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• Spotlight on...hip-hop

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Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center »
Address: 202 S. Broadway Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 344-8820
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University High School »
Address: 1212 W. Springfield Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
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CU hip-hop is alive and well, and the following spotlighted acts are a testament to that factor. Find out where and when these local greats will next display their prowess.

Agent Mos

Catch Him: April 18 at the IMC Fest at the Independent Media Center

Check Out: “How IL” featuring Concept of Organic Flow at http://www.myspace.com/almightyams

Cornbread

Check Out: “Board Meeting” at http://www.myspace.com/cornthacoon

Jonah

In 2008: "The highlight of 2008 was really cool collaborations with Kristov's Agenda and Mordechai In The Mirror." - Jonah

In 2009: "I'm looking forward to creating a Dubstyle mixtape with DJ Substr8 due out mid May." - Jonah

Check Out: “Africa” at http://www.myspace.com/artofmc

Organic Flow

In 2008: "2008 held a lot of changes and challenges our band. We added two members in 2008, Dan Pierson on keys, and Chris Jones on bass, both of whom have a main background in jazz, and it has had a profound influence on our sound. Ever since, we've been slightly shifting away from rock influence in our music, and more towards jazz.

A big challenge we faced in the end of 2008 was the departure of our good friend and flautist Nick Mangialardi, who went to study in Egypt this semester. He adds a lot to our sound, as well as providing lots of musical ideas, we're definitely looking forward to him coming back this summer." - Organic Flow

In 2009: "We will be recording an album over the summer, and it'll be ready by the time everyone gets back in the fall." - Organic Flow

Catch Them: April 4 at the Darfur Benefit at University High School

Check Out: “Owl Leopard Elephant Monkey” at http://www.myspace.com/organicflow

Text

In 2008: "2008 was a good year for me. I released two efforts: Unknown Scripts; my sound clique EPs (now out of print) and Jameson Dreams. I received a lot of love for Jameson Dreams, including a great review from AMS in Smile Politely and sold out release show at Mike 'n' Molly's. Thus far I have sold nearly one hundred copies of the album. It is available for purchase at Exile On Main St. in Downtown Champaign and at any live performance I'm at. 2008 was a year which built my style and image as a lyricist. I was playing out a lot and hanging out with a collection of some of the most talented emcees and DJs which this town has seen in nearly ten years. It really opened my eyes up as to what our scene has become and what it still can be." - Text

In 2009: "2009 is the year when I really want to push myself as an artist throughout this town and further. I would really like to hook up a small tour for the summer. In terms of releases, I am putting out two EPs, one with djLegTwo and one with djBelly. The LegTwo EP will be a mixtape in the traditional sense of the term. I want it to be a straight up underground hip hop production that will appeal to hip hop heads. The Belly EP will be a more dance-influenced production, paying homage to more commercial sounding tracks and dubstep. My next full length album, KnoGame, is slated to be released toward the end of June. While I'm hesitant to say much about it at this time, fans can expect much of the same 217 lifestyle narration which was featured on Jameson Dream and the debut of one of the greatest production teams I've ever worked with, Misanthrope." - Text

Catch Him: April 4 at the Independent Media Center

Check Out: “Way of the Samurai” at http://www.myspace.com/textswords