Queensbridge, N.Y. hip-hop duo Mobb Deep has a history of pushing boundaries. Originally formed in 1992, their early recordings—Hell on Earth and The Infamous—pushed the limits of socially acceptable violent and sexually explicit lyrics, but these albums set the stage for two decades of collaboration and experimentation. None of their creative output has reached the critically and commercially successful standard set by their breakout work, but experimentation is vital for all artists, even Havoc and Prodigy. Experience the legendary hip-hop act at a 21-and-over show on Friday, April 19 at Sister (407 Central NW). Philadelphia-based producer, emcee and singer-songwriter Hezekiah and DJ Dozer kick things off starting at 9 p.m., and presale tickets are $40.
Music To Your Ears Albatross
Corrosion of Conformity
Jamie Young
For many (perhaps even most), the headlining act at this gig is Danzig. I was personally always a bigger fan of Corrosion of Conformity. “Albatross” would definitely make my high school soundtrack’s top ten list. But there’s certainly a lot to be said for Glenn Danzig and company, especially with ex-Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein on axe duty. Québécois metal outfit The Agonist opens the nostalgia-inducing, heavy concert of the week. Pack your earplugs—and don’t fear a little hairspray—and stomp over to Sunshine Theater (120 Central SW) on Saturday, April 20. The 13-and-over shred-fest starts at 8 p.m., and presale tickets are $29.50.
Music To Your Ears Americana
Hayes Carll
Texan singer-songwriter Hayes Carll hails from The Woodlands, a tony suburb of Houston. His work is sometimes dark and always catchy and literate. When he’s not performing, he’s that guy sitting in a dimly lit corner of a peanut shell-littered bar, scribbling furiously by the light of one of those scarlet lowboy candles. Americana and blues-rock two-step like nobody’s business in his warm, sarcastic and witty tunes. Carll rocks the Dirty Bourbon Western Dance Hall and Saloon (9800 Montgomery NE) on Sunday, April 21, along with Austinite bluegrass/country/folk outfit Warren Hood and The Goods. This 21-and-over hootenanny revs up at 8 p.m., and admission is $17.
