A Conversation with Danny Ross

Like so many musicians before him Danny Ross was just an avid music fan before being exposed to the later work of The Beatles. After hearing the bands third anthology album he went from being somebody who enjoyed music, to being somebody who loved music.

Growing up with parents who played the music of the 60's in the house, he admits "I knew The Beatles from 'She Loves You', and not 'Happiness is a Warm Gun'."

The self professed do-it-yourselfer, rediscovered a previously discarded piano in his parents basement and began teaching himself how to play.

"When I started out, I could only play songs that I'd written, because I didn't know anything else" he admits. Ross has come to learn a lot about his craft since those early days at the piano, he went on to study music at Cornell University and graduated in May of 2006.

Before graduating, he perfomed a piece which was written for seven instruments in front of an audience of 300 as his senior thesis. The ambitious composeur was rewarded with Sum Cum Laude distinction at graduation.


Ross' thesis, which he describes as "A rock concept album", influenced his EP, the aptly titled "Introducing Danny Ross." While none of the thesis material made it onto the album, Ross will be performing certain selections from that work as well as his EP this Saturday, June 30Tht at The Bitter End as part of his album release party.

3rd Annual Afro-Punk Film and Music Festival 6/29 - 7/7

In a previous post about Summer festivals, i described myself when I was young as a punk. To clarify, back then I didn't have any particularly alternative way of dressing and would not have been outwardly described as a Punk. I never got into major trouble but my activities and mindset were some what punk-ish.

Thinking about what I meant in my loose usage of "punk", coupled with my reading on the 3rd Annual Afro-Punk Film and Music Festival, brought me to a interesting internal debate. Because my initial definitions of Punk were a mixture of something superficial, violent and negative - it was ironic to me that the Afro-Punk Festival seemed intellectual, loving and positive.

The Afro Punk movement originated from the documentary "Afro
Punk", directed by emerging Director James Spooner, which explores race and identity within the punk scene. This work galvanized a group of people who were the under represented minority existing in the rebellious sub culture of society - Punk. The 3rd Annual Festival will be the official unveiling of James's second major work "White lies Black Sheep". Screeners of both as well as a very entertaining blog can be found on James' personal myspace page.
As a member of the African diaspora, who has spent a major portion of his life immersed in white culture - Afro Punk really engages my thoughts and reflections on race and culture. It celebrates things that are undeniably "black" with the same breath that embraces things that are stereotypically "white"... That tension has inspired so much beautiful art - ranging from music, to film, to fine art - and a healthy sampling will be on display at the festival.













MOVIES MUSIC REVOLUTION!

Afro-Punk Festival

June 28-July 7

This Independence Day, celebrate some true revolutionaries during the third annual Afro-Punk Festival at BAM, featuring film, music, and art united under the banner of black rebellion. This year's festival is focused on the Black Panther party, including a discussion with Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale, two programs on July 4 featuring documentaries about them, and an exhibit of archival photographs by the Black Panthers party photographer Stephen Shames. For the full line-up, visit BAM.org/afropunk.

OPENING NIGHT: On Thu, June 28, legendary Black Panther co-founder Bobby Seale discusses the history of the movement: where it's been and where it's going. Tickets are $15.

FILM: Music docs, cult classics, documentaries about the Black Panthers, and more. Highlights include a new print of Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (with clear parallels to the civil rights movement), Samuel Fuller's White Dog (about a dog programmed to attack black people), The Final Comedown, Eyes of the Rainbow (a documentary about Black Panther leader Assata Shakur), and more.

ART: Selections from the book The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History. This exhibition looks at the history of the movement through the lens of official party photographer Stephen Shames. In partnership with Aperture Foundation.

MUSIC: The Afro-Punk Festival features live concerts and DJ sets by bands from the Afro-Punk scene, including Tiombe Lockhart, Cutlery, Dragons of Zynth, Bear in Wolf Fur, No Surrender, CX Kidtronik, and much more.

AFROPUNK BLOCK PARTY: Celebrate Brooklyn's DIY spirit at the first-ever Afro-Punk Block Party, featuring live music, artists, vendors, crafts, food, and more.

Click here for full information and to buy tickets.

