In the corner of the lot, we will have three local artists doin’ their paint thang. We are excited to announce that those three artists will be Chuck U, Jordan Hamilton, and Taylor Lindgren. Each masters of their own styles, these three are something fun to watch. They will also have prints available for sale so swing by and meet the artists. Until then, check out their sites for views of more artwork (linked below).
We have received many questions about set times for the show on Saturday. Music will be running all day, from 2-10 PM. We will not be posting the set times until the day of the show, outside of the gates. So show up at 2 and enjoy a full day of funkadelic hip-hop!
Bio: Big Dylan and Yakub exhibit styles unlike others in the Minnesota underground. And together, their combination is subtlety lethal.
Big Dylan or Dylan LP is an emcee/artist hailing from the Southside of Minneapolis. A career that started out as freestyling at social gatherings, has transformed into a promising future in the art of spoken word. Dylan has a way of eloquently painting pictures with poems, producing a flow and sound similar to that of a young Common. His flows have been paired with the rhythms of producers like Javier Santiago, Audio Perm, Yakub, Mike the Martyr, Shades of Blue, Maxx Appeal, and other various beatsmiths.
His lyrics exhibit an elevated level of maturity than that of a typical college rapper, touching on multiple social and environmental issues. With a focus on the creation of innovative lyrical content, Dylan’s jazz-like tempo is something you can relax or party to. So burn ‘em if you got ‘em and enjoy the smooth sounds of the future, brought to you by Big Dylan.
Yakub is an emcee/producer based in Minneapolis. In 2010, he released YakubEats… The Zip-Tape which brought him much respect locally. That respect grew to a national level when one of his instrumentals was chosen to be the first single (“2getha Baby”) on the latest Ghostface Killah album. Since then, ‘Kub has continued to work and build his buzz. Check out his latest video, “CBS”.
Non Grata* “Spring Cleaning”
*Non Grata is a side project between Big Dylan and Yakub. Maxx Appeal, the maestro of this instrumental, is also featured with a verse.
Bio:Niles Miller is an MC with roots on the Southside of Minneapolis and Bloomington; but with Trinidadian blood running through his veins, Niles’ background is unlike any other artist on the scene. Officially getting his start in 2007, Niles has released two mixtapes (Good Karma & Good Karma II) and has collaborated on various projects with a select group Minneapolis artists. His next project, the third in the Good Karma series, will be released in the summer of 2011.
Bio:Duenday (pronounced Dwen-day) is a pair of rapper/producers from South Minneapolis. Their music is as unique as their name, which comes from a Spanish word meaning “to have soul,” but also debatably translates to “garden gnome.” Years of collaboration have created a rare chemistry between Initial MC and In2wishin, with lyrics that seem to weave around each other and organic beats that they make themselves. Their music has a sense that they are always ready to party, but also inserts political commentary and self-reflection, carving a niche that is relatable for a wide range of people. Duenday released their first full-length album in November 2010 to local critical acclaim, and has become well known in the Twin Cities for their live, energetic shows. They also hit the road in 2010 with local hip-hop veterans More Than Lights, Kanser, and DJ Gabe Garcia on a five-state Midwest tour, and made appearances at summer music festivals such as Bella Vida and Prairie Grass. With the help of their label No Static Records, Duenday continues to build momentum and influence in the hip-hop scene.
To compliment Fork N Road, we will also be having the Barrio Food Truck. This truck has received high praise from the City Pages and other publications. Read the menu below and you will understand why.
Truck Name: Barrio
Custom Menu:
-Tecate Battered Mahi Mahi Tacos with Citrus Cumber Pico de Gallo
-Pork Carnitas Tacos with Salsa Verde
-Chicken Al Pastor Tacos with Pickled Onion and Avocado
-Chips with our Signature Salsas and Guacamole
-Grilled Local Corn with Chipotle Mayonaisse, Queso Cotija and Epezote
Bio: Well known in Minnesota and the midwest for their live stage shows and raw energy, Illuminous 3 has proven that you can have it all; hard beats, smart raps, rep Minnesota and still have fun all at the same time! The debut album from South Minneapolis all-star rap group Illuminous 3 entitled “Room” is an introduction to the next level of Minnesota rap music. Filled with hard beats and samples and each indivuals own complex style, this group of rappers and beatmakers are only beginning to show you the raw potential of their work. Buy the album now and pop it in your deck as you cruise the lakes for best results.
