FROZE AF ROUNDUP: Winter 2018 Hip Hop Shows

No matter how far below zero that mercury drops, the shows must go on. What follows is a quick look ahead.

Jan. 10th - Blackalicious w/ Epidemiks @ The Snow Barn. West coast legends Gift of Gab & Chief XL will be rolling through The Snow Barn in West Dover...courtesy of Bud Light, no less. Opening support comes from Epidemiks, fresh off their New Years Eve celebration at The Stone Church. 9 pm. $15 adv / $20 door. 18+.

Jan. 11th - Khaosity @ Radio Bean. Khaosity kicks off his Light It Up Blue Tour, an effort to raise awareness & money for autism research. Lineup includes Corty Booth and Stormyweather. 10 pm. Free. ALL AGES.

Jan. 12-14th - 1st Annual Granite State Hip Hop Festival. Obviously, this is a New Hampshire event, but like the Ruckus Cup Classic in Maine, it's a big deal. This is going to be three nights of live hip hop at Jewel in Manchester -- perhaps the biggest highlight is Saturday night's bill, which features The Artifacts and Sadat X, in addition to 802 artists like Eyedos and Colby Stiltz. Check event page for details.

Jan. 18th - 3rd Thursday @ Monkey House Anthill Collective's family style party is almost always an event, and this month is no exception. The big reveal this time around is the debut of Princess Nostalgia and the return of rapper/producer/etc Network, who has not been seen in these parts for quite some time. There will also be sets from Fresh Patterns and ILLu, who is fresh off a new release. 9 pm. $3 21+ / $8 18+.

Jan. 26th - Maiden Voyage, C Shreve, Mister Burns @ Windsor Station. A pretty much guaranteed Friday night party. Maiden Voyage will be hosting at their hometown haunt, Mister Burns will be returning, and C Shreve will be bringing the guest boom baps. 9 pm. Free. 21+.

Jan. 27th - Mister Burns, C.Shreve, DJ Jet, Boomslang & Jarv @ Charlie O's. The same party continues north to Montpelier, home of America's Greatest Dive Bar, Charlie-O's. Boomslang will be cranking up the funk quotient to eleven. This will be hot stuff. 9 pm. Free. 21+.

Also Jan. 27th - All Black Party 2018 @ Social Club & Lounge. Heartless Entertainment will be hosting this "grown & sexy" party, which features a $100 cash prize for the best dressed arrival. No word on the lineup yet. Or cover price. 21+.

Feb. 1st - Mister Burns and Jarv @ Switchback Taproom An early set at a great spot downtown. A treat for BTV locals. 6 pm. Free. 21+.

Feb. 2nd - Building Blocks 2 @ Swan Dojo No word on the lineup or details, but the date, at least, is set in stone. The next installment of the community party / actual cypher / b-boy jam / fundraiser will be Friday, February 2nd. More on this story as it develops, folks.

Feb. 3rd - Mister Burns & Jarv at Notte Neapolitan Pizza Bar. The state's reigning tag team champions take their show to Middlebury, VT. 10 pm. $3. 21+.

Feb. 8th - Milo @ Arts Riot. Milo will be bringing his caravan through Arts Riot again, this time bringing along CT-based troubador and label founder Ceschi. Sadly, NYC wizard/god ELUCID will not be making the trek to Vermont, but this will still be a great night. 8pm. $15. ALL AGES.

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.

Dec 1st - "Building Blocks" @ Swan Dojo

There's a serious shindig going down in BTV next Friday, all of it run by the breakdancing academy / hip hop community hub Swan Dojo. The team at Swan Dojo have had a great 2017 run and now they're looking to give back in a big way.

