by SCOTT C

If I’m not mistaken, it looks to me like we’ve got some local music action on our hands. After a lengthy wait, all interested parties can now check out the skinny on Montreal’s own young MC, Bless. You heard the stories about him crushing dudes twice his age in battle situations, you’ve probably seen him at least once over the years and thought, “How old is that guy?” and now, with the gates about to open on his own Platinumberg Entertainment empire, our man finally comes through with some vinyl. This may sound like no big deal, but my man is flanked not only by MTL hard head Ray Ray on production, but Guru from Gangstarr as well. Not too shabby. The single features the apt “My Time,” as well as the clubbed “All I Wanna Know,” backed on the B by the teamup “Talkin’ to Me?”

Also copped the first 7-inch release from new Montreal label Bully Records, featuring a couple of moody offerings from Sixtoo and Matth. “Webeganhearingthings” and “Watchedusslowlydie” cry out for open-minded companions, with some murky waters dredged for the utmost in musical quality. Look for a future release on Bully from Simahlak.

I’ll just quickly mention that I was led to believe that DJ Suganeedlz first 12-inch featuring MC Poison Pen was supposed to be in my hands sometime last week, but unfortunately, I haven’t seen it yet. Perhaps the crew over at Cypher Queenz got a little too carried away with their fifth anniversary celebrations to promo the vinyl, but that’s as good an excuse as any. Check out the hilarity and hip hop on their show, Friday nights (Saturday mornings?) on CKUT 90.3 FM from 4 to 6 a.m.

I learned to my horror last night that my parents now have a high-speed Internet connection right in their very household! I’m tempted to take the first train home so that I can shield my mother’s virgin eyes from any porn pop-ups that might come her way, but they have to learn sometime. I’m almost certain that they’ll only be using it for e-mail, but as you well know, the possibilities are endless, and inherently evil.

Looks like DJ Spinna is in the can - the garbage can. Due to some last-minute scheduling foolishness, our man from NYC will have to wait to bless our town. Let’s hope sooner than later. Other stuff bubbling under the surface include the makings of a Talib Kweli show that was slated for February, but now might pop up in March. Aria looks like they’re going to stage Jadakiss and his crew, along with a slew of locals sometime in February as well. The undisputed King of Funk, Keb Darge, might be touching down in March for a party that this city needs like nothing else, as well as the probable return trio Soulive to some Montreal stage. These guys have yet to get booked in the right venue to showcase the talents they have to offer. You’ll know when I do… :

Not if I can help it… incubator@hiphopsite.com

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