by SCOTT C

You should probably know that I came extremely close to not writing the Incubator at all this week. After being coaxed into watching The Swan on Monday night (the newest and lowest low in reality television, where "ugly ducklings" are put on a plastic surgery/Botox/collagen fast-track to feel better about themselves), I instinctively tried to poke out my own eyes with the help of a plastic fork. Fortunately for you, I did not succeed, and was able to come up with yet another foolish installment. Be warned though, because watching this Swan shit will depress you to the point where it's either throw the TV out the window, or jump out the window yourself.

On a much less depressing note, everyone can stop dumping on me for speaking out of turn in the first place, because Pete Rock and CL Smooth are indeed confirmed for April 27 at le Medley. That's right, Pete Rock the Chocolate Boy Wonder and his reconnection to MC CL Smoove will be coming to a stage near you. Also on the bill that night is the infamous DJ Kool of "Let Me Clear My Throat" fame (whose bright idea was that?). Coming very soon is Pete's Soul Survivor II on BBE, which should continue on the same tightly produced collaborative push that made the first one so sweet. Heads should look for team-ups between Pete and Kardinall, CL, Little Brother, Pharoahe Monch, Skillz, Kweli, Slum Village and Jay Dee. Look for that May 11.

Local group Specifics have caught the attention of Japanese underground hip hop mogul Nujabes, who is releasing their first single "Under the Hood," already preselling 4,000 copies alone in Japan. Specifics MC Goldenboy will also be flying to Tokyo in August to record a couple tracks on Nujabes' own productions as well. Keep the momentum, guys...

Thursday, April 22, marks not only the launch of DJ Miles Moore's new weekly Carte Blanche at Quartier Latin, but the celebration of his 30th birthday. Miles, aka Stephane Lacroix, dives into a night of deep house, soul, jazz, breaks, funk and Afro-Latin beats to herald just how long he's been around. If you know this guy, get down there and buy him a drink! n

Seven reasons I like you just the way you are:
1. 4Hero "The Action" Visioneers remix (Raw Canvas)
2. Nas "On the Real" (Columbia)
3. Nas "One Love" Sikh Knowledge mix (Burbs)
4. James Brown & Dee Felice Trio "Uncle" 7" (Seven Up)
5. Ty "Wait a Minute" Dwele mix 12" (Big Dada)
6. Just One "Love 2 Love" ISOUL8 remix (Neroli/Goya)
7. Roy Ayers "Green and Gold" (BBE)

Busting nuts from here to Tofino… fathead@videotron.ca

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