"Building Blocks" is an all ages hip hop party. B-Boy Wish and DJ Headphone Monk are both evangelists for the four elements, and all of them will be represented here. Naturally, there's going to be a breakdancing competition, as well as showcase performances from Rhythm Riderz Crew and the Swan Dojo B-Kidz team. Anthill Collective will be there workshopping a black book session for aspiring graf artists. There will be MC cyphers throughout the evening, as well as a set featuring Jarv and Mister Burns, fresh off their epic Food For Thought Tour.

In other words, a jam-packed community shindig. And it's all for a great cause, too. All proceeds are going to (local!) charity and they'll also be collecting food & clothing. Safe to say more than half of the Vermont hip hop scene will be in attendance, so, you know, be there.

6-10 pm. 19 Church Street.
$10 entrance OR $5 with donation item of non-perishable food/article of warm clothing.

ROUNDUP: Brief Intermissions

Dropped out for a minute there, sorry folks. Things have been hectic, in a good way. We'll get back to our normal schedule by Turkey Day. In the meantime, though, I owe you some quick updates, no?

First of all, the Food for Thought Tour is in full swing. Props for making The Addison Independent. Props for raising money to feed hungry families, one of those rare causes that absolutely nobody can really argue with because it is so Obviously Good For All Mankind. Coming up this week: Flask Lounge (ME) and then...

Anthill's 3rd Thursday at The Monkey House will be a doozy, with Jarv & Mister burns swinging through to headline alongside Boomslang, who just dropped their new album Attack the Vampire. Things kick off with Prism GBA and Modest, who celebrates the release of his new EP, Harder Times Bring Harder Rhymes. 9 pm. 18+ $8 / 21+ $3.

In other big news, Jibba "The Gent" is going to be throwing a birthday party show at The Rusty Nail in Stowe on December 9th. Headlining the evening will be Slaine and Termanology, fresh off their new collab album Anti-Hero. (Which bangs, by the way.) Also on the bill: Bar None The Best and Hitmen For Hire -- a new project featuring Raw Deff, Judge Da Beast and Yung Breeze. Expect all fire bars from some of the 802's best spitters.

That show is being promoted by 6ix5ive6ix Records and Hustle, Loyalty & Respect Ent, with additional sponsorship from J Gibbs Engineering and Springfield-based restaurant Sherri's Place. It takes a village to make a scene to work. Big thanks to everyone supporting hip hop in the 802.

On Friday, legendary hardcore venue Jim's Basement will be hosting some hip hop: Self Portrait and Face One will be delivering an evening of choice beats and rhymes. If you don't know about Jim's Basement, bud, ask around. Usual rules apply: $5 donation for the band. No Jerks Allowed. It's a policy that works.

TONIGHT - Food for Thought Tour Kicks Off in Winooski

This weekend kicks off with a hip hop celebration at The Monkey House in Winooski. To launch their Food For Thought Tour in proper form, Mister Burns and Jarv are bringing their crews to the party: Cultural Chemistry and Maiden Voyage will both be doing sets tonight, along with NH standout talent Cody Pope.

There will also be games, prizes, raffles -- expect a party. Fun starts at 9 pm. Free, 21+

Jarv & Mister Burns announce Food For Thought Tour

Before the salad days of Lynguistic Civilians came to an end, they'd established a Thanksgiving tradition of 1) doing heavy-duty local tours that 2) had a strong charity / foodbank component. The Tossin' Turkeys Tour was always a success, and it always brought the Civilians crew to some new venues and out-of-the-way towns.

Some traditions are worth maintaining, and it's good to see this one making a comeback.

The Food For Thought Tour will see Jarv and Mister Burns run a marathon around New England through the month of November, thanks to sponsorship assistance from Switchback Brewing and a host of other 802 businesses (to wit: surf-styled restaurant The Spot, Vermont Teddy Bear Co., Pajamagram and the Rail City Hat Company, who will have a booth at the upcoming East Coast Indie Jam on the 20th.)

Along the way, they'll be playing from Rhode Island to Maine, wrapping things up with back-to-back homecoming gigs at Arts Riot and Champlain Lanes. Power moves, in other words. Great work, gentlemen.

