Ever since the re-release of Binary Star's Masters of the Universe in 2000, there's been a huge, almost cultlike buzz in the underground about the mic skills of One Man Army (AKA OneBeLo). His signature sound is reminiscent of the golden-age era of hiphop: Focused on substance over flash, he relies on the important things an emcee must have, like a unique voice, impeccable cadence, and a variety of subject matter. His fan base spread quickly beyond his Midwest base after he opened for Jurassic 5 in Seattle back in 2001, after which he hit the road with Oldominion and Qwazaar of the Typical Cats on the Big Payback Tour. One Man Army makes another visit to Seattle with a couple of featured performances this week (more on that later), and has since dropped his project F.E.T.U.S. (For Everybody That Under Stands), the prelude to one of the most anticipated underground releases, L.I.F.E. (Lo Is for Everybody). He plans on touring this summer and releasing his next single, "Here and Now," in the near future on his Subterraneous Records label. OneBeLo also has a comic book and DVD in the works, and he will continue to produce songs for the artists on his label with his fellow beat mechanic Decompoze--most recognizable for some of the songs he's done with battle legend Juice--as the Trackezoids. In the meantime, you can catch One Man Army at a couple local events. On Thursday, May 29, the Ethnic Cultural Theater celebrates the end of the school year at the University of Washington by throwing a hiphop celebration that incorporates (multi) cultural elements. In addition to One Man Army, the show includes Los Nativos--the Mexican American duo from Minneapolis on Rhymesayers--Massive Monkees, and the husband-and-wife duo of the Wondertwins--Source of Labor's Wordsayer, and Kylea from Beyond Reality.

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

hiphop@thestranger.com

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)

10. Krumbsnatcha, "King of All Kings" (D&D)