ROUNDUP: Snow, Shows & Singles

Over the past five years, Burlington has seen a fair few hip hop showcases come and go. Some have quietly disappeared, some have gone into semi-retirement, and some of them have kept on marching. Most of those scrappy survivors are getting together on Thursday, December 21st for a big old party called Holidaze at the Lanes.

It will be held at Champlain Lanes, home of Mics & Strikes, a showcase run by Mister Burns of Lynguistic Civilians. (In case you haven't heard of them, start here.) Rapper, producer, promoter, radio host and plenty more besides, he's got experience and connections. Since he started in May, he's brought some serious acts through Shelburne.

Joining the celebration is Anthill Collective, whose 3rd Thursdays series at Monkey House has had a spectacular run in 2017. They've continuously upped the ante, and always delivered solid lineups without overstuffing the audience. Anthill also helped organize one of the best events of the year, their waterfront art festival Above The Radar.

Finally, props to Yo! BTV Raps and the Self Portrait crew for keeping the torch burning. Here's hoping they can continue the series into 2018.

With so many extended families under the same Christmas lights, you know the lineup is going to be bananas. Mister Burns, Self Portrait and Stiltz Gang will all be in the building, with Hagen MC, Drive and at least a few members of BTV favorites Bless The Child. 9 pm. Free show. All ages. $15 gets you two hours of bowling.

Speaking of celebrations, Jibba "The Gent" just threw a wild birthday party show last weekend with Slaine & Termanology at The Rusty Nail. To celebrate, he's dropped a new single:



"Ishimown" features Jun Fargo over a spacious banger. Jibba previously collaborated with Jun Fargo on "Maple Syrup," a video that clocked 150k views on Youtube since this summer. Jibba's had a strong 2017, building some real momentum and reach with his album The Broccoli Tree.



Teece Luvv used to be known as John Carter of Earth or JCOE, part of Windsor's party weapon Maiden Voyage. He's just dropped an excellent three track set in collaboration with ILLu. A rapper named Jarv stops through to casually murder a verse and the beats are on point. Dig it.

One last note of appreciation before I go...

Sidebar, a humble & tasty venue tucked next to Mr. Mike's Pizza, has been booking and supporting local hip hop since they opened. They've got some holiday treats on the calendar this month, including an upcoming Sunday set from DJ / producer David Chief on Dec. 17th. He'll have MilkHaus artist LoKi opening.

Sidebar's got another hot ticket right after Christmas on Thursday the 28th: a bill featuring Jarv x Mr. Burns alongside Possibly Human, a collaboration between Hank Collins and Sam Paulino. For a sample of what that project will be like, check out their recent collaboration with producer IMAN, "Fossils."



You can't beat that for three bucks, hot damn. Enjoy yourselves, and whatever you do, drive safe.

Jibba? or Giblet the Gent?

 

Southern Vermont Hip-hop artist Jibba "The Gent" is teaming up with J Gibbs Engineering and Sheri's Place Bar and Grill to give away a Turkey Dinner to a family in need. It's a simple contest, all you have to do is nominate a family or person in need and send a message to J Gibbs explaining why they deserve a free dinner. The winner receives 4 ticket's to Jibba's Birthday Bash with Slaine and Termanology and the nominated family receives a Butterball Turkey Dinner with "all the fixins"! Win-win right? Share away folks! It's for a good cause, official contest rules are below.


🍗TURKEY GIVEAWAY 🍗
Jay L Gibbs and I are teaming up to give away a FREE turkey today!
To enter the contest follow these steps:
* Watch this video and share it (sharing isnt necessary but is appreciated)
* Nominate a family or friend in need by messaging J Gibbs Engineering LLC
* Tell us why you are nominating this family or friend. (Touch our hearts 💖)
* Watch our new video tomorrow night 11/22 at 6PM when we reveal the winner of the Turkey and concert tickets!
🎁 Winner recieves 4 concert tickets to Jibba's Birthday Bash with Slaine and Termanology
and the nominated family or friend wins the Turkey!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1335004813311642/?ti=as

 

TONIGHT: Brzowski, Wool See & Jibba "The Gent" @ Monkey House

The latest edition of Anthill's 3rd Thursday series will feature Portland, ME legend / rap hobo Brzowski, who recently released his new LP Emnityville. Check out the video for Leave It All Behind:



Also on the bill: Jibba "The Gent," one of the 802's 2017 MVPs, and Wool See, a recent transplant from Portland, OR, who is perhaps better known as rapper/producer IAME of Oldominion and Sandpeople.

Opening sets include Drive and Khaosity, who just released his first single on Heartless Ent, "Legend." 9 pm. 18+ $8 / 21+ $3.

VIDEO: "Transform" - Apathy, JynxINC & Jibba "The Gent"

This hilarious animated video is the first cut on the Underground Hustlin' 62 mixtape, which is hosted by Connecticut legend Apathy and available for pre-order now. It also features a few of the 802's most motivated rappers: Jibba "The Gent" alongside the tag team of Krypto Man and Eyedos, better known as JynxINC, one of Vermont's longest-running and most prolific groups.

And everyone is on their A+ game here, because...well, you know: Apathy.

Machete Ish Records has been putting in a ton of work in 2017. Eyedos has released a killer solo LP, Guerrilla Bars, which features Ruste Juxx, C-Rayz Walz and Kool G Rap. (That track slaps, too -- check out "Gun Smoke" if you haven't already.) Then he dropped another album, the sprawling posse cut blitzkrieg that is Minds Eye Tribe.

Still to come in 2017, though, is a new JynxINC full length, "Devil May Care Too" -- a sequel to their '05 album which drops on Halloween. Guest features include Slaine, Intrinzik, and Killah Priest.

Jibba "The Gent" and Eyedos will both be playing sets next Saturday (Oct. 14th) at the Khaosity Birthday Bash at Social Club & Lounge. 7 pm. $2 until 10 pm, $5 after that. 21+.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in October

Oct. 6th - 33 1/3 Anniversary of "The Cultural Bunker" at Club Metronome - This is a huge party honoring one of the true founders of "Vermont Hip Hop," by any standard, DJ Melo Grant. Naturally, this will feature an all-star cast of DJs, like Big Dog, Cre8, Sexfly, Luis Calderin, and Nat Woodard. There is also going to be an epic cypher with Konflick, S.I.N.siZZle, Jarv, and Learic trading bars over Es-K beats. Be there. 9 pm. 21+. $5.

Oct. 9th - Brother Ali at Higher Ground - One of the best to do it will be swinging through to support his new album, All the Beauty in This Whole Life. He's bringing along some top-notch support, too -- Sa-Roc, Last Word and Sol Messiah will also be playing. 8 pm. $20 adv / $22 door. ALL AGES SHOW.

Oct. 14th - Khaosity Birthday Bash at Social Club & Lounge - Khaosity has been hustling hard in 2017...reckon he's earned a big party. And this will be big: current lineup goes a little something like Jarv, Jibba The Gent, Eyedos, Mister Burns, Kingbread, Suss Brim, BL SPITZ, HatePH34R, Modest, Corty Booth, Drive and JMC Ent. 7 pm. $2 until 10 pm, $5 after that. 21+.

Oct. 19th - Third Thursday at Monkey House - Third Thursday is always a family celebration, but this one is going to be special. Portland, ME madman / rap hobo Brzowski will be playing in support of his impressive a.f. new album, Emnityville. This cat is at the top of his game right now. There will also be a set from Wool See, aka Portland, OR rapper/producer IAME, who recently moved to Vermont...and released a new album, Leaving/Left. Still not enough? Fine. Jibba "The Gent", will also be rocking the Monkeyhouse, and the evening kicks off with a set from Khaosity & Drive. 9 pm. 18+ $8 / 21+ $3.

Oct. 20th - WRUV presents Milo and Sammus. As part of WRUV's "Rocktober" series, they've been kind enough to make some space for beats & rhymes. Milo having an amazing run, building a genuine indie empire with his Ruby Yacht extended family. Sammus is an awesome emcee from Ithica, NY with an unforgettable stage show. Also, Sam Paulino will be opening, fresh off his triumphant South Cove EP, one of the best Vermont releases of 2017.8 pm. $15. ALL AGES SHOW.

