If you’re reading this….

Then you came here for Drake. Yup, the self-proclaimed light skin Keith Sweat is back in our beautiful city.

As part of his Jungle north american tour, the rapper will (easily) fill thousands of seats at Montreal’s Bell Center. Similar to his 2013 tour, Drake will be joined by Atlanta rapper Future. If you haven’t been running with your woes yet, Sunday night is your chance.

Drake Jungle Tour (Featuring Future) Live in Concert

When: Sunday May 31st (Doors open at 6:30pm)

Where: Bell Center (Bonaventure Metro)

How Much: Tickets vary from 52$ to 169$

Drake gave an impressive performance on his 2013 ‘Would You Like a Tour’. Girls were simply hysterical.

At the end of every show of his tour, the singer would walk the stage and  point out fans of the audience and give them a shout out. I guess he didn’t see me.

Rapper Future knows how to make the crowd ‘Turn Up’. His 2014 performance at Olympia was one of the most anticipated concert of the summer.

King Louie (Concert Review)

Saturday night, my homegirl and I left the Cabaret Underworld scratching our heads. Let’s just say we were not expecting the turn up to be down so quickly.

The show started around 11:30 even if the place was half filled. As usual, Dj Cream and Dj Blaster played the latest hits to warm up the crowd. May I also add that whoever hired that annoying MC for that night  should be fired. What was the deal with that fake west indie accent? It was a hip hop show, not the reggae fest. Speaking of which, there was no need to dry hump that poor wasted girl on stage.  Again, this was not the reggae fest.

Around midnight, rapper Young Mic was the first to kick off the show. Having never heard him before, I would say that his was a good musical discovery.

 

Fifteen minutes later (yeah, really) after the first act, Young Jungle stepped on stage with his clique. If you’ve read my previous posts, you should know by now that I’m not a big fan of artists bringing their whole fan base on stage. It wasn’t bad,  it was just distracting and too loud.

 

YOUNG JUNGLE

 

 

Also performing was frenglish rap group Grind Musik. The rappers from the East side held their own , especially while they performing their song Beef.

GRIND MUSIK ENTERTAINMENT

 

 

King Louie finally arrived on stage around 1am. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little when I noticed that half of the people in front did not seem to know who he was until it became noticeable. Anyhow, the atmosphere became grimy when the Chiraq resident performed several Youtube favourites like Live and Die in Chicago,Till I Meet Selena and B.O.N.  It was hard to not to jump around when the infectious Tony blasted through the speakers.

 

 

 

 

MULA GRADE: 7/10

 

I’ve seen better shows.I don’t know if King L’s music will past through the test of time but 2014 has been a good year for the Chicago rap scene its countless 808 drum beats. Nonetheless, the sudden rise of  young Chicago rappers is definitely a breath of fresh air in the so-called murder capital. It’s  always better to live than to die in Chicago.

Hip Hop Weekend Agenda (Montreal)

Are you done with your finals yet? Hang it there, you’re almost done.  As we are close to wrapping up the year 2014, there are a few concerts left  to attend…before you start stressing for your christmas shopping.

 

King Louie 

If you got turnt up (or nah) early this year during SD 300′ s wild performance, then you might enjoy this other Chicago dread head rapper. Having been on the rap scene for a few years, King L has collaborated with many artists like Lil Durk, Lil Herb and Chief Keef. The rapper also had the chance to work with Mr. West and even delivered a few bars on Send It Up, a  track featured on Yeezus. Coming you straight from Chiraq.

 

 

 

Who: Chicago Rapper King Louie, Live in Concert

When: Saturday, December 13th 2014, Doors open around 9pm

When: Cabaret Underworld, 1403 St-Elisabeth Street (Near St-Catherine)

How Much: 20$ at the door

 

 

 

 

 

F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S

Can you believe it has been more than a decade since Fabolous was rocking his triple large jerseys? After countless mixtapes and witty bars, LOSO’s rapping skills have never been questionnable. Make sure you don’t miss opening acts like Young Krow. He’s definitely the next one to watch in the city.