TOMORROW: Kosha Dillz @ Nectars

Underground legend Kosha Dillz will be bringing his #KEEPITKOSHA tour to Nectars on Monday night. He's worked with everyone from C-Rayz Walz to RZA, and on the 2nd he'll be joining an excellent local lineup: Learic, Mister Burns, and Khaosity of Heartless Ent.

Should be a great night at BTV's most iconic venue. 9 pm. Free show. Gravy fries. Can't beat it.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mics & Strikes @ Champlain Lanes

As a concert series, Mics and Strikes may sound crazy on paper: hip hop and bowling is not a combination we see too often. It really works, though. Especially with a lineup this strong.

"Wool See" is a new project by IAME -- a rapper / producer who was part of the Oldominion and Sandpeople collectives out in Portland, OR.

$15 gets you two hours of bowling with a killer soundtrack. Dig it.

TONIGHT: "Words & Verbs" is Back on 105.9 FM

Mister Burns is back on local radio station 105.9 -- "Words & Verbs" will be live again this evening at 10 pm sharp, spinning a mix of fresh tracks and classic cuts from the 802.

Remember, you can stream from anywhere: 105.9 The Radiator.

Lynguistic Civilians Win 7th Consecutive Daysie Award

Naturally enough, The Lynguistic Civilians have claimed the crown once again. Brands that big, that well known, don't just go away. Still, their victory triggered a lot of conversations, most of them about whether a group that's broken up indefinitely should have been eligible. Barring any comebacks, perhaps Seven Days should retire the LC jersey to the stadium rafters in 2018. This time, however, the crown fits -- they were still doing shows to promote a new album in the past year.



The question of who could unseat the Civilians is interesting, though. This is not a talent show, first and foremost. Nor is it some kind of jury-reviewed reality TV show. The Daysies are a democracy, but a small one - there were 9,385 voters in 2017, a little under 2% of Vermont's population. (It is reasonable to assume those voters are primarily from Chittenden County, but that may not be the case.)

Lynguistic Civilians won that vote because they promoted & played constantly, all over New England. Every artist in every genre in Vermont has "all over New England" in their bio, but it usually just means they played in Boston a few times.

What really sets the Civilians apart is the shows they played all over Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, in small town corners that only get local cover bands & godawful iPod DJ nights. They'd kill it, they'd sell albums and merch, and they'd come back again later and kill it again, often bringing new acts with them.

So the question here isn't about who can rap. That would be a very different list of finalists. It's not even about making an impact in hop hop, it's about making an impact with the 802, about being the one product everyone has heard of.

We've got a remarkable range of artists tucked away in the Green Mountains making serious contributions and connections worldwide. Few of them are doing much to promote their cause locally. That's not because they're lazy, or even doing anything wrong: they know that their audience is mostly outside the borders of a state this small.

Lynguistic Civilians have always made their Vermont roots a focal point of their music and branding. Consistent marketing pays off -- in fact, I'm betting they could win this again next year, easily.

Let's assume I'm wrong, though. (A safe bet, on average.) Obviously, S.I.N.siZZle has been hustling hard & working smart, Cultural Chemistry is about to get a lot bigger, Bless the Child is a respected BTV institution, and Hank Collins is a young talent with a movement behind him. Those were the other four finalists for 2017 -- and I have no way of knowing how the rest of the vote went. As Ricky Bobby once told us, "IF YOU AIN'T FIRST, YOU'RE LAST."

Hank Collins isn't the only young artist with the skillset to make a lot of noise: Notation is working on new material, Sam & Somba just dropped an extremely impressive EP, and expect to see a lot more from names like Modest, Khaosity and David Chief in the next year. Then there's Jamell Rogers aka "NYT" -- kind of a mystery how he's not famous yet.

Jibba the Gent has been doing tireless work as his own PR firm, racking up interviews, website features and actual radio plays. That, in addition to his relateable music, could pay off big.

Finally, Jarv is an obvious candidate. He's playing constantly, both solo sets and with his party-proven crew Maiden Voyage, and recording constantly, too. He's been on national tours with RA the Rugged Man multiple times now and he's amassing a considerable fanbase, here and far beyond.

There are some big things just off the radar screen. The Aztext are going to drop a new album. Chyse is only going to keep improving and building a local following. Bar None the Best are making a run for the top spot this summer, and that battle plan has only begun with their latest video, "Grind." The whole Street Religion crew have great management, a rabid local fanbase, and a lot of talent under one brand.

Winning over 10,000 locals is a tall order, though. It's worth taking a look at the Lynguistic blueprint and considering how to apply their moves to the next 24 months of your own career, if you want to replace them.

Good luck & happy hunting.

TONIGHT: Hip Hop Showcase at Charlie-O's

A damn hot ticket tonight in downtown Montpelier. Charlie-O's has had some strong hip hop bills in the past year, but this an exceptional evening. VMB Productions is bringing in some out-of-state talent: Cody Pope and Two Story are both from New Hampshire, and Ill By Instinct has been killing it in Maine for many years now. Many readers may know him as the founding & frequent host of Rap Night™ in both Portland, ME and Manchester, NH. DJ Myth will also be in the house.

Throw in local support from Fresh Patterns, Mister Burns, Trono of Self Portrait...and a set from Face One, who has been on sabbatical for quite some time. He played his first set in years just this Thursday at the Monkey House.

And, of course, all of this goes down at Vermont's greatest dive bar. There ain't a better lineup anywhere in the state* this evening. 9 pm. 21+ only. Free as in free.

* ...unless you're in the NEK. Then head over to Parker Pie to see the young legends Maiden Voyage tear it up.

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.

TONIGHT: Fattie B on "Words & Verbs"

Fattie B is a BTV institution unto himself. He'll be joining Mister Burns for tonight's edition of Words & Verbs, where they will be discussing...well, a lot, you know? The man has been in the thick of it for a long time. What's more, Fattie B is a born storyteller and all-around hilarious dude. This will definitely be a memorable set.

You can stream it online: 105.9 The Radiator. Show starts at 10 pm sharp.

TONIGHT: New Edition of "Words & Verbs"

Mister Burns has been doing God's Work lately on local radio station 105.9 -- "Words & Verbs" is a weekly show focused entirely on Vermont Hip Hop. Having an official, central hub like this is huge. Having the right cat running it is also huge. Mister Burns has been going the extra mile and lining up excellent guest appearances, too. (Fattie B and S.I.N.siZZle are coming up later this month.)

Tonight he will be interviewing B-Boy Wish of the Rhythm Riderz Crew, who is one heck of a community asset.

Of course, here in The Future™ you don't even need a radio - you can stream this from anywhere on Earth: 105.9 The Radiator. Show starts at 10 pm sharp.

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.

Yo! BTV RAPS VOl. 6 At Sidebar 1/12

Tomorrow night January 12th is the Yo! BTV RAPS Vol. 6 with a great lineup of local Hip Hop featuring Fresh Patterns (a new group featuring Mister Burns and Cworner Stwore), Self Portrait, PreciseMC, Matt Hagen MC, SkySpliiterInk and Al Dose. DJ Kanga will be holding down the music all night at this monthly event. Yo! BTV RAPS has previously been held at Nectar's and is now moving to the new Sidebar venue next to Mr. Mike's in downtown Burlington. This is a 21+ event that is FREE! Music starts at 10PM.