Introducing Danny Ross - Album Release 6/30 @ 8PM - Bitter End

During day light hours, Danny Ross is the most unlikely musician. By day the up and coming piano rocker is a congressional staffer for Congressman Jerold Naddar.

By moon light, Ross is on the road to being the real deal. Bringing a heavy blend of piano and traditional rock instruments and lyrics in the vein of the best of pop-rock, Ross' music is most closely compared to other budding virtiousos such as Jamie Cullum and Sondre Lerche.

That is to say a musician ripe for mainstream success, and the talent to ensure that a big break wouldn't be a waste.

Next week, Ross will be hosting a release party for his first album Introducing Danny Ross on Saturday, June 30th @ 8 PM at the Bitter End.

In addition to being an album release party, the singer/song writer will be on hand to perform cuts from the album as well.

For more information visit the following sites :

Myspace
Artist Website

Free Concerts - Central Park Summer Stage, June 8th - September 16th

Five years ago I was a punk kid with minimum income who spent most of his summer looking for shit to do during the summer. Currently, I'm a young adult working and living in the city and trying to spend as much time and as little cash outside as possible. Thankfully, many NYScenters share my plight and thus a market has been created for really good cheap/free entertainment. Next up on NYCUG's profile of free concert series in NYC is The SummerStage in Central Park. This series hosts numerous events throughout the summer ranging from music to dance, and even spoken word. Many of the events are free, while others require advance tickets and serve as benefits for the summer series.

The series kicked of 6/8 with a benefit show featuring Common and Joss Stone. If you haven't already begun taking advantage, start today 6/24, with Canada Day! Featuring Broken Social Scene offshoot Apostle of Hustle. Some other concerts that i'm marking on my personal schedule include Rodrigo y Gabriela (7/1), Junior Reid (7/8), Femi Kuti & the Positive Force(7/11), Grizzly Bear and the Decemberist (7/16 - Paid), Neko Case (7/20), Brazilian Girls (7/22), Wildstyle 25th Anniversary Reunion: A celebration of the beginnings of Hip-Hop (7/29).

Central Park Summer Stage is the largest, most diverse, and longest running public event series in NYC... I'm a big fan and would actually love to work with them in the future. Check out their website and full event schedule. I'd be surprised if you didn't find something worth attending, especially since it won't cost much but your time and energy.



Full Schedule

Sunday, June 24: 3-6 p.m.
Canada Day!: Sloan, Apostle of Hustle, Duhks
Our annual showcase of music from our Northern neighbors.
Free

Thursday, June 28: 6:30-10 p.m.
The Levon Helm Band
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Saturday, June 30: 3-6 p.m.
Ozomatli, Babylon Circus, DJ Joro Boro
It’s a day of fusing music styles at Summerstage.
Free

Sunday, July 1: 3-6 p.m.
Rodrigo y Gabriela, Vietnam, JDH and DAVE P
Two acoustic guitarists kick up a noise and a rock foursome lay down the feedback frenzy as SummerStage welcomes July.
Free

Friday, July 6: 8-10 p.m.
Ronald K.

Brown / Evidence, Full Circle Soul Productions
SummerStage showcases African-American dance in all its complex and varied glory.
Free

Saturday, July 7: 3-6 p.m.
Cinematic Orchestra, RAMP, El Michels Affair, Kevin Michael, DJ Spinna
The art of the groove is on full display for this mid-summer event.
Free

Sunday, July 8: 3-6 p.m.
Junior Reid, Djakout Mizik, Diams, Black Alex & Mecca a.k.a "GRIMMO", Wyclef Jean & Papa Jube
The rhythms of the Caribbean will be in full effect at this event.
Free

Monday, July 9: 6-10 p.m.
Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Keller Williams
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Tuesday, July 10: 7-10 p.m.
Nortec Collective, Fedrico Aubele, Film screening: So What's Your Price?
This night’s artists explore globalization in music and film.
Free

Wednesday, July 11: 7-10 p.m.
Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, DJ Rich Medina [rb]Film screening: Music Is a Weapon
The power of Afrobeat is showcased live and on film.
Free

Saturday, July 14: 3-6 p.m.
Café Tacuba, Pacha Massive, La Sista
Program featuring three Latin artists who’ve incorporated rock, hip-hop and electronica into their sound.
Free

