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Universal Hip Hop Museum Receives 3.7 Million from NY State, Set to Open in 2023
New York state governor, Andrew Cuomo, has officially signed off on a grant to help sponsor the impending construction of the first-ever museum dedicated solely to rap music – The Universal Hip Hop Museum.
The Universal Hip Hop Museum is slated to open its doors in the South Bronx (it’s birthplace) in 2023. It is seen as a profitable venture for the state, looking to bring in additional tax revenue, as well as plenty of tourists looking to learn about what is now the world’s most popular genre. As of right now, the museum currently operates as a pop-up exhibit in the Bronx Terminal Market until construction begins in 2020.
Bronx Native Rocky Bucano serves as the executive director of the board of trustees with hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow – whose 1980 single “The Breaks,” is recognized as hip-hop’s first ever gold record – is among the board of founding members while Public Enemy’s Chuck D, serves as the chairman of the celebrity board. “The credibility he brings to our team is mammoth,” Kurtis Blow says of Chuck D. “He also understands the importance of the UHHM and vows to let the world know via a star-studded celebrity board in the near future. Flame on!”
The likes of LL Cool J, Q Tip, Nas, Fab Five Freddie, and Rakim also serve as cultural ambassadors, according to the UHHM official website.
“We knew it was important because the Bronx is where hip-hop started,” Bucano told CNN. “It’s crazy to think of how hip-hop — which has such an influence on pop culture, advertising, politics — doesn’t have a place to call home.”
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Biscuits Bring the Heat to NYC for annual New Year’s Run
Trance-fusion pioneers, The Disco Biscuits, laid down some serious jamtronica heat at NYC’s PlayStation Theatre on Saturday during their annual New Year’s run. PlayStation Theatre is closing permanently at the conclusion of this run, and the Biscuits are ensuring the venue goes out with a bang. The Disco Biscuits members include Allen Aucoin (drums), Marc Brownstein (bass), Jon Gutwillig (guitar), and Aron Magner (synthesizers).
Saturday’s first set included a delicious “Munchkin Invasion” jam sandwich, filled with an inverted “The Great Abyss.” The second set intensified with jam vehicles “Caterpillar” and “Spraypaint” seguing into a fresh and dirty “Tractorbeam Jam,” and then right back into both.
Tickets are still available for the two remaining nights of this soon to be legendary run at this link. FOMO can truly be damned because the band is webcasting this historic run as well. Head over to their Youtube page for more details.
Set One: King Of The World> Munchkin Invasion> The Great Abyss*> Story Of The World> Freebis Slinky> Munchkin Invasion
Set Two: Caterpillar> Spraypaint> Humuhumunukunukuapua’a**> Tractorbeam Jam> Caterpillar, Air Song> Spraypaint
Encore: Bazaar Escape
* inverted version
** unfinished
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Best of NYS Music 2019: Best Music Towns
New York is a vast state with pockets of local scenes throughout. While a “scene” these days isn’t what it was in the ’80s or ’90s where bands of similar genres created scenes out of necessity, the music scenes of the 21st century are, more or less, regions where live music is simply a way of life. Some regions are even cross-pollinating. So while we aren’t seeing strictly area scenes, live music is no less prevalent around the state.
We polled our staff looking for the best music towns across the state and this year, our state’s capital came out on top. The Albany area’s diverse scene includes small venues such as Parish Public House, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and The Low Beat, mid-size venues that include The Egg, Cohoes Music Hall and the Palace Theatre along with the storied Times Union Center.
The Times Union Center, then known as Knickerbocker Arena, was christened on January 30, 1990, by none other than Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Other big-name acts that have performed at Kickerbocker/Pepsi Arena/Times Union Center over the years include the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion and Phish.
The Palace Theatre opened in 1931 as a movie and vaudeville house and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This not-for-profit building has also hosted the Stones and Springsteen and has been the New Year’s Eve home for moe. and Twiddle.
When it comes to smaller venues, Albany has plenty to choose from, attracting national and international acts that are on the rise. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen has served as host for numerous Capital District acts as well as up-and-coming national acts such as White Denim and Barns Courtney.
Add all these venues to the varied acts in the local scene and you have a diverse music community that draws from influences from all over.
Glass Pony, Wild Adriatic, Hartley’s Encore and Annie in the Water are spearheading the next wave of jambands not just in the Albany area but across the state and beyond. And while the term “jamband” may bring a certain style to mind, these bands are all unique in sound, all based in rock, but drawing from disparate influences.
Eddie Hotaling of Glass Pony When you look at Albany’s music history, venues such as Valentine’s come to mind. moe., the Ominous Seapods, God Street Wine and others of the third wave of jambands got their feet wet in and around the Albany scene.
In the late ’70s, the comedic rock band Blotto burst onto the Albany scene. Comprised of members with names like Sergeant Blotto, Broadway Blotto, Lee Harvey Blotto, Bowtie Blotto and Cheese Blotto, the band received significant play on MTV’s airwaves with the UAlbany student-shot video for “I Wanna Be a Lifeguard.”
In later years Sarge Blotto (real name Greg Haymes) became a writer for the Albany Times Union and later went on to found the Capital District website Nippertown, which champions the Albany area music and arts scene. Haymes died on April 10 of this year, leaving a large hole in the Albany music scene.
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Medeski, Martin, Metzger and Cline Kick Off Phish After Party Season at Sony Hall
Just as Phishmas at YEMSG got underway last night, so too did after party season. Night one’s offerings were numerous, highlighted by the one-off supergroup of John Medeski (keys), Billy Martin (drums), Scott Metzger (guitar, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead), and Nels Cline (guitar, Wilco) at Sony Hall. Not to discount the draws of Metzger and Cline, but MMW’s acid jazz has been intertwined with the Phish scene since 1995 and this highly anticipated show would eventually sell out in the hours before its 1:00 am start, leaving many fans outside on the sidewalk.
Sony Hall occupies the footprint of The Diamond Horseshoe, a celebrated and historic Times Square dinner theater with a standing room capacity of 1,000. The room is trimmed with gold paint, coffered ceilings and a disco ball, and lounge seating around the perimeter, lending to its historic feel. The room sounded great, although overcrowding was a serious deterrent for many.
Medeski, Cline, Metzger, and Martin were arranged audience left to right respectively, and began their two hour improvisational journey just before 1:00 a.m. Medeski would contribute the evening’s bass lines on his keys, as he and Martin provided the anchoring rhythm section for guitarists Cline and Metzger to explore in, on, and around. There were gorgeous moments of Metzger shred amidst a backdrop of effects heavy psychedelic exploration from Cline. The tempo was deliberate and purposeful and, coupled with the intense crowding, didn’t create much of a dancing atmosphere. At times the music felt almost transcendent, as Medeski and Martin created an ambient space for guitarists Metzger and Cline to play, their guitar work totally dictated by the tempo and beat of the drums and keys.
These musicians clearly enjoyed playing with one another as they treated those who braved the crowds and the late hours to a two hour set of improvisation that ended at 3:00 a.m. Sony Hall will host after shows on nights two and three as well, with Star Kitchen on 12/29 and Ghost Note plays Prince on 12/30.
Photo by Chad Anderson 
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In Focus: Phish kicks off 2019 New Year’s Run at Madison Square Garden
It’s been 25 years since their first New Year’s Run show at Madison Square Garden, and Phish kicked off four nights of shows to end 2019 with some new material, a second set chock full of improv, and an “On Broadway” jam.
The festivities began with the debut of a new Phish original, “Evening Song.” Sung by guitarist Trey Anastasio, the opener had many looking around and checking phones to find out what exactly it was. From there, the first set took a second set type of turn with a rousing “No Men In No Man’s Land” and a monstrous “Down with Disease” that followed. Another first timer then appeared in the form of “20-20 Vision” as bassist Mike Gordon took the reigns and sang the cover song originally recorded by the great Gene Autry. “Ghost” then seemed to shift things back to the second set frame of mind courtesy of a locked in, psychedelic groove it produced. Another first set highlight was the first “Dog Faced Boy” since 2016. The opening stanza closed with a powerful “Say It to Me S.A.N.T.O.S.” which was a nod to the New Year’s spectacle of last year.
