Crib Notes

WE THE BEST? YEAH, RIGHT.

Atlanta is top dog when it comes to hip hop cities, right? Having definitively vanquished New York, LA, and, um, Houston in recent years, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of debate on this issue. But believe it or not, folks in Miami somehow think they’re the best. DJ Khaled constantly yells out as much at the top of his lungs.

And sure, they’ve got something of a case, what with top-selling MCs like Rick Ross, Plies, T-Pain, Trick Daddy and Flo Rida residing in the general vicinity. Hell, even Lil Wayne lives in Miami Beach these days. A new disc from E-Class and Khaled — the ringleader of the bunch, even if he doesn’t really do much more than invite people to his recording studio and press record — is designed to drive this point home.

Live From the 305 features South Florida folks such as Ace Hood, Trina, Brisco, Trick, Flo and ten tons of other rappers I’ve never heard of. As a regional showcase, it closely resembles Killer Mike’s recent compilation CD, Underground Atlanta, which I liked a lot.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

The title of Killer Mike’s new compilation album featuring local MCs is a little misleading. After all, many of the artists who appear on Underground Atlanta — like recent XXL cover boys OJ da Juiceman, Gucci Mane, Shawty Lo and Soulja Boy — are household rap names who have received plenty of national exposure. Still, the two-disc set is charming and solid all the way through, and features highlights from such lesser-known talents as Rich Kidz (”Bowling”) and Prynce Cyhi (”Don’t Go Outside”), as well as winners from veterans including Pastor Troy and Trillville, whose “I Be Off Dat” recalls the group’s crunk-era glory. Killer Mike pops up periodically, usually to great effect, on such tracks as “N*ggaz Down South (Remix),” which also features T.I. and honorary Atlantan Bun B. A project like this is long overdue, and Mike’s ability to unite this diverse group of folks demonstrates his wide-ranging influence around these parts. (SMC Recordings) 4 stars out of 5

Killer Mike CD signing, Friday Sept. 4, 2009. 6 p.m. DBS Sounds, 6610 Highway 85, Riverdale. 770-997-5776. www.dbssounds.com

Bookmark to:

SUGARHILL AIN’T DEAD

(See more photos of Sugarhill’s last jam at John Crooms’ photoblog, mauricegarland.com or rollingout.com.)

Last night’s going-away party at Sugarhill in Underground Atlanta was “beautifully chaotic,” in the words of resident funkstress Joi, who’s held Sugarhill’s open mic night down as host since its inception in ’06.

When we broke the news on Crib Notes last week that the owners of Sugarhill had decided to close down Atlanta’s premier live soul venue to search for better digs, people began leaving mournful comments (myself included) that made it seem as if the announcement marked the end of an era.

But when Joi stepped on stage around 11:30 p.m. last night clad in skintight patent leather leggings, a backless red tee and red platform stilettos, it was apparent that she had not come to kick the proverbial bucket. Instead, Sugarhill’s last jam quickly morphed into a nasty, New Orleans-inspired, funk-jazz, juke joint of a funeral.

“This journey started about two and a half years ago ’cause it wasn’t shit to do in this city,” Joi eulogized from the stage, “this beautiful chocolate city full of talented artists.”

(more…)

Bookmark to:

UPDATE: Read the follow-up post, Sugarhill’s last jam — plus a Shameless Plug for the future of live music in Atlanta.

Next Tuesday will be the last night for Sugarhill — Atlanta’s premier destination for live soul and progressive urban music.

It’s a stunning announcement — but maybe not too surprising considering the obstacles the venue has faced since its inception.

Much of the onus for the club’s closing lies with “Underground [Atlanta] mismanagement,” according to co-owner Richard Dunn, who partnered with Jason Carter (Sol Fusion promoter), Freddy Luster (former co-owner of Yin Yang Café), and Rival Entertainment/Center Stage co-owners Josh Antenucci and Tom Cook to open the venue in September 2006.

(more…)

Bookmark to: