Whoa la...

by SCOTT C

While I wish all of you the best in 2008, I can’t help but think that something’s up with my new year. Christmas in Ajax jumped off without a hitch, and NYE in Montreal couldn’t have been better, but I have a sneaking suspicion that my good ol’ computer is about to kick the bucket. Of course, this means nothing to you, but right now, I equate it with having a limb removed. Like some ticking time bomb that I sit across from every day, I’m doing my best to defuse the situation before it blows up in my face. Meanwhile, the world keeps turning.

Team Canada starts the year off in a big way with their Eh! Week celebration at Tokyo tonight, Thursday, Jan. 10, when their extended family of DJs from across the country join in for a free-for-all. Along with D.R. One and Grandtheft, Ottawa’s DJ Illo, Toronto’s Jr. Flo, Calgary’s DJ Pump and Vancouver’s DJ Hedspin will mash up the place to re-launch Tokyo Thursdays fresh for 2008. Check out Team Canada one more time before they embark on yet another takeover of Los Angeles and prime themselves for an invasion of China. If you absolutely have to get in before midnight, email tokyo@lookoutpresents.com.

From one old man to the next, I have to send out birthday wishes to the original hype-man, Stephen “Zip-Loks” Hennessy, who opens up the party to all of you this Saturday, Jan. 12, at Boodha Bar’s Good Times. You know R&B, hip hop, old school, dancehall and soca are definitely on the bill, with DJs Majess, Earthquake Soundcrew and Firesquad in the place. If you’re already tight with Zip, hit him up for guest list, because friendship has its privileges.

After bailing out of a show between Christmas and New Year’s, Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark returns to Montreal for a gig at Coda on Jan. 19. I’ll have the pleasure of joining him on the decks that night, while DJ Lexis plays a long overdue guest spot at the Goods with Andy Williams at la Sala Rossa on the same night.

The Kalmunity Vibe Collective is in full effect in 2008, making sure Montreal gets a proper dose of upliftment and soulful music. Not only do they continue to hold down Sablo Kafé (50 St-Zotique E., corner St-Dominique) every Tuesday night from 8 –11 p.m. with authentic improvisational vibes, but you can also check out the Kalmunity Jazz Collective every Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to midnight at Diese Onze (4115A St-Denis, corner Rachel). Both nights of live, organic improv will only cost you a fiver at the door.

Seven reasons 2008 is the year of living dangerously:
1. Nubian Mindz “Shades of Grey” (Bagpak)
2. 7D “He’s Gone” (Lion Arts)
3. Black Milk Caltroit (Fat Beats)
4. Greyscale ft. Kool Keith “Poppa Large” (PTR)
5. East of Underground self-titled (Wax Poetics)
6. Lupe Fiasco “Paris, Tokyo” (Atlantic)
7. Cormega ft. Little Brother “The Rap Game” (Legal Hustle)

Get them projects poppin’!fathead@videotron.ca