Upcoming Hip Hop in Cleveland

Just now getting around to being the town crier about some upcoming hip hop shows in Cleveland. It is all good. Courtesy of the CleveEvents list.

~P.O.S. w/Dessa and Astonautilus~

Tonight/Wednesday, March 17, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $12 ... call 216.321.5588

~RJD2, Break Science and Chichester~

Tomorrow/Thursday, March 18, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $15 in advance; $17 the day of the show ... call 216.321.5588

~Hip Hop Industry Party~

On Saturday, March 20, 2010

@ The Diamond Building, 12th floor

1100 Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland

From 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

~50 Mics/Top Mics Tour Competition (for music artists)~

On Saturday, March 20, 2010

@ Peabody's

2045 East 21st Street

From 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Hosted by D. Lorand w/dj Jack da Rippa

For more info and to register, call 216.904.0209 or email

amphouse216@gmail.com

~CIFF FilmForum: "No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson"~

On Sunday, March 21, 2010

@ Tower City Center

230 West Huron Road in downtown Cleveland

@ 4:10 p.m.

For more info, visit http://clevelandfilm.org

**as a part of the Clev. Intl. Film Festival

~RAP PERFORMANCE w/2Mex~

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010

@ Peabody's DownUnder

2045 E. 21st Street

@ 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~PLAY: "Eclipse: The War Between Pac and Big"~

Beginning on Friday, March 26, 2010 until Sunday, April 18, 2010

@ Karamu Theatre

2355 East 89th Street

For more info, call 216.795.7070

~I Got Five on It! (the last Saturday of each month)~

On Saturday, March 27, 2010

@ Touch Supper Club

2710 Lorain Avenue

Doors open @ 9 p.m.

F/djs Terry Urban, Mick Boogie and more ... call 216.631.5200

~PERFORMANCE w/Bone Thugs n Harmony~

On Sunday, March 28, 2010

@ the House of Blues

308 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland

@ 8 p.m.

Tickets begin @ $27.50 ... call 216.241.5555

~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE w/Jedi Mind Tricks, edotkom, dj Jack da Rippa and more~

On Sunday, March 28, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $13 in adv; $15 the day of the show ... call 216.321.5588

~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE: Queens of the Iron Mic w/Rah Digga and Jean Grae~

On Friday, April 2, 2010

@ the Grog Shop

2785 Cleveland Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights

@ 9 p.m.

Tix are $12 in adv; $15 the day of the show ... call 216.321.5588

So go ahead Cleveland; get your flex and your hip hop on ... kfox

Where's the Hip Hop in Cleveland? v.2

I know that there some bigger cities and hotter hip hop communities, but Cleveland is doin their thing on the hip hop scene as well.

There's a bit to pick through ... cause I know you're watchin how you're spendin that cheese!

~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE w/Black Sheep~
On Friday, April 3, 2009
@ Peabody's DownUnder
2083 E. 21st Street
@ 8 p.m.
Tix are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~I am Hip Hop~
On Friday, April 3, 2009
@ Anatomy Lounge
1299 W. 9th Street in the Warehouse District
Doors open @ 10 p.m.
For more info, call 216.363.1113

~Rock Hall Induction Ceremony 2009~
On Saturday, April 4, 2009
@ Music Hall Cleveland
@ E. 6th & St. Clair Avenue in downtown Cleveland
@ 7 p.m.
F/Bobby Womack, Run DMC and Little Anthony & the Imperials
For more info, call 216.781.ROCK
**as a part of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum's Induction Week 2009

~A Tribute to Run DMC and Old School Hip Hop~
On Saturday, April 4, 2009
@ Touch
2710 Lorain Avenue
Beginning @ 10 p.m.
F/djs Steph Floss, K-Nyce and Majette ... call 216.631.5200

~RAP PERFORMANCE w/Chip tha Ripper~
On Saturday, April 11, 2009
@ Peabody's DownUnder
2083 E. 21st Street
@ 8 p.m.
Tix are $15 ... call 216.241.5555

~Sam Sylk Middleschool Jam~
On Sunday, April 12, 2009
@ the House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland
@ 7 p.m
Tix begin @ $12.50 ... call 216.241.5555

~PERFORMANCE w/Diplo~
On Saturday, April 18, 2009
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $15 ... call 216.241.5555

~PERFORMANCE w/Dr. Dooom vs. Dr. Octagon; plus DJ Kutmasta Kurt and Muamin Collective~
On Sunday, April 19, 2009
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 8 p.m.
Tix are $13 in adv; $15 the day of the show ... call 216.241.5555

~Jazz Meets Hip Hop Part 7~
On Saturday, May 2, 2009
@ the Beachland Ballroom
15711 Waterloo Avenue
@ 10 p.m.
Tix begin @ $25 ... call 216.241.6000 or 216.383.1124
**as a part of the Tri-C JazzFest

That last event is the one to be at though I can't make it. I need yall to rep for me ... kfox

KiD CuDi's "Day 'N' Nite" Video

Oh, how I love this KiD CuDi "Day 'N' Nite" video. Love the creativity; love the illusions. I do like the song too. Just a nice slow beat and cool lyrics too. And it's all good that he's a Clevelander. Right, right.

