by SCOTT SEE

Yep. It’s been a long time since the hip hop landscape in Montreal has been jumpin’ off left and right. Seems like things have been simmering for quite the while now, cooking just right and almost ready to serve. But do you remember when Shades of Culture was running this shit? Every time you turned around, D-Shade, Revolution and Storm were taking over the stage wherever they went, rocking it right and making sure you knew who they were. Well, it’s been 10 years they’ve been in this and they’ve seen it all. Opening for everyone from Eminem to Ben Harper, KRS-One, the Backstreet Boys and Gangstarr, they’ve always held their own and had no problem holding it down. Get ready for a 10th anniversary blowout at Petit Campus on Dec. 6, featuring a return to all their old hits, and some new shit for the kids. Listen close for more info.

Moving from the old to the new, you definitely have to check out a new Montreal-based hip hop group called Specifics, who will be performing at Tokyo on Wednesday, Nov. 20. I was passed a demo featuring the talents of Think Twice and Goldenboy and was very impressed with both the beats and the lyrics. I’ve been droppin’ songs like “Too Late” and “Look Alive” in the club for a couple of weeks now, and must admit I’m a bit curious to see if the live show hits like the record. Check it out.

On Sunday, Nov. 17, you can catch another Montreal crew that is steady makin’ moves, when OFFsides presents Good People Go Bad at Café Campus. Sharing the stage with Memo and Meta4ce, this show is a polite introduction to a larger group of MCs, writers, DJs and producers who call themselves ICM (Island City Monsters). Doors are at 8:30 p.m. and the tax is $5. Keep an eye out for an LP from OFFsides very soon.

Also on Sunday, at 9 p.m., you can check out the North American premiere of the U.K.’s “bouncement” movement at the record release party for Extra Yard, the new piece from Big Dada/Ninja Tune. DJs Wig, Cheeba Cheeba Kid and Rich Williams will school you on the movement and maybe give you free records! And it’s free!

Quickly—don’t forget to swing by la Sala Rossa on Friday, Nov. 15 to support a benefit for a radio project in Guerrero, Mexico. It starts at 8 p.m. and features One Speed Bike, Ballast, Kaie Kellough, DJ Static and Mossman. Eight bucks gets you in. :

Seven reasons I have no regrets at all:
1. Peven Everett “I Can Give It” (Abb Soul)
2. Raphael Saadiq “You’re the One That I Like” (Universal)
3. Quantic “Sweet Calling” (Tru-Thoughts)
4. IRS “Manipulation” (Universal)
5. Mossman vs. Mr. Tsunami “Dub So Good” (Dispensation)
6. Mr. Scruff “Beyond” (Ninja Tune)
7. Harmonic 33 “Where Have You Gone” (Alphabet Zoo)

We make the rules, and break them too… incubator@hiphopsite.com

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