Promoting their music via social media has helped Bedroc generate nearly 10,000 fans to their Facebook page and more than 8,000 Twitter followers. By 2011, Bedroc had built their stage presence into a total experience via a multi-city college tour baring the namesake of their mixtape “Bored of Education.”

Piano virtuoso Robert Glasper performed a diverse selection of jazz, R&B and hip-hop tunes during his Oct. 21 concert at the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus.

Eleven of the twelve songs are accompanied by conceptual short films, which further express Esperanza's inspiration and story behind each track.

It’s just cool to listen to it.  “And that’s what I want to be, I want it to be cool to listen to Eric Nolan.

This year’s featured performers are the legendary rap icons De La Soul, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Jeru tha Damaja, Special Ed, DJ Mick Boogie, and the 2012 Akron Hip-hop Showcase online talent search winner – Ashtabula Ohio’s own Ali tha Prince.  Doors will open at 7 p.m.

By FELICIA C. HANEY

AKRON – This Labor Day weekend will mark the 5th Anniversary of the Akron Hip-hop Showcase, the brainchild of Keepers of the Art Inc. who has produced the event since its inception. Held at the Akron Civic – a different venue than the previous four years – this year’s featured performers are the legendary rap icons De La Soul, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Jeru tha Damaja, Special Ed, DJ Mick Boogie, and the 2012 Akron Hip-hop Showcase online talent search winner – Ashtabula Ohio’s own Ali tha Prince.  Doors will open at 7 p.m.  The show begins promptly at 8.  Tickets are $15 and $20.  The official Showcase after-party will take place upstairs in the Civic immediately after the concert.  After-party tickets must be purchased along with concert tickets.

“We are very proud to present De La Soul and Pete Rock & CL Smooth to the city,” said Ismail Al-Amin, executive director of Keepers of the Art. “This year’s Showcase will feature two of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time – De La Soul and Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Neither group has ever played Akron before, but many, many people here have been and continue to be influenced by their music.” 

In reference to the longevity the event has been fortunate to have Al-Amin said “we are very thankful to be five years deep into bringing original cutting-edge entertainment to the city of Akron.  When we approached city officials six years ago with the idea, we needed them to understand that we were only interested in the ‘true school’ expression of the music.  Meaning, that we only wanted to showcase those artists who helped lay the foundation for the culture, which is peace, love, unity and having fun, plus those current artists who are carrying on the tradition of the true-school.”  

Even more fortunate for Al-Amin and his cohorts who make up Keepers of the Art, was the city’s ability to value their vision and willingness to preserve the art of true-school hip-hop. “We are very appreciative for the opportunity that the city of Akron has provided us by making sure we have the resources to put on the best show possible,” said Al-Amin. “We are also very appreciative for the Akron Community Foundation and the Knight Foundation for their generous support as well.  Because of all of their support we have been able to expand the event in breadth and width over the last three years.” Previous years have welcomed artists such as KRS-One, Whodini, Brand Nubian, Slum Village, Rakim, MC Lyte, Ohio’s own Stalley and more.

Tickets for this event are available at Ticketmaster.com

For more information about the concert, please visit www.keepersoftheart.com, or (330) 990-1178. 

“The PlayhouseSquare District is an exciting place to work, live, and be entertained,” said Art Falco, president and CEO of PlayhouseSquare. “These outdoor concerts provide an opportunity for the community to gather and enjoy all that our neighborhood has to offer.” 

The city music video is also being played pre-game by the Cincinnati Reds and on the big screens at Fountain Square and Washington Park (before movie night) by 3CDC. 

Essence Music Festival

While in high school he switched horns and gravitated to the saxophone, becoming a master of mellow sounds of the alto sax, the smooth preciseness of the tenor and then the captivating sounds of the soprano horn. Such mastery is evident has he spills out melodic riffs in his unforgettable rendition of “These are My Favorite Things.” 

Robin Gibb, 62, died Sunday "following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery," his family announced in a statement released by Gibb's representative Doug Wright.

Ad Rock was the one with the winy voice, Mike D was on some ol’ ill-style vocals and MCA was the one with the grown man sound. These White boys were all over the freakin place.

With such a rich musical pedigree, it’s no wonder that LMFAO have become an international pop phenomenon. Before their tour touches down in Columbus, they are scheduled to perform in glamorous, exotic locales such as Milan, Italy; Fortaleza, Brazil, and Paris, France.

Dixon has been featured on television in the PBS “Great Performances” special “Cook, Dixon & Young.” His recordings include a top-selling Christmas album, “Follow That Star.” He also recently lent his voice to Chicago’s 2016 Olympic bid anthem, “I Will Stand.”

Bootsy Collins will be performing tonight.

Queen of Soul celebrates 70th birthday with new muic.

There is currently a mobile exhibit available for Black Music Month events, School and College Events, Social Events, and Fundraisers.  You can find out more information about the actual museum, as well as, the mobile exhibit on their web site at rbhalloffamemuseum.com.