With sprits high, “Everything’s Right” was an ideal choice to open the second set. Phish let it be known to all that they were on point and having fun with discernable “On Broadway” teases from Anastasio and keyboardist Page McConnell that highlighted a “Set Your Soul Free” that transitioned seamlessly into “Gotta Jibboo.” about the second set jams, Barry Mann wrote “On Broadway” and the Guy Forget lyrics in the “Drowned” jam. Another true highlight was the triumphant return of “Drowned,” the Who cover that hadn’t been played in more than a year. Things then got a little silly thanks to “Ass Handed,” sung as usual by drummer Jon Fishman. This led to a wacky “Chalkdust Torture Reprise” of sorts that was sung to the tune of “Ass Handed” before “Character Zero” showed up in its predictable set closing slot. Further showcasing their ability to be sensitive and fun at the same time, an encore of “A Life Beyond the Dream” and “Rocky Top” closed the book on night one of the 2019 New Year’s run.
Setlist via Phish.net
Phish, December 28, 2019, Madison Square Garden, NY, NY
Set 1: Evening Song[1], No Men In No Man’s Land, Down with Disease, 20-20 Vision[2], Ghost, Gumbo > Rift, Weigh, Dog Faced Boy, Twenty Years Later > Tube > Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.
Set 2: Everything’s Right > Beneath a Sea of Stars Part 1 > Set Your Soul Free -> Gotta Jibboo > Free > Piper, Drowned, Ass Handed > Chalk Dust Torture Reprise[3] > Character Zero
Encore: A Life Beyond The Dream, Rocky Top
[1] Debut.
[2] Phish debut.
[3] With lyrics changed to Ass Handed. -
Vevo and Fabolous Present Live Performance of “B.O.M.B.S.”
Vevo announced rapper, Fabolous, as the next artist in their Ctrl series, with a performance of “B.O.M.B.S.”
Vevo’s Ctrl series highlights the work of hard-hitting, cutting-edge musicians, both emerging and established, making an impact on today’s music scene. These artists demand attention and Vevo’s Ctrl shines a deserving spotlight. Shot in Vevo’s Brooklyn studio, Fabolous’ performance of “B.O.M.B.S.” follows sessions from Rick Ross, Common, Rapsody, Jeezy, Jadakiss, A$AP Ferg and more, according to their official website.
The record is the second track from his latest project, Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever. It is a sample of “Sirius,” the opening composition of British rock-band — The Alan Parsons Project, and their 1982 LP — Eye in the Sky. While it samples a rock-band, the song is undoubtedly an ode to Michael Jordan and the 1990’s Chicago Bulls (with the title serving as acronymic reference), who used “Sirius” as part of their entrance music, making it synonymous with Jordan and their 1990’s dynasty.
Fabolous spends roughly three-minutes delivering one punchline after the other, with plenty of NBA and other pop culture references alike. Reminding the listener that his relevancy in hip-hop is everlasting. Similarly, to how the Chicago Bulls have been a mainstay of pop and sports culture, despite their run happening over two decades ago.
A veteran of the hip-hop scene, The Grammy-nominated emcee has been a force since the early 2000’s. With his first big hit, “Can’t Deny It,” coming in 2001. His mix of lyricism, pop-friendly records, and implementation of nostalgic references has kept him in demand, nearly twenty-years after his debut.
Despite taking a step-back from commercial releases he has managed to stay relevant, and in “B.O.M.B.,” he signals a return to his dominant status in the rap game, rapping “I feel like Michael in ’95, back on my bull sh*t this summer ya’ll.”
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The Soul Rebels Announce Poetry In Motion 2020 Tour
The Soul Rebels, a brass/hip-hop ensemble out of New Orleans, has announced a winter tour in support of their new album, Poetry In Motion. Joining them on tour will be Matisyahu, Tank and the Bangas, and Big Freedia who are also featured artists on the album.
During the month of March, The Soul Rebels will make four stops in New York. First, they will be performing at Buffalo Iron Works on March 1. They will travel to Syracuse for a night at the Westcott Theater on March 2, before journeying downstate to Poughkeepsie to play at Revel 32 on March 7. Finally they will spend their last two days on March 13 & 14 at the Brooklyn Bowl where they will be joined by unannounced special guests.
