It's the first weekend of the new month, so bring it in proper by checking a batch of promising new acts and promise yourself a good time. Even if you're the type that doesn't rock with what's going on now, claims the new generation is soft, and keeps classic Wu albums on deck all day there's a reason to step out. In NYC, the vets are on some new shit with Ghostface, Raekwon, and Method Man forming the group Wu Massacre. There's also the Cool Kids and Pac Div in Los Angeles, and more to see in Chicago and Boston. Check out our 5 favorite shows below...
WU-MASSACRE (GHOSTFACE KILLAH, RAEKWON, METHOD MAN) in NYC
WHEN? Friday, 3/5
WHERE? Nokia Theatre Time Square
WHY? It's guaranteed you'll see Ghost, Meth, and Rae perform new cuts from their upcoming Wu-Massacre album and joints from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II. Besides new material these three have enough hits between them that here's a good chance classics like "Ice Cream" will be performed. They'll be missing Cappadonna for that one, but that's not necessarily a bad thing...
THE COOL KIDS AND PAC DIV in LOS ANGELES
WHEN? Friday, 3/5
WHERE? Key Club
WHY? It wasn't too long ago The Cool Kids where the poster boys for the indie hip-hop movement. Their buzz has quieted down a bit since then, but the critically acclaimed live performers bring plenty of energy, loud outfits, and heavy bass bangers every time they hit stage. They're joined on the bill by another one of our favorite new groups, the promising Pac Div—who they share the speaker-shaking "Shut Up" song with.
OUTASIGHT in NEW YORK
WHEN? Saturday, 3/6
WHERE? Webstar Hall
WHY? If you trip to Webstar Hall to catch this one you'll get a lot of bang for your buck with each artist being an eclectic mix of genres. Outasight is one of the more interesting acts on the NY indie hip-hop scene with solid rhyme skills, soulful crooning, and indie rock and alternative sensibilities. The Yonkers native is fresh off releasing a mixtape Further with producer 6th Sense, and inking a deal with Warner Bros/Asylum. Also performing will be Philly high energy rap/electro duo Chiddy Bang; hyped up describes both their musical style and reputation on the scene right now.
FELIX CARTAL in CHICAGO
WHEN? Saturday, 3/6
WHERE? Smart Bar
WHY? Hailing from Vancouver, Cartal has built a rep for himself through the blog scene, remixes and original tracks, mean live performance game, and has grown into a leader in heavy-house. With co-signs from East York kings MSTRKRFT and being in the sets of taste-makers Steve Aoki and Tommie Sunshine we definitely recommend you catch the kid as he smashes through the States (and probably a bunch of raving college chicks as well).
MAYER HAWTHORNE in BOSTON
WHEN? Sunday, 3/7
WHERE? Paradise Rock Club
WHY? The Stones Throw signed soul singer popped onto radars with impressive singles "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" and "Maybe So, Maybe No." After dropping his debut A Strange Arrangement last year and an appearance on the Kanye West/Spike Jonze We Were Once A Fairytale short film, Hawthorne is certainly someone to watch within soul—blue eyed or non.
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