Currently Ozzborn, along with Oldominion crewmate Barfly--together known as Norman--has released a stellar album in Polarity (Under the Needle Records). In the past, I've done nothing but praise these guys' live performances, and they won me over with their combination snap-kick to the grill in "Weastwick United F.C." (as I am a pretty big fan of what Americans like to call soccer); they painted such a vivid picture of a hooligan that it makes an Oakland Raider fan look like a sissy. Well, their album is now finally released to the public, and what a great album it is: For all you Onry Ozzborn fans, you'll see a side of him you've never seen before. He sounds better than he's ever sounded as an emcee.
The one who came out of nowhere in this project is Barfly, who's sort of been the silent type on record until now (I know many bartenders at the Chop Suey and Showbox will be lining up to debate me on that one). Peep the review here coming soon.
So Missy Elliott is performing at the KeyArena. Many of you are probably like, "So why should I care?" I'll tell you why.
Make no mistake, I'm not feeling Missy Elliott as a songwriter, singer, or whatever she wants to call herself. I think her lyrics are terrible: They show no effort whatsoever, and it seems like she just freestyles to some of the most incredible production by Timbaland, one of the best producers in the game right now. All that aside, I'll be going to this show not to see Blu Cantrell, Tyrese, or 2003-recycled-new-edition-B2K. I won't even be going to see Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. The real stars of the show will be Missy's backup dancers. Many of you might remember them from last year's Lords of the Floor 2, as the grand champions dazzled the crowd with routines, power moves, uprocks, rhythm, flavor, and foundation to the core. That's right--Kamel and El Nino, the Bronx/Boston duo, have been on tour with Missy all over the world. So if there was ever a reason to go to a KUBE event, Kamel and El Nino are it.
Kamel is one of the most incredible dancers in the world right now, with all respect due to pioneers like Fever One of DVS/RSC and Ken Swift. Kamel has taken their game, and raised the standard for all b-boys to live up to. I'm not saying he's in a class by himself, as many dancers in Seattle's Massive Monkees and Circle of Fire crews are definitely on his level too (when is KUBE going to recognize this?). I'm saying that, in addition to dope moves, he has something that many dancers don't: The kid's got charisma and confidence.
Is anybody else as excited as I am about the two local individuals--responsible for about 80 percent of the music that comes out of Seattle's hiphop scene--who are really making some major national moves? Vitamin D and Jake One are producing the upcoming Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) solo album. Vitamin D's beats are so dope, Dr. Dre decided he would take a little bit of his style for the new 50 Cent album. I've been critiqued for newjackness for saying that, but I stand by it. Vitamin and Jake have definitely been getting the industry's attention. Next thing you know, we'll see Vitamin D executive-producing albums on a major. SAMUEL L. CHESNEAU
REQUIRED LISTENING 1. De La Soul, De La Soul Is Dead
2. Above the Law, Livin' Like Hustlers
3. Ice Cube, Death Certificate
4. A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory
5. OutKast,
Southernplayalisticaddilacmuzik
6. The Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die
7. Raekwon, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
8. 2Pac, All Eyez on Me
9. Heltah Skeltah, Nocturnal
