by SCOTT C

Question. How many of you out there think that Montreal would benefit from the introduction of an urban radio station? While Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto have embraced the lucrative all-urban format, it hasn't been without criticism from the very market they're trying to target. Toronto's Flow 93.5 has been accused of shutting out emerging and underground Canadian artists in lieu of American billboard hits, as well as allocating a minuscule portion of their programming time to other forms of black music. Now, in the curious case of Montreal, where the puzzle pieces of the French and English music industry have never seemed to fit together the way they should, I wonder what an urban-formatted station could really bring to this city. When I'm in Toronto, I can't help but listen to Flow 93.5, even though the programming makes me want to kill myself. It's kind of sad when something they've so long fought for is reduced to Top 40 hip hop and R&B that we hear everywhere already, especially when there's so much room to truly blow people's minds with great black music from across the board. If indeed Montreal is in line for something like the stations peppering the rest of the country, some attention must be paid to our, let's say, distinct society. At any rate, I don't think it's happening very soon. What do you think the format should include? Lemme know...

Rockdeep's getting fired up for the winter after a little quiet time for all involved. This Tuesday, Nov. 2, head down to Saphir for some funk, soul and original breaks, and the special launch party for DJ Static's new mix CD Uncut Raw. The Nomadic Massive crew will also be in the house performing live for all who missed them over at the Nest a couple of weeks ago. Only $5 to get in, or $10 with a CD included. All proceeds from this night will be donated to aid organizations in Haiti.

This Friday, Oct. 29, you can catch Kelly Nunes, Prymtym and special guest Don-Ray down at Kunta Lounge for Irie Fridays, playing roots rock, culture, and lovers' reggae every week. Get in free before midnight, or pay the $5 tax afterwards.

Inobe's got a brand new bag, teaming up with DJ Lil' Dave for relaxed Thursday nights of soulful music over at the chill room at Parking, but somehow still having time to throw Coco Café over at Jello Bar on Sunday, Oct. 31. The theme this month is "revolution," and should attract some charged performances. Doors are at 7 p.m., and the show is at 8 p.m., all for a mere $8.

Seven reasons Harris is the king:
1. Sa-Ra Creative Partners untitled (CDR)
2. Strange Fruit Project "Good Vibes" (Black Son)
3. Build an Ark "You've Got to Have Freedom" (Kindred Spirits)
4. Alchemist "Tick Tock" w/ Nas and Prodigy (Penalty)
5. DJ Mitsu the Beats "Right Here" Seoul City refix (Planet Groove)
6. Oh No "Perceptions" (Stones Throw)
7. Mos Def "The Panties" (Geffen)

Brass Knuckles reunion? fathead@videotron.ca

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