by SCOTT C

If you’re looking for something to do tonight, Thursday, Jan. 18, something that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside (much like a pint), I suggest you head down to the Literacy Through Hip Hop launch party at Blizzarts. Literacy Through Hip Hop Montreal is a program that encourages self-esteem, critical thinking and literacy in Montreal’s inner-city youth. The program runs for 12 weeks, giving kids an opportunity to write their own material, create their own beats, record and explore in the studio environment. This pilot program takes place at Tyndale St-Georges Community Centre in Little Burgundy and starts on Jan. 26 for kids between the ages of 10–13. Those of you who make it down to Blizzarts tonight will also enjoy the sounds of DJ Static and Skratch Bastid on the wheels. Doors are at 8 p.m., admission is free before 11 p.m., and organizer Munira Ravji will address the crowd at 9 p.m.

Those of you who have been letting the good energy of the Kalmunity Vibe Collective wash over you for the last few years are finally going to be able to take the vibes home with you. Coming up on Jan. 26 at Sala Rossa, Kalmunity launches the book/CD Talking Book: Blues, Jazz, Dub, Rap, Song and Freedom in the Literature and Orature of Montreal’s Kalmunity Vibe Collective. The title may be a mouthful, but this collection of lyrics, poetry and essays also comes with a CD of music culled from co-editor Jason Selman’s respected Intimate Sky sessions, featuring combos and collaborations between smaller groups of Kalmunity members. This $5 evening starts at 8 p.m., and the book/CD will be on sale at the event.

Those of you familiar with the soft-spoken DJ Dubline will be happy to know that he’s back in Montreal after almost a year in Belfast, Ireland. He plays The Goods at la Sala Rossa on Jan. 27, while downtown, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube bring the West Coast to Montreal in a big way with a blockbuster at the Bell Centre on the same night. Still no word on comps for the January 31 Justin Timberlake and Pink show at the Bell Centre, but I plan on solving that dilemma very soon. I’ll say it: I want to go, but if I actually have to pay to see him “in the round,” I’m not sure I’ll be able to shoulder the inner guilt. I’m open to any suggestions you might have.

Seven reasons I hope CathyLee is reading this:
1. Atjazz ft. Clara Hill “Nowhere (I Can Go)” (Sonar Kollektiv)
2. Rogal ft. Wumni “Silly Questions” (Perfect Toy)
3. Swollen Members “Too Hot” (Battle Axe)
4. Common ft. Bilal “Play Your Cards Right” (Geffen)
5. Snoop Dogg ft. Dr. Dre & D’Angelo “Imagine” (Geffen)
6. Shuya Okino ft. Melissa Browne & Afronaught “Turn it Up” (Especial) 7. Talib Kweli & Madlib Liberation EP (Blacksmith/Madlib Invasion)

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GHETTO REVIVAL... fathead@videotron.ca

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