The Underground Report (2/25-3/3)

    The Underground Report is back. This
    time, we’re breaking you off with more Underground concert information,
    a new interview and even a preview of upcoming releases from Murs, Brother Ali and Mr. Dibbs. Read on…
     
    With Paid Dues and Rock the Bells already heating up the concert event planning for this year, South By South West ’07 can be added to that list of highly
    anticipated festivals.
     
    This year, SXSW will feature various Hip-Hop acts. The entire thing will actually kick off with some help from Pigeon John, who will be hosting an Opening Bash Ceremony.
     
    But that’s not all, folks. Expect many other Hip-Hop/Underground acts in attendance, ready for this showcase. Cage, Brother Ali, El-P, Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic & Big Wiz, Honeycut, Galactic w/ Lyrics Born, Lateef, Gift of Gab and more are sure to please many.
     
     
    Black Milk’s buzz has been gradually growing. Manning the boards for acts such as Lloyd Banks,
    Canibus
    and Pharoahe Monch,
    the Detroit representative has proven himself as a producer. Now, he’s
    stepping up to the mic. Following other producers-turned-rappers, he
    knows the pressure is on. Black Milk’s Popular Demand will be released through Fat Beats (March 13). Taking some time off that busy schedule, Black Milk hit us up.
     
    HHDX: So, what can fans, or even first time listeners, expect from Popular Demand?
    BM:
    Innovative music, but with soul to it. You can still hear a couple
    songs with a rock or a jazz influence, but it’s still upbeat and has
    that raw Hip-Hop feel. No matter what I do, I always keep the beats
    hard-hitting with some grime to it.

    HHDX: Whats it like being on Fat Beats Records?

    BM:
    It’s dope because I’m basically free to create what I want, without
    having to worry about the label trying to make me appeal to a certain
    audience. That’s the good thing about being on an independent–they’re
    open to my ideas, I’m open to theirs; and so far everything is all good
    with me and the label.

    HHDX: Do you find it difficult to sell the fact that you actually are an MC to those who know you simply as a producer?
    BM:
    Not really, because most people that are familiar with me and my music
    know that I’m a MC also. I’ve been rhyming just as long as I’ve been
    producing, so it’s really nothing new to hear me spit over beats and do
    it pretty good.

    HHDX: What’s the Detroit Hip-Hop scene like right
    now?

    BM:
    It depends. We have a couple spots for the Hip-Hop heads but that group
    is pretty small. There aren’t too many places where you can chill and
    hear some real Hip-hop shit.  The D is kind of divided when it comes to
    the music scenes.

    HHDX: Any work with Shady Records in the near future?
    BM:
    Hopefully that happens. I’ve been working with Denaun Porter on
    different occasions. So, hopefully I’ll have a track on the next D-12
    album. I’m trying to make that happen.

     
    As we noted in last week’s Underground Report, El-P is releasing his highly anticipated LP, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead. Mr. Dibbs and Producto have been blogging
    about this for quite some time. While handling some of the cuts on the new album, Dibbs is officially ready to hit the road with El.
     
    “As
    most of you know, I have been working with El-P doing the cuts on his
    new record “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead”. What some of you may not know
    is I would like to officially announce that I am now El-P’s DJ and will
    be performing with him on his upcoming release tours,”
    Dibbs recently said in a statement on MySpace.
     
    Mr. Dibbs is also prepping a release, which will contain new material from
    Murs, Brother Ali and others.
     
    For those interested in a preview:
     
    Murs tackles his track, “The MF you love to hate” with fury that would make Ice Cube proud…”kicking sh-t called street knowledge.”
     
    “Ice Cube’s the greatest rapper of all time,” he declares in the end of the cover of
    Cube’s legendary track.
     
    Brother Ali spits as powerfully as he usually does. This time, his determined flow hits on topics such as poverty. 
     
    “There’s
    a housing crisis in my city so if he evict me, there’s a long list of
    kids that are willing to give up their left kidney…to replace
    me.”-Pitch Black Noon
     
    This should be dropping on 9th Circle EP by
    Mr. Dibbs and Rob Viktum. Acts scheduled to appear on the album include Slug (of Atmosphere) and Grayskull among others.
     
     
    The Living Legends are grinding it out on the road. These are some of the tour dates, according to their label.
     
    LIVING LEGENDS @ HIP HOP 4 EDUCATION

    Living Legends, KRS One, Dilated Peoples, X-Clan,
    Funkdoobiest, Saul Williams, Quetzal, Aztlan Underground, and many more!!

    Date: 03.03.07
    Time: 4PM – 12AM
    Venue: LA Center Studios
    Location: 450 South Bixel St., Los Angeles, California (USA)

    THE GROUCH & ZION I – LAKE TAHOE, CA

    Date: 03.04.07
    Time: 9 PM
    Venue: Whiskey Dick’s Saloon
    Location: 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, Ca

    THE GROUCH & ZION I – Mammoth Lakes, CA

    Date: 03.05.07
    Time: 9 PM
    Venue: Whiskey Creek

    Location: 24 Lake Mary Rd. (Corner of Main and Minaret), Mammoth Lakes, Ca

     
    Eligh + Lucky @ Lefty’s Pizza in Salem, OR

    Date: 03.08.07
    Time: Doors 8 PM / Show 9 PM
    Venue: Lefty’s
    Location: 1230 State St., Salem, Oregon (USA)

     
    And of course, what many Underground Heads have been waiting for…
     

    2ND ANNUAL PAID DUES

    Performing – FELT (Murs & Slug), The Grouch & Zion I, Sage Francis, Brother Ali, Blackalicious, Jean Grae, Visionaries, Devin the Dude, Cage, Evidence, Pigeon John, Hosted by Luckyiam.

    Date: 03.24.07
    Time: tba
    Venue: NOS Events Center
    Location: 689 South “E” Street, San Bernardino, California (USA)

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *