Happy Canada Day! Now that Summer is finally in full swing, there is no shortage of events to attend. From stadium tours to smaller venues, noteworthy acts this month include Rakim, Beyonce & Jay Z, Wiz Khalifa, Maxwell and many more. Without further ado, we present to you, our feature article on Events You Don’t Want To Miss (July 2014).
1. MRG Concerts present ODDISEE w/ special guests
(Thursday, July 3 @ The Garrison 1197 Dundas St W Toronto)
Oddisee is his ability to capture all the natural wonders of the world and reflect all of his thoughts, emotions, struggles and accomplishment through his music, whether that’s through his lyrics or just his instrumentals.
Why you should go: Oddisee is back this summer at The Garrison and I’m really excited to see cuts from the Tangible Dreams live for the first time. Tickets are only $12.50 get them right now below, what’s your favourite song you want to see him perform live? Comment in the section below.
2. Rakim
(Friday, July 4th @ The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto)
Known as one half of the hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, Long Island, New York native Rakim will make his way to the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto on Friday, July 4, 2014. He’s released five collaborative albums between 1987-1992 succeeded by an additional four solo LP’s between 1997-2009.
Why you should go: Considered as one of the greatest MC’s of our time, come witness the God MC live in concert with music provided by DJ Law on the 1′s and 2′s.
3. Bastid’s BBQ
(Saturday, July 5th @ Queen St & Peter St Parking Lot, 306 Queen West)
DJ Skratch Bastid’s fourth annual Bastid’s BBQ will be making it’s way from coast to coast this year, including stops in Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto. Founded by DJ Skratch Bastid himself, the celebration of choice beats and grilled meats will see Bastid alongside Tony Touch (NYC), Starting From Scratch, Rich Kidd (Live), Wristpect, DeMiggs & Tom Wrecks (Itzsoweezee), Jesse Futerman (Live), Jim Sharp (UK), The Gaff, Big Jacks, Love Handle (Catalist & Famous Lee), Big Toe’s Hifi, Your Boy Brian, Mark Brand and more. Make sure to come out and enjoy great music provided by world-class DJs, live performances from special guests, and quality barbeque cooking.
Why you should go: “The BBQ is for the love of food and music, and the enjoyment of how well they go together. I sought out to find DJs and musicians who show a love for great music in their sets and mixes, and spread out the line-up to give attendees a balanced diet of styles, flavours and sounds.” – Skratch Bastid
4. Freeway
(Saturday, July 5th @ The Rockpile West, Toronto)
Leslie Edward Pridgen aka Freeway will be hitting the stage at the Rockpile West in Toronto. Best known for his time with Roc-A-Fella Records, the Philadelphia native released his fourth studio album, Diamond in the Ruff in November of 2012 featuring production from the likes of Just Blaze, Jake One, and several more. Currently signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment, Freeway’s music was also featured on the OST of the 2002 film, State Property. He also appeared in the 2005 sequel, State Property 2.
Why you should go: Known for his stage presence and liveliness, watch Philly Freezer roc the mic live on Saturday, July 5, 2014.
5. Maxwell
(Saturday, July 5th @ Massey Hall, Toronto)
Grammy award-winning American singer-songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist, Maxwell is currently on a 35+ date “Summer Soulstice” tour taking place between June, July and August – his first major dates in 4 years. The Brooklyn, NY native redefined soul music with the release of his 1996 debut album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite. The American singer recently returned to music after an eight-year break to release the platinum-selling BLACKsummers’night.
Why you should go: Having received 12 Grammy nominations with two wins, Maxwell’s music ranges from elements of R&B, funk and soul. His vocal ability, stage presence, and liveliness are truly what sets him aside from other vocalists.
6. Deltron 3030
(Friday July 4th @ London Music Hall, London and Saturday, July 5th @ Tattoo, Toronto)
Composed of producer Dan the Automator, rapper Del the Funky Homosapien and Kid Koala, alternative hip hop supergroup Deltron 3030 will hit the stage in both, London, ON on July 4th and Toronto on July 5th in support of their second album, titled Event 2.
Why you should go: Active since 1999, Deltron 3030 are legends whom bring forth a futuristic sound throughout their music.
7. On the Run Tour ft. Beyonce & Jay-Z
(Wednesday, July 9th @ Rogers Centre, Toronto)
Jay Z and Beyoncè’s “On The Run” tour is quite possibly the biggest tour of the summer. The Carters kicked things off Wednesday, June 25th in Miami and will perform on Wednesday, July 9th in Toronto, ON at the Rogers Centre. The “On The Run” tour is also said to become the second most successful tour of all time based on gross revenue per show, according to Forbes, selling roughly 1 million tickets and grossing close to $100 million.
Why you should go: The two possess chemistry with each other on stage like no other. Having already performed a number of hits including “’03 Bonnie & Clyde”, “Crazy In Love” and “Drunk In Love” the couple’s set list for the tour has apparently reached upwards of 40+ songs.
8. DJ Mustard
(Wednesday, July 9th @ Cube, Toronto)
There is no doubt that DJ Mustard is having one of the best year’s of his career. The American record producer and DJ from Los Angeles, California has managed to craft recent singles such as Tyga’s “Rack City”, 2 Chainz’ “I’m Different”, YG’s “My Nigga”, Kid Ink’s “Show Me”, Ty Dolla Sign’s “Paranoid”, and more. Last month, Mustard closed out Summer Jam 2014 with a DJ set featuring songs in which he produced. If you enjoy catchy yet “ratchet” music than this night is definitely for you.
Why you should go: “Mustard on the beat, hoe!”
9. Future
(Friday, July 11th @ Sound Academy, Toronto)
Atlanta, Georgia native and Freeband Gang member, Future will be performing alongside special guests on Friday, July 11, 2014 at the Sound Academy in Toronto as part of his “Honest” tour. Signed to A1, Freebandz and Epic records, Future released his critically-acclaimed debut studio album, Pluto in 2012; later re-released as Pluto 3D. Future also dropped his second studio album, Honest on April 22, 2014.
Why you should go: Responsible for several of the biggest singles in Hip-Hop to date and has also collaborated with artists including T.I., Drake, Kanye West, Pusha T, R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg and many more.
10. Dirty Thursday’s aka London Rap Night
(Thursday July 10th, July 24th, APK London)
Part 3 and 4 of Dirty Thursday’s are happening this month the past two events have been an amazing success at The APK. If you live in London and are a fan of our culture you definitely need to go the APK whether you are an aspiring artist or a Hip Hop head get your butt to the APK every other Thursdays! Make sure to check out our feature article on the night.
Why you should go: No Affiliations, No Gimmicks, No Bullshit… Just straight hip-hop, no cover, $3.50 Blue before 11pm amongst other deals. Surprise performances from some of London’s finest with DJ HULLEWUD spinning that real hip-hop!
11. This Side Of Power
(Thursday July 17th, 3030 Dundas West, Toronto)
Why you should go: The Tour comes home as NewBreedMC and Co. make a stop at 3030 Dundas St. West in The Junction District of Toronto. Admission is $10 and Doors Open at 10 PM. Music Provided By {{{DTS}}} of The Masterplan Show.
Live Performances from NewBreedMC, Seven’s ( Jelani ‘J-wyze’ Nias & Kolor Brown),UNO – Toronto, Wio-K, RELIC.
11.Time Festival 2014 featuring Action Bronson.
(Saturday July 19, 2014 12:00 PM FORT YORK: GARRISON COMMON 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto)
TIME Festival makes it’s return in 2014 after a 3 year break. Taking place in the heart of Toronto on the historical grounds of Fort York Garrison Common.
Why you should go: Action Bronson is what caught my eye to post this festival but if you like a mix of Electronic with your Hip Hop definitely peep this event!
12. Unity Charity Festival
(July 23rd-July 26th various venues in Toronto.)
UNITY Charity engages and empowers youth to become role models and future leaders in their communities. UNITY uses hip hop as a powerful tool and vehicle to give young people a voice and build life skills and confidence.
Why you should go: You truly got all the elements of Hip-Hop with Beatboxing on Wednesday July 23 at Virgin Mod Club. Thursday July 24th you got over 23 crews Break Dancing at Tatoo. Friday July 24th you got a focus on Emceeing and the Spoken Word featuring Shaun Boothe and Amanda Seales. Saturday July 24th Unity Festival ends at Dundas Square with performances from Biz Markie, Airplane Boys, Raz Fresco and so much more!
13. Under The Influence of Music Tour ft. Wiz Khalifa, Jeezy, Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign, Rich Homie Quan, Sage the Gemini, Iamsu!, DJ Drama & Mack Wilds
(Tuesday, July 29th @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, Toronto)
Wiz Khalifa will embark on a nationwide tour beginning July 24, 2014 for his annual “Under The Influence Of Music Tour.” Now, in it’s third consecutive year, the tour has become one of the highly anticipated shows of the year as Wiz outdoes himself time and time again. Last year’s edition of Under The Influence tour proved to be just as exciting for the 16,000+ fans in attendance, featuring Joey Bada$$, Trinidad James, B.o.B., A$AP Rocky, Pro Era, and Taylor Gang’s own Berner and Chevy Woods. The Weeknd also made a special guest appearance, performing “Remember Me” off Khalifa’s second studio album, O.N.I.F.C..
Why you should go: The event will feature special guests including Tyga, Ty Dolla $ign, Young Jeezy, Rich Homie Quan, Sage The Gemini, IAMSU!, Mack Wilds, and DJ Drama.
14. Bas
(Thursday, July 31st @ Tattoo, Toronto)
Jamaica, Queens rapper Bas is coming to Toronto in support of his major label debut, Last Winter. Being the first artist signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, Bas’ progression as an artist has enabled him to hone his craft, further establishing himself as an emcee.
Why you should go: After being pushed by a friend to rap in 2010, it’s incredible to see how far Bas has come in only four, short years. He’ll also be joined by special guest, The 6th Letter.
Let us know which event(s) you’ll be attending in the comments section and tell us if there are any others we may have missed!