Record Store Day 2012 at Fifth Element

Fifth Element just announced what will be going down at their store on Record Store Day 2012, taking place nationwide on Saturday, April 21at your favorite local record shop. Check out the lineup of performers below, and hit the jump for information on the limited release Rhymesayers picture disc, as well as all other special sales happening that day.

STORE HOURS: 9am-7pm

PERFORMERS:

• Lazerbeak featuring Plain Ole Bill - Lava Bangers performance
• MaLLy
• Auddio Draggons (Mr Gene Poole + Xilam Balam)
• Get Cryphy (Plain Ole Bill, Jimmy2Times, DJ Fundo, and Last Word), performing with the added challenge of spinning only vinyl that is available in store at Fifth Element

Soundset 2012 Lineup Announced

Click on lineup to enlarge

The Soundset 2012 lineup was just officially announced, and it's got a ton of heavy hitters. Soundset pulls in top talent year after year, always doing an excellent job of featuring established artists, newer sensations, and plenty of local talent. Check out the lineup and share your thoughts in the comments section below so we can get a dialogue started!

In case the poster is too small to read, here is the entire lineup in text:

Atmosphere, Lupe Fiasco, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon, Kendrick Lamar, Aesop Rock, P.O.S, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Danny Brown, Big K.R.I.T, Evidence, Prof with DJ Fundo, Action Bronson, DJ Premier, I Self Devine, Astronautalis, Bambu, J-Zone (DJ set), Medusa, Chief Kamachi, Grynch, Chuuwee, Paten Locke and Willie Evans Jr. are DUMBTRON, Villa Rosa (Muja Messiah & Maria Isa), The Tribe & Big Cats, Audio Perm, Long Doe (Tony Bones, Big Wiz & Mike The Martyr), Auddio Draggon (Gene Poole & Xilam Balam), Tomorrow’s Genius, BdotCroc, DJ Stage One, DJ Kool AKIEM, LAST WORD, Kid Cut Up, Superbrush427, DIVINCI (of Solillaquists of Sound), and Los Boogie. Hosted by Brother Ali, MaLLy & J Pratt.

Update: Last night to hit up JBird on Twitter about the logistics of this year's festival, because there was some confusion about how many stages there were. At this year's Soundset, there will be three stages instead of the usual two: two "main stages" and the Fifth Element stage. JBird said that the two main stages will run back-to-back, all day long with no intermissions. I interpreted this to mean that there will never be simultaneous performances on the main stages, only with the smaller Fifth Element side stage. My best guess is this will give more opportunity for the slightly smaller national acts (Macklemore, Action Bronson, Danny Brown, etc.) and all the Rhymesayers artists to grace the main stage, while smaller and local acts will hold things down at the Fifth Element stage.

I Self Devine Announces 'The Sounds of Low Class America' and Mixtape Series

Rhymesayers is kicking off 2012 with their second big announcement in as many days. I Self Devine is preparing to release of his sophomore solo LP, The Sounds of Low Class America, on May 8. The album has been done for years now, but I Self has been focused on his other passion, being a community organizer in South Minneapolis. Nearly every dedicated rapper or fan I know in the Twin Cities credits I Self as one of their favorite artists. Both Self Destruction and The Anti Album (as Semi.Official) are notorious local favorites. It's sensational to see I Self returning to music with such a blazing focus in 2012.

To precede the album's release, however, is a four-part mixtape release, entitled The Culture Series. On the first Thursday of each month January through April, I Self will release a free, 10-song mixtape. He will also be performing each mixtape in its entirety at the 7th Street Entry with special guests from the local scene. The first mixtape, LA State of Mind, will be released tomorrow.

'Seven Years with Atmosphere and Rhymesayers' Book Signing in LA (Video)

To celebrate a promote the release of their book, Slug and Dan Monick spent some time at Turntable Lab in Los Angeles to hang out with fans. I know LA is a big market, but I still find it amazing t0 see fans lining up outside a venue that far away from home, and not for a concert, but a book signing. Seven Years with Atmosphere and Rhymesayers is an absolutely beautiful book and is available now.

