This Saturday: Chip Tha Ripper's Gift Raps Tour Comes To The Loft in Atlanta

This Saturday, Cleveland's very own Chip Tha Ripper will be coming to The Loft for the next stop on his Gift Raps tour.

For what's sure to be an entertaining show, MTV Freshman 5 winner Haziq Ali, AquaForce, Grand Hustle's latest signee Wil May and a "Big" special guest will also be on the bill. And its being hosted by yours truly.

Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. You can get yours at TicketAlternative.com.

The Atlanta Stargazing Tour at Star Bar in LP5 (video) x Aleon Craft-"Yoga Flame"

All summer SMKA and Whynatte have been doing the Atlanta Stargazing Tour at different spots around the city. Unfortunately I haven't been able to make it out to any yet, but here is some video from the most recent show that will make you feel like you were there. It featured performances from Aleon Craft, STS, Vonnegutt, Grip Plyaz, Sean Falyon, Stanza, Jarren Benton, Tom P and HaZiQ aLi.

The next show will be this Friday at the Glenn Hotel:


Oh yeah, the song in the background is Aleon Craft's "Yoga Flame"...its pretty jammin.

2010 A3C Festival's Perfect Attendance Stage Artist Line Up Announced

Just like last year, everybody and their mama will be rocking at the A3C Festival's Perfect Attendance Stage. I ain't even gonna lie, I enjoyed it last year but I was about Hip Hop'ed out by day three. But don't let that discourage you from going to your very own Hip Hop Heaven. Here is the line up for the weekend:

East: Emilio Rojas, Esso, Gilbere Forte, J The S, Jasmine Solano, Kid Daytona, Mac Miller, Mickey Factz, Phil Ade, Ra the Mc, Skotch Davis, Young Chris

West: Ayomari, Bambu, Carter, Casey Veggies, El Prez, Pac Div, Rocky Rivera, Shawn Chrystopher, Skeme, TiRon

Midwest: Big Sean, Black Spade, Fly Union, Gotta Be Karim, LEP Bogus Boys, Ro Spit, Rockie Fresh, Royal Camp, Stalley, Vandalyzm

South: Big K.R.I.T, DGoodz, Embassy Music, FKi, Hollyweerd, Hollywood Floss, Jackie Chain, Jus Nice, Kooley High, Laws, Mach Five, Merc, Nesby Phips, RE, Skewby, Tom P, Warren Jae

Unlike last year, you won't have to hop in the car and ride down the street to see it. It will be in the same building as the rest of the festivities. For you artists out there, they have 4 slots left to fill. If you think you deserve to be on this stage visit REVERBNATION.COM to be considered.

A3C Hip Hop Festival will take place 10/7-10/9
Masquerade
695 North Ave
Atlanta, GA

Pastor Troy x ALIen the Drummer Perform "Vice Versa" at Art, Beats and Lyrics

I couldn't let the cat out the bag but I was trying to drop hints on Twitter all day about the special surprise at Art, Beats and Lyrics last Friday. One of them was a rare performance from Cody Chesnutt and the other was Pastor Troy being backed by ALIen the Drummer.

That shit was beyond crunk. The homie Kila captured some of this riot-inducing footage.

Art, Beats + Lyrics Returns to Atlanta This Friday

One of my favorite events is making its homecoming to Atlanta this Friday. From day one Art, Beats and Lyrics has been one of the more unique Art Exhibitions in Atlanta if not the country period. On top of all of that, its free Gentleman Jack all night long. Be warned though, the lines can get pretty long, so you might as well get double fisted when you get your drink from the bar.

Anyways, its free admission but you have to register at GentlemanJackABL.com. Once you do that you will get a PDF ticket that you have to print out and present. Its good for you and a guest. Again, get there earlier than later because the city really comes out for these.

Art, Beats + Lyrics
Friday July 30, 2010
7pm-2am

The Compound
1008 Brady Ave
Atlanta, GA

Pics and Re-Cap: Bun B Trill O.G. Listening Party at Patchwerk

Last night Bun B played his new album Trill O.G. (get it? as in trilogy?) at Patchwerk Studios for a host of media folks, music folks and just cool folks in general. The album was bumping in the studio but of course you have to test it out at the crib and car before you can just label anything. But I will say this, its some music for the Slab. Every track had some knock to it. I didn't hear any just mind blowing lyricism ala "Murder," but it had plenty of attitude to it. Its a listen that is full of moments, both good...and awkward.

Freddie Gibbs and Friends "Str8 Killa No Filla" Release Party at 529 on Tuesday, June 29th

Clear your calendar for Tuesday, June 29th to celebrate the release of Freddie Gibbs next project Str8 Killa, No Filla. Jackie Chain, A.Leon Craft, Paper Route Gangstaz, Bobby Creekwater, Rittz and few others will be on the bill as well. If you missed Gibbs last show here you missed something special, so don't miss it this time.

