The local true schools ATB Studios and Silent Lambs Project present Fundamentals, a symposium of dope rappers and DJs. Blak is the host and principal rapper; DJs Sean Malik and Mr. Hill will provide “authentic hiphop instrumentals.” A note about Blak: His solo CD, which comes out this summer, is the best work of hiphop I’ve heard so far this year. And a note about Mr. Hill: His recently released collection of gothic/hiphop instrumentals, The Darkest Hour, is already a local classic. (Rendezvous, 2322 Second Ave, 441-5823. 7:30 pm, $3.)

Charles Mudede—who writes about film, books, music, and his life in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, the USA, and the UK for The Stranger—was born near a steel plant in Kwe Kwe, Zimbabwe. He has no memory...