Released in October via their imprint Rebelution Music Group, on Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, Poetry in Motion debuted at #1 on the Contemporary Jazz charts and was in the top 20 for the Current Rap, R&B/Hip – Hop and R&B Album charts. The song “Greatness” was ESPN’s official College Hoops Blockbuster promo song for the 2019-20 season. Recently The Soul Rebels appeared on Dave East feat. Nas‘ track “Godfather 4,” adding harmony and backup vocals.
Tickets are on sale now and available at TheSoulRebels.com. All tours dates are listed below.
Tour Dates:
Dec.30-31 – The Ardmore Music Hall – Philadelphia, PA *with Matisyahu
Jan.7-12 – Jam Cruise – Miami, FL
Jan.13-18 – Havana Jazz Festival – Havana, Cuba *with Tank & The Bangas & Cimafunk
Jan.24 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA
Jan.25 – The New Parish – Oakland, CA
Feb.25 – Snowmass Base Village – Snowmass Village, CO
Feb.27 – Riverfront Live – Cincinnati, OH
Feb.28 – Thunderbird Café & Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
Mar1 – Buffalo Iron Works – Buffalo, NY
Mar.2 – Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY
Mar.3 – The Press Room – Portsmouth, NH
Mar.6 – Washington, D.C. – U Street Music Hall
Mar.7 – Poughkeepsie, NY – Revel 32
Mar.8 – Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center – Greenfield, MA
Mar.10 – Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME
Mar.11 – Infinity Music Hall – Norfolk, CT
Mar.12 – StageOne – Fairfield, CT
Mar.13-14 – Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY *with Special Guests
Mar.15 – The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA
Apr.9 – Carolina Performing Arts-UNC at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, NC *with Big Freedia
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Runaway Gin delivered Evil Phish to the Knitting Factory
Charleston, SC’s Runaway Gin delivered their “Evil Phish” covers to the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY on December 26, to a crowd excited for the upcoming Phish run at Madison Square Garden. Led by Dentist and guitarist Andy Greenburg, the funky jams hit for two delicious sets.
Space Junk is Forever opened the evening with vintage instruments and their self-described “simple melodies, stirring harmonic language, and frequent key and meter changes into impressionistic, aptly titled tunes.”
Notable covers by Runaway Gin included “Punch You In the Eye,” “Stash” and “David Bowie.” “Bowie” had excellent guitar work by Greenburg, and the crowd was loving the jam in “Stash.”
Runaway Gin is on tour this winter, with more doses of “Evil Phish.” Visit their tour page here.
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Club Helsinki Hudson to rock out the New Year with the Felice Brothers
Hudson Valley-based roots-rockers the Felice Brothers will close out 2019 with a rocking New Year’s Eve performance at Club Helsinki Hudson. With the show kicking off at 9pm on Tuesday, December 31, the Woodstock-bred fusion of rock, country, folk, soul and gospel will be centerstage, with a sound compared to that of formerly-Catskills-based The Band.
Longtime Club Helsinki favorites, the Felice Brothers are a close-knit band of two brothers and three longtime friends. The group has garnered a loyal, dedicated following in these parts, as they continue to tour nationally and appear on festival bills including Bonnaroo, All Points, Outside and Newport.
The group’s new album, Undress, was cut live to tape in late summer of 2018 in nearby Tivoli, N.Y. “Many of the songs on the new album are motivated by a shift from private to public concerns,” says songwriter Ian Felice. “It isn’t hard to find worthwhile things to write about these days, there are a lot of storms blooming on the horizon and a lot of chaos that permeates our lives. The hard part is finding simple and direct ways to address them.”
Ian and James Felice grew up in the Hudson Valley, and were self-taught musicians, inspired by Hart Crane and Walt Whitman as well as by Woody Guthrie and Chuck Berry. In 2006, they began by playing subway platforms and sidewalks in New York City and have gone on to release nine albums of original songs and to tour extensively throughout the world. Following the release of Life in the Dark, the Felice Brothers served as the backing band for Conor Oberst’s 2017 release “Salutations” and the subsequent tour.