Soundset 2011 Lineup

Another year, another amazing Soundset lineup. The 2011 festival will once again be held at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. This year's lineup is solid. In my opinion, it features the best non-Rhymesayers headliners has recruited yet: Big Boi and De La Soul. Should be an amazing day. Atmosphere closing the day out with an album's worth of new material to perform should be the icing on the cake. Here is the official press release from Rhymesayers:

Rhymesayers Entertainment and Rose Presents bring you the fourth annual Soundset Festival: the official Midwest kick-off of the summer with nine hours of the best independent Hip Hop music in one day. It all goes down at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN (rain or shine).

In 2010, Rhymesayers and Rose Presents produced the third year of Soundset to an outdoor festival setting at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN with over 18,000 people in attendance, including: two stages with over 40 artists performing, B-Boy battles, MC battle, live DJs, live artists painting, skateboard demos and a custom car show.

Soundset 2011 is expected to be even bigger this year! After their sold out 'To All My Friends' and 'Welcome to Minnesota' tours Atmosphere returns this year to the Soundset mainstage in support of their upcoming April 12th album release The Family Sign. On the heels of his highly successful and critically acclaimed release Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, Big Boi, one half of superstar combo Outkast, brings his legendary live show and catalog to the Twin Cities for one of the best hip hop sets you'll see all year. Slaughterhouse, including the full lineup of Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Royce da 5’9” & Crooked I perform together in Minnesota for the first time in 2 years! Referred to as “one of independent Rap’s strongest voices” by HipHopDX, Brother Ali will once again deliver his raw emotion on the main stage. Fly Society founder and Jet Life CEO Curren$y makes his Soundset debut. Soundset veteran Blueprint takes the stage in support of his upcoming April 5th release Adventures in Counter-Culture! Named one of XXL Magazine's “2011 Freshmen”, Mac Miller makes his Minnesota debut performance at Soundset. Doomtree returns with the entire crew for their first mainstage performance. In support of his upcoming Rhymesayers debut release Cat & Dogs, Evidence teams up with Rakaa-Iriscience, hot off his new release Crown of Thorns and DJ Babu to bring you a special combined set showcasing their solo efforts while giving fans some Dilated classics as well. And this year we're proud to announce a first ever De La Soul Soundset performance. Whether young or old this iconic hip hop group’s performance will be a favorite of the year!

With options of two stages delivering over 40 artists performing nine hours of diverse music, an expanded B-Boy/B-Girl DJ tent which includes the newly added Red Bull EmSee Battle, live painting exhibit, skate demo area, Soundset custom car show and a special Last of the Record Buyers production showcase, Soundset 2011 is guaranteed to provide fun for the whole family!

Tickets are on sale Friday, April 1, 2011 at 11:00AM local time to the general public through www.ticketweb.com and Fifth Element. General admission tickets are $38 ($3 facility fee and parking are included in ticket price), 18+ VIP options are also available for $90! VIP Includes:

- Limited Edition swag bag
- Soundset Festival shirt
- Exclusive VIP parking
- Separate VIP entrance to the festival grounds
- Access to a special exclusive VIP area near the main stage bleacher style seating viewing the main stage
- Shaded tent chill area
- Meet and greets with artists
- Separate restroom
- VIP bar with adult beverages, the only location on site that will serve liquor
- A special limited edition festival laminate and more

Blueprint: "So Alive" + EP

Blueprint just released another song from his upcoming album, Adventures in Counbter-Culture. "So Alive" is an electro-pop single with a vintage feel because of the drums and vocal samples. Printmatic also does more singing on this track than I can ever recall. Stream the song below.

"So Alive" has also been remixed by a handful of artists. The remixes are available at a handful of sites:

"So Alive" Remix by Budo
"So Alive" Remix by X:144
"So Alive" Remix by Innerpartysystem

Or, you can grab the entire package at once, which contains the original single and all remixes. The So Alive EP can be purchased via iTunes, Amazon, or on vinyl from Fifth Element. As always, props to Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Slug Speaks on the Welcome To MN Tour (Video)

Atmosphere: 'The Family Sign' Album Art + Tracklist

Rhymesayers just released the artwork and tracklist for The Family Sign, due out on April 12. Also, Atmosphere has joined Twitter. Color me excited. Here's what they had to say:

Atmosphere returns with their 7th official studio album and the newest addition to their unparalleled body of work. The Family Sign comes from a place well refined and firmly planted, from a universal perspective. It's about being okay with losing friends and strengthening your bonds with others, celebrating the person who's been the most positive in your life, your kids, your homies, leaving the people you need to behind, and bringing the ones you love with you. It's about your family, your time and the time you have with them. It's about living and dying. It's the truth about family, that it comes from loyalty as much as biology. It's about breaking down your perceptions of family and really appreciating the people who've made you who you are and continue doing so.

