The realm of underground hip-hop is full of innovators, insane rhyme slangers and true architects of boom-bap artistry. But at what point does one move from innovator to “hip-hop genius”? For most avid backpack rap fans, that term has been and always will be synonymous with Madlib.
Next week, this West Coast pioneer and Stones Throw Recording artist makes his first appearance at Commonwealth Lounge in Downtown Fullerton with supporting DJ sets by Jeremy Sole, Cocoe, Bobby Soul and DJ Lito as well as a surprise special guest. Trust us, get there early because any hip-hop head worth his/her salt will be at this show.
Born Otis Jackson Jr., Madlib began his career with Oxnard-based hip-hop trio Lootpack in 1993. From there, this eclectic MC, producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist followed a path filled with jazzy hip-hop jams and revered pseudonyms (i.e. Quasimoto, The Beat Konducta, Yesterday's New Quintet, Monk Hughes…the list goes on).
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After 14 albums (including 2009's Beat Konducta Vol. 5-6: A Tribute To...) Madlib continues to cultivate his brilliance, carrying the flag for the late J-Dilla in more ways than one every time he steps to the mic or behind the turntables. If you were looking to start next week off with a bang, why not do it at what should go down as one of the most memorable local hip-hop shows of 2009?