Sunday, July 15: 3-6 p.m.
Global Family Day: Hip-Hop Harry, Sippy Cups, Break!
Kids music that will not bore their parents to tears.
Free

Monday, July 16: 6:30-10 p.m.
The Decemberists, Grizzly Bear, Land of Talk
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Thursday, July 19: 7:30-10 p.m.
UCB Theatre's Comedy Cabaret: Human Giant, Demetri Martin, Rebecca Drysdale, The Defibrillators
New York’s best up-and-coming comedians.
Free

Friday, July 20: 7-10 p.m.
Neko Case, Eric Bachman
Country and folk get an update through the highly personal work of two great singer-songwriters.
Free

Saturday, July 21: 3-6 p.m.
Shrhabeel Ahmed, Aboaraki Al Bkheid, Yousif El Moseley, Hadia "Al Balabil" (Humming Bird), Ali Al Segid, Rasha Sheikh Aldein, Al Wareef Sheikh Aldein, Brides of the Nile Dance Group, Emmanuel (South of Sudan), Omer Ehsas (Darfur), The Nile Music Orchestra
A showcase of the music and culture of Sudan.
Free

Sunday, July 22: 3-6 p.m.
Brazilian Girls, Cat Empire, HIMALAYAS conducted by Kenny Wollesen & Jonathon Haffner
Two groove-heavy groups and an avant-garde marching band.
Free

Thursday, July 26: 7:30-10 p.m.
Marisha Pessl, Jennifer Egan
Two novelists read from acclaimed recent works.
Free

Friday, July 27: 8-10 p.m.
David Parsons Dance, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
An evening of dance from two of New York’s most exciting modern companies.
Free

Saturday, July 28: 7-10 p.m.
Liz McComb, King Britt presents Sister Gertrude Morgan featuring Ben Jaffe
A special gospel evening.
Free

Sunday, July 29: 7-10 p.m.
Wild Style 25th Anniversary Reunion: The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, The Cold Crush Brothers, GrandMaster Caz, DJ GrandWizzard Theodore, Fab 5 Freddy + special guests, Film screening of Wild Style
A grand celebration of the beginnings of hip-hop.
Free

Thursday, August 2: 7:30-10 p.m.
Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez
Two literary giants from the Black Power era.
Free

Friday, August 3: 8-10 p.m.
Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco), Camille A Brown & Dancers
Two companies with unique visions of modern dance.
Free

Saturday, August 4: 3-6 p.m.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Spam Allstars, Tato Torres Y Yerba Buena, Bobbito Garcia a.k.a Kool Bob Love
Classic salsa, Latin electronica and Boricuan rhythms.
Free

Sunday, August 5: 7-10 p.m.
Cine Fest Brasil: AfroReggae Film screening: Zuzu Angel
The sounds and sights of Brazil.
Free

Thursday, August 9: 6-10 p.m.
Black Crowes
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Friday, August 10: 8-10 p.m.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet, TAKE Dance Company
Evening of dance includes works of explosive creativity and calm command.
Free

Saturday, August 11: 3-6 p.m.
Celebrate New Orleans: Soul to Soul III, Galactic & special guests Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagle Mardi Gras Indians & Soul Rebel Brass Band
Our annual celebration of the Big Easy with jam band sounds and deep second-line voodoo.
Free

Sunday, August 12: 3-6 p.m.
Zap Mama, Angelique Kidjo, K'Naan
The music of the African continent is brought to life.
Free

Sunday, August 19: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Rufus Wainwright
SummerStage Benefit Concert Ticket Information

Sunday, September 16: 1:30-6 p.m.
New York World Festival - Sounds of the Mediterranean: Hassan Hakmoun, Orchestre de Tanger, Amalia Papastefanou, Chris Tiktapanides, Dimonis de Mallorca
The music of the Meditarrean and North Africa will be celebrated this special day of performance and education.
Free

Free Concerts - Jelly NYC Pool Parties, June 24th - August 19th, McCARREN PARK POOL