Oct. 20th - East Coast Indie Jam at Club Metronome - this is a huge networking event in addition to a rap show. There will be a lot going on upstairs on the 20th. Current line up hails from all over: Spocka Summa & Friends (RI), Colby Stiltz (VT), Dommy Divine (MA/CA), Spilt Soul (FL), Twenty Piece (DC), and Swizzy B (CO) -- with more local support to be announced shortly. 8 pm. 21+. FREE SHOW.

Oct. 27th - Boomslang Album Release Party at Sweet Melissas - Boomslang will be releasing their new album, Attack the Vampire, on a Friday night in the capital city. Maiden Voyage is co-headlining, and surprise special guests will also be in the building. 9:30 pm. Under 21 $10 / 21+ $5.

Oct. 28th-29th - Fear Fest is a private party in Royalton, VT. (A good town to be holding a private party in.) Party is being thrown by Yours Truly Inc, and there will be costume competitions and bonfires aplenty. This will be a two night BYOB party with tons of music - current lineup is Judge da Beast, Bar None The Best, Dee Block, EyeDos, Jarv, BL Spitz, Biozone, I.M.L, and JMC. $15 / $20 VIP

Oct. 31st - Jonwayne at Club Metronome - Jonwayne is an unlikely looking rap superhero, but he dropped one of 2017's best albums. He's on tour with young Texas spitter Danny Watts, who just released an album on Jonwayne's label (and quit his job at CostCo -- congrats!) Also on the bill: EMV and an opening set from Loupo, who definitely deserves the spotlight. 8:30 pm. $13 adv / $15 door. 18+.

VIDEO: Judge, Hess, Rich - "100"

Fresh visuals from the Bar None The Best extended fam. Shot in NYC, the video features some tasty wall pieces in addition to three tight, menacing verses from Judge Da Beast, J-Hess and M. Rich.

You can catch Bar None The Best on Saturday night at Gusto's in Barre, performing at The Fall Come Up, a celebration of hip hop in their hometown. They're bringing along an A-List lineup, too: Judge Da Beast, S.I.N.siZZle, Jibba "The Gent," NYT and the entire Street Religion crew. 21+ Show is free. Buy some albums.

THURSDAY: Home Grown Hip Hop @ Club Metronome

An interesting twist on the usual showcase gig: Home Grown Hip Hop is half Massachusetts, half locals. The out of state delegation includes Party Boy Woodz, Joe Grizzly, City Lights and Busy Bars. Vermont is being represented by Colby Stiltz, Suss Brim, Chyse Atkins, Jibba "The Gent," Modest, JMC ENT and Khaosity.

DVP Cinematography will also be in the building -- you may have noticed that is the second time in one week we're giving a shout out to Miles Goad. Honest hustle always pays off.

If you're looking for some happening hip hop in the Queen city, this is pretty much it for this week. Be there. 9 pm. 18+ $5. 21+ Free.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in August

August 2nd: Apathy @ Club Metronome. One of the best rappers alive touches down on Main Street tonight so, you know, go see that. 9 pm. $10 adv / $15 door. 18+

August 4th: Bowling for BP @ Champlain Lanes. A special charity edition of the Mics & Strikes series to benefit the Ryan Morin Memorial Scholarship. 8 pm. $15 gets you two hours of bowling and dope rap. All ages.

Also August 4th: The Khaosity Experience @ Sweet Melissas. An evening of hip hop in Montpelier with Drive, Trono of Self Portrait crew, and JMC Ent. 8:30 pm. $5. All Ages.

August 11th: Chris Webby @ Higher Ground. Suburban rap sensation Chris Webby has parlayed mixtape success into multiple national tours now and will probably never stop. Also on the bill: Bizarre of D12, because of course he would be. 9 pm. $18 adv/$22 door. All Ages.

