Gavin Wrap Up

This past weekend wrapped up one of the biggest Industry events of the year. This year's Gavin filled the Bay Area with the biggest names in the music business. But lets forget about all that industry stuff and the panels and all the free promos. Independent hip-hop made a huge mark over the weekend with multiple showcases of the illest artists residing beneath the surface.

The festivities started on Wednesday night with Jurassic 5, Blackalicious, Latyrx, Planet Asia, O.T. (Turbin and Encore), DJ D-Sharp at the Justice League. (UrbanEarth wasn't able to make it to SF in time for this show, so we ain't got no scoop for ya here. But we heard it was off the hook!)

Thursday, also at the Justice League, was Dilated Peoples, Living Legends, Hieroglyphics and Superstar Quamallah. UE opted to go to the Nu Gruv Showcase featuring Kool Keith, and Aceyalone, Juice, Zion I, Cali Agents and the Masterminds. This show was off the hook! Seriously be on the look out for Zion I. They came real strong in their stage show and if you haven't already heard their music, well, you better recognize. The Cali Agents (Planet Asia and Rasco) also rocked the packed house. Acey de Uno brought some of his Project Blowdians with him as an extra added bonus. Abstract Rude and P.E.A.C.E. blessed the stage as well and spit lyrical flames with a dope rendition of "L.A. Styles Back." I can't even speak on P.E.A.C.E. right now. If you ever see this cat live, prepare yourself to "oooh" and "ahhh" - he WILL make you bounce without even trying. All the artists on the Nu Gruv roster are preparing to drop their projects soon and we will keep you posted on all that.

The Stones Throw Showcase on Friday night at the Justice League was another night of divine hip-hop. Peanut Butter Wolf, J-Rocc and Rhettmatic of the Beat Junkies, the Visionaries, Breakestra, Quasimoto (but we don't know who he really is, right) and a whole mess of special guests entertained the lot of heads who bared the heat inside the venue. There was also a slew of notables in the audience including Mr. Sinista, DJ Apollo, Rakaa of Dilated Poeples, Self Scientific and many, many more.

Shall I continue with the show on Saturday night? The Bay Area Hip Hop Coalition brought together People Under The Stairs, Mass Influence, Self-Scientific, Grassroots, Thirston Howl, Non-Phixion, Dead Prez, Master Fuol, J-Live and (if you can believe it) even more acts for "Fundamentals." (Dang...that's a lot of heads!) In the front room was Mr. Supreme from Conception Records spinning crazy joints for all the heads trying to get their boogie on.

Ok, we're almost done. On Sunday night, Rakim, Jeru, DJ Honda performed at the Justice League while DJs Q-Bert, Babu, Z-Trip and Disk headed another installment of the Future Primitive Sound Session. Monday night was the "No on Prop. 21" benefit show in Oakland with Dead Prez, The Coup, Company of Prophets and others.

Whew...now that was a weekend. UE was able to hook up with some dope peeps, so be on the look out for upcoming interviews and story features.