The lonely stoner loner. Yeah.



Whaddaya think hip hoppers? Should this one get an A+? kfox.

Get Your Party On :: A Tribute to the Notorious B.I.G.

DJ K-Nyce is at it again and when he spins at a party, no one sits down - ever. Like you don't sit down until you make it back to your car! Yeah, sets like that only come around so often.

But K-Nyce is doin it up w/a strong posse: djs G-Spot, Fresh and O-Sharp

The event is

"It Was All a Dream" :: A Tribute to the Notorious B.I.G.

This Friday, January 16, 2009
@ Touch Supper Club
2710 Lorain Avenue in Cleveland
Starts @ 10 p.m.
The damage is only $5

Check this party promo vid:

It Was All A Dream Trailer from dj knyce on Vimeo.

So the Friday sked is a done deal, what else is on tap for the weekend hip hoppers? kfox

Wrapping up '08 - Hip Hop Style in Cleveland

It's been quite a year for cds and concerts and just having a good time w/hip hop in general. Nice to have a thriving indie area. It's just a nice diversion from the mainstream.


So there are less than 31 days in this year to get your hip hop fix on the Northcoast:


~HIP HOP CONCERT w/Q-Tip & The Cool Kids w/The Knux~
On Thursday, December 4, 2008
@ the House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland
@ 7 p.m.
Tix begin @ $25 ... call 216.241.5555

~Birdy :: 4th Annual Celebration of Feathered Delights for all the Senses f/dj Mick Boogie~
On Thursday, December 4, 2008
@ Ultra
1212 W. 6th Street in the Warehouse District
@ 10 p.m.
For more info, call 216.479.7717



~CD RELEASE CELEBRATION: "I Aint a Killa" vol 2 by Skent Dukes~
On Friday, December 5, 2008
@ Club E4170 Lee Road
From 10 p.m. until 2:30 a.m.
For more info call 216.659.4780 or email dljackson@espenterprises.com


~RAP PERFORMANCE w/Paul Wall~
On Sunday, December 7, 2008
@ Peabody's DownUnder
2083 E. 21st Street
@ 7 p.m.
Tix are $18 ... call 216.241.5555


~RAP PERFORMANCE w/Mac Lethal, Grieves, Soul Crate Music and more~
On Tuesday, December 9, 2008
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 8 p.m.
Tix are $10 ... call 216.321.5588 or 216.241.5555


~CONCERT w/Matisyahu w/K'naan~
On Sunday, December 14, 2008
@ the House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland
@ 7 p.m.
Tix begin @ $23 ... call 216.241.5555


~HIP HOP CONCERT w/Wu Tang Clan~
On Wednesday, December 17, 2008
@ the House of Blues
308 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland
@ 8 p.m.
Tix begin @ $38 ... call 216.241.5555


~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE w/Doxx / The Kickdrums / The Promise Hero and others~
On Friday, December 19, 2008
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $5 ... call 216.321.5588 or 216.241.5555


~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE: Red, Black, & Green Christmas w/ Muamin Collective / Poetic Republic and others~
On Saturday, December 20, 2008
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $7 ... call 216.321.5588 or 216.241.5555


~RAP PERFORMANCE w/Corey Bapes~
On Monday, December 22, 2008
@ Peabody's DownUnder2083 E. 21st Street
@ 7 p.m.
Tix are $10 ... call 216.241.5555


For more info on events in Cleveland, in general, check out The CleveEvents list.


Don't let this tough economic times keep you from at least one of these shows. I know that you can use your God-given swagger to get in the door the close the year out w/some hearty hip hop. It's a hustle hip hoppers, get yours on, kfox.

K'naan's Goin on the Road!

This is hot. For real. This info almost slipped by me. I knew that Matisyahu was touring, but I did not know that K'naan was on the bill.