August 17th: 3rd Thursday @ The Monkey House. Yet another big score for the Anthill Collective family, this month's lineup brings some outside talent to Winooski. Sets from Ben Schorr, Stay on Mars and Maine's furball fast-rap legend Eyenine, who puts on a hell of a show. Local metal rap act HatePH34R will be making an appearance, too. 9 pm. 21+ $3 // 18+ $8

August 19th: Dellarious Summer Jam @ Cloud 9 Bar and Grille. Sure, this is in New Hampshire on Hampton Beach, but the lineup is heavy on Vermont: Bar None The Best, Jarv, Jibba the Gent and the entire Street Religion massive doing a group set. This should be a fairly bananas event. 9 pm. $5 adv/$10 door. 21+

August 24th: Chyse & DJ Ross @ Social Club & Lounge. If you're not familiar with Chyse, fix that. He'll be headlining at Social Club & Lounge alongside DJ Ross. Khaosity, Jibba the Gent and Kastaway will also be performing. 9 pm. $5. 21+

August 26th: A-Dog Day 2017 @ Waterfront, Nectars, Club Metronome. It's hard to believe this is already the fourth A-Dog Day celebration. It's also hard to believe it's only the fourth one. This has become the most important event of the year, a pilgrimage, a holy day. The Friends for A-Dog Foundation not only puts on a world-class party, they're a community asset year round.

What a party, though. They're not kidding when they call it "a city-wide celebration," but make sure you're upstairs at Club Metronome when The Beatnuts go on.

VIDEO: Judge Da Beast - "U.N.I.T.Y." ft. Jibba the Gent and S.I.N.siZZle

A big moment for Vermont hip hop, right here. "U.N.I.T.Y." is the closing track off Judge Da Beast's 2016 album Arraignment, featuring two highly appropriate guest spots: Jibba "The Gent" and S.I.N.siZZle, both of them positive forces in their communities and our rap scene. The track itself, as older & wiser readers already know, is a flip of Queen Latifah's '93 hit.

Shot at Vermont's scenic state capital, the video has a big cast in the background. It's not quite XXL's legendary October '98 cover, but a decent percentage of the 802's entire scene showed up for this. You can catch Bar None The Best in the mix -- they just wrapped up a new song & video shoot with Boston legend Termanology.

Props to Miles Goad of DVP Cinematography for excellent work here. Props to everyone who came through and showed up. Props to Judge Da Beast: this not only changes the conversation after a month of diss tracks, it proves he's an artist with range. Depth, too. Check out Arraignment if you haven't already.

VIDEO: Jibba the Gent - "Maple Syrup" ft Jun Fargo, Yung Breeze & Vazy

The state of the art for local rap videos has been upgraded in the past few years. "Maple Syrup," which was shot by Matt Graham Visuals, is a standout on par with Chyse's excellent "Too Cool" video from late last year. It's a smooth, professional piece of work.

It's also an unambiguously fun song, and they clearly had a blast making this.

Jibba the Gent has recently made a remix-ready version of Maple Syrup available on Soundcloud. As long as you credit the producer, ThenWhat, along with Jibba & Jun Fargo on the hook, anyone can lace their own version of this single. If there are any standouts, we will definitely post them here.

Vermont's dirty south is poised for a damn strong 2017, with solo releases from Jibba the Gent and Vazy, the continuous rise of Maiden Voyage, and the tireless hustle of Legit Lioness and the Street Religion crew. Expect to see a lot more points on the board before this year is through.

Burlington Hip Hop Night, July 13th @ Club Metronome

This Thursday, Club Metronome will be hosting a packed lineup. Packed.

S.I.N.Sizzle will be delivering a solo set, Jibba the Gent returns to BTV, plus appearances from Chyse (with DJ Ross) and Young $eth & David Chief. To top it all off, BTV's own "supergroup" Cultural Chemistry will be in the house. Expect to see Learic debut some choice new material.

Seven bucks for folks with drinkin' ID, ten bucks for the 18+ crowd. Get there early -- there is no dead weight on this bill whatsoever.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in July

Happy 4th, folks. Make it count.

July 6th: Spose x Shane Reis at Higher Ground. Spose is a yung rap phenom from Maine who was smart enough to build a sustainable fanbase off his viral hit "I'm Awesome." Expect a fun show and copious amounts of ganja raps. 8:30 pm. $12 adv / $14 at the door.

