by SCOTT C

Man, things can change just like that. Some friends and I watched in awe on Monday evening as a minor rainfall transformed into a serious torrential downpour that not only had us running to shut windows and doors, but gathering around the balcony like nerds to watch the poor buggers in the street. For about 10 minutes, it was like the crazy tropical storm footage off the Discovery Channel. People were using every ounce of energy just to stop from being swept away by the wind and rain. Sensing that this might be a fleeting moment in Montreal weather history, we decided to take pictures, but had no film for the camera. Amazingly enough, there was almost no mention of the freak wind, hail and rain assault on the news that day or the next. Am I crazy, or did anyone else witness this?

And, just like that, CKUT's Cypherqueenz make some drastic changes to one of the city's best and funniest hip hop mainstays. Our beloved DJ Suganeedlz (aka Oz) is moving to New York to show them how it's done. She leaves behind on-air queenz Cimminnee and Miranda, who will be making guest appearances from here on in. Taking over are Kyu and DJ M.O., who obviously have some big shoes to fill. Check out the last show with my favourite ladies late Friday, August 15/early Saturday morning, from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Good luck Azar! I know you'll go far…

This Saturday, August 16, peep the Toronto contingent at Jupiter Room when globetrotting MC Abdominal invites some of his pals onstage. On the bill are Kamau, Feat., and Notes to Self with Bronze One. Abs has been jet-setting to the U.K. for shows with DJ Format as of late, and he's way overdue for a show here at home. Only $5.

This Sunday, August 17, check out DJ Storm, Groove, Bass-Lick, Shades of Culture and Red One from the Rascalz at Mint Soundbar for the Little Burgundy Basketball Tournament afterparty. The tax is $8.

Next Wednesday, August 20, it's Halifax's turn as the Nine Six Reunion Tour staggers into Montreal for a show at Foufounes. This blast from the past includes Halifax legends Tachichi, DJ Moves, Kunga 219, Cee!!!!!!, and local Hali ex-patriate Sixtoo doing things the East Coast way. If you're a fan of drunken mic control, you do not want to miss this one! www.lowpressure.ca

Also on Wednesday, don't forget the release party for the new Atach Tatuq album La guerre des tuqs at Cabaret. First 100 tix are $5, with the remainder at $10.

Next week, we got Blackalicious, Lifesavas, Mr. Roam and Attic from the Grassroots, Bugz in the Attic, DJ Spinna and Mr. Scruff all bubblin' in the background. Bigup everyone who braved the rain to check out Under Pressure this past Sunday. The saga continues. Stay up…

Dubline! Throw me a bone man! fathead@videotron.ca

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