These days a lot of the best hip-hop stuff that drops in any given year isn't even on a label--it's a free mixtape that gets uploaded to bandcamp or datpiff that catches ears slowly and gets around by getting hyped on blogs and facebook pages. But then after a few months you can't talk to anybody, even dudes you didn't know had a facebook account, without them bringing up that same mixtape you downloaded a few months ago and forgot to listen to. Suddenly you're the last one to discover one of the year's great new hip-hop sensations. In case you hadn't guessed by now, this is exactly what happened to me last year with Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire's excellent Lost In Translation mixtape. Posted for free download on Mishka NYC's bandcamp account last summer, Lost In Translation features production from the likes of Necro and El-P, and is a great reminder at a time when NYC no longer rules the hip-hop scene with an iron fist that it's nonetheless capable of bringing the world some great MCs. Plus, it brought us what was without a doubt the best posse cut of 2011--"The Last Huzzah," which features Despot, Danny Brown, El-P, and both MCs from Das Racist: Heems and Kool AD. Now, with the help of VCU's Student Hip-Hop Organization and local hip-hop collective CMLK, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire brings his excellent rapping skills to Richmond to tear up the stage at Strange Matter this Wednesday night. This show is gonna be off the chain, and even if you slept on Lost In Translation until last month (or are still sleeping on it--and if you are, the free download link is right up there. What are you waiting for?), you definitely don't want to miss this.
WHAT: SHHO AND CMLK PRESENT: Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire at Strange Matter!
WHO: Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, Isaiah & Hovey, Ohbliv, Michael Millions
WHERE: Strange Matter (929 W. Grace St.)
WHEN: Wednesday, January 25, 9 PM
Tickets to this show will be $10 at the door, but you can get advance tickets for only $5. The money you save should be enough to buy your first two drinks at the show, so be sure to go by Rumors Boutique (404 N. Harrison St.) or email vcushho@gmail.com to get your half-price tickets in advance.
Still not convinced? The only other thing I can possibly offer to change your mind is the video for "The Last Huzzah." If you watch this and still don't want to be at this show, I don't think there's any hope for you: