Watch Brooklyn’s El-P perform live on last night’s Late Show with David Letterman. Performing new tracks from his upcoming album, Cancer 4 A Cure, the Def Jux MC/producer/label head rocks “Stay Down” featuring Nick Diamonds and backed by a live band. El also offers a tribute to Beastie Boys’ MCA, who passed away this month, as well as “Where The While Things Are” author, Maurice Sendak.

Kansas City’s Mac Lethal, today, released the latest in his series of tongue-in-cheek videos showcasing his ultra-fast rapping ability.

Using the instrumental from Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” hit, Mac Lethal used this video to take on poor grammar by rapping about the difference between using “your” — the possessive — and”you’re” — the contraction.

“This one is a contraction,” Mac raps, holding up a sign that reads “YOU’RE”. “You apostrophe are — like ready for action.” He makes the distinction, then, rapping, “This one is your — possessive — your gun, your beer, your mom’s a whore.”

“Possessives and contractions are, apparently, just something that you used to know,” Mac sings to the key of the original song.

Previously, Mac Lethal has gained fame for his fast rap video to the “Look At Me Now” (Chris Brown) beat while he casually cooked pancakes and drank orange juice. Prior to that, Mac has also released videos rapping over Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” and a number of other popular tracks.

Check out the newest fast rap video by Mac Lethal below.

In a press conference at House of Blues Sunset in Hollywood tonight, Guerrilla Union revealed the line-up for 2012 Rock The Bells dates.

Among those listed — in a similar fashion to last year, with Supernatural freestyling with each of the artists names — were a number of huge acts, both recent and past.

Each of the three scheduled Rock The Bells dates for 2012 will last for two days. RTB is slated to hit San Bernardino, CA, Mountain View, CA, and Holmdel, NJ.

The following dates/venues:

San Bernardino
NOS Events Center
August 18, 19

Mountain View
Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 25, 26

New Jersey
PNC Bank Arts Center
September 1, 2

Tickets for all three dates go on sale on May 19 at 10:00 AM.

Update: The full line-up is now posted. Check out the full list of artists below.

The two Strange Famous compatriots join forces in a new video for the track “2BAD” from B. Dolan’s upcoming House of Bees Vol. 2. Both donning their signature unkempt facial hair, Sage and Dolan proceed to cause a ruckus within — what appears to be — an abandoned school. Graffiti, “breack” dancing, and more ensues.

Pre-order packages for House of Bees Vol. 2 are available now via SFR. Album is due out on June 12.

Even more footage from Marc Webb’s upcoming “The Amazing Spider-Man”. This time, a full four-minute preview of what to expect in what’s likely to be the Summer’s next big blockbuster film (following closely on the heels of the success of “The Avengers”).

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is due in theaters on July 3.

A big assortment of Wu-branded snapbacks released by Rocksmith as part of their Spring 2012 line. Available now at Wu-Tang Brand stockists globally. [Price not listed]

Supra reveals their newest quasi-futuristic Skytop III model — “Block”. Available in both a dark/navy blue and black colorway, either iteration features white accented top cage, white heel pull, sole, and tongue.

Available at Supra retailers, as well as from Supra direct. [Price: $125.00]

The retro-styled Blazer is available in a huge number of combinations and custom colors, prints, and other feature (including zipper location). Even the toe cap, swoosh logo, and heel placement are up for negotiation.

Check out the full catalog of available options on the NIKEiD site. [Starts at $135.00] ]]> http://abovegroundmagazine.com/news/fashion-news/kicks/05/15/blazer-mid-comes-to-nikeid/feed/ 0 http://abovegroundmagazine.com/news/culture-news/art/05/15/video-rime-x-kc-sketchy-mherfuckers/ http://abovegroundmagazine.com/news/culture-news/art/05/15/video-rime-x-kc-sketchy-mherfuckers/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 13:55:29 +0000 Tyler Hakes http://abovegroundmagazine.com/?p=22388

Late pass on this video, which is promoting Rime and KC’s newest exhibit happening now at the Known Gallery in LA. The exhibit explores the art of casual doodling, and how artists break down creativity barriers. Catch it through May 19.

From the jump, Time To Get Lucky evokes memories of a better time. The euphoric and mellow “I Been” changes pace several times, serving as a great opener that arouses the senses before plunging the listener into the rest of album.  “Whatuptho?” is a hype track over an Exile beat, both artists showcasing their expert timing.  On “Gots Ta Know”, Lucky and The Grouch take a journey back in time over heavily synthesized ‘80s-esque production.  Mid-album, “Curveball” reinvigorates with an always-appreciated old school vibe.   “Bang-Bang” is hard, both in its message and composition, and Lana Shea, who’s featured on the track, fits in perfectly.  The fourteen track LP closes with “Usele$$” an ideal farewell that speaks to Lucky’s experience (and track record) in creating an all around enjoyable album for his fans.

Lucky’s charming flow and distinct, nasally voice still hits the same way it always has when he holds a mic.  Longevity and veracity, though revered in hip-hop, are a rare find, and Time To Get Lucky represents on both counts.  Lucky may not be changing the game with this release, but in this case, that’s not a bad thing.