Who: Brooklyn Rapper Fabolous  Live in Concert (Opening Acts: Young Krow, Mackenson, & Money Rider)

When: Saturday, December 13th 2014, Doors open around 10pm

When:  Espace des Arts, 9 St-Catherine Est, Montreal

How Much: 45$ Regular or 100$ VIP+ Open Bar

 

Young Gizzle – French Rap ain’t dead

Born and raised in Montreal,Canada,  a 13 year old Young Gizzle starting writing a few rhymes only as a time killer. In 2005,  he started creating music at his friend’s house. Why pay for studio time when you can turn your closet into a recording booth? A year later, Gizzle would end up recording his first song, 3 Kingz, alongside Young OG and C-Money. After receiving good feedback from his entourage, Gizzle and his friend Biggz  re-released 40 East Production. The street movement  was previously a musical project left  by his older brother. Now let Gizzle is carrying the torch.

 

40 East : Young Gizzle, RJ & Biggz

 

The 40 East movement isn’t just about music. It also showcases various talents of many young Montrealers.

 

Young Gizzle in numbers:

13: Age when he started writing his first rhymes.

67: He’s a proud rep of the 67 area in Saint-Michel located in the East part of Montreal. This predominantly immigrant neighbourhood is often depicted as a violent and unsafe place to live. However, Saint-Michel has raised several great local artists like Bilo Da Kid and hip hop trio Muzion.

10: The rapper and his 3 siblings was born and raised in a modest house, on the 10th Avenue in Saint-Michel.

40: What does the 40 East Movement mean?  It’s actually the 2nd longest highway in the Quebec province. Stop by his hood next time you’re in town.

Facebook Page: Gizz Le Lyriciste

Blezz Da Messiah – Brooklyn Made

Welcome to The MULA’s Unsigned  Hype section! Every week, you will discover new talents from all over North America.  If you would like MULA to post your music, send a few words about you a link to your music to themula1@hotmail.com

ARTIST NAME:

Blezz Da Messiah

BIO:

Blezz Da Messiah is a Rap/Hip-Hop artist on the rise from Brooklyn, NY. “Blezz Da Messiah” grew up in the rough streets of Flatbush Avenue and Crown Heights.  Thanks to musical influences such as Tupac, Jay-Z, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G. “Blezz Da Messiah” has opted to channel his passions about his life and music into creating an authentic brand that will be at the forefront of hip-hop’s evolution into a global lifestyle.

Now with the upcoming release of his mixtape under his company’s imprint YOUNG G SOCIETY, “Blezz Da Messiah” is focused and prepared to expand his empire among hip-hop’s elite. With well rounded lyrics and an undeniable passion to succeed, “Blezz Da Messiah” is definitely on his way to the top.

TWITTER NAME:

@Blezzdamessiah

Weekend Calendar (Upcoming Concerts) October 25th

In this 2nd week of  October Mtl Music Fest , your weekend should be anything but boring. Here’s your Weekend Calendar in Montreal:

Who: R&b/Hip Hop singer Ty Dolla $ign Live in Concert

When: Saturday October 25th, doors open at 9pm

Where: Le Petit Olympia, 1282 Amherst, Montreal

How Much: Tickets are 30$ to 42$  Click Here to buy to tickets

If you Like: Mike Will Made It/Dj Mustard  type of songs, you will also like Bibby if you follow the Chiraq movement (i.e. Lil Durk, Chief Keef)

Who: Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs, Live in Concert

When: Saturday October 25th, doors open at 9pm

Where: Cabaret Underworld, 1403 Sainte-Elisabeth, Montreal

How Much: 30$ at the Door

If you like: Some people compared him to Tupac. I wouldn’t go to that extreme. But you might like his style if you want to hear something a little deeper than Ty Dolla $ign….

Enjoy !

AB-Soul – The Man on The Moon (Concert Review)

If you were a faithful member of the ”Bring Ab-Soul to Montreal” Facebook page, you  were probably at the Petit Olympia last Friday night. It finally happened, TDE’s secret weapon would finally perform in our city.

The show started early with various hip hop performers. I’ve never heard of rappers Jimmy B  or Slick Sterling until that night. Soulful rapper Jimmy B may be the next promising rapper from the DOT and  is already getting love from the hip hop community. You should check out his Youtube channel.

Slick Sterling

 

 

 

Jimmy B

 

 

 

 J.O The Corrupted was also a nice surprise . After asking the crowd if we all knew who Rob”the crook” Ford was (duh), the MTL rapper spit a few bars which felt were like a testimony of his criminal past. Money, crime and Arm & Harmer: his shit ain’t for the kids.

The last time I heard a Montreal femcee rap this good was when I first heard J. Kyll from Muzion more than a decade ago. Generale Q has a pretty commendable flow (good punchlines too) and it will probably remind you of some old Gangsta Boo. No Iggy. No Nicky.Refreshing indeed.

Hope to hear more of her .

Generale Q

 

 

Queens rapper BAS (who is signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records) gave the concertgoers a great surprise performance. The big beard rapper performed tracks like Be Alert, Love Souvenir and My Ni**a Just Made Bail. He even gave us a little freestyle before leaving the stage.

BAS

The wait was finally over, Ab-Soul took the stage around eleven o’clock. The messy hair rapper kicked off his set with Dub Sac, Terrorist Threats, TWACT,  and Hunnid Stax. Soulo even showed support to his fellow TDE partner Schoolboy Q while playing Man of the Year and Druggy’s With Hoes Again.

AB-Soul

 

 Le Petit Olympia is probably the best  ventilated venue  and weed smoker friendly. The ambiance switched a little as backwoods were getting rolled, puffed and passed around the room.. It was the perfect time for Gone Insane and the trippy World Runners.It was also  nice to see the rapper sharing weed with fans. Like a real black hippy.

 

  

M.U.L.A. Grade: 9/10.  We will be waiting for the Bring Ab-Soul BACK to Montreal  page.

Kendrick got his funk back

Oh yes he did! This new joint simply called I,  is much smoother than what we are used to hearing from the him. In fact, you can hear the classic Who’s That Lady sample from the legendary Isley brothers. No date was announced for his next album but this is a good preview of what we should expect from the Compton rapper.

 

Enjoy!

 

Man of the Year (Upcoming Concert)

I was trying to understand what all the hype was about several months ago, when I heard Man of The Year from Germany-born rapper Schoolboy Q. So when I asked a friend why this guy was so popular, he suggested me to listen to his previous work before branding him as another annoying-rapper-for-hipsters category. So I listened to his 2009 storytelling mixtape, Gangsta & Soul. Then I listened to Oxymoron. And then I understood.

 

The critically acclaimed Oxymoron LP, was released under Top Dawg Ent. and Dr. Dre’s Interscope records. The album featured big names like Raekwon, Tyler The Creator and Kendrick Lamar. Released in 2013, the album sold less 200K album on it’s first week. Q later admitted he would have preferred staying independent.

 

Schoolboy is a 27 years old ex California Crip gang member who only emerged on the North American music scene a few years ago. Last year, the rapper  graced the cover of the XXL magazine for their annual Freshmen edition.

Schoolboy Q’s laid back L.A. flow and  sometimes sexual wordplay might persuade you to stop at The Olympia this Saturday. Who knows, you will probably change your mind about the kid like I did.

 

Schoolboy Q and other members of Black Hippy. Left to Right: Ab-Soul, Schoolboy, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock

 

 

Who: Schoolboy Q, L.A. rapper & one quarter of the Black Hippy rap group, Live in Concert

Where: Theatre L’Olympia, 1004 Sainte-Catherine E, Montreal

When: Saturday September 20th 2014, Show starts at 9pm

How Much: 57$ (student) up to 100$ for VIP treatment

You should only attend if: The new L.A. leaders (Kendrick,YG,Tyler,Earl Sweatshirt)

Visit www.olympiamontreal.com for more info

 

To Download Gangsta & Soul and his other mixtapes:

http://hnhh.co/mbf

Weekend Agenda (August 15-17th 2014)

Don’t let the rainy weather ruin your end  of the summer.After all, you still have a few weeks left before you start stressing for your midterms exams.