If you are not down, here's your chance to be down. Either act is awesome alone, but together ... ? And for $23.50. Whuuuuudd? Oh, that's the ticket price for the December 14th show in Cleveland @ the House of Blues. Folks in southern Ohio can get in on the hipness too - that would be on December 11th @ Bogart's. You can see the tour sked on K'naan's MySpace page and sample some of his music while you are there.

There's a track called "ABCs" w/Chubb Rock and you can tell it's Chubb Rock because of that hype-ass tempo. K'naan has a new disk that will drop in the new year, "Troubadour" and "ABCs" is the first single.

So check out the mp3 of "If Rap Gets Jealous". And don't forget to view the vid for "Soobax"; it's another uptempo jam w/lots of rhythm.



That's all for now hip hoppers; it's a lot to digest ... kfox

The No Title Post

So I'm missing the Atmosphere show tonight in the 'Burgh. And there is a 75% chance that I will will MURS this weekend in both Cleveland AND Pittsburgh. Sucks to be me.

But what makes me happy is a little old school hip hop. I've been trolling around the interweb - as I'm sure you do as well. I've heard of Blip.tv, but I went there w/a different purpose this time. I might do some podcasts here in the future. I need all free services to make this thing work - at least to start. I also need to know what can I bring to that platform that others are not bringing especially since you all have such short attention spans.

Point is while trolling around Blip, I found this little hip hop podcast. It's not anything grand just some old school and it's about 8 minutes.

Click To Play

I see you hip hoppers, I see you ... kfox

I'm Goin to See MURS! For Real ...

Okay, so it's been a minute since I've been to a hip hop show. No good reason. It used to be that I'd say "I don't have anyone to go with". But I had to get over that. Even if I manage to drag someone out, they may get antsy and want to break out before I'm ready to call it a night. That can create some tension; I'd rather just go it alone and do what I do, right?

So, I'm really and seriously considering checking out MURS in Cleveland in a couple of weeks:

~HIP HOP PERFORMANCE w/MURS~
On Friday, October 24, 2008
@ the Beachland Ballroom
15711 Waterloo Road
Doors open @ 8:30 p.m.; showtime @ 9 p.m.
Tix are $12 ... call 216.241.5555

I mean, it works for my sked, the price is right and it's MURS! Whhhuuuuddd.

I'm also considering checkin out Atmosphere (though not the Clev show; the Pittsburgh show might work better for me). I just love the title of his latest: "When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold". That's positive thinking for yo ass.

I know what you're thinkin ... if I have not been to a show in a bit, then maybe I should take it easy instead of trying to take in two shows in one week - I think the Pittsburgh show is on a Monday, oh and Blueprint is on the bill too, and then the MURS show is on that Friday. Well, don't you worry your lil hip hop head too much because your girl will strike the right balance - I always do.

Stay alert for any post show reviews ... and I hope to check out the VH1 Hip Hop Honors @ some point this wknd - I'm tryin to keep up w/you- hip hoppers, kfox.

Ohio Hip Hop Awards :: The Ones w/Swagger

So the winners must still have that swagger, right? Yeah, you get to flaunt that til the new dude gets crowned.

Here's the list of the winners from the Ohio Hip Hop Awards (from a few weeks ago).

Speaking of swagger and crowns and winning ... how about that Arnold Hines and Word of Mouth Promotions? Yeah, he picked up that Best Promoter award. Nice to be down w/the winner's camps. But School House is in no way a slacker; they got runner-up.

I did not make it to the festivities ... any reports?

Oh, and please know that I still have issues w/how best to check out the VH1 Honors on Oct. 6. Looks like I'll be watching footage the day after via VH1's webbie.

Oh woe is me ... we gots to do betta hip hoppers, kfox.

It's All About Nas

I knew that I could count on YouTube to have the vid of Nas performing last night on David Letterman. Love that.

It was a nice performance. I'm sure that Nas will get down even more tonight in Clev-burg. He's got dj Green Lantern and Talib on the bill too. Nice.

So if you can't peep that show, well, this YouTube vid might give you solace, though I doubt it. Check it anyway:



And don't forget, the Ten Friends Annual Labor Day Party is set for Sunday. It's a good time hip hoppers, you already know! kfox.

Ohio Hip Hop Awards :: 9.20.08

In just a few weeks, Cleveland will be a buzz w/the all that is hip hop. The annual Ohio Hip Hop Awards is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2008. Actually, it's a weekend full of activities w/the awards ceremony as the focal point.