The Family Sign is Atmosphere's most personal and intimate album yet; it involves and engages the listener like never before. Slug's signature voice weaves in and out of Ant's ASR-born production, Nate Collis' bluesy guitar riffs and the sound of Erick Anderson's unmistakable keys giving The Family Sign a fresh, unique edge without sacrificing Atmosphere's signature sound. Join the Family April 12th, 2011.

1) My Key
2) The Last to Say
3) Became
4) Just For Show
5) She's Enough
6) Bad Bad Daddy
7) Millenium Dodo
8) Who I'll Never Be
9) I Don't Need Brighter Days
10) Ain't Nobody
11) Your Name Here
12) If You Can Save Me Now
13) Something So
14) My Notes

Slug & Dan Monick: 'Seven Years With Atmosphere & Rhymesayers' Book Signing (Video)

Atmosphere Announce New Album 'The Family Sign'

This morning Pitchfork Media reported that indie rap powerhouse and local darlings Atmosphere will be releasing their new album, The Family Sign, on April 12. No official word from Rhymesayers yet, but I'm sure an announcement is soon to come. The album will be the follow up to 2008's spectacular When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. It will also be the band's first full-length since officially announcing their expanded lineup, with keyboardist Erick Anderson and guitarist Nate Collins. In 2009, the band released a double-EP, To All My Friends... Blood Makes The Blade Holy.

A Celebration of Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen (Video)

Via Rhymesayers, who also has a photo slideshow from the event on their website:

Last Tuesday, November 9, 2010, a capacity-filled crowd gathered at First Avenue to celebrate the life of Mikey "eyedea" Larsen. The evening spanned five hours to which many people donated their time, energy and talent. It was a dedication in its truest form and a tribute that will not be forgotten. The Fans, friends, peers and family joined together in the First Avenue main room to show their support, love and dedication to a person we all miss dearly.

Rembering Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen

Rhymesayers officially made a statement on the passing of Micheal "Eyedea" Larsen this morning. The website is full of beautiful quotes from the many people whose lives were affected and impacted by Larsen. Along with that, a few different events are being held to celebrate and memorialize the individual who was not just an immensely talented and influential artist, but clearly a dear friend to many. I will repost that information below, once again, via Rhymesayers.

On Saturday, October 16, 2010, we lost our beloved friend, family member and artist Micheal “eyedea” Larsen at the age of 28. Eyedea, who was most notably known for his music with Eyedea & Abilities, Oliver Hart, Face Candy and Carbon Carousel, was an artist in its truest form. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. In the days to come, we feel the focus should be on Micheal’s life, music and legacy. Let’s celebrate his life, remember his music and never forget what he has given us all.

We miss you. We love you. And, you will not be forgotten.

Micheal “eyedea” Larsen 11.09.81 – 10.16.10 R.I.P.

All donations can be directed to Micheal’s Mom, Kathy Averill: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JV8PPC8RE66MU

Public Wake:
Micheal “eyedea” Larsen Memorial
Date: Thursday, October 28, 2010
Public: 7:30 – 10:00PM
Location: Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Minnesota Grand Ballroom
Address: 11 East Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55101

Sending Flowers: If you are interested in sending flowers for the memorial, all deliveries must be made to arrive on Thursday, October 28, 2010. Please make deliveries to arrive prior to 12:00PM CST.

Send to: Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, Minnesota Grand Ballroom, c/o Micheal Larsen Memorial, 11 East Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55101.

A Celebration of the life of Micheal “eyedea” Larsen
Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Location: First Avenue Mainroom, 701 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Doors: 5:00PM
Ages: All Ages
Donation: $20

Tickets will be on sale: Monday, October 25, 2010 at 5:00PM CST

Tickets will be available at Fifth Element, 2411 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405. For those of you that are not in the Twin Cities area; a limited amount of tickets will be available online at Etix.com.

There is no guest list. All donations will go to the family of Micheal “eyedea” Larsen.

