GZA/GENIUS GZA: When it comes to thought provoking, street-bred raw lyricism, the Wu-Tang Clan’s fountain of wisdom, GZA takes his job very seriously. The way he crafts his double-edged rhyme flow mirrors the skill and precise technique of one who works with fine ceramics. GZA’s metaphoric and multi-layered lyrics are often touted by critics as his rap name implies; genius. MUJA MESSIAH:Thee Adventures Of A B-Boy D-Boy (Black Corners) The differences between mainstream and underground rap have always been a bit tenuous, as mainstream is often more political and message-based than it gets credit for, while underground hip-hop’s misogyny and regressive themes tend to get ignored. Muja Messiah shatters the implicit split between the two camps, deftly crafting a hip-hop masterpiece that combines indie’s nuance and honesty with mainstream’s swagger and charisma. Muja makes sure to differentiate himself from the area’s famed emo rap while continuing to rep his city hard (Messiah has the letters MPLS—spelled out in guns, swords, and dollar signs—tattooed on his neck). In lead single “Get Fresh,” he takes on those who are “backstabbin’ my city / like it’s all backpackin’ and hippies / like it ain’t crackin’ in my city.” With a winsome flow, Muja covers everything: cocaine deals and money-fetish materialism, progressive politics and introspective thoughts, dark reminiscences, well-spun punchlines. The album is refreshingly multifaceted, exactly the kick in the pants hip-hop needed. – AV Club -The Onion- Best of The Decade $15.00 ADVANCE TICKETS / $18.00 AT THE DOOR TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE, TRIPLE ROCK AND 5TH ELEMENT IN UPTOWN Also appearing: MUJA MESSIAH + ST. PAUL SLIM

March 11, 2010 (Thu)
18+ | 8:00 PM | $18.00