This show is going to be hosted by some dude and DJ Burn One will be on the turntables and he might be bringing a surprise or two along with him.

Tickets are $10 and can be bought HERE

Keep coming around these parts for more news and info on this event.

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com Hosts NO GIMMICKS This Saturday at 529

Can't afford the fight? Don't know anybody else that can? Don't feel like standing in a crowded lounge to watch it either?

Well, brang yo'ass to The 529 and enjoy some live music from Nappy Roots, Laws, Wil May, Aleon Craft, Mums FP and Lindsey McFly.

The show will be hosted by yours truly so make sure you bring a few dollars to buy your boy a drink. I guarantee the more drinks you get me, the better the show will be. Think of it as an investment.

Governed By Loyalty + Fadia Kader prsnt:
No Gimmicks

529 Flat Shoals Ave
21+
Doors Open 10pm
Show 1030pm

West Coast Weekend This Weekend!

Man I really hate that I'm going to miss this, the homies from the West really know how to get down...and you know they're going to be playing all the classic too? Damn.

West Coast Weekend is here and trust its an experience that you do not want to miss. If you are from the West or just have love for the music, people and lifestyle join the celebration.

First up this Friday we having a Blocc Party on Peters St check us out @ Fuse and 255 Peters from 6-9pm.
Then we moving the party to Djangos (495 P'Tree St.) for the CAtl party. A Reunion for all the folks from the West that reside in the ATL. We also have Death Row recording artist Danny Boy album release so we letting everybody in free till 10 pm.
Then Saturday its the 16th Annual Cali PicNic @ Washington Park. were gonna make sure you get the full West Coast Vibe. We have everything from A Car Show to the Roach Coach (Taco Truck).
The party dont stop cause we have the after party @ Club Inferno (393 Marietta St.) with A Very Special Guest Dj From Compton......

I went to the picnic last year and had a ball. So if you're in town try to fall through to some of this stuff.

Sunset Lounge - Evolution of The Day Party (video re-cap)

Shied man...if you aren't up on the Sunset Lounge parties that go down at Shout one Sunday out the month, you are truly missing out. I've been going to them since they started last year and they are off the chain.

This past Sunday they had $5 Belvedere specials so you know I indulged and balled on a budget and got my friends a couple rounds. As you can see from this video its a nice crowd and the ladies come out in full force.

I missed the night action truthfully. I got their around 4pm and was kinda feeling a certain way by 8pm...so I had to get up out of there before I embarrassed myself. But yeah, I had a ball. Be on the look out for the next one.

Shout out to J Carter, FCC and Moetown Lee for putting this on.

Shameless Plug Presents: Hey Love feat. Bilal, The Foreign Exchange and Jesse Boykins III

Shameless Plug is damn fool for this commercial. (If you're slow...they got it from this classic commercial)

The same group that brought Drake down for his first Atlanta performance as well as Goodie Mob Reunion Show is setting it out for the couples on Friday, February 12th. The show will feature Grammy-nominees Bilal and The Foreign Exchange as well as Jesse Boykins III. The show is going to be at Centerstage.

There is alot going on this same night, but if you're trying to get your grown and sexy on (and some action that night) I'm suggesting you fall through here.

The Shoe Game 3 Year Anniversary Video Recap

Shouts out to the homie G-Roc from TheShoeGame.com for having a successful event this past Thursday. He had the Nike Store at Lenox on smash. Pretty much the whole top right corner of Lenox was crowded on this night because the Puma store was having a dope holiday party two doors down too.

The line was too long for me to sign up and win some free sneakers, but my highlight of the night was when Greg Street dropped the needle on this never before heard Andre 3000 song that he said was supposed to go on his Interscope album that never officially came out. Yes, I'm leaning on him folks...be patient.

This Saturday December 12th: Harts 4 The Holidays at Eyedrum Gallery

Cool holiday charity event that I'm a small part of...check out the info below and after the jump

Gritty Glam Squad, Naked Eye Image, Mindzai and Esperanza present:
Harts 4the Holidays

Join Janelle Monae / Wondaland Arts Society and tap into your inner artist to make holiday cards for the kids this season! Enjoy our Arts + Crafts tables, live performances by your favorite bands/artist and shop in our pop up store with your favorite local brands! Complimentary lunch from DBA bbq and your favorite DJ's around town playing everything from Hip-Hop, Soul,Funk,Jazz,House,World and Afro-Beat! All in the name of a good cause!

ALL (100%) proceeds and donations will go to benefit the SONGS FOR KIDS Foundation
http://www.songsforkidsfoundation.org/

@ EYEDRUM Art + Music Gallery
290 Martin Luther King Jr Dr S
www.eyedrum.org

Event Time: 12pm-6pm

All Ages: family friendly event-bring the KIDS!

Arts + Crafts Gallery hosted by Janelle Monae + Wondalanda Art Society (Appearance from 2pm-5pm)

$5 donation or Toys (new in box)

Lunch with DBA bbq 12-3pm

DJ's: 12pm-6pm ---> Your favorite DJ's around town and taking it out the club and providing the soundtrack as you make your holiday cards,eat and be jolly... all in the name of love and charity!

Salah Ananse
Rasta Root
Mr.Mind
Karl Injex
Soulfinger
DJ P-nut

Performances: 3pm-6pm ---> Catch our local heroes, your favorite bands and artist perform for a good cause.
Hosted By: Dres tha Beatnik

Brittany Bosco
The Judies
Hollyweerd
Ocha La Rocha
The 54
FKi
Scar
The Mermaids
Mums FP

Pop-up Stores: 12pm-6pm--->Shop with your favorite local brands! Go Local!
Esperanza
Chilly-O
Mindzai Creative
Siditty Misses
FROME2U
Process

Special Thanks to our Sponsors and Organizers:
Mindzai
Fadia Kader
Aquaponi
Gritty Glam Squad
Comupkids.com
Esperanza
4th Ward Heroes
Whynattte
I DO MUSIC
Patchwerk Recordings
Naked Eye Image
Give Love
Fli Pelican
MEISA
DBA bbq
Strong Arm management
Process
Nomad mgmt
Wondaland Art Society
BMI
Chilly-O
Tight Bros
Dres tha Beatnik
SMKA
Vinnies Styles
The Garner Circle
City of Ink
Siditty Misses
Frome2u
White Lies Color Truth
Maurice Garland
Crew Love
Fli Pelican

This Thursday December 10th: TheShoeGame.com 3 Year Anniversary Event at Nike Store at Lenox Square

To all my sneaker heads out there, the homie G-Roc of TheShoeGame.com will be hosting the 3 year celebration of his site and company at the Nike Store at Lenox Mall this Thursday. As you can see from the flyer they are going to have a few giveaways. So if you're trying to come up for Christmas time or get someone a gift that you didn't have to pay for, go'on head and fall through.

Check after the jump for a commercial for the event featuring Greg Street Sneaker Pimp...



While you're here check out the first clip from Greg's new webseries SoleMusicTV



Gotta get some of those Bobbitos...and yes, I do celebrate Christmas.

SMKA & Fadia Kader present Perfect Attendance Mixtape Vol. 1-2-10

Perfect Attendance is one of the few talent showcases in Atlanta where the winner actually stands to win something worthwhile and get feedback from people aren't artists just like them...

Perfect Attendance is a monthly showcase presented by SMKA & Fadia Kader... providing you the most talented artists in the region. The first Perfect Attendance of 2010 features 9 of the most talented female Singers and MCs in the Atlanta area. The Perfect Attendance Mixtape Vol 1-2-10 presented by SMKA & Fadia Kader features 2 songs from each performer, hosted and mixed by Dub Floyd. There will be 5 MCs and 4 Singers performing for a chance to win a promotion prize package including:

Video EPK by PhiltheGod
Photo Shoot with Dustin Chambers
Consulting by Come Up Kids DVLPMT
8 Hrs of Studio Time @ S-Line Studios
Music Production & Studio Time with SMKA
Licensing Opportunity with Affix Music

As you can see this edition is featuring nothing but the ladies this go'round...can't be mad at that. This mixtape features all of the featured artists. The actual showcase goes down Saturday, January 2nd @ 529.


DOWNLOAD: Perfect Attendance Mixtape Vol. 1-2-10

This FRIDAY: Strong Arm Management and Tom P present The ATL Jump Off 4 feat. B.o.B, Playboy Tre and Stanza

Tomorrow night B.o.B, Tom P, Playboy Tre and Stanza will be hitting the stage at the Spring 4th Center in downtown Atlanta...same place where the 23 Book Signing/Screening was held.

B.o.B shows are usually full of energy with an equally energetic crowd, so if you've never seen him live do yourself a favor and check him out. The Canz and DJ Teknology will be performing as well.

Purchase tickets HERE for $10.

Since the Cool Cinema/Krush Groove thing is postponed, this looks like the look for Friday.

Spring 4th Center
728 Spring St NW (next to the Arby's)
Atlanta, GA

THIS FRIDAY POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 18TH Cool Cinema presents Krush Groove at Midtown Art Cinema

This Friday POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 18TH Come Up Kids/Fadia Kader and Greedmont Park are coming with another installment of the Cool Cinema series at Midtown Art Cinema. This month's selection is the Hip Hop classic Krush Groove.

