avant, jaguar wright – writings for week of august 17, 2009

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/20/avant

Avant

Sat., Aug. 22, 8 p.m., $38.50, with K’Jon and Melonie Fiona, Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-7650, keswicktheatre.com.

by Deesha Dyer

Unfortunately for Avant, the R&B singer emerged at a time when the market was flooded with male voices. Still, his early 2000 hits “Separated” and “My First Love” charted and built him a solid reputation. After that, his stuff started to sound alike, blending into the rotation of radio monotony. His latest album, Avant (Capitol), is more of the same, but at least he can actually sing.

______________________________________

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/20/jaguar-wright

Jaguar Wright

Wed., Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m., $25-$40, with taragirl, The Rebel Yell, Dannis Anderson, Jessy Kyle, A. Dot, DJ Randy Flash and DJ Imperial B, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

by Deesha Dyer

A survivor of the local neo-soul movement, the fierce Jaguar Wright has been flicking ears ever since she showed up on an MTV stage with the Roots and Jay-Z. Although her last album came out in 2005, she’s been a regular at live shows and continues to give the people what they want — a raw taste of soul.

john legend, kev brown, 84, fel sweetenberg – 8/13/09 Citypaper

JOHN LEGEND:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/13/john-legend

It always feels good to welcome home a superstar. Although not originally from Philly, UPenn alum John Legend perfected his talent on local stages. His third release, Evolver (Sony), is a chunky bit of upbeat soul goodness including “It’s Over” featuring Kayne West and “Green Light” featuring Andre 3000. Internationally, Legend is one of the most recognizable voices in music, and he’s just getting started.

Sat., Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., $25-$110, with India.Arie and Vaughn Anthony, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 215-893-1999, manncenter.org.

____________________________________________________

KEV BROWN, FEL SWEETENBERG, 84:

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/13/eavesdrop-sessions

hip-hop

Beat heads and producers knew Kev Brown before he remixed Jay-Z’s Black Album (the aptly titled Brown Album) in 2004. But for many casual hip-hop fans, that was their introduction to the D.C. native, who was once a member of Jazzy Jeff’s A Touch of Jazz production team. Brown currently has some new soulful tracks floating around online for free, along with a mixtape. Free!

Wed., Aug. 19, 10 p.m., $10, with 84, Fel Sweetenberg, DJ Junior and DJ Lil’ Dave, Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., recordbreakin.com/eavesdrop_sessions.html

asher roth, clipse, outerspace, cru-cut, david sale benefit – citypaper 8/6/09 issue

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/06/asher-roth

Asher Roth

Thu., Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m., $25, with Kid Cudi, Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St., ticketmaster.com.

by Deesha Dyer

hip-hop

With the funny viral hit “I Love College,” Asher Roth did a huge belly flop into hip-pop. Crafted for the average kid who still actually buys music, the song made Roth nationally recognizable and Asleep in the Bread Aisle (SRC/Universal Motown) got ranked on several charts. Maybe his 15 minutes are stretching into an hour, but let’s let the local kid be. Philly represent! I mean, Morrisville. My bad.

Thu., Aug. 6, 8:30 p.m., $25, with Kid Cudi, Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St., ticketmaster.com.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/06/sneaker-pimps-tour

Sneaker Pimps Tour

Sat., Aug. 8, 8 p.m., $18, with The Clipse, They Live, J. Cole, Stalley and Hustle Simmons, Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. Ninth St., sneakerpimps.net.

by Deesha Dyer

hip-hop

Sneakers are hip-hop’s most persistent fashion statement. From the days of “My Adidas” to now, when you’re stepping out to a show or party, your foot game has got to be on point. Australian Peter Fahey helped bind the music, art and kicks cultures together when he founded the annual Sneaker Pimps Tour in 2003. Co-headlining with 1,500 fancy pairs of sneakers at the Starlight Ballroom on Saturday are the fine and fashionable duo The Clipse. They have a solid fan base, but have yet to recapture the success of their 2002 debut, Lord Willin’, which featured hits like “Grindin” and “Cot Damn.” They’ve been working on a new album for what seems like forever, but kept ears wet with a series of mixtapes showcasing their Southern Virginia lyrical ability. Joining them will be Carolina rapper/producer J. Cole and Philly’s own Hustle Simmons. Come funky fresh and dress to impress.

