Snow Sessions, Del the Funky Homosapien, Andre Nickatina, CHALI 2NA, Yukmouth, A-Plus, Deacon the Villain, Rappin 4Tay, Amp Live, Traxamillion, Domino, DJ Aspect
The Catalyst
12/29/2016 09:00 PM PST
$25.00 - $29.00
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Snow Sessions
Hip hop legends perform a once in a lifetime set of classic hits and rare cypher session.
Del the Funky Homosapien
Hailing from Oakland, California comes Del the Funky Homosapien no doubt a true innovator and legend in the world of underground Hip-hop. Del got his start rapping behind his cousin, Ice Cube, as a member of his back-up band and crew. After parting ways, Del ventured out as a solo artist, making music that immediately gained attention. Del's music offered a fresh new outlook on an otherwise gangsta rap controlled California Hip-Hop scene. His viewpoint offered a more detached alternative style laced with humorous rhymes and funky beats. After securing a deal with Elektra Records, Del released two critically acclaimed albums, I Wish my brother George was here ( 1991) and No need for alarm (1993). Despite record sales in the hundred of thousands, his third album, Future Development, was never commercially released. Fed up with the commercialized music industry, Del began working with his crew, the Hieroglyphics, to create a massive independent network of Oakland based Hip-Hop. The crew began to successfully release projects under their own Hieroglyphics Emporium label. Del, joined by a talented coalition of emcees, including Pep Love, the Souls of Mischief, Casual, and Domino, went on to create a critically acclaimed album called 3rd Eye Vision ( 1998). With the release of the album, "Hiero" went on the road and toured incessantly, supporting the album for much of 1998. Since their inception, the Hieroglyphics crew has developed a cult like following, while giving each one of their artists the creative freedom to expand. For his next solo effort, Del demanded complete control and came out with 17 tracks of pure Del funkiness. He handled the majority of the production on the album but also collaborated with some of Hip-Hop's finest including Prince Paul and El-P(Def Jux). The album, titled Both Sides of the brain, again garnered excellent reviews. Rolling Stone magazine commented, "Del's elastic language is the real star here. Rhyming about everything from The Hobbit to Joe Piscopo, he cements his status as rap's staunchly independent lord of the underground and perhaps the best rapper you've never heard." Continuing to grow in popularity, Del would soon solidify himself as one of Hip-Hop's most versatile artists. Linking up with powerhouse producer Dan "the Automator" Nakamura and world-class turntablist Kid Koala, Del helped to create one of the most innovative Hip-Hop albums in recent history. Deltron 3030 received wonderful reviews (4.5 stars from RollingStone) and continued on to further secure Del's place in Hip-Hop history. The ideas and concepts born with Deltron 3030 allowed for the creation of Del's next project, the globally embraced "Gorillaz" collaboration. With Dan "the Automator" Nakamura, Blur's Damon Albarn, Tom Tom Club's Tona Weymouth, Buena Vista Social Club start Ibrahim Ferrer, and Kid Koala working together, the album was an immediate hit. Del's lead vocals on the smash single "Clint Eastwood" helped the Gorillaz sell over 5 million records worldwide. Del has successfully released quality, critically acclaimed material for over 10 years. There seems to be no stopping him and as history has shown. Del's lyrics and wordplay are the Midas touch to his wonderful taste in production. Del the Funky Homosapien has grown from the 17 year-old protege of Ice Cube, to a crafted artist, whose hypnotic voice has transcended the norm, taking underground Hip-Hop to an even deeper level.
Andre Nickatina
Born and raised in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, Andre Nickatina has been a Hip-Hop/Rap luminary since the release of his critically acclaimed debut, "The New Jim Jones." A favorite at public venues and on college campuses, Andre Nickatina continues to sustain a loyal fan-base, while engaging new supporters throughout North America. Nickatina's classic stage show combined with his rare interviews, maintains his mystery and unique musicianship that has spanned two decades.
The longevity of Nickatina speaks for itself. An award-winning MC and producer (2005 Bay Area Artist of The Year / Album of The Year for "Bullets"), Nickatina's vision has expanded beyond the 18 albums (and hundreds of thousands of sales) that he has executive-produced. Also, a diverse artist, Nickatina has gained critical acclaim for his work and vision as a filmmaker, with more than seven films to his credit as either a director, co-director, executive producer, producer or actor.
