Nov. 25th: 10th Annual Ruckus Cup Classic in Portland, ME

"Rap Night" is a venerable Yankee tradition dating back to the 1700's, celebrated today in Manchester, NH and Portland, ME -- the original location. The crew behind Maine's rap night have been doing big annual emcee battles for ten years now...which brings us to 10th Annual Ruckus Cup Classic.

There's been no shortage of discussion about Who Is The Best Rapper so far in 2017, and most of those discussions are fucking pointless. Nobody can agree on which measurements matter, or what kind of accomplishments define achievement. On November 25th, there is going to be a real rap battle with real judges for real money. A thousand US dollars type real money.

This will be bringing in talent from all over New England, so if you wanted to make a name for yourself, this is probably the right time and the right place.

Probably comes with an important disclaimer, though: they're doing signups at 8pm the day of the event. No word yet on how many slots are available, but that is something to consider before you commit to a road trip.

Odds are pretty good the contestants will be performing front of a sold out house, too. In a rare nod to the four elements, there are also going to be DJ battles and a breaking exhibition in the building. This event is 18+ and advance tickets are $18. Doors at 8 pm: again, be there at 8 pm to sign up for the battle.

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.