**Guest Post from Aaliyah**
Some people complain about New York City in the summer...smelly streets, long waits at your favorite brunch spots, Time Square style crowds galore.. the list goes on. So, many New Yorkers beat the heat with long weekends in the Hamptons, Block Island and basically anyplace outside of the city. But... if you're like my friends and myself you LOVE New York City summers. Mango slushies, summer Fridays at work, roof top relaxation, bike rides, 900 open flea markets, and loads of shows at the parks. A lot of these outdoor shows are free in the summer, you can literally walk around your neighborhood and find yourself at a show - I have! Let's start with the Jelly NYC Pool Parties at McCarren Pool in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. These free concerts already started but you can still check out bands in July and August - Erase Errata, Ted Leo/Rx, The Thermals, Ghostland Observatory, Octopus Project, Man Man, Illinois, I'm from Barcelona, Dengue Fever, TV on the Radio, Blonde Redhead, The Coydogs and more. It's first come first serve so RSVP and make sure you bring a blanket for lounging.

About Jelly NYC Pool Parties

JELLYNYC's brainchild POol PARTIES is back!!! Over the course of nine consecutive Sundays from June 24th - August 19th, from 2pm- 8pm, music lovers, sun bathers, slip 'n' sliders, hula hoopers, dodgeballers, water volleyballers, and more will get to experience the MAGIC for FREE first hand. POoL PARTIES brings together crowds of young, old, black, white, straight, and gay, creating an inclusive vibe unparalleled in New York City. Over 50,000 friendly faces passed through the arches of the McCarren Pool last summer, we expect way more this summer, so be sure to arrive early and be sure to RSVP to guarantee entry. We can't wait to see you this summer!

Full Schedule

June 24

Superchunk

Oakley Hall
+ / -

DJ Todd O-Phonic Todd

July 1

Man Man
Illinois
Dengue Fever

DJ sets by
The Dirty Work DJs

July 8

Octopus Project
Erase Errata
Dan Deacon
OCDJ

The Rub DJs featuring
Mark Ronson

July 15

PONDEROSA STOMP-LOOK OUT BROOKLYN! VERSION

Performances by:

Roy Head
Bobby Patterson
Willy Tee
Tammi Lynn
Ray Sharpe
(backed by The A-Bones)
Tommy McClain (backed by Yo La Tengo)

With house band:

Teenie Hodges
Scott Bomar
Willie Tee
Willy Hall

DJ sets by
Dave "The Spazz"
Rex "Fools Paradise"

July 22

SPECIAL LINE UP TO BE ANNOUNCED

July 29

TV on the Radio

August 5

CURATED BY
Pop Montreal and Noise Pop Festival

Blonde Redhead
I'm From Barcelona
The Coydogs

The Rub DJs
featuring Morse Code

August 12

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
The Thermals
Birds of Avalon

August 19

Ghostland Observatory
Yacht

The Rub DJs

DJ Ayres:
THE BALTIMORE BASS CONNECTION (featuring
many surprise special guests)

PANDA BEAR @ Bowery Ballroom – 6/23

The Animal Collective’s co-founder will be in the city this weekend to promote his newest release on the Paw Tracks label entitled Person Pitch. While Noah Lennox’s solo work is different and less experimental from Animal Collective, there are still and awful lot of similarities in the overall feel and mood of the music, as would be expected. His solo work is not as disjointed as Animal Collective and there are a lot more vocal harmonies, conjuring up shades of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The compositions themselves are also slightly more conservative in the indie rock sense and not as avant-garde. His shows prove to be a fun time and you can check it out for yourself.

RIYL: Animal Collective, Xiu Xiu, Four Tet, The Unicorns

Pela @ Maxwells on 6/15 and the Mercury Lounge on 6/16, 6/17

Pela’s tunes have that classic “give me a hamburger and fries” sound. They are a rare form of American Rock that is both traditional of the genre as well as innovative. Vocals are a bit reminiscent of lead singer Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, while the music itself is steady, full, and solid. Check out the song “Venom” on their myspace page and their debut album, “Anytown Graffiti,” now available for sale. This song makes you want to wash that fast food down with some whiskey.

Check them out at http://www.myspace.com/pela to prep for the three shows this weekend.

