by SCOTT C

It’s no surprise at all that Blackthought, ?uestlove and the Roots seemed just as at home in front of 3,000 people as they do in front of 300. Even with a mixed reception from the audience for just about every song from Phrenology except "Break You Off," it was clear to see that their back-catalogue material had no problem getting the massive crowd fired up at last Friday’s show.

You can now file that Talib Kweli show I mentioned in the "unsolved mysteries" bin. Not gonna happen, at least not right now. Neither is the Blackalicious show that was supposed to take its place at the last minute. It’s that damn MTL curse, and it keeps coming back to haunt us. Maybe we can count on the lyrical styles of Philly supa-sista Ursula Rucker to chant down our woes when she stops in on Feb. 21 for a show at la Sala Rossa. Even her show was up in the air for a little while, but it looks like we’re about to get lucky. Looking ahead to March 1, you can count on DJ Krush to take you on a melancholy journey for one night at the SAT. Along with locals DJ Bliss and D.R. One, I’m sure our Japanese friend will illustrate clearly why "trip-hop" was just another limiting chunk of musical terminology.

If you haven’t already heard, then let me be the first to tell you that sadly, Noize Musique is no more. That’s right, the little record store that could won’t be doing it anymore. Having worked there for three years, and having frequented the old location on des Pins religiously, I know a whole lot of people are really going to miss its charm, including myself. Big thanks to Tony Labao, Sharon McGoogan and Hamish Macmillan for all the years of great music and hospitality. End of an era…

Lastly, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t say a proper goodbye to my friends Erin and Micah, as they get set to leave for Jamaica for the next two years. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to work a tropical contract, so good luck to both of you, and I’ll see you in a few months (count on it). :

Seven reasons we’re not so different:
1. King Britt feat. Bahamadia "Transcend" (BBE)
2. Little Brother The Listening (ABB)
3. DJ Spinna "You Got to Live" (BBE)
4. Natural Self "Solomon" 7" (Tru-Thoughts)
5. Juggaknots "Sex Type Thang" (FatBeats)
6. K-OS "Heaven Only Knows" (Kemo remix) 12" (EMI)
7. Poison Pen "Fall Back" 12" (Rainmakerz)

Grey area requires grey matter… incubator@hiphopsite.com

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