Sat., Aug. 8, 8 p.m., $18, with The Clipse, They Live, J. Cole, Stalley and Hustle Simmons, Starlight Ballroom, 460 N. Ninth St., sneakerpimps.net.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/06/planetary-birthday-party

Planetary Birthday Party

Sat., Aug. 8, 10 p.m., $5, with DJ Cru Cut, Bubble House, 3404 Sansom St., 215-243-0804, thebubblehouse.com.

by Deesha Dyer

hip-hop

Every first Saturday, DJ Cru Cut takes hold of the Bubble House and rocks out with his pimpin’ mix of hip-hop, R&B and anything else to make asses shake. This weekend the gig doubles as a birthday party for Planetary (from hip-hop group Outerspace). Maybe if you buy the birthday boy a shot, he’ll get on the mic and do a little something.

Sat., Aug. 8, 10 p.m., $5, with DJ Cru Cut, Bubble House, 3404 Sansom St., 215-243-0804, thebubblehouse.com.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/08/06/david-sale-benefit

David Sale Benefit

Sun., Aug. 9, 9 p.m., $10, Sandman, Scholar, Adlib, Microphone Tone, Friascanb, 2ew Gunn Ciz, Nico the Beast, Authentic and Unique, Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE, thetroc.com.

Dave Sale was the 22-year-old man beaten to death after a Phillies game during a grim July weekend that also saw several other murders in the city. In response, hip-hop artists from the tri-state area have thrown together a benefit show aimed at raising awareness and funds for Sale’s family. Performers include Adlib, Scholar, DEAP and more. It would be nice to go a year without writing about one of these shows.

 

Sun., Aug. 9, 9 p.m., $10, Sandman, Scholar, Adlib, Microphone Tone, Friascanb, 2ew Gunn Ciz, Nico the Beast, Authentic and Unique, Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE, thetroc.com. 

Kindred and Erik Rico – writing for week of June 29th

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/07/02/kindred

Kindred

Wed., July 8, 8 p.m., $25-$35, , World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

by Deesha Dyer

Three albums and a few children later, Aja and Fatin still possess that true love of soul and self that you’ve been reading about in City Paper for almost a decade. The days of going to the Five Spot for $5 are long gone, but the Black Lily groove keeps going. Their 2008 album, The Arrival (Hidden Beach), gave fans a sense of nostalgia, but also hope that the neo-soul movement has a bit of life left.

Wed., July 8, 8 p.m., $25-$35, , World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/07/02/erik-rico

Erik Rico

Wed., July 8, 10 p.m., $10, with Dot.matic, Kanu, Mydnite Angel, Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA, 215-592-8838, eavesdropsessions.blogspot.com.

by Deesha Dyer

This may be the closest you’ll come to someone who was discovered by Randy Jackson. International artist Erik Rico is gracing Philly as Eavesdrop and Karmalux presents another soul-hitting, ass-shaking showcase. Rico has worked with Tupac, Jurassic 5 and our very own Dave Ghetto, but don’t let the hip-hop fool you — Rico can get down with any genre.

Wed., July 8, 10 p.m., $10, with Dot.matic, Kanu, Mydnite Angel, Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA, 215-592-8838, eavesdropsessions.blogspot.com.

anthony hamilton, musiq, chrisette michele, bee eater records – writings for week of 6/15/09

Wrote about 2 things this week for the Philadelphia Citypaper. Enjoy!

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/06/18/anthony-hamilton

Anthony Hamilton

Tue., June 23, 8 p.m., $39.50-$65, with Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele, Tower Theatre, 69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, ticketmaster.com.

Are you a man who messed up with your lady? This is the chance to make it right. Anthony Hamilton is bringing his gritty soul sounds to the receiving ears of women in the tri-state. Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele will be there to share the love, too. If this concert doesn’t get you out of the doghouse, there isn’t much hope. – Deesha Dyer

http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/06/18/bee-eater-showcase

Bee Eater showcase

Wed., June 24, 9 p.m., $5, with Ethel Cee, Hustle Simmons, Fel Sweetenberg, DJ Akshun, Keziah, Leah Nicole, Hezekiah, U City, Reef the Lost Cauze, DJ Ultraviolet, hosted by Mars Five, Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., beeeaterrecords.com.

