The Underground Report (2/25-3/3)

The Underground Report is back. This time, we're breaking you off with more Underground concert information, a new interview and even a preview of upcoming releases from Murs, Brother Ali and Mr. Dibbs. Read on...

---

 

With Paid Dues and Rock the Bells already heating up the concert event planning for this year, South By South West '07 can be added to that list of highly anticipated festivals.

 

This year, SXSW will feature various Hip-Hop acts. The entire thing will actually kick off with some help from Pigeon John, who will be hostingan Opening Bash Ceremony.

 

But that's not all, folks. Expect many other Hip-Hop/Undergroundacts in attendance, ready for this showcase. Cage, Brother Ali, El-P, Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic & Big Wiz, Honeycut,Galactic w/ Lyrics Born, Lateef, Gift of Gab and more are sure to please many.

 

---

 

Black Milk's buzz has beengradually growing. Manning the boards for acts such as Lloyd Banks, Canibus and Pharoahe Monch, the Detroit representative has proven himself as a producer. Now, he's stepping up to the mic. Following other producers-turned-rappers, he knows the pressure is on. Black Milk's Popular Demand will be released throughFat Beats (March 13). Taking some time off that busy schedule, Black Milk hit us up.

HHDX: So, what can fans,or even first time listeners,expect from Popular Demand?
BM: Innovative music, but with soul to it. You can still hear a couple songs with a rock or a jazz influence, but it's still upbeat and has that raw Hip-Hop feel. No matter whatI do,I always keep the beats hard-hitting with some grime to it.

HHDX: Whats it like being on Fat Beats Records?
BM: It's dope because I'm basically free to create whatI want, without having to worry about the label trying to make me appeal to a certain audience. That's the good thing about being on an independent--they're open to my ideas, I'm open to theirs; and so far everything is all good with me and the label.

HHDX: Do you find it difficult to sell the fact that you actually are an MC to those who know you simply as a producer?
BM: Not really, because most people that are familiar with me and my music know that I'm a MC also. I've been rhyming just as long as I've been producing, so it's really nothing new to hear me spit over beats and do it pretty good.

HHDX: What's the Detroit Hip-Hop scene like right now?
BM: It depends. We have a couple spots for the Hip-Hop heads but that group is pretty small. There aren't too many places where you can chill and hear some real Hip-hop shit.The D is kind of divided when it comes to the music scenes.

HHDX: Any work with Shady Records in the near future?
BM: Hopefully that happens. I've been working with Denaun Porter on different occasions. So, hopefully I'll have a track on the next D-12 album. I'm trying to make that happen.
---

As we noted in last week's Underground Report, El-P is releasing his highly anticipated LP, I'll Sleep When You're Dead. Mr. Dibbs and Producto have been blogging about this for quite some time. While handling some of the cuts on the new album, Dibbs is officially ready to hit the road with El.

"As most of you know, I have been working with El-P doing the cuts on his new record "I'll Sleep When You're Dead". What some of you may not know is I would like to officially announce that I am now El-P's DJ and will be performing with him on his upcoming release tours," Dibbs recently said in a statement on MySpace.

Mr. Dibbs is alsoprepping a release, which will contain new material from Murs, Brother Ali and others.

For those interested in a preview:

Murs tackles his track, "The MF you love to hate" with fury that would make Ice Cube proud..."kicking sh-t called street knowledge."

"Ice Cube's the greatest rapper of all time," he declares in the end of the cover of Cube's legendary track.

Brother Ali spitsas powerfully ashe usually does. This time, his determinedflow hits on topics such as poverty.

This should be dropping on 9th Circle EP by Mr. Dibbs and Rob Viktum. Acts scheduled to appear on the album include Slug (of Atmosphere) and Grayskull among others.

The Living Legends are grinding it out on the road. These are some of the tour dates, according to their label.

LIVING LEGENDS @ HIP HOP 4 EDUCATION

Living Legends, KRS One, Dilated Peoples, X-Clan, Funkdoobiest, Saul Williams, Quetzal, Aztlan Underground, and many more!!

Date: 03.03.07
Time: 4PM - 12AM
Venue: LA Center Studios
Location: 450 South Bixel St., Los Angeles, California (USA)

THE GROUCH & ZION I - LAKE TAHOE, CA

Date: 03.04.07
Time: 9 PM
Venue: Whiskey Dick's Saloon
Location: 2660 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, Ca

THE GROUCH & ZION I - Mammoth Lakes, CA

Date: 03.05.07
Time: 9 PM
Venue: Whiskey Creek
Location: 24 Lake Mary Rd. (Corner of Main and Minaret), Mammoth Lakes, Ca

Eligh + Lucky @ Lefty's Pizza in Salem, OR

Date: 03.08.07
Time: Doors 8 PM / Show 9 PM
Venue: Lefty's
Location: 1230 State St., Salem, Oregon (USA)

And of course, what many Underground Heads have been waiting for...