~The 3rd Annual Ohio Hip Hop Awards Show - A Black Tie, Red Carpet Affair~
On Saturday, September 20, 2008
@ the Cleveland Convention Center Music Hall
1301 E. 6th Street in downtown Cleveland
Red Carpet entrance starts @ 4 p.m.; show begins exactly @ 6 p.m.
Hosted by Z107.9'S Sam Sylk ... For more info, call 216.659.4780

But here's how the weekend jumps off ... Friday, there is a MC Battle and Pre-Party @ Metropolis @ 9 p.m.

Of course there is an After Party on Saturday night. That will be @ Club Cyrus.

Here are just some of this year's categories:

• best lyricist
• best mixtape dj
• best club dj
• best battle rapper
• promoter of the year
  
• and many, many more

Actually, voting is still open in most categories. For real. And I need to cast my vote for Arnold Hines/Word of Mouth Promotions for the constant hustle he's got goin on (yeah, I know School House is all over the place, but ...).

Oh and of course there are multiple categories where you can throw your support behind dj G-Spot, Mick Boogie or even dj EV (former student of mine). They are all good peeps.

So go get ya vote on hip hoppers and mark your calendars too ... kfox.

Mark Your Calendars ...

... it's the Ten Friends Annual Labor Day Weekend Party! So much fun to be had by all.

The DJ: Mick Boogie!

The venue: Sunset Lounge (in the Warehouse District) in downtown Cleveland

The day and date: Sunday, August 31, 2008

This is a really nice set; it starts out kind of mellow w/some Neo-Soul hangin in the background along w/some complimentary beverages and hor d'oeuvres.

Then as the crowd begins to thicken, the vibe adjusts: the music tempo increases and it is all good. The music is usually a mix of old school and new jams. The party-goers are out to have a good time and it shows.

Check it out if you get the chance. Shout to Arnold Hines for promoting and coordinating.

It's Another Ten Friends Affair - this weekend!

So the Memorial Day Weekend really snuck up on me. Crazy. I've been road trippin like I have it like that. But this Sunday night I get to hang out w/my friends and chill.

We've got another set. This time @ Sunset Lounge. It's a nice sized venue, but parking will be a monster. And no Mick Boogie as the event dj - that could keep the real party-goer's away. But, lucky for us Mick is not spinning in Clev this weekend (I think he's in Columbus or some other happenin spot).

But the Ten Friends sets are always cool. Lots of good people and delicious cocktails and a couple of old school sets and no riff raff and no line dancin - just a straight up good time.

If you get a chance to catch one up close and personal, you'll know how to party the proper way - for real. kfox.

Check out this Interview

Daniel Gray-Kontar is reppin Cleveland ... though now he is on the west coast, he's really doin the global thing.

He's on the radar of Gilles Peterson of the BBC. Yeah, Peterson's podcast cops a conversation w/Rep Life. Rep Life's got a new project, so you need to show him some love hip hoppers; you now have plenty to listen to.

REVIEW: "Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome"

I checked out "Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome". The documentary was screened at the Cleveland International Film Festival that concluded today. I was pretty hyped about the screening because I have been following P.E. for a while now. I'm not their biggest fan, but yeah, I definitely know their history. The film was okay. I liked a lot of the vintage footage; lots of concert footage too. But I did not like the 120 minutes of my life that I can't get back.

Just a quick overview: There was much insight from the ALL of the group members sans Terminator X. There were also some interviews: Henry Rollins, Tom Morello, Talib Kweli, and DMC. I would be interested to see a DVD version so I could see what did not make the cut.

"Dillagence" :: A Tribute to J Dilla

Folks here's a freebie for ya ... The Commissioner, Mick Boogie, is doin it up right - like he always does.

He's crafted a spectacular mixtape f/Busta Rhymes and a legion of others to pay tribute to the legendary J Dilla. If you don't know Dilla, you don't know jack ... so back off. But if you do know Dilla you get a bonafide pass to the hip hop kingdom.

Boogie is hosting a FREE "Dillagence" Mixtape Release Party

On Saturday, December 8, 2007

@ B-Sides

2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights

Beginning @ 10 p.m.

This event is FREE!

For more info, call 216.932.1966

To get a complimentary download of this illustrious mixtape, check out Boogie's webbie:

http://www.mickboogie.com/

Alright hip hoppers, you got a free event and free music ... where you at, huh? kfox

Finless Brown

Who is Finless Brown? I don't really know who they are, but I do know that Paulie Rhymes is a part of the crew. Rhymes is a hybrid of so many trades, but I guess that is the guise of many independent hip hoppers. There is the craft itself, but once you get the beats and lyrics, someone has a promote the product, book the shows and interviews, plan the travel, etc. But Rhymes is not just full of one dimensional talent - he's an all around good person to boot.

