Shea GuntherMaher
Blackalicious
It’s one thing to make enduring records, another still to work with luminaries in multiple fields. Another thing still to treat the rhyme not only as a piece of poetry, but to play with the aesthetics of language in ways that represent the voice as a unique instrument in and of itself.
Blackalicious do all of these things, and as evidenced by the reissue of 1993’s Melodica, they have been doing these things for years. Originally released exclusively on cassette, Melodica is being reissued digitally for the first time. It’s a vital document of the group’s progression towards their eventual position as lords of the West Coast Underground, Gift of Gab twisting his words with aplomb, his lyrics more carefree than his later work.
Chief Xcel’s beats, meanwhile, tread the same funky, lighthearted waters as many of his left-field contemporaries, but everything on Melodica is coated in a murky scuzz that, somewhat conversely to logic, could place the EP alongside much of today’s weird, lo-fi hip-hop.
As an added treat, Melodica contains “Changes,” an unreleased cut produced in part by one DJ Shadow, who joins forces with Blackalicious producer Chief Xcel to offer dusty drum loops and subtle, textured samples that would offer a glimpse into much of Shadow’s later work. In an era where hip-hop devolves into half-baked facsimile with alarming regularity, Melodica serves as a reminder that the true school will always triumph over the bullshit.
For more information about Blackalicious visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, and listen to them on YouTube.
DLRN + Stevie Nader
What’s the origin of your bands name?
Sean: We fancy ourselves as people who pull inspiration, and have been influenced by music of different eras, so the Delorean time-machine just made sense.
Jon: Because our music travels through time.
What are you looking forward to at Concerts in the Park?
Jon: The atmosphere should be electric.
Sean: Being direct support for one of the acts that I grew up idolizing is really an awesome thing. To me, there doesn’t get much bigger than a Blackalicious homecoming.
For more information about DLRN + Stevie Nader visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, and listen to them on YouTube.
Element Brass Band
In one sentence, how would you describe your band’s musical sound?
The Element Brass Band plays authentic New Orleans Second Line and has also rubbed shoulders with some of the most talented artists in the world of Hip Hop.
What was the first album you ever bought?
“The Immortal Charlie Parker”
What is your favorite music venue in Downtown Sacramento?
Our favorite music venue in Downtown Sacramento is playing on the streets.
For more information about Element Brass Band visit their website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE them on Facebook, and listen to them on YouTube.
Druskee
What was the first album you ever bought?
TLC – CrazySexyCool
What is your favorite part of downtown Sacramento?
The coffee shops. I spend a majority of my days at The Mill, Temple, and Old Soul getting work done.
Where do you plan on going after attending/performing a concert in Downtown Sacramento?
Lowbrau or Tako for some Bulgogi Burritos.
For more information about Druskee visit his website and follow him on Twitter.