Here are 3 things happening in your city this weekend:

 

 

Friday, August 15th 2014 at 9 Pm

What: Cam’ron Live in concert for his First of The Month Tour

Location:  Club Soda (1225 Saint-Laurent Blvd) Montreal

If you like: Harlem music and Dipset, of course

If you don’t know the reason behind the name of his tour, then you clearly are not a Cam’ron fan. The Harlem rapper doesn’t need much introduction, since he has been in a game for a while now.Over the past decade, Cam’ron has collaborated with Mase, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Who could also forget the good old Dipset days.The man who introduced us to pink fur coats and oversize jerseys will finally make a stop in Montreal at the Club Soda. Expect a lot of female (AND male) groupies and lot of purple haze smoking.

Make sure you don’t miss the openings acts like Louie P and Ryan Playground.

How Much: 25$ to 42$ in advance / 47$ at the door

Don’t miss: Opening act GrandBuda

To purchase your tickets, visit http://www.clubsoda.ca/en/spec-camron-1195.php

Friday August 15th  – Saturday August 16th 2014

What: Île Soniq (Music Festival)

Location: Parc Jean-Drapeau (Jean-Drapeau metro station)

If you like: Electro, Dance , House and Hip Hop Music

 

 

This is a guaranteed party. If Osheaga hasn’t  pierce your eardrums yet, then this two day festival be enough for you. Located at the Parc Jean-Drapeau, the event will reunite some of the best international/local artists and DJ. Alongside the famous Netherlands native Tiesto, you can expect Bingo Players, Dillon Francis or Dj 3LAU to bring down the house. For the hip hop heads, you can catch Montreal DJ Shash’U and YMCMB rapper TYGA on Saturday’s programming.

How Much: 70$ and up (VIP treatments are available too)

Don’t miss: Dj Tiesto and Vito V on Friday + Juicy J and  the excellent Aarab Musik on Saturday

To purchase tickets or to see the weekend schedule programming, visit  http://www.ilesoniq.com

Friday to Sunday – August 15th -16th & 17th 2014

What: Montreal’s International Reggae Festival

Location: Old Port Montreal  (Champs de Mars metro station)

If you like: Reggae, Roots, Dancehall and Soca music

This is the Woodstock of the West Indian music. Already at its 11th edition, this unique Montreal festival has already presented many famous international artists in the past such as Beenie Man, Shaggy, Kes The Band, Jimmy Cliff and many others . This weekend, the Quays of the Old Port have assembled an impressive pack of talented musicians for another consecutive year. If you are more into old school reggae, you might want to check Maxi Priest on Friday night or the great Sanchez and Marcia Griffiths on Sunday. Remember Just a little bit longer ?

For those who need their dancehall dose, Saturday is the best day for you. Prepare yourself to reminisce and dance your butt off one of Sean Paul’s numerous. You will also get to discover other famous but more raunchy artists like QQ and Demarco. Sensitive ears be aware, Demarco is known for his catchy party songs but he might also get dirty. Oh, and  by the end of the night,  QQ will have taught you how to do the One Drop perfectly. Don’t miss the food trucks and the after show concerts too.

(Visit MIRF for more info)

How Much: Friday  (21$ door/ticket)  Saturday (70$ door/55$ ticket) and Sunday (70$ door/55$ ticket)

Vip Treatments are also available

Don’t Miss: Grammy Award winning artist Sean Paul on Saturday + Luciano , the king of Roots on Sunday

To purchase tickets or to see the weekend schedule programming, visit http://montrealinternationalreggaefestival.com

simply call or text 514-261-3058

Make sure you check the weekend forecast before you attend any of the outdoor shows!

Enjoy!