I met Rhymes in Cleveland several years ago while he was working on an independent film project w/David 'Velo' Stewart.

With that said, whatever he's associated with should be better than good; he will give it his all and motivate others to that level. And with a title like "Public Radio", well, my heart just swells at the thought. Hop on over to MySpace and listen to how they do it.

I like their sound because it hard to compare them to anyone else. They are a hip hop band w/a female singer, whose voice is distinct; Rhymes does some of the, well, rhymes and as a group, they've been at this for a while. I have an affinity for the live band too (I am a fan of The Roots, ya know). But really ... you gotta decide for yourself though. Does this sound cryptic - that is unfortunate ...

Let's keep supporting the indy hip hoppers ... yeah, kfox

The Cleveland Party Trifecta

I attended a set in Cleveland the other night @ the House of Blues' Foundation Room. If you've never been to the Foundation Room, you need to check it out, just to see how the other folks live. It is swank in ways that are so royale that it warrants a different language. It is, indeed, lovable.

But that's not what I'm here to rant about. No, Cleveland's premier DJs and promoters were out on the town (actually they were all working).

Pictured here are three good looking fellas and if you want to have a party, they should all be involved. They can rock a party like none other.

Pictured (from left to right) are a fun and frolicly Terry Urban, the affable Arnold Hines and the non-dancing, but ever so cute Mick Boogie.

Get your Hip Hop On!

So, it is true that I missed all of the hip hop shows in Cleveland over the past few weeks. I really wanted to peep the Brother Ali show. But don't dispair because if you are true hip hop fan, you not only checked out the Rhymesayers crew, but you also sat in on the El-P/Definitive Jux set. And there is more on the horizon; that's right, it is time to get your hip hop on:

~The Underground Nation: Darren Anthony, T-Mates and Therlbread~
On Thursday, May 17, 2007
@ the Beachland Ballroom
15711 Waterloo Road
@ 8 p.m.
Tix are $5 in adv; $8 @ the door ... call 216.383.1124

~Lifesavas and Strange Fruit Project~
On Thursday, May 17, 2007
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~The Ill Disciples~
On Friday, May 18, 2007
@ the Agora Theatre & Ballroom
5001 Prospect Avenue
@ 8:30 p.m.
Tix are $6 ... call 216.241.5555

~Slum Village~
On Sunday, June 3, 2007
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.Tix are $12 ... call 216.241.5555

~Peanut Butter Wolf DJ Set~
On Wednesday, June 20, 2007
@ B-Side
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.Tix are $10 ... call 216.241.5555

~Sage Francis and Buck 65~
On Wednesday, July 11, 2007
@ the Grog Shop
2785 Euclid Heights Boulevard in Cleveland Heights
@ 9 p.m.
Tix are $15 ... call 216.241.5555

My passion for The Roots ...

... continues to grow. I saw them perform LIVE in Cleveland on Thursday, March 15. What an energetic show! They are such an incredibly talented band. ?uestlove was a beast on the drums; Capt Kirk rips the guitar and he just brings fire to the stage; Black Thought was looking scrumptious in his rock star suede jacket; the whole crew was on point ... they even had a four-piece brass band complete w/a sousaphone!

They performed "You Got Me" in their true LIVE performance style-they stretch it out and Kirk lays down this thunderous and sexy solo ... ooooooh. For this show there was also a James Brown tribute. It was nice; I liked the funky soul train line as the band was introduced, but then ... it was over. I mean, I was completely wound up and aching for more and it was a wrap.

Lest I forget that when a Roots show is done, guess what happens? The concert-goers go home ... true, but before that, the band's infamous drummer signs the drum sticks and tosses them out to the audience. Damn, I'd forgotten because I had really hoped they would do an encore. At any rate, I am still w/o a signed drum stick from ?uesto. The good thing is I know that my fate is not doomed; no it is not.

There is one tidbit: as I was talking to a friend when the show was over, Kamal, The Roots keyboardist, walks by and I sort of tap him and say "hey, good show; I drove two hours to see this show AND I am your biggest fan!" (though I know that I am not their biggest fan). He nodded and shook my hand ... and kept it movin.

I am waiting for my friend Pam to email me some pix from last night. There was a bevy of cameras: cellphone, digital, video ... I figure why should I take pix when someone w/a really good camera can just share their goods w/me ... ?

So, you already know that The Roots are my fav band. But what you did not know is that I have seen them perform LIVE four times in the past eight months - AND ALL FOR FREE! Oh, and all in Cleveland. That is pretty awesome.