Masta Ace & Akrobatik @ ArtsRiot 10/8

This Saturday at ArtsRiot in Burlington, VT two legends of Hip Hop will be live on stage featuring a bunch of local heavy hitters. Brooklyn, NY's Masta Ace and Boston, MA's Akrobatik will be taking the stage for two unforgettable sets! Masta Ace got his start as part of the iconic Juice Crew being featured on their classic hit "The Symphony" in 1988 and has since released critically acclaimed albums as well as collaboration projects with the likes of Ed OG, EMC (Wordsworth & Stricklin) and MF Doom. 2016 finds him with his new album "The Falling Season" portraying his life in High School. Akrobatik is member of the classic crew The Perceptionists with Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One. AK has been hard at work this year traveling around the globe doing shows as well as working on new music with Mr. Lif and an album with overseas producer LX Beats. Along with this two legendary artists you get local support from Mister Burns (of The Lynguistic Civilians), JARV (of Maiden Voyage), Self Portrait, Notation, Almattic, Cworner Stwore and Mighty Ceej (MA). Tickets are $12 today and $17 day of show. All Ages. Doors 8:30PM Event Page HERE!

TONIGHT: Zion I / Grouch & Eligh live at Club Metronome with Mister Burns / Learic / Truth / SkySplitterInk & Jarv

Tonight at Club Metronome in Burlington, Vermont is an incredible night of Hip Hop featuring West Coast legends Zion I / Grouch & Eligh with support from locals Mister Burns with Learic, Truth and SkySplitterInk and Maiden Voyage's JARV. Z&G&E are currently on tour with Slightly Stupid and are making a special stop in Burlington, VT tonight only! There will also be live painting from Anthill who will be painting a classic A-DOG photo by Matthew Thorsen and local B-Boys Rhythm Riders will be representing as well. Doors at 9PM / Tickets available at the door. Tickets --> HERE

Sound Affects Recap - Waking Windows Hip-Hop Showcase

A new monthly Hip-Hop Community Event - Sound Affects - held it's premiere event on May 7th as part of Waking Windows Music Festival in Winooski. Their 2-Hour Hip-Hop Showcase went extremely well & got people excited for their monthly events, to be held at Arts Riot, starting on June 30th.

If you weren't in attendance, you missed out on a truly amazing experience. The energy in the intimate venue (Oak45) was infections & all of the artists displayed a high-level of professionalism & talent.

The Showcase started out with the host, Mertz, passionately performing a song that speaks to why the time for us to all come together is now. The Live Mixtape portion followed & grasped the audience's attention while 8-artists performed songs in rapid succession, blended together by DJ Kanga. Peace to PreciseMC, Self Portrait, Boomslang, LoKi, Manus feat. Dakota, Budnick, Enemy Self, & Bar None The Best for being a part of it!

Next, 4-artists with new projects in the works showcased their new material in longer Featured Sets. Eyedos provided an enthusiastic set - Forest Gray brought his production on stage - Humble displayed his innate energy - & Mister Burns lived up to his reputation as one of the hardest working artists in our state!

The Showcase came to a close with an energetic Freestyle Cypher, where the group Cworner Stwore provided live music (MPC, Stand-up Bass, Clarinet) while a myriad of lyricists freestyled their hearts out! Every Sound Affects event will end with a Freestyle Cypher while we stand united, fighting against the misconception that Hip-Hop artists are not 'real' musicians.

Check out their Video & Photo Recaps from the event, courtesy of their sponsor DVP Cinematography Services! Peace also to their sponsors Unknown Arts & The Sticky Brand!

If you love Hip-Hop, connect with them on social media (@SoundAffectsVT) in order to stay updated on their monthly events!

See you all at Arts Riot on June 30th!

TONIGHT: Hip Hop In The Capital At Positive Pie

Tonight at Positive Pie in Montpelier, Vermont is an incredible lineup of local and regional talent. Coming up from Southern, NH is Granite State. They have been solid on the New England scene for a long time and are excited to see them back in VT. Locals include Learic (of The Aztext), Mister Burns (of The Lynguistic Civilians), Boomslang and Sky Splitter Ink! Music starts at 10:30PM and is only $5 / 21+