So...Devin the Dude's show.

All photos featured by my 1690 co-host Maurice Garland, btw. I'll post some of mine later in a montage of shows at the year's end. Patience is the price of doing business as an analog photographer w/o a dark room handy. Nesby Phips opened up the show and what can I say but, "wow"? That guy had a great show. Good stage balance with his brother, and partner. I'd never heard of the man before that night, but word on the street is that he's doing production work for Curren$y. That makes a lot of sense because the first thing that smacks you in the face when listening to his music are the beats: hard, heavy and driving his story-line lyrics, I feel in love with Mr. Phips' sound immediately.

I think it's time that folks like Phips', Curren$y, Jay Electronica and The Knux reclaim part of that New Orleans hip hop Heritage that we know sprouts out of an early 80's sound not necessarily imbued with the "Bounce music" made famous by Cash Money records. Southern Hip Hop history goes much deeper than that alone.

Expecting a great show from Jaspects is what Atlantan's are used to doing. Despite the HEAT, they brought more fire from the stage, as usual. I don't see how those cat's didn't come right up out of those shirts and ties, though. It was Africa-Hot in there. I spent most of their and Devin's performance outside trying to cool off.



I hadn't seen Devin the Dude since...well, in a dogs age, it seems. Shameless Plug (the people who brought you Drake) has really come in and made some noise by bringing some quality acts. I look forward to murmurs of a future event I won't speak on, yet. Devin didn't disappoint. The man is just as funny on stage as he is on his albums, he blazed on stage with Hollyweerd and Spree Wilson and he tore the house down.

Me personally? I can't lie. I was geeked to see him, but so were some of the celebrities in attendance like Outkast's Dj and collaborator/ co-producer on Common's last album Mr. Dj and Dj Kizzy Rock.

Atlanta was out in full effect. It was packed EARLY. I think this will be a theme for Shameless Plug shows. Usually in Atlanta you can get away with leaving for a show at 11:00, maybe 11;30. Midnight was never too late to leave the house. Not with their shows. You best get there early if you want to get front row access.