Can Jay hang?

by SCOTT C

It’s official. The heavyweights are coming to town to teach all of you half-steppin’ MCs who think you’ve got it hemmed just how wrong you are. Next Tuesday, July 22, Metropolis will host Nas, Talib Kweli and Jay Electronica for a night of lyrical perfection. While Nas and Kweli have more than earned their place in the hallowed halls of hip hop history, newcomer Jay Electronica definitely has his fans, as well as his critics. It must be said, though, that he would not be part of this tour if at least Nas did not wholeheartedly agree that he is on some next shit, no? You be the judge. Tix are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

Nice to see local sonneur Jahnice getting up on the big stage as part of the Nuits d’Afrique Festival happening in the city right now. His band Jahnice+ will be performing outside at Place Emile-Gamelin (Berri Square) on Friday, July 18, at 2:15 p.m. for free. Check out his self-proclaimed “soul hybrid” style as he keeps on pushing the falsetto soul to new heights, at myspace.com/jahnice.

HYBRIDIZER: Jahnice

Your favourite nut job Rhys Taylor celebrates his birthday this week with not one but two parties with master of the breaks DJ Czech. Friday, July 18 at Vinyl, Czech is joined by Don’t Fake the Break regulars Murdock and Taylor for a free night, while on Saturday, July 19, Czech plays Salon Officiel with Kephroc, and once again there is no cover! Save some for next year, Rhys...

Can’t forget the first ever Hip Hop History night happening at Blizzarts this Friday, with DJ Lexis, DJ Manifest, 7D, DJ Naes and Blu Rum 13. Here’s the breakdown : 10–11 p.m. will cover music made in the 2000s, while 11 p.m.–midnight will cover music from 1995–2000. Midnight to 1 a.m. is primed for some 1990–1995 action, 1–2 a.m. slated for the ’80s, and 2–3 a.m. is reserved for “the foundation” and original samples. Should be an interesting night all around. Who’s taking care of what era, you ask? Who knows. I guess you’ll just have to make the trip and find out. You should know the tax is $5 at the door, or $10 with a CD.

Also on this very busy Friday, don’t miss Thunderheist at Foufounes Électriques as part of Zoo York’s AM Getting Paid festivities, and Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark playing Saturday at Coda for the Am Getting Laid afterparty.

If you’re checking for Sundays, don’t overlook Rhythm and Rhymes at Jello Bar this Sunday from 7–10 p.m., where poets, slammers, rappers, comedians and all types of soulful musicians do their thing just for you. Look for performances from Sikh Knowledge, Deetah the Masterpiece, Sarah Mk, Sonia Soul, Spook1, Patricia Lopes, Appackalips, Vee, Trevor Sinodhinos and more. Music will be provided by Godfather D, with your host, Jack Chirac.

JESUS WAS BLACK AND SO WAS CLEOPATRA, KNOW
YOUR HISTORY...fathead@videotron.ca