Written by Sean Ward | Photography by Philip Litevsky
Toronto loves to shout. Toronto doesn’t like to sing along, and it doesn’t like to shout gibberish. But if you’re an MC and you want to perform for a crowd that loves to say “Ho”, say “Ho Ho”, and then scream, you couldn’t have dreamed of a more agreeable audience than the one who attended the Rock the Bells festival, 2008 edition, at Arrow Hall in Mississauga.
Review and Photography by Cristina Allen
In comparison to Roger’s Picnic in 2007, this years festival was looking like a step back in almost every way. Looking back on last years’ fabulous weather and lineup consisting of legendary acts such as the Roots and Bad Brains, as well as locals Bedouin Soundclash and weighing it against this years’ acts, clouded over and poured down upon, things were looking pretty grim.
Even between the line-up on the main stage and the DJ tent, the latter seemed more promising with Jeremy of the Junior Boys, Team Canada, and a surprise performance, but was kept so low key that it was questionable whether anyone in attendance even gave a shit. Unfortunately for the tent as well, it was poorly placed facing the main stage – acting more as hiding grounds for groups avoiding the rain but with the perfect view to know when the next act was on. I can honestly say that the 20 minute DJ sets during set change were the highlights of the entire day, but also distressing, as there were a total of two people who actually paid any attention to them. That is, until the surprise act came on: Dave 1 of Chromeo.
Written by Noah Goodbaum | Photography by Philip Litevsky
When Below The Heavens saw release late last year, it caused a storm. Tastemakers fell all over themselves to rep for a theretofore unknown talent out of L.A.– a fella named Blu who combined sterling party-rocking bravado with some of the most thoughtful and introspective ruminations we’ve heard on a rap record since Resurrection.
Written by Sean Ward | Photography by Philip Litevsky
After getting home from REMG’s presentation of Nas at the Kool Haus in Toronto, I got to wondering what it is that sets him so far apart from the competition. Other acts with a catalogue stretching as far back as his are often working within their niche, catering to a stable fan base but mostly running off of the fumes of past glories. But going to see Nas, even fifteen years into his performing career, does not feel like going to see a nostalgia act. And it’s not just that Nas is one of a small handful of hip hop artists who are able to stay relevant over a long career. There’s something else going on, something very special that makes Nas one of the most important and vital presences in the world of hip hop. And this magical factor was on full display for this performance.
Written by Cristina Allen | Photography by Philip Litevsky
The Roots have had the reputation of being one of the best live bands and on March 30th at the Kool Haus, they lived up to their standing. As one of the few hip-hop acts that use live instruments in recording and concert, a factor that has had a substantial influence in their distinction. Their last show in Toronto at the Rogers Picnic in the absence of ?uestlove was somewhat disappointing, though redeemed with guest appearances from members of De La Soul and Lupe Fiasco. The show was nevertheless entertaining but their recent concert was a cut above.
The Academy debuts a new, semi-regular concert series entitled Hometown Heroes this Friday, May 2nd at the El Mocambo in Toronto. This series is all about showcasing Toronto’s finest, and the lineup looks positively Heroic.
“The performers for the first concert are HERO (official Toronto launch performance for their debut album), Masia One (fresh of an Asia tour), Marvel, Anonymous Twist, and Focus. The deejays will be DJ Mensa and Rod Skimmins and the host for the evening will be Wan Luv.”
I strongly encourage everyone to come and show some love to our homegrown talent. We’ve covered Hero recently on Dope-A-Lot when they opened for Zaki Ibrahim and this NYC / Toronto duo are about to blow up!
The Academy has been kind enough to extend two complimentary tickets to Dope-A-Lot readers, so send a quick note to contest@dopealot.com with your name and e-mail address. We will pick a random winner and notify them at 12:00pm on Thursday. Click here to check out Cyberkrib United’s blog entry on the concert including tracks you can download to get a taste of what to expect.
See you Friday!
Written by Noah Goodbaum | Photography by Philip Litevsky
I wasn’t really looking forward to The RZA’s show at the Phoenix last night. It was gonna be freezing cold out there and I didn’t want to have to traipse all the way down to the Phoenix Concert Theatre and deal with its martinet security guards and its wack-ass sound system if my only reward was gonna be the Wu-Tang mastermind dicking around. Not to suggest that I don’t love and venerate The RZA; he’s crafted some of the most delicate and artful beats in hip-hop. But his emceeing style is bizarre — he’s 100% gung-ho about being completely demented, taking the themes that Wu-Tang’s hyper-esoteric rap style introduced and mixing them all in a blender that whirs at 100 mph.
Written by Noah Goodbaum | Photography by Philip Litevsky
With this review, I wish to make it known that I am no mere mortal human being. Still less am I a fat white slob . No, for verily I am an initiate of that most fearsome of orders: the Army of the Mash Out Posse.Our leaders: the esteemed generals Sir William Danzini and Sir Fizzleberry of Womack. Our mission: To make any and all jive turkeys kneel. DO YOU HEAR ME?! I’M SORRY, I DON’T THINK YOU CAN HEAR ME, MOTHERFUCKER! BUKKA BUKKA BUKKA BUKKA BUKKA! BLAOW BLAOW GET THE FUCK DOWN!
What can one really say about HHK that hasn’t already been said here on Dope-A-Lot? Well, for one thing, how about motha-effin Saukrates showing up and busting a few? Or how about Korry Deez from IRS? Yeah, that’s right. One hell of a dope night, topped off by my main girls at MASTEES dropping a crazy new shirt! Peep all the madness here.
Zaki, Zaki, Zaki. That’s all Toronto has been hearing lately. From the recent cover story in NOW magazine, to her packed performance at the Mod Club theatre which Dope-A-Lot happily covered. She has a timeless voice and energy and we all really hope Zaki Ibrahim gets the world-wide recognition and success she deserves. Opening for her were Toronto / NYC based Hero which The Cyberkrib recently introduced me to and they were dope as hell as well. Peep the rest of the shoot here.