If you haven't been to a Cool Cinema yet, you're truly missing out. You get to enjoy some of your favorite classics with a gang of cool people (and pretty girls) and stiff drinks...ALL NIGHT LONG (or until they run dry).

So far they've shown The Last Dragon (and actually had Bruce LeRoy in the building), The Goonies, House Party, School Daze, Moonwalker and Purple Rain. Cool ish on a Friday night if you're not in the mood for the rah-rah at the club. Nice for a little date destination or just kicking it with ya folks.

Singles Cost: 1 Ticket/1 STIFF Drink=$12
Couples Cost: 2 Tickets/2 STIFF Drinks=$20
*drinks come ala carte too

Midtown Art Cinema (Behind Trader Joes)
931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308

Photos and Re-Cap: Big Boi x Clipse x Yelawolf at King Plow Arts Center

This past Friday, while most of Atlanta was sleeping off the itis from Thanksgiving leftovers, it was jumping at The Gallery at King Plow.

Just judging from the names on the bill, it wasn't a question of IF the show was gonna be dope...it was WHO was gonna be the dopest...





Wil May was the nights opening act. Wil May is a pretty solid entertainer, but you'd have to know his songs or be around people that know his songs to really enjoy it. Some but not all of the people in the crowd knew his songs, but...this crowd was mostly comprised of our White brothers and sisters and you already know that Alcohol + White folks + loud music = Screaming for no damn reason. So needless to say, Wil May got some love from the crowd. I am kinda dissapointed he didn't do his guaranteed party-rocker "Get Up Early" though.






Prynce was the second opening act and he was pretty solid as well. He did songs from his latest mixtape What Da DEC Been Missing Vol.2 but the only song he did from Vol.1 was "Sweet Georgia" which the crowd was very receptive to. He killed it when he did "Studder" though, that must mean people are coming to the site more often.




As usual Yelawolf killed it. He was the only performer of the night to have a live band so of course that amplified his set.


Ashanti Floyd


Matt




He did songs from off his Arena Rap and upcoming Trunk Muzik projects including "Pop The Trunk" and new fan favorites "I Wish" feat. Raekwon and "F.U." He also allowed this random white dude on stage to scream "F*** YOU!" at the top his lungs. 'Wolf later said he did someone a favor because by doing that he prevented an office shooting next week.





As usual a few folks left after Yelawolf performed but many still stuck around for Clipse. I've seen Clipse a few times now and their show is always pretty good. However, its not for those that like nostalgia. Being the "trendsetters" they are, they mainly do their most current songs with stops on memory lane coming few and far between. Of course they did "Grindin" and "What Happened To That Boy"...but most of this show was songs from Hell Hath No Fury, We Got It For Cheap pt. 3, the Play Cloths mixtape and what ever has leaked from Til The Casket Drops.





Play Cloths is fresh as hell by the way. I don't think I've seen a piece I haven't liked yet. 'Bout time a rapper(s) who actually knows how to dress a little came out with a line that people will actually wear on some everyday shit.




Last but not least Big Boi went on and killed it as usual. I didn't get good positioning for the Big Boi set so I didn't get as many pictures. But shied, if you come to this blog often you've seen plenty of Big Boi concert pics by now.


Blackowned C-Bone

Backbone


Overall the show was very good. The venue was pretty dope too and look forward to seeing more shows there. Shouts out to the Gallery Group for putting on a cool show. The sound stage was pretty impeccable.

My only gripe about the show is that it started 2 hours late, hoping more people would come in. Good thing I don't have a wife and kids at home, because I probably would have left.

Anyways, you can peep the rest of the pics in the gallery below. Tell me what you think of the pics.

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com Ticket Giveaway: Big Boi x Clipse x Yelawolf at The Gallery at King Plow

Thanks to the wonderful folks of The Gallery Group, I'm able to giveaway two pairs of tickets to this incredible show which goes down this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I'm letting one pair go today and another tomorrow.

As usual with my giveaways, were going to do some (simple enough) trivia:

Out of these six facts about them, name three that Big Boi and Clipse have in common:

1.) Has served in the US Armed Forces
2.) Has been nominated for a Grammy
3.) Has owned a clothing line
4.) Has been Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher
5.) Has been signed to Jive/Arista Records
6.) Has recorded a song with Bun B

First person to leave the correct answers in the comments section gets the tickets! Make sure you leave your email addy or twitter or something so that I can contact you with how to claim your prize. Good luck folks.

Tickets also available HERE

UPDATE: Contest is now closed. Check back tomorrow for the next giveaway.

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com Ticket Giveaway: Big Boi x Clipse x Yelawolf at The Gallery at King Plow

Alright folks, just warning you that I will be giving away tickets to the Big Boi, Clipse and Yelawolf show coming up this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Spread the word and keep visiting the site this week for details.

Tickets also on sale HERE