Now everyone is caught up in the SXSW hullabaloo, but the beginning of next month, when the indie rock realm is catching it’s breath is when the indie hip-hop realm has it’s day. The Paid Dues Independent Hip Hop Festival takes place on April 7th in San Bernardino, CA, starting at noon and ending late at night. This year is the seventh installment of the all-day, all-ages event created to highlight the most eminent and flourishing independent artists in hip-hop – 50 artists spread out across three stages, to be exact. The top billed artists include Wu Tang, Odd Future, and Mac Miller to set the bar, and many others who have been building their cred. Here are a handful of those artists who will also make the festival worth your while:
Hieroglyphics, the underground hip hop collective based in Oakland, California were founded in 1997 in Oakland, CA. Members include Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, Domino, and the Souls of Mischief, made up of A-Plus, Opio, Phesto and Tajai.
Ra the Rugged Man, part of the minority of emcees not based in California performing at the festival. Hailing from Long Island, NY. Ra the Rugged Man has also been around for a while, and has been a prolific writer for magazines, as well as completing several horror film screenplays. One of his best known accomplishments is his collaboration with Jedi Mind Tricks.
Rapsody, a femcee who is a protégé of Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder. Rapsody is the first lady of North Carolina super crew Kooley High, and one of the first artists signed to Jamla Records/It’s A Wonderful World Music Group. In her raps she pays homage to her hip-hop godmothers MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill, and she’s shared the stage with the likes of Raekwon, Big Daddy Kane, and J. Cole.
Trek Life, representing SoCal, can boast that he’s worked with QuestLove, Jazzy Jeff, and opened for the likes of Nas and TI. His single “So Supreme” was featured in the 2010 NBA Finals highlights when the Lakers played the. Celtics. He’s going to be one of the more popular MCs on the bill.
Curtiss King, an emcee and producer also based in Southern California, who describes himself as “Refreshingly honest lyricism matched with soulful production. They call me eclectic, I just say I’m thankful I know who I am.” And hopefully you will be as well after you see him perform.
GA tix for Paid Dues are $76, or you can go big and grab the VIP tix for $176. The festival promoters have taken it upon themselves to do festival goers a solid by including the parking fee, facility fee, and charity donation in these prices. Tickets are available here.
