Drake is not your typical rapper: the biracial, half-Jewish MC grew up a child actor in a wealthy part of Toronto. But with his new album Thank Me Later, the 23-year-old may be poised for chart-topping success. Today on Soundcheck: new releases in hip hop, and a look at its changing climate. Plus: the struggle of Asian-American artists to be heard in American pop. And later: live music from jazz bassist and composer Stephan Crump.
Drake, Eminem, and the Somber Side of Rap
When Eminem arrived on the national stage in the late 90s, there wasn’t much room in hip hop for raw emotion and self-examination. A decade later, the genre’s biggest rising star is Drake – who spends much of his hit debut Thank Me Later questioning his newfound fame (and singing rather than rapping).
The Rough Road for Asians in Pop
Pop music in the US is conspicuously short on Asian-American performers, but there’s one place where they are managing to make a splash: YouTube.
Stephan Crump: In Studio
Memphis-bred bassist and composer Stephan Crump is a rising star on the New York music scene and a member of the Vijay Iyer Trio and other ensembles.
Siren Festival
Saturday, July 17
The 10th Annual Siren Music Festival descends on Coney Island with its biggest line-up ever, featuring 14 bands, including indie-pop darlings Matt and Kim. Click here for our picks.
Lincoln Center Out Of Doors
Wednesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 15
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Lincoln Center Out Of Doors.
It's two and a half weeks of shows on a half-dozen stages.
Whitney Live
Friday, July 2 through Friday, August 27
Friday nights at the Whitney Live series provide free concerts in the lower gallery and sculpture court with admission. No fear, it's pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 6-9pm. But note, there are no special tickets or reservations. So if your summer Fridays haven't started, or don't exist, jump uptown right after work to guarantee a spot downstairs.
The Guggenheim's Dark Sounds Concert Series
Thursday, July 15 through Friday, September 3
Click here for show list and dates.
Bang On A Can Marathon
Sunday, June 27
Bang On A Can notes its marathon as "Lollapalooza advised by the ghost of John Cage". Founded in 1987, the celebration consists of a mass of musicians, composers, and listeners collaborating on uninterrupted live ear-bending border-crossing music from around the corner and around the globe.
Northside Festival
Thursday, June 24 through Sunday, June 27
While there are hundreds and hundreds of bands in this music-plosion, click here for a curated list of our picks.
BAM's R&B Festival
Thursday, June 24 through Thursday, August 5
Each Thursday at high-noon in downtown Brooklyn, hip-hop and world music can be found. For free! It's all part of BAM's R&B Festival held on the lawn at MetroTech Commons.
Celebrate Brooklyn!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010 through Sunday, August 8, 2010
Click here for our picks.
Gig Alerts: Roy Hargrove Big Band
The eclectic and acclaimed trumpeter performs with his big band at the Highline Ballroom tonight. Download his bluesy track "Ms. Garvey, Ms. Garvey."
Gig Alerts: Viernes
Tonight the Florida dream pop outfit play Union Hall. Download their knotty track "Honest Parade."
Gig Alerts: The Fiery Furnaces
The brother-sister indie rock duo play Maxwell's tonight. Download their new version of their track "Keep Me in the Dark."