From the Jun 19 – Jun 25, 2003 issue

Music

The Hiphop Tip

Murs Mania

Bring the action figurines, because Murs is coming to the Vera Project on Thursday, June 19, along with Luckiam.PSC, his crewmate from the Living Legends and Mystik Journeymen. Murs is one of the latest Def Jukies to perform in our 'hood--this time on the solo tip, promoting his album The End of the Beginning, which has done well so far and could be one of the best albums from the Legends crew to date. The record has him teaming up with El-P (formerly of Company Flow), and the two work surprisingly well together. Murs is no stranger to Seattle, having come through several times before with his crew and more recently with fellow Rhymesayers Entertainment recording artists on the God Loves Ugly tour, among other swings through the Northwest. This time around he and PSC keep the RSE connection going with Brother Ali, who recently dropped one of the best albums of the year in Shadows on the Sun. Now retired from the battle circuit, Ali has taken the next step in sustaining a music career by making quality records that don't compromise his sound, yet work for mass appeal. Don't mistake the battle raps and judge Shadows as your typical boom-bap, lyrically lyrical album. Ali touches on several topics regarding his faith and his life, and tackles them with an aggressive approach, over production work from Atmosphere's Ant that's infectious to listen to. The more you hear Shadows, the better it gets. Word has it Ali is teaming up with Jake One and Vitamin D as well, so definitely expect more heat from the Minnesotan. Live, Ali's experience as a well-known and respected battler has given him the ability to transcend his recorded material on stage, as his previous tours with Atmosphere have proven.

Abstract Tribe Unique continue holding down the fort as a truly pioneering group in the West Coast underground circuit. Fronted by Abstract Rude--one of the members of Freestyle Fellowship--the South Central L.A. act has a reputation for incredible live performances and incredibly smelly fans. Don't let that deter you from seeing Abstract Rude, though, when his Project Blowed crew headlines with Afterlife and Chillin Villain Empire, who are hitting Seattle for the first time. Afterlife members include Hiphop Kclan, Rumble Pack, Cypher Seven, Busdriver, and Of Mexican Descent. (Busdriver and OMD have definitely made their presence known in previous Seattle shows at the Paradox, I-Spy, Chop Suey, and the Crocodile.) This time around, the Black Market tour will be hitting Chop Suey on Saturday, June 21, with Sleep and Onry Ozzborn rounding out the bill.

While things haven't quite been confirmed for their 12th-anniversary bash, that sure ain't stopping the Coolout 2GX crew from throwing a party. This Sunday, June 22, at About The Music (6010 Airport Way in Georgetown), the local television show is holding a benefit to raise money for its real anniversary party, with special appearances by TC Izlam, Mista Ock, Central Intelligence, and Unexpected Arrival, among others. The party will definitely be the place to be, so be sure to come through with your support.

In what will more than likely be an insanely dope, party-rocking dancehall jam, Sami T, Masta Simon, Captain C, Super G, and Cojie--together known as the Mighty Crown--will be blazing the Baltic Room on Sunday, June 22, with fresh grooves and a real high-energy performance. If you've seen any of the DVDs from these cats--who hail from Yokohama, Japan, of all places, but now reside in Brooklyn, New York (and rock crowds from Queens to Kingston)--you know that these boys don't play. While they're no strangers to sound clashes, winning the World Clash in 1999, they've definitely impressed dancehall patrons worldwide with the depth of their reach, which includes a weekly radio show, a free dancehall newspaper called Strive, the Lifestyle Records label, and the clothing line Nine Rulaz--not to mention their talent and overall dedication to dancehall culture.

Yes sir! Gang Starr's The Ownerz finally drops this Tuesday, so you know I'll be copping this bad boy upon arrival. Hopefully this won't be the last time we hear from the duo of Guru and Premier, but if it is, rest assured Primo will still be doing his thing, and that's all that matters. On that note, I'm out like Rick Neuheisel. SAMUEL L. CHESNEAU

hiphop@thestranger.com

REQUIRED LISTENING 1. Gang Starr feat. Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx, "Capture (Militia Pt. 3)" (Virgin)

2. Zion I feat. D.U.S.T. & Deuce Eclipse, "Curb Servin'" (Raptivism)

3. Semi-Official, "P.A.A. Remix" (Rhymesayers)

4. Krondon feat. Jake One, "Feels Good" (Fat Beats)

5. Aceyalone feat. Abstract Rude, "The Saga Continues" (Project Blowed)

6. KRS-One, "Believe & Achieve" (White)

7. Snoop Dogg feat. RBX, "DPG Life" (Dogghouse)

8. Soul Purpose feat. Wordsworth, "Dry Spells" (Coup d'Etat)

9. Joe Budden, "Walk with Me" (Def Jam)

10. Mobb Deep, "Gun Sling" (Jive)

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