Bling bling on ICU

by MORGAN STEIKER

As we’ve now entered cruise control in this economic downturn, moving on from “Whoa, what the hell is goin’ on?” mode, I’ve been starting to examine how the recession might affect one of hip hop’s central energy suppliers for the last… forever. I’m talking about that endless source of inspiration that makes rappers call their yellow gemstones “lemonheads,” that fuel for artistry that makes them rock chains that are more expensive than the average person’s mortgage, and that quest for meaning that makes them put so many diamonds in their mouth that it’s literally “shining like a lighthouse.” I’m talking about the single most amazing thing that makes us all feel warm inside—bling bling.

That’s right. By far the coolest thing about hip hop. I mean, back when I heard Cam’ron declare that he had “your house on my neck, your car on my wrist and your bitch on my dick,” I knew I needed to do something with my life. And now, what? Everybody is losing money and going broke, so I’m gonna have to listen to rappers being “conscious” and “responsible.” Eww. Instead of screaming out the sunroof that money ain’t a thing, I’m gonna have to hear meaningful and reflective lyrics about universal themes that we can all relate to. Yikes. As I continue this Bling Bling Death Watch over the next few weeks, I’ll make sure to keep y’all posted.

Anyway, busy week coming up. You can start by making moves down to the Old Port, to Galerie Pangée (40 St-Paul W.) for the exciting exhibit En Masse, curated by Tim Barnard and Jason Botkin, and featuring 28 Montreal artists including Turf One and Gene “Starship” Pendon. Huge sheets of art paper have been pinned up from floor to ceiling, to be covered over the whole month of February. The event is open to visitors Tuesdays to Saturdays, regular hours, and will be culminating in a closing party on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m—part of the Nuit Blanche all-nighter.

Friday night, depending on where you stand on the BPM scale, you can check out the drum & bass monthly KO at Petit Campus with a special guest from NYC, Sol.ID, along with Generic and Qubiq MC, Golgo 13 and Plan C, or swing by le Salon Officiel for a very special set by the human version of peanut butter and jelly, main man A-Rock and main woman SHAYdakiss. At the same time, Academy will be hosting Indecent Xposure’s Just Glow, which will feature a live performance by Shoops, a live fashion show courtesy of Art Is Everywhere, and DJ Noiky, DJ Mikey Wild and Lavoix on the decks.

Saturday night, international B-more ambassador Klever will be rocking Coda with a passion, while the next edition of Boomboxx, featuring host Khiasma, Uproot Andy and a DJ set by Radio Radio, will be making heads nod over at Zoobizarre.

STAY CLASSY, MONTREAL…DABEATSEEKER@GMAIL.COM