by SCOTT C

If by some amazing circumstances you were completely oblivious to the fact that international superstars have overrun our city for the past two weeks, you probably missed out on some great shows. However, if you thought that the Just for Laughs festival was simply about standup and strange, universally creepy pantomime pieces, you still might have a chance to see some great performances. Just for Laughs presents the Urban Hip Hop Stage at Berri and Ontario this year, and boasts a long list of locals and visiting talent.

From Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 20, you can sample a variety of acts, like the Urban Dance Series. It features Speedy & BamBam from the New York City Breakers, Funk Fanatics from Toronto, MD Company from Martinique, and Montreal’s own Rubberbandance, Red Mask, Illmatic Styles and Magma Urbain. The DJ Series presents DMC finalist DJ Dopey, DJ Immortal and DJ Trails from the U.S. and locals Mana, DR ONE, DJ Jamrik and Nerve. The Canadian DMC Championships get tied in as well, and will be held on July 19 at le Medley as part of the festival.

It wouldn’t be very funny if there were no MCs to round out the breakers and the DJs, so here comes Kardinal Offishall to warm up the stage. Also featured are Shades of Culture, Le Cerveau, Toronto’s IRS, Bad News Brown & Therapy, La Replik and more. I got a chance to catch up with Bless, slated to perform Sunday, July 20, at 10:15 p.m., and currently fielding kudos for his debut effort Bless Presents Platinumberg: The Movement.

Mirror: Who do you respect most in the music business?

Bless: I would have to say people with a real entrepreneurial drive like Jay-Z, because he always manages to balance that street credibility and artistry of it with the business. He also always tries to stay on the cutting edge of things and really jump on what’s hot before it’s played out. From an industry standpoint, I respect someone like Clive Davis. He’s been there since the ’60s and managed to evolve with the times. He has an ear for things you can push commercially, but from people who are semi-talented.

M: Where do your loyalties lie as far as business and music is concerned? Because when you get talking, it seems like you’re more about business than anything else.

B: Not at all. I think that’s a misconception. A lot of people don’t realize that in the music business, there are two aspects. There’s the music, but if you really love your art and want to take that to as many people as possible, you have to be on top of your business. The moves that you make on your own behalf and the record’s behalf will determine how big that record is.

M: Is that saying that even if the record isn’t all that good, that if you’re on top of your business things could go really well for you?

B: Unfortunately yes, sometimes, but I really try and separate the two things, and not think of the business at all when I’m in the studio. I don’t write rhymes or hooks thinking that it’s going to be marketable.

M: Of course taking care of business is a consideration. I just feel like in recent years, the whole “handle your business” mantra has taken precedence over the music, and it shows.

B: I don’t like that either, but unfortunately, that’s what it is.

M: I can’t accept that. Business has nothing to do with really great music, and if it does, it’s a close second.

B: That’s why I mentioned Jay-Z before, because he manages to do that very well.

M: Making lasting music and becoming a household name are often two different things. He wasn’t livin’ in the lap from the get-go.

B: Absolutely not. I don’t run my shit 100 per cent either. I have a wonderful team around me. I felt it was necessary for me to produce my first product, because a lot of people were trying to steer me in this direction or that direction. Somebody else’s vision of Bless would not be an accurate representation of Bless.

On Just For Laughs’ Urban Stage on Sunday, July 20, 10:15pm, free. For more details on the JFL Urban Stage, consult Listings or go to www.hahaha.com

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