In the Alibi’s current issue we interviewed Blackalicious rapper Gift of Gab. He was scheduled to headline a show this Wednesday for the ninth anniversary of Viny & Verses at Burt’s Tiki Lounge. Sadly, Phillip Torres, the founder of the free weekly hip-hop series says that Gab has cancelled this show and an entire planned tour of the Southwest due to health issues. As for this week’s V & V, a show will still go on, and DJ’s Intox, Shakedown and Dozer are scheduled to spin.

In case you hadn't heard, there's some damn good hip-hop goin' down in the 505 these days. Some is local, some imported, but the connecting thread is that a lot of it can be caught at Burt's Tiki Lounge's free weekly Vinyl & Verses series on Wednesday nights. Some of the better acts I caught last year include Burqueño emcees Def-I and Wake Self, and Chicago's Qwazaar and Robust. In advance of another V & V show tonight at Burt's, I thought I'd post a video to show the caliber of talent that this event attracts. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and the whole thing is pretty lax. Performances usually start late and end close to 2 a.m. There's always breakdancing during the shows, not to mention some heavy cyphers outdoors once the venue shuts down. Tonight Jivin Scientist, Zoology and Golden Ghost are on the bill. Check it.