by SCOTT C

If you were worried about missing the Cuban hip hop vibe that's made its way into the city as of late, I'm happy to announce that Obsesiòn, the husband-and wife-team known for rockin' mics, are slated for two more Montreal appearances - on top of Divan Orange this Saturday - before they head out. Tonight, Thursday, April 14, there will be a screening of La Fabri-K, a film that traces the musical work of Obsesiòn in their native Cuba, as well as their arrival in Miami and New York. The movie will be shown at Concordia University's Hall Building, room H-110, at 7 p.m., followed by a talk conducted by the group called Revolution Within the Revolution: A Story of Hip Hop in Cuba. Five bucks gets you in. Also, next Wednesday, April 20, you can catch Obsesiòn performing live along with Nomadic Massive, DJ Movez and DJ Static at the Main Hall for $7.

This Saturday, April 16, you may want to check out the U Got Jokes comedy show, hosted by Montreal funny guy Sugar Sammy. They're bringing in Michael Blackson (the African King of Comedy) from Los Angeles, as well as Philly's T-Na'im Lynn and Montreal's own Danny Tirado. This one goes down at Club Xodus (7000 Parc, corner Jean-Talon) at 7 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. Get there early if you want to get in!

Starting on Saturday, April 30, Butta Babees hype-man Ziploks starts a monthly open-mic situation called Connex down at Grumpy's. This free night will feature guest performances and open-mic session from 10 p.m. to midnight. Musical support will be provided by Ill Groove Garden's DJ Raid and Blaster, playing the best in hip hop, R&B and reggae. Like I said, no cover. This Friday, April 15, Ray Lungo joins DJ Kobal over at Blizzarts for a special Bustin' Loose Afro-beat session. Lungo is the leader of New York Afrobeat band Kokolo, so you know he's got some shit in the crate.

This Saturday, April 16, marks the return of Toronto's premier drum & bass scratch DJ, Capital J, to Montreal. He's setting up shop over at Café Chaos for a blowout jam with Golgo 13 and MC QubiQ, celebrating the one-year anniversary of Beat Concierge Productions. Eight dollars at the door, the party starts at midnight.

Just in case you didn't know, Mele Mel & the Furious 5 are still coming to Jello Bar this Sunday, April 17, for some old-school niceness. Furious 5 means you're getting Scorpio, Rahiem and The Kidd Creole. Although there's no Grandmaster Flash in sight, you know it's got to be hot. Don't miss. Tix are $15.

MARIE IS MANAGER MATERIAL... fathead@videotron.ca

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