RSE Radio Tribute:
Join us this Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:00PM – 11:00PM CST on RSE Radio to remember our dear friend and brother Micheal "eyedea" Larsen. We'll be playing music and sharing memories with some of Mikey's peers. We would love to hear from all of you that loved and supported Mikey's art over the years as well. If you would like to share a special memory or experience you had please leave them at: www.twitter.com/rseradio, www.facebook.com/rseradio or radio@rhymesayers.com and we will be randomly selecting your comments to read on the air throughout the night.

You can tune into RSE Radio at 90.3FM in Minneapolis, 106.7FM in St. Paul or online at www.rhymesayers.com , www.facebook.com/rseradio or www.kfai.org

Rest In Peace Eyedea

The report that Micheal Larsen, better known to most of us as local rapper Eyedea, passed away yesterday was shocking and tragic, to say the least. I first discovered the news through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, where fans and friends of Eyedea gathered to grieve and pay homage to the deceased artist. I refrained from providing any personal commentary, partly because I couldn't find the right words to say without allowing some time for the terrible event to sink in. However, one thing is particularly clear: hip-hop and the local music scene lost an immensely talented artist.

I speak of Eyedea only in terms of his professional career, because that was the only outlet through which I knew him. I was initially introduced to Eyedea from a friend who lent me E&A. I became an immediate fan, Eyedea was nimble on the mic, cleverly and effortlessly rapping intricate rhymes that would prove beyond the capacity of even the most talented emcees. Below, I'll post one of my two favorite YouTube videos of Eyedea. The first is of a younger Eyedea and Slug on the Wake Up Show, where they take part in a mind-boggling freestyle session. Eyedea's first two minutes of rapping are truly something that needs to be heard to be believed. Few emcees have such pure skill. Amazing stuff.

My other favorite YouTube video featuring Eyedea is the music video for my favorite Eyedea & Abilities song, "Smile", off of their latest LP By The Throat. I thoroughly enjoyed the progression of Eyedea's artistry apparent on By The Throat. Eyedea successfully transitioned from a suave and polished battle rapper to being self-aware and socially conscious, able to assess complex societal issues with level-headed commentary. And he did this all without compromising his flair for breathtaking and innovative lyricism. In my opinion, he never did it better than on "Smile", a beautiful rap song and amazing video.

Eyedea will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Fifth Element TV Presents Microphone Mathematics: Slug (Part 2 of 3)

View Part 1 here.

Atmosphere EP hits #1 on iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap Charts

Released just yesterday, Atmosphere's new EP, To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy: The Atmosphere EPs, has hit the #1 sales ranking on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts and claimed the #2 rank overall. With many similarities to the trajectory that we have seen the Minnesota Twins take in the past year, the indie hip-hop band from Minneapolis can officially no longer be regarded as a small market group (if they even were at this point). It was no modest achievement, as Atmosphere had to outsell Billboard heavyweights Eminem, Drake, Katy Perry, and indie juggernauts Arcade Fire. The group has truly earned their spot, congratulations to Rhymesayers.

Atmosphere is beginning their tour in support of the EP today in Badgerland at the Orpheum in Madison, WI. They'll wind around the country for a month, before returning home to play two newly announced shows at First Ave in Minneapolis in late November, 11/27 (all ages) and 11/28 (18+). Tickets go on sale Friday morning at 11am. They'll surely sell out quickly, so be sure to get them early.

BONUS: Atmosphere playing "Americareful" at Soundset 2010

Fifth Element Thursday Night Events Promo (Video)

As Medium Zach says, you can't go wrong visiting Fifth Element on a Thursday night, as there is a different event each Thursday of the month. So head on over to Uptown.

In the meantime, make sure to check out the sleek, streamlined new Fifth Element website.

Soundset 2010 Fifth Element Stage (Video)

Soundset 2010 After Party

Psalm One: Woman@Work (Free Album Download)

More exciting news from Rhymesayers:

While Psalm One's been working on her follow up to Rhymesayers debut The Death of Frequent Flyer she took some time off to drop this free album for you called Woman@Work. You can download the album free from PsalmOne.TV and get your hands on a free physical copy by spending $25 or more at FifthElementOnline.com or by purchasing Soundset tickets or any affiliated Soundset merchandise at Fifth Element in Minneapolis. Head over to PsalmOne.TV and grab your free copy today!

Psalm One: Woman@Work (Free Album Download)

Soundset 2010 Promo Video