July 13th: Burlington Hip Hop Night at Club Metronome. Another stacked showcase gig; this is a strong lineup. S.I.N.Sizzle, Jibba the Gent and Cultural Chemistry, plus appearances from Chyse (with DJ Ross) and a set from Young $eth & David Chief. 9 pm. 21+ $7 // 18+ $10.

July 20th: 3rd Thursday at the Monkey House. Anthill Collective's excellent monthly series continues, this time bringing Montreal true school rapper Monk'E to BTV. Also on the bill: Face One will be back onstage for the first time in awhile, and Self Portrait will be in full effect. 9 pm. 21+ $3 // 18+ $8

Also July 20th: Regional Indie Hip Hop Compilation Release Party at Club Metronome. Not a very catchy name, but it promises to be an entertaining evening. This is going to be a "live mixtape" affair featuring a ton of artists, a collaborative production from Heartless Entertainment and STILTZgang. The big news here: live set from Kingbread. You know you have to see that. 10 pm. 21+ free // 18+ $5

July 22nd: Music for the Good Earth at Parker Pie Co. It's out there, but Parker Pie Co. has some of the best food in the state -- and, without question, one of the best beer lists. Maiden Voyage will be headlining this one, which is a guaranteed good time. NEK heads are strongly advised to check this one out. MC Mycelium will be there with his Speaking in Tongues improv rap outfit. 8-11 pm. $5 donation.

Also July 22nd: Hip Hop Showcase at Charlie-O's. This legendary Montpelier dive is always a great venue for rap music, but this bill is especially interesting. There's going to be a lot of regional talent - Cody Pope and Two Story are from New Hampshire, and Ill By Instinct is a wicked talented emcee from Maine who's been having a great run in 2017. Rounding out the bill: Fresh Patterns, Trono and a solo set Mister Burns. 9 pm. 21+ only. Free as in free.

July 26th: Northern Exposure at Higher Ground. Northern Exposure is a monthly series that usually showcases rock, but this month's edition is heavy on local hip hop. These are all new names to me: Kastaway, Khaocity, Italics, and Drive. More details and hilarious bio copy available here. 8:30 pm. $6 adv and day of.

Remember, every Wednesday evening from 10 pm to midnight, Mister Burns is running the studio at 105.9 FM -- THE RADIATOR. His show, Words & Verbs, is a celebration of Vermont hip hop.

2017's celebration of A-Dog Day will be on Saturday, August 26th.

Jibba The Gent - "I'm Dead"

Jibba The Gent is a very busy man. Hip hop is a culture where everyone says they're busy, but the work is the proof. I'm Dead is a single off his new album, "The Broccoli Tree." It's a testament to his long game approach -- a lean, heavy LP full of big hooks and strong guest features.

The video is colorful & ambitious as hell, worlds apart from the usual "rapping in front of buildings" approach. You can tell how much work went into every frame here.

Fresh off a triumphant gig at Windsor Station last night -- and well-deserved headline appearance at YO! BTV Raps last week -- it looks like Jibba is only getting started.

In the meantime, check out this excellent interview with Skilly Magazine, discussing his goals, business strategy & local scene.

TONIGHT: Yo! BTV Raps Vol. 8 @ Sidebar

Vol. VII already? That is some Lucasfilm-type longevity. YO! BTV Raps has been a reliably great gig every time, and tonight's lineup is especially strong. Jibba the Gent will be making a well-deserved headline appearance in support of his new album, Broccoli Tree.

It's a free show, it's a great venue, it'll be a beautiful night. Music starts at 10 pm - DJ Kanga will be hosting.

ROUNDUP: Hip Hop Shows in June

A couple of choice cuts from what remains of June:

June 14th: Bucksaw and Loupo at SideBar. An evening of collaborative DJ sets. Expect woozy, deep cuts and heavy "electronic trap" influences. Spaced-out ill shit, in other words. 10 pm. Free.

