Rock The Bells-Announces-2009 Lineup 

Blame it on a cosmic quirk pertaining to years ending in the number “9,”* but between Eminem’s resuscitation, the Asher Roth hysteria, and now, Rock the Bell’s announcement of a House of Pain reunion, 2009 is shaping up as the year of the white rapper.

Of course, rap isn’t in danger of becoming Wings-obsessed (both band and television show) anytime soon — even if “Band on the Run” is ripe for producer plundering. After all, the headliners of the 10 city tour, Nas and Damian Marley, the Roots, Common, Big Boi (OutKast), KRS-One, Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & DJ Hi-Tek), the Rza, Chef Raekwon, and M.O.P., rank among the most venerable names in hip-hop, and easily ensure that not every act will look lobster-like in the broiling summer sun.

Coupled with the vicious battle-rhymes of Slaughterhouse, venerable Detroit group Slum Village, Boot Camp Click leader Buckshot, and promising Somalian MC K’Naan, the staggering litany of talent rocking the bells this summer illustrates why the Guerilla Union-run event remains the gold standard in live hip-hop.

This year's lineup also seems to signal a shift away from the fluorescent-rap generation that dominated the second stage in 2008, with Jay Electronica, Wale, B.O.B., Kidz in the Hall and the Cool Kids replaced largely by backpack-rap stalwarts: Necro, Eyedea & Abilities, Evidence (Dilated Peoples), Chali 2Na (Jurassic 5), and Sage Francis.

Hosted by KRS-One, Supernatural, Murs, and Pete Rock, each stop promises 25 acts on two stages, a vendor village and surprise performances. Last year’s New York date featured guest turns from Jay-Z, EPMD, Slick Rick and Pharoahe Monch, while DJ Quik and the Black Eyed Peas popped up at San Bernardino’s San Manuel Amphitheater.

Specific dates, venues and ticketing information have yet to be unveiled, but the smart money says that if you’re a local hip-hop fan, leave your first two Saturdays in August open. And bring the SPF-30.

Added by: Chinita, 09/Apr/09 | Comments: 0

Nas & Damian Marley Provide More Details On Album 

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April 8th, 2009 providing some brief details on their upcoming collaborative album last month, representatives for Nas and Damian Marley issued a press release to explain the final details of their musical partnership. The pair, who say they have shared a mutual respect since meeting in 1996, will release the album, Distant Relatives on June 23. While both artists are the offspring of musicians who were quite successful in their own right, they say the title refers to the bond of their African ancestry.

"Africa is the backbone of the world and the foundation of everything and Africans are in a situation where they need help more than anywhere else," Marley stated via the press release. "We know there are dire situations here in America but when you look at America—with public libraries and free education—these are not opportunities most Africans have. It's a completely different scale of trying to help people. As human beings, we’re part of a human family."

Since their initial meeting, Nas and Damian Marley have recorded the song "Road To Zion" together, and they are scheduled to headline at this years Rock The Bells festival.

"As an American, we have so much even in a so-called recession that a neighborhood like Queensbridge or Red Hook is Beverly Hills compared to the way people are living in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana," Nas added. "So obviously if we making records with that theme, there’s gonna be things I want to build on. I think Africa has a lot to teach us."

Added by: Chinita, 09/Apr/09 | Comments: 2

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