by SCOTT C

Looks like it's time once again to dust off that microphone, oil up those turntables, tighten up those bars and hooks and row the boat like you've never rowed the boat before, because HipHop 4Ever is back for 2004. If you rhyme, sing, dance, write graf, DJ or are an aspiring fashion designer looking to break out in Montreal, then HH4EVR may be right up your alley. Aspiring artists can sign up at www.hiphop-4ever.com right up until Dec. 15. Winners can enjoy touring France, Mexico, Canada and the U.S. for more exposure, but you have to sign up in order to be eligible.

B-girl Lynx and NodaCho Danceworks take over the plateau on Saturday, Nov. 22, for the next installment of Eccentric Cypher. Eccentric Cypher 2 is a two-on-two dance battle where partners dance in the mix simultaneously against the opposing duo. The winners of Eccentric Cypher 1, held this past Aug. 17, were Anne Nguyen and Marvin Baptiste, while second place was taken by Leprechaun and Lil Bear. The event goes down at 10 des Pins W., studio 214. Buzz 1976 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the battle going down from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Door is $5 with a costume, $7 without. All interested dancers should get in touch with Lynx at 804-8643 or agentlynx007@hotmail.com.

Managed to sit through the new Tupac: Resurrection movie last week, much to my own surprise. The movie tagline, "In his own words," refers to the fact that this entire look at the life of the slain rapper is narrated by Tupac. And no, they didn't bring Pac in from his island getaway to add to this latest money-grab, but they did do some dodgy editing in order to foster the weaving voiceover. Although I still don't understand Tupac's posthumous shoot to hip hop notoriety, I do understand how his legacy is being used to sell more and more product. Tupac's afterlife will be filled with a healthy profit, thanks to his canonized/demonized "thug life" and philosophy that remains as convoluted as the mottled details of his short life.

Back in the rumour mill - word has it that De La Soul will be once again returning to Montreal for a Dec. 7 show. The boys have been making regular trips to our fair city for the last few years, so why should 2003 be any different?

Seven reasons my pan-opticon is in the shop:
1. Murr feat. Rustic Hut "Fall Apart" 12" (PTR)
2. DKD "Future Rage" (Bitasweet/2000Black)
3. Non Prophets Hope (Lex)
4. Erykah Badu "Back in the Day" (Motown)
5. Ty "Wait a Minute" (Big Dada)
6. Phuturistix Feel It Out (Hospital)
7. The Darkness "Get Your Hands Off My Woman" (Atlantic)

I don't have to tell you... fathead@videotron.ca

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