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.