Illuminous 3 is comprised of three emcees; Freez, Franz Diego, and Mavin MC. Check out their site to check out free downloads, pictures from their dance party (Turnt Up), and more.
Bio: The Tribe & Big Cats! operate on a simple philosophy: rap music can be fun without being stupid. It can be catchy without being formulaic. And when it’s done right, rap music will make you nod your head, whether because the MC is on point or because the beat is a banger— or ideally, both.
Over a critically-acclaimed mixtape and full-length, rapper TruthBeTold and producers Aye Yo Pete and Big Cats! have crafted a sound that ties together all of these impulses, blending the tireless DIY work ethic of the underground, the swagger and confidence of the mainstream stars and the kind of pure technical talent that defies easy categorization. It’s “real hip hop” without the elitism. It’s party rap that doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. It’s gimmick-free music that will make your trunk knock and your neurons fire.
Earlier this year, The Tribe & Big Cats! released their debut album, Forward Thinkers Movers Shakers. The album featured guest appearances from Planet Asia, Phil Da Agony, Toki Wright, Abstract Rude, and more. City Pages called the album “… equal parts respect for hip-hop’s traditional methods and efforts to progress, all couched in the desire to make you nod your head and shake your ass.”
On July 11th, The Tribe & Big Cats! will release the first installment of their new project, Make Good. Each month, they will release a new single and music video featuring a special guest artist. The first release, “We Gone”, features Soundset 2011 artist, MaLLy and Claire Taubenhaus. The Tribe & Big Cats! teamed with directors Isaac Gale and David Jensen to present the first music video.
Bio: Audio Perm is a producer crew from Minneapolis, MN. The group is made up of Taylor Madrigal, Julian Fairbanks, and Cory Grindberg. Audio Perm’s live show consists of the group instrumentals, paired with raps from their frequent collaborators. Since their inception in 2009, The crew has released two albums, as well as their successful online series “Permed Out Wednesdays” in which they, along with their rap cohorts, released a new song every week. Their first physical release “Audio Perm in Full Effect” in 2010, was voted “Best Album” at the TCHHA, as well as “Best Producer”. Audio Perm is currently hard at work on their own respective albums, as well as their next instrumental album, to be released in 2012.
The Audio Perm set at the block party will serve as the debut of some of the new offshoot groups the Audio Perm members are a part of. Performing with Audio Perm will be:
Biter Fighters (Scoundrel Spence & Taylor Madrigal) Art School Girls (Chantz Erolin, Cory Grindberg & Julian Fairbanks) Fresh Squeeze (Scoundrel Spence, Jake & 80H20)
Below are samples of Audio Perm’s “Permed Out Wednesdays” releases.
“Spark One” - Bobby Raps, Akrite, Yakub & Ramiro X (Prod. Taylor Madrigal)
Everybody’s gotta eat, right? Well we figured that if people were going to be chowing, they should be chowing right. So we are bringing you a couple of the best food trucks in the city, one being Fork in the Road. I tried their BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese at an outdoor concert in St. Paul and I almost died. Check out their menu below to see which other options they will have available on Saturday!
Truck Name: Fork In The Road
Custom Menu for Block Party:
-BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions - $7-Brat with Grilled Peppers and Onion - $6-Italian “Frechetta” Sandwich on a hoagie bun (italian meats and provolone cheese topped with lettuce, onion and gardinara) - $7-Asian Noodle Salad - $5-Kettle Chips and Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing - $2-Homemade Strawberry Lemonade - $3