Waiting around has never been DJ Ultraviolet’s thing. That’s what attracted her to Bee Eater Records, the Philly-based digital-only label that houses acts like Hustle Simmons, Ethel Cee and Fel Sweetenberg. While each has carved out their own reputation, Ultraviolet is counting on the label pushing the city’s hip-hop to new heights. “I did it because it needed to be done.” – Deesha Dyer

Philadelphia Citypaper Ultimate Summer Guide 2009

Every year, the Citypaper comes out with suggestions on what you should do for every day this summer. Well, not should, but if you need something to do basically. I wrote up 4 things…Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival, KRS One Concert, Roots Picnic and Dancin’ In the Streets. Enjoy!

Roots Picnic, KRS One, Dancin’ In the Streets: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/05/21/june

Saturday, June 6

The Roots annual picnic is hot as hell — in temperature and line-up. This year’s sweat fest features Public Enemy, who’ll perform a classic track with backup from The Roots and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra. Totally worth the sunburn! 2 p.m., $47.50-$51, with The Roots, TV on the Radio, Black Keys, Public Enemy, Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Santigold, Busdriver, Asher Roth, Kid Cudi, King Britt, Dozia, Dave P and Writtenhouse, Festival Pier, Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden St., okayplayer.com/rootspicnic. —DD

Saturday, June 13

For those missing the boom in your stereo or bap in your beats, some trailblazers in hip-hop are descending on the city. Who, you ask? KRS-One, for starters. Need we say more? 8 p.m., $30-$45, with Poor Righteous Teachers and Roxanne Shante, Club Polaris, 460 N. 9th St., ticketmaster.com. —DD

Friday, June 26

After a short hiatus, Dancin’ in the Streets returns. The event mashes up art, culture and music to celebrate life and commemorate HIV Testing Day. As always, testing, info and counseling are available, confidential and free. 6 p.m., free, w/ DJ Rich Medina, Ethel Cee, Sagamoor, Flygirrl and more, Piazza at Schmidt’s, 2nd St. and Girard Ave., flygirrl.com. —DD

Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/05/21/august

Sunday, August 9

Reppin’ correct, the Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival is breaking out! Workshops, performances and showcases will be had over three days, cultivating and honoring the female contribution to hip-hop. And no, we ain’t talking about the videos! Aug. 7-9, various times and locations, ladiesofhiphopfestival.com. —DD

adele, del the funky homosapien, reef and king magnetic – writing for april 16-30, 2009

My writings are getting crazy edited lately..maybe I need to take a writing class or something?! Enjoy!

Adele, Philadelphia Citypaper, 4/30/09: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/30/adele

With a retro-soul voice echoing Joni Mitchell, Britain’s Adele is taking a victory lap to confirm her Stateside success. Her 2008 hit, “Chasing Pavements,” exposed her range of vocals and emotions, while her cover of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” proved she could hold her own on classics. Get used to her America — Adele isn’t going anywhere.

Sun., May 3, 8 p.m., $29.50, Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St., 215-627-1332, ticketmaster.com.

Del the Funkee Homosapien, 4/30/09: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/30/del-tha-funkee-homosapien

The Monkees-inspired “Mistadobalina” carried his 1991 debut album, and “Clint Eastwood” made that Gorillaz CD a must-have in 2001. But Oakland MC Del the Funky Homosapien trajectory has gradually been slipping over the past two decades, thanks to some dull recordings and lackluster live shows. Regardless, fans still come out to get a glimpse of what hip-hop used to be.

Sun, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $14, all ages, with Bukue One and Mike Relm, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

Reef the Lost Cauze/King Magnetic, 4/16/09: http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/04/16/reef-the-lost-cauze–king-magnetic

Between their zillion other projects and tour dates, MCs Reef the Lost Cauze and King Magnetic found time to make Shadyville, a mixtape with walk-ons by Brother Ali and Edo G. Says Reef: “We heard the ’80s were back but all we saw was the nerd version of the ’80s, so this is our contribution to the retro movement — the birth of gangster rap.”

Fri., April 17, 9 p.m., $10 (free for ladies before 10 p.m.), with E-Life, Capo, Scholar and more, Tacony Billiards, 6201 Keystone St., 215-338-4733, taconybilliards.com.