The occasion is bound to be a poignant affair for true Gang Starr fans since the recent passing of DJ Premier’s original partner-in-crime, Guru. Rest In Peace.

Lets face it, this is a legendary opportunity to pay homage to a legendary lyricist. As far as hip-hop goes, Gang Starr epitomised the East coast sound. Guru was an ever-faithful disciple of the true hip-hop movement and DJ Premier laid some pretty solid foundations when it came to sampling, loops and other traits that today make up the quintessential traits of hip-hop production. Despite everything said, for me, the genius in Gang Starr was in the way that they were somehow able to channel their individual talents into a single creative force and bring out consistently good s**t. This unique collaboration set them apart from the fakers. Gang Starr are hip-hop hierarchy.

This Gang Starr tribute world tour is ridiculously over-booked and rightly so. DJ Premier, I’m sure will be on top form. No doubt, each stop will as good as the next – don’t forget that between running his own label, taking on countless new projects and relentlessly touring, DJ Premier was actually planning to reunite with Guru this year.

“It’s like feeding someone a new drug… and then as you keep on feeding ‘em, they’re gonna want more and more. I’m definitely a pusher. I push music that you should be hearing. I have no choice but to be that way.”

If this is anything to go by, then I guess this is a ‘hip-hop junkies only’ event. Prepare for the energy.

RIP Guru.

Click here for event details and tickets.

DJ Premier’s MySpace

Gang Starr’s MySpace

Gracing our shores after a long break and much work, this is set to be a roadblock.

This New Orleans born rapper has trailblazed his way into a scene that has been somewhat lacking to say the least. Not only did his first percussionless joint, Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge) bring a fresh perspective to hip-hop’s repetitive production templates (that every rapper seems to have exhausted to the core), Jay’s lyrical style has also been validated by many veterans of the game such as Rakim, NaS and Mos Def. To be honest, we should have known that any rapper affiliated with Miss Badu would be no less than dope.

Jay will be filling the Jazz cafe for two days, with the first (17th Feb 2010) being hosted by Benji B of 1Xtra/Deviaion fame and the second (18th) by 1Xtra and Def Jam UK’s DJ Semtex.

I’m sure that Jay’s performances will take no prisoners, so be ready to feel the force. POW!

Jay Electronica’s Myspace.

Jay Electronica’s Twitter.

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* See previous posting for Robert Glasper’s UK tour dates. On the 13th of Feb, Dam Funk will also be performing at Brixton’s Plan B… Event details here.

PB Wolf has been both DJing and producing big beats since the 80’s. Then he brought us Stones Throw Records… And changed the face of what one would call “alternative hip-hop.” Loosly speaking, his west coast collective and their signature sounds have become the benchmark for anyone who doesn’t wanna sit in the 50 Cent category of hip-hop.

To be honest, if you are reading this blog, you should be more than familiar with PB Wolf’s repertoire, so lets get down to the nitty gritty. He will be performing at the Jazz Cafe on the 22nd October. What makes things even more interesting is that the performance will be an exclusive AV set with support from currently undisclosed acts. Check out this taster:

Further info? No need. All I would advise is that you get yourself ready for the jedi mind tricks this guy will throw your way in the so-called form of music.

Thank you Soundcrash for putting this on.

Click here for more details.

Peanut Butter Wolf’s Myspace

… Yes, Yes, I know: the hype is done and dusted BUT that doesn’t stop Michael Jackson being the legend that he is and will be for generations to come.

Whatever your thoughts are, this Saturday (29th)  and Sunday (30th), Jazz Cafe have decided to host a sincere tribute to the greatest entertainer that ever lived. Calling a spade, a spade: the line-up is dope. This s**t is beyond the hype.

You have got: Eric Roberson and Phonte (Little Brother/ Foreign Exchange) presenting the night… This alone will be well worth the investment. But then you’ve got performances coming from an array of artists who’s contributions to music are worthy of recognition in their own rights. From ‘late disco-early house music’ diva, Kim Mazelle to Chris Ballin who’s worked with megastars such as Chaka Khan and Pink Floyd. For more artist lineup info, click here.

I have a feeling this tribute will go beyond the ‘Thrillers’ and ‘Man in the Mirrors’ to delve into some of MJ’s hidden gems that slipped under the radar. So this will be a true fan’s opportunity to be educated in the rarer selection from his extensive discography.

Above all… The music is guaranteed to be massive. So why not?
Click here for more details.

Check this out:

RIP MJ

Ok, enough Hip-Hop for one day…..but because I know how deep your affection is for it, i’ll ween you off slowly. How about a Karreim Riggins produced ‘Blu-Funk’ album courtesy of Nigerian via Brooklyn innovator Keziah Jones. What is ‘Blu-Funk’? I hear you ask….read on….

I’ll start with an admission. Before receiving the press release for Keziah’s UK shows, I had never heard of him. As I started digging around for more info, I rapidly felt more and more ashamed of my ignorance. Five albums deep in the game, Mr Jones is a diaspora artist representing his homeland Nigeria in a purposefully contemporary cultural context. Citing Fela Kuti and Jimi Hendrix as influences, Keziah’s ‘BluFunk’ sound is a slick blend of Afrobeat, Blues, Rock and Pop.

Hitting London after a five year gap to promote his ‘Nigerian Funk’ EP, KJ will be performing at the Jazz Cafe on 6th August and the following day at the Tate Britain for a ‘LATE at the TATE Britain: LATE NIGHT RADIO’ session curated by Max Reinhardt (BBC Radio 3/The Shrine). The EP is a preview of the forthcoming ‘Nigerian Wood’ LP produced by Karreim Riggins and recorded at the world famous Electric Lady Studios NY. Check out this clip of his collaboration with Nneka ‘Long Distance Love’ and follow the links for all the info you need…..

Long Distance Love – Keziah Jones