June 15th: Anthill Collective will be hosting their third "Nights of the Roundtables" session at The Monkey House in Winooski. Expect a family vibe, eclectic vinyl and turntable excellence. Pool tables & great drinks. 9 pm. 21+ $3 // 18+ $8

June 16th: Ziontific Summer Solstice Festival will be kicking off and 802 supergroup Cultural Chemistry will be playing. More information (and tickets) available at their official site. Bring a tent, bud.

June 22nd: Yo! BTV RAPS Vol. 8 at SideBar. A variety show that keeps improving every time. The lineup is packed for this one, with Jibba the Gent headlining in support of his impressive new album, The Broccoli Tree. Also on the bill: Self Portrait, Mister Burns, Matt Hagen MC, LoKi, and "members of Bless the Child." What does that mean? You have to go and find out. 10 pm. Free.

June 29th: Busdriver at ArtsRiot. One of LA's best rappers will be coming through one of Burlington's best venues for a solo set. No word on opening acts but dude himself is plenty enough to leave the house for. 9 pm. $12 adv /$14 at the door.

2017's celebration of A-Dog Day will be on Saturday, August 26th.

New Music: Causin' Effect - "Maple Syrup" (Feat. Junum)

New music from Springfield Vermont's Causin' Effect with visuals for their single "Maple Syrup" (Feat. Junum). Watch as Jibba The Gent and Vazy serve up some breakfast at the classic Springfield Royal Diner and drench your meal in REAL Vermont maple syrup.

VIDEO: "Turn it Round" - Jibba the Gent

Side Note: Dang, it has been a good year for videos -- in fact, this is the second one Jibba the Gent has released this year. Check out "I'm Dead" if you haven't already. Everyone has been stepping the quality control up considerably.

This is a political jam off Jibba the Gent's upcoming album, The Broccoli Tree. Given the current clown-car climate of our fine country, he felt compelled to release this puppy ASAP, for reasons that will become obvious as you watch it. Enjoy.

Reminder: Burnt MD / Diabolic Ticket Contest

The deadline for entering our ticket giveaway is tomorrow, September 18th, at 4:20 pm EST.

Two winners will get a pair of tickets each -- you and a guest, daug, yeah! -- and entering the contest is completely painless, providing you don't stab yourself while you do it: send an email to powerweirdo@gmail.com, put "BURNT MD SHOW" in the title, and let us know where in the 802 (or 603 or 518 or 413 or 207 or...) you're from, and we'll do a blind drawing on Thursday night, audited by none other than Seven Daysie "Best Recording Studio/Engineer" award winner Walter Westinghouse.

Sept 19th: Diabolic with Burnt MD

For Jibba the Gent's latest magic trick, he's bringing Burnt MD back from Colorado for his first Vermont show in years. Headlining the bill is Diabolic, one of the most technically gifted rappers in recent memory.

Would you like to get in for free? Sure you would, and Vermont Hip Hop actually has four tickets up for grabs. Rules are dumb simple: send an email to powerweirdo@gmail.com, put "BURNT MD SHOW" in the title, and let us know where in the 802 (or 603 or 518 or 413 or 207 or...) you're from, and we'll do a blind drawing on Thursday night, audited by none other than Seven Daysie "Best Recording Studio/Engineer" award winner Walter Westinghouse.

Deadline for entry is Thursday, September 18th @ 4:20 pm EST.

Sept. 19th: Burnt MD Returns to Vermont

Well, hot damn.

Jibba the Gent has brought a lot of great shows to the 802 over the past two years, but this latest shindig is a coup: he's bringing Burnt MD back for his first Vermont show in years. Also, Diabolic will be headlining. Rounding out the evening is Burlington art-rap crew Somewhere in the Solution, as well as sets from DK, Coast and Freeze.

Local rapper types should be advised there's going to be an onstage cipher to kick things off: "Calling all MC’s! Take your chance to spit a 16 over a Vazy beat. As many as we can fit in 15 minutes. So be there early if you want the chance to shine! This will be filmed by Eight Zero Two Productions for our Woodchuck Cypher Sessions Promotion!! So bring your A game!!!"

Show is 18+ and tickets are $15. We'll have more details soon.