Television, Apples in Stereo, & Dragons of Zynth @ Central Park Summerstage 6/16

Mid-1970s NYC downtown art-rock quartet Television is playing what may be their final show this Saturday afternoon at the Central Park Summerstage. Television was essential to planting the seeds of early punk music, as well as pioneering their unique lead-guitarlessness: instead of one guitar taking a "rhythm" backseat to the other, both guitars are featured prominently, collide with one another, and ricochet off into infinity.

Television broke up in 1978, but got back together in 2001 for a splattering of live dates. Guitarist Richard Lloyd has claimed this Saturday's performance will be his last with the band, putting an end to the reunion. Hopefully no pre-breakup bitterness makes its way onstage.

Apples in Stereo & Dragons of Zynth are also playing - what a bill! Plus, you've got no excuse not to go; it's free!

Television plays "Foxhole" live in 1978:

Keith Fullerton Whitman & Ikue Mori @ Issue Project Room 6/15

It will be an evening of high-art electronics Friday at Brooklyn's Issue Project Room. 8:00 pm, $10.

Synthesizer whiz Keith Fullerton Whitman (AKA Hrvåtski) has been extraordinarily eclectic in his output in the last few years, issuing work ranging from techno-influenced dance music to experimental minimalism. He is in the midst of composing his first "through-composed long-form work...for Egyptian Oud, Serge and Doepfer Analog Modular Synthesizers, and computer control/processing." Hopefully he'll preview some of it Friday.

Ikue Mori began her musical career acting as drummer for late-1970s NY No-Wave trio DNA, where she developed her unique asymmetrical skin-beating style. She has since shaped herself into a composer, and has performed with many NY-based avant-gardists (including John Zorn, Kim Gordon, & Bill Frisell) over the past 30 years. Having largely abandoned live drumming in lieu of an array of programmed drum machines & samplers, Mori remains on the cutting edge of electronic & experimental musics.

Ikue Mori w/ Lotte Anker & Sylvie Courvoisier:

PINK MARTINI @ Carnegie Hall – 6/13

Although they have been around for over ten years, Pink Martini has never reached the success critics prognosticated for them over the years. This could be a result of their extremely niche genre, being Cabaret-Lounge-Jazz-Pop and though that may sound hard to swallow, their music is extremely accessible for folks who may not typically listen to this type of music. They have gotten some exposure recently, however. On the heels of a track on the Sopranos, their latest release Hey Eugene! cracked the Billboard top 40, so things may be looking up for them. You’ll have a chance to catch them at Carnegie Hall this week.

RIYL: Esquivel, Stereolab, Pizzicato Five, Henry Mancini

The Subjects & The Rosewood Thieves, 6/13 @ Pianos

Great bill this Wednesday at Pianos, featuring (among others) The Subjects and The Rosewood Thieves.

With Brooklyn’s own The Subjects headlining this gig, you’re definitely in for a high-energy show. Gotta love the tightness these guys bring to lo-fi, with guitar jangles reminiscent of The Kinks and The Strokes and-- if you really crane enough to hear it-- a little bit of Sting in front man David Sheinkoff’s voice. They're at their best on the burner "Seems to Me."

Meanwhile, the Rosewood Thieves, playing a supporting role in this show, create the sort of lush textures and foot-stomping grooves that, when coupled with painfully earnest lyrics and almost-overly-reverbed vocals, get by on the stuff that Elliott Smith and John Lennon would be proud of.

In particular, check out featured tracks "Los Angeles" and "Cold in the Country," although their true range can be shown off on more contemplative tracks like "Untitled Demo" (currently up on their myspace, but for who knows how much longer).

Backroom at Pianos is the spot this Wednesday.

Melt Banana @ Knitting Factory 6/10

Melt Banana is sort of a misnomer. This Japanese noise-troupe is really in the business of melting faces, not potassium-rich fruits. Equally as tasty, they'll be at Knitting Factory Sunday evening in support of their latest, Bambi's Dilemma. Bring earplugs.

RIYL: Lightning Bolt, Boredoms, John Zorn, Merzbow

Spoon announces tour dates

Spoon will be touring all summer and in to the fall in support of their new album "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga". They will be making two stops in New York (7/11 - Rockefeller Park for River to River Festival and 10/20 - Roseland Ballroom). Click the headline for more info.

Krs-One @ Sputnik - 6/9

Native New Yorker, Kris Parker, also known as Krs-One will appear at Sputnik Saturday night. The Krs-One show could be the ride of your life as it was for me 4 years ago when he performed at Toad’s Place, in New Haven. Note that the price is also a bargain for any of you hip-hop fans. Furthermore, $5 of the $15 will be donated to the Darfour Coalition. It goes without saying that Krs is bound to not only demonstrate superior skills on the mic, but also wax philosophical on topics, such as faith, culture and the current state of hip-hop. He is going to challenge you to perceive hip-hop as more than just a mere source of entertainment. “You are not just doing hip-hop, you are hip-hop/like if you have a badge and a gun you are the cop/like if you practice medicine you are the doc/you just forgot that rappers rap about cars a lot.” While having never gained much airplay on the radio, Krs’s unrivaled longevity in the rap game is a testament to his underground appeal and lasting substance as an emcee. Go see how Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone…that is to say, KRS-One breaks it down.

The Spinto Band @ Mercury Lounge 6/9

Bred in Deleware, The Spinto Band offers a familiar yet refreshing sound. How is this possible? Listen to their new hit, "Mandy" and you'll say to yourself, 'I swear I've heard this before!' I'm not talking about a Vanilla Ice/Bowie and Queen type situation. This is no rip off. This 6-piece band just makes you feel comfortable. Catchy like the Magnetic Fields and earnest like Sondre-Leche, you'll want to check out this band if you haven't already. Do it sooner than later this Saturday @ 11:30 or at

http://www.myspace.com/thespintoband or http://www.spintoband.com/.

ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI @ Fillmore NY (Irving Plaza) – 6/8

With a band and stageshow as large as their name, Architecture in Helsinki delivers an exciting night out for everyone and will be playing at the newly renamed Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza. The Melbourne, Australia octet blends horns and synths and other various instruments to embellish what is, at its core, an indie pop sound. Their last two releases have been critically acclaimed and their fanbase has grown to include the likes of David Byrne and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. You’ve got a chance to check them out tomorrow. Now what is it about the architecture in Helsinki anyways?

RIYL: Broken Social Scene, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Enon, Oppenheimer

The Clientele @ Bowery Ballroom, Fri 6/8

Usually I adhere pretty closely to the old piece of wisdom that says: if you’re in a band, and you sound at all like the Monkees, it’s probably about time to hang up the old tambourine.

Enter The Clientele. These cheery British balladeers, who may evoke a little Davy Jones from time to time, do it only in the most tasteful and unapologetic of ways. Blending pure pop with more than a touch of the psychedelic, The Clientele are a blast from the past and a breath of fresh air all at once. There’s no pretension here, and the lack of angst is as refreshing as you'd think it would be.

Wistful, sincere, and definitely cheesy- The Clientele do it all, and while they may not become your favorite band of the year (although they just might), these indie vets have a style not often heard these days, and are definitely a great act to catch live. Tickets are only $15, so start your weekend off with a little British invasion and you’ll be feeling groovy before you can say bloody fantastic. Myspace | Website

The Stills w/ vhs or beta - Wednesday 6/6 @ Don Hills - $15

These Canadian rockers have been ripping the New York Scene pretty consistently for the past four years. They've been around the world and back on major national and international tours...I say this only to highlight the rarity of seeing a band this established, playing such an intimate venue as Don Hills. Add to it that buzz band VHS or Beta will be spinning DJ sets - this is one show you won't want to miss. Don't thank me now - buy me a drink at the concert.

Method Man and the Gza @ Webster Hall - Tuesday 6/5 - $15

I remember when I was a kid, kicking it in the courtyard of middle school during recess...all the boys in the crew gathered around jostling to be, for that day, their favorite member of the Wu Tang Clan. I always tried to be Method Man but somehow always ended up settling for the legendary ODB. The Wu Tang Clan was very instrumental in taking the torch from the forefathers of Hip-Hop and running it in to it's dominance over Pop Culture for the next decade plus. I've never had the pleasure of seeing the Wu-Tang Clan, rolling out Deep with the Clan’s 10 plus members, or any of their numerous offshoot solo projects. Not going to miss the opportunity to check out two of these living legends, Mr. Meth and the Genius, live in concert this coming Tuesday at Webster Hall.