop was by far his first choice of music, he was exposed to every kind of music from an early age. Rock, blues, jazz, pop, classical, and of course country. Music was the outlet time and time again that he would choose to release the aggression that would arise in his life. With an extensive background in percussion ( Russell started playing drums at the age of 8) he seemed destined to have a musical contribution sooner or later. Whether it was playing the snare, tri-toms, or quads in his high school band , or just tapping on his desk, people took note of his ability. Soon after entering high school, Russell started to listen to rap more and more. Evolving in an age where the best HipHop was bred, he experienced the masters in their prime..

Devin the Dude - Antones - July 16, 2006

Oh yeah! My favorite H-town homie, Devin the Dude, is coming to Antone's on July 16th.

Just wanted to shout out to my boi Nauman on his recent marriage to Anita, but gotta say, the food at your reception was not very good.

More info:

Devin the Dude (born Devin Copeland, is a Houston-area rapper. Though relatively well-known among the underground hip-hop community during the mid-to-late 1990s, Devin did not achieve mainstream success until his breakout performance on the single F*** You on Dr Dre's 2001 album. Since then, The Dude has released two albums, Just Tryin to Live, and To Tha X-treme. Devin has worked with numerous artists in the hip-hop industry, ranging from The Roots and De La Soul to Xzibit and Jake the Snake and Nas. He was also a member of the southern rap groups "Odd Squad" and "Facemob."

Besides sex, relationships, smoking marijuana, partying, and conscious or proverbial themes, much of Devin's work is also light-hearted and comically self-deprecating.

Austin Graffiti Art - Gallery Lombardi - August 26, 2006

Now here be some art I can get down with! Gallery Lombardi is hosting an event called Austin Graffiti Art: From Birth To Present featured artists include Blake Bermel, Daniel Chairez, Kelly Edwards, Robert Herra, Nathan Nordstrom, Nick Pagano, Mark Prellop, Justin Prince, Matt Rodriguez, Jason Schmidt, Tim Scott, Cody Siegmund, Sumie Takenake, Henry Warkentin, Jeremy Weathers, to name just a few... geez. Opening event looks like it'll be tight! But what the f*ck is a freight train demonstration?!?

Opening: Saturday, August 26th 6-11pm

Opening Events:
- Live mural painting at 6pm
- Freight train demonstrations
- B-Boy City "Planet Rock Party" next door at Tambaleo
- Gallery Talk at 8pm, Brief Graff History
- DJ Innerlign
- History Wall

show open and free from
August 21st - September 9th

Move Somethin' - Whisky Bar - July 1, 2006

Late notice, but tonight, July 1st, the Whisky Bar presents Move Somethin' with DJ Mel and DJ Chicken George... it will be dope!

Since I'm in Houston and can't enjoy this, ya'll gotta tell me about it! Not much to say, I'm still hung over from last night... so peace out.