Changing his name from Dre Dog to Andre Nickatina in 1996, he transformed his career to a plateau that has allowed him to create and develop an entirely new fan base with his original flow, distinct voice and lyrical explorations that few other MCs have displayed an ability to achieve. His third album, "Raven In My Eyes," marked Nickatina's shift as an artist and expanded his audience to the wildly enthusiastic college crowds that praise him with regular sellouts from coast to coast. In 2008 Nickatina completed a timeless masterwork that paired he and his friend, Mac Dre (R.I.P.) together with the new classic, "A Tale of Two Andres. "
Nickatina's business acumen is as sharp and honorable as his presence on stage. Nickatina's vision as an artist has been admired by many of his peers as he is seen as one of the last Bay Area Legends who was not only present during the golden-era of Hip-Hop, but one of the few artists who has helped Hip-Hop grow and who has remained ultimately relevant with each successive album he has released.
Without saying so, Nickatina has had his finger on the pulse of what is raw, uncut and capable of capturing the mind and ears of listeners. Never one to follow or ride trends, Andre Nickatina is a rare breed of artist… one of the last original trend setters. Nickatina does not do what the people want… rather the people want to know what Dre will do next.
CHALI 2NA
With his unmistakable baritone voice and 6-and-a-half foot charm, Chali 2na has established himself as one of hip-hop's preeminent and charismatic personalities, and has also garnered renowned praise as a visual artist across a wide spectrum of mediums. Most known for his association with the music groups Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, Chali released his debut solo album "Fish Outta Water" in 2009. Since then, he has been touring the world with his 3-piece live band know as the House Of Vibe. In 2013, Chali 2na reunited with Jurassic 5 for a long run of Festival appearances and a World Tour premiering at Coachella. Chali's growing reputation as a Hip Hop Legend paints a bright future as he continues to build momentum with his paintings, voice-over work, and numerous music and performance collaborations.
Yukmouth
Yukmouth (born Jerold Dwight Ellis, II October 18, 1974 in Oakland, California), is a rapper from East Oakland, California. He is a member of the platinum-selling rap duo Luniz along with Numskull. The Luniz recorded the successful weed anthem, 'I Got 5 on It' which helped propel their album to platinum certification. He went on to sign a solo record deal at J-Prince's Rap-A-Lot Records, releasing three albums, each selling at least 200,000 copies with little airplay. Under his own label, Smoke-A-Lot Records, he has released the DVDs, and their soundtracks, United Ghettos of America, Vols. 1 and 2. He is also a member of the groups Thug Lordz, with C-Bo and The Regime. Yukmouth has long been a staple in Oakland rap and has worked with numerous artists including Tech N9ne, Mac Dre, Lil' Flip, E-40, Dru Down, Juelz Santana, Shock G, Kurupt, Ray J and Bun B among countless others.
A-Plus
Since the late 1980s A-Plus has produced music for Hieroglyphics as a group and a musical collective, responsible for some of Hieroglyphics' biggest hits & most critically-acclaimed tracks. He has also proven his versatility as a producer with critically acclaimed production credits on the works of artists encompassing many genres of music.
Amp Live
Always experimenting, Amplive has done breaks, house, 2 step, dance, electro, mashups, and drum 'n bass, including a remix for Philly MC Bahamadia on "Pep Talk", the hip hop group Zion I, a electro music LP Electrowonderland Vol 1(2006), and a new Electrowonderland Vol.2.
Traxamillion
Traxamillion is a hip hop producer and DJ from San Jose, California.
He has become one of the most watched producers in the industry with hits such as Keak da Sneak's "Super Hyphy" and Dem Hoodstarz "Grown Man Remix". His first album, The Slapp Addict, was a compilation of Bay Area hyphy artists.[2] The Slapp Addict was released August 22, 2006. Traxamillion has also released a mixtape called The Slapp Addict Mixtape, which features mainstream artists as well as local Bay Area artists. Traxamillion is responsible for producing the remix of "About Us" by Brooke Hogan featuring E-40. In addition to being a producer, Traxamillion also raps, which he demonstrates on tracks such as "Bring It Back" and "Skrape" on The Slapp Addict. His song "The Movement" is featured on College Hoops 2K7.
In 2010, Traxamillion signed with 454 Life Entertainment after producing the label's second single "We Get Money" by Drew Deezy and Thai featuring Glasses Malone. He went on to produce a majority of the label's compilation album "As Real As It Gets."
Domino
Born in San Francisco, California, Domino is a record producer, manager & DJ. He began his music career as a rapper, but by 1989-90 had switched almost exclusively to beat making. By the time he joined the Hieroglyphics in the mid-1990's Domino concentrated solely on beat making and production.
DJ Aspect
DJ Aspect has been highly regarded as a Bay Area tastemaker and crowd favorite for over a decade. Known for his infectious personality and relentless work ethic Aspect is the trusted DJ that is the perfect addition to any event. His signature blending and scratching techniques combined with his versatile music selection have landed him 3 residencies along with an array of live performance, private and corporate gigs.
Venue Information
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
http://www.catalystclub.com/