On Saturday, May 31, at the Vera Project, One Man Army takes the stage again for a show by Impulse Productions, a company that helps Seattle youth polish their skills in the arts. The festival, which also includes Source of Labor, definitely makes the can't-miss list in my book. It's been over a year since Source of Labor last played together in Seattle, and they're one of the few truly entertaining groups to watch live, setting a high standard for performance that is rarely lived up to on the West Coast. From master of ceremonies Wordsayer to Darrius Willrich on keyboards, Dvonne Lewis on drums, Kevin Hudson on the bass, and Vitamin D holding the fort down on the wheels of steel, it should be a night to remember. Anthem will also be performing--fresh off their debut release, All in a Day's Work--and Cyphalliance, with their new release Industreets. Greasy Earl and Dharma round out this festival, with DJ Sayeed on the wheels as the night's selector.
Other good events not to miss this week include Thursday at Noc Noc. In what has been crowned one of the most authentic club nights on the Westside, residents Soul One and Johnny Horn bring the best reggae and dancehall to Seattle and occasionally house a special guest to bless the rudebwoys with that fire. DJ DNS, who is well known for his Strictly for the Dreads series, will be the guest DJ this week, ensuring that this night will get the walls bangin' more times than Kobe Tai at a Tommy Lee party.
On Monday, June 2, at the Noiselab, arguably the best DJ duo in the town--Soul One and Mr. Supreme--check in for Rords of the Froor. This time around the theme is '80s night, so don't forget the G-Nikes and jumpsuits as the Circle of Fire crew host an amateur b-boy tournament--with a $250 prize--for all the horrible new jacks who wish they could dance as well as Free, Orb, the Balance, and Seth.
Wednesday, June 4, the Baltic Room takes it back to the days when the Foundation at the Art Bar was crunk with True. B-Mello of the Blockburners and Soul One of DVS Crew will be party rocking it all night. I'm looking forward to this event, as it's sure to make several heads reminisce about hiphop's golden age in the '90s, when the likes of Wu-Tang, Boot Camp Clik, Above the Law, and Tha Alkaholiks were on the system and Flavor Magazine was the read of choice.
Finally, R.I.P. Bongo Flyer, you will be missed. SAMUEL L. CHESNEAU
REQUIRED LISTENING 1. Akrobatik feat. Diamond, "Feedback" (Coup d'Etat)
2. Gang Starr, "Code of the Streets" (Virgin)
3. Ms. Dynamite, "It Takes More" (Interscope)
4. Talib Kweli feat. Jay-Z & Busta Rhymes, "Get by Remix" (Rawkus)
5. Darrius Willrich, "Love Will Visit" (Critical Sun)
6. Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, "Operation CB" (Cold Chillin)
7. Ras Kass, "Amerikkka Me" (Buck 50)
8. Fakts One feat. Mr. Lif & Akrobatik, "The Show Starter" (Coup d'Etat)
9. JFK feat. Karim, "Wipe That Smile Off Your Face" (Sport N Life)