Def Jux all stars do it big @ Bowery

Still nursing a hangover, but had to commend El-P and Definitive Jux for putting on another tight, well organized event. I have gone to countless hip-hop shows in my time and no one does it better than the Jux, the openers are worth watching every time, they keep their sets short & sweet, and everything moves like a well oiled machine. Last night was the album release show/party for El-P’s critically acclaimed I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, and seeing this album performed live is even more intense than the record itself (if that’s possible). The openers included Y@k Ballz, Slow Suicide Stimulus, Hangar 18, & the grossly underrated Rob Sonic, all treating the audience to a few new cuts from upcoming projects as well as 1 or 2 of their earlier singles. El-P didn’t waste time and came right out after the band was set up and got right into it. The set started with “Tasmanian Pain Coaster” then snowballed into a mountain of sound, psychedelic light shows & DJ scratches. While the focus was definitely on the new album, the true Company Flow fans got treated well when he flipped EMG over the classic ‘Vital Nerve’ instrumental as well as a few Fantastic Damage classics. I must say I was expecting to see more in the ’suprise guest’ department, especially with all the rock musicians he collaborated with, but he did bring out Cage for “Habeas Corpses” and Aesop Rock for ” Run The Numbers”…..Aes also got to perform “None Shall Pass”, a hot new number off the Definitive Swim Comp. These guys work really hard and it shows on a night like this, glad to see them getting their recognition more & more each year, they deserve it. I got to hang a bit with Mr. Lif, Cool Calm Pete (Babbletron) & my man Carl Kavorkian who drove down from Philly for this…not to mention all my eMusic & Orchard co-workers there….good times…but where’s the Tylenol???