by SCOTT C

Just as the sun comes out and it starts to get warm again, good ol’ Simon B decides it’s high time for him to make his way back to our fair city, after a few months in Mexico. Something you should know, though—he’s stepping right off the plane and back behind the decks, as his once-monthly night Bump, at Kunta Lounge, takes the plunge for a weekly Thursday-night spot. Despite all the construction on St-Denis over the past few months, the promise of soulful basement vibes and that wicked terrasse should keep them coming back for more.

Got my copy of Under Pressure’s Up North Trip Vol. 4, a CD of underground Canadian hip hop complete with a DVD celebrating 10 years of the city’s annual international graffiti convention. It’s all there, from little A-Trak scratching up a storm at the outdoor site so many years ago, to Kool Herc hamming it up with autograph and photo hounds at last year’s event. I’ve watched it twice now and still haven’t seen myself, but I tend to concentrate on the chips a little too much when watching these things. The whole package will be in stores early in May.

Wednesday nights at Jello Bar have turned the corner with the weekly addition of Tariq Khan and his band the High Breed. Khan keeps the night moving from behind the drum kit, bringing the dirty dirty all night long. Rounding out the funk is Lateef Martin, who peppers the night of music with his special brand of stand-up comedy, and while this is not material for your mother, your mama might come up in Lateef’s act if you’re a little too close to the stage. Check it out.

Tonight, Thursday April 20, Montreal’s answer to Lil’ Jon take the stage at Zoobizarre for a live performance. Omnikrom continue to grind away with their Qrunk hybrid, backed by DJ sets from Figure 8 and Ghislain Poirier.

On Wednesday, April 26, DJ Ivory Temple and DJ Masala do it up at Zoobizarre with Baile Funk Montreal. A little bit of Brazil up on St-Hubert? You be the judge. Most of us have only got a little taste of what this music is all about, so let’s hope there’s more than one night in store for this venture. CISM’s Masala seems to know what he’s talking about, so I’m not worried.

Look out for DJ Naes and DJ Ephiks from the Atach Tatuq family as they embark on a once-a-month event called Pow Wow at Inspecteur Epingle (4501 St-Hubert, corner Duluth). The next one is coming up on Saturday, May 6, and promises a healthy dose of funk, old school and hip hop. Check for them the first Saturday of every month from here on in. n

Seven reasons over the counter is better:
1. Maysr Timeless Riddims Vol. 1 (KOPS)
2. Nish Raawks “Head Nod Ish” (Buck Canuck)
3. Tanya Morgan “She Moved Outta Cincy” (CDR)
4. Luisito Quintero “Gbagada, Gbagada, Gbogodo, Gbogodo” (BBE)
5. T.I. “Why You Wanna” (Warner)
6. Bembe Segue “Mother of the Future (live)” (BBE)
7. Marc Mac “Down South” (Omniverse)

I’M THE KING OF THE WORLD! fathead@videotron.ca

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