If you are raising future generations of hiphoppers and looking for some good times this weekend, come celebrate the rich pageant of hiphop culture at Seattle Center's Festival Sundiata. Check out the Pavilion Room and join Seattle's chapter of the Universal Zulu Nation as they celebrate their second anniversary
Seriously, though, I don't give a fuck, y'all—Jersey City's Joe Budden is the truth. Since his #1 Draft Pick mix tape, through his gold-selling, self-titled debut, and up to his current in-limbo status, "Buddens" has been my favorite underdog in rap; combining intense introspection with gritty street narration, Joey is a supremely gifted lyricist who also happens to have the worst damn luck. From the grumblings about his album sales to a benign throat tumor that almost derailed his career to his battles with Game and G-Unit (where, sadly, it was proven once and for all that money and hype trump lyrical ability), Joe has always been dogged by almost-but-not-quite-there status.
On the other side of the map, physically and metaphorically, is Vallejo's Mac Mall. Mall first came on the scene with 1993's Bay Area classic Illegal Business?, repping Crestside and spitting hard game at the tender age of 16. Mac's debut, which was one of the first to come out on stalwart V-Town indie label Young Black Brotha is widely regarded as his best, but he's remained somewhat consistent with albums since then, most recently 2005's collabo LP with Mac Dre (RIP), Da U.S. Open. If you're wondering why I bring up all of this shit, it's because on Friday, February 24, these two lyricists (Mac Mall and Budden) will be rocking the Premier, alongside local favorite Unexpected Arrival. Backing up this most unlikely bill are up-and-comers Grynch, Speedy Gonzales, Brotha Brown, Young Soprano, and Cash Carter. Whether your steez is Timbalands or creased Girbauds, this show likely has something for you.
Seriously, though, I don't give a fuck, y'all—Jersey City's Joe Budden is the truth. Since his #1 Draft Pick mix tape, through his gold-selling, self-titled debut, and up to his current in-limbo status, "Buddens" has been my favorite underdog in rap; combining intense introspection with gritty street narration, Joey is a supremely gifted lyricist who also happens to have the worst damn luck. From the grumblings about his album sales to a benign throat tumor that almost derailed his career to his battles with Game and G-Unit (where, sadly, it was proven once and for all that money and hype trump lyrical ability), Joe has always been dogged by almost-but-not-quite-there status.
On the other side of the map, physically and metaphorically, is Vallejo's Mac Mall. Mall first came on the scene with 1993's Bay Area classic Illegal Business?, repping Crestside and spitting hard game at the tender age of 16. Mac's debut, which was one of the first to come out on stalwart V-Town indie label Young Black Brotha is widely regarded as his best, but he's remained somewhat consistent with albums since then, most recently 2005's collabo LP with Mac Dre (RIP), Da U.S. Open. If you're wondering why I bring up all of this shit, it's because on Friday, February 24, these two lyricists (Mac Mall and Budden) will be rocking the Premier, alongside local favorite Unexpected Arrival. Backing up this most unlikely bill are up-and-comers Grynch, Speedy Gonzales, Brotha Brown, Young Soprano, and Cash Carter. Whether your steez is Timbalands or creased Girbauds, this show likely has something for you.