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Some of you may be wondering why I waited so long to comment on Kendrick Lamar’s verse heard ‘round the world from Big Sean’s “Control.” Well, there was so much hysteria surrounding it that if you made a comment, you were either branded a Kendrick Lamar dick-rider, or someone who doesn’t know shit about hip-hop. Seeing as I am neither, it was a debate that I had no intention of putting myself into. But now that everyone’s calmed down, allow me to provide some brutal honesty: Kendrick’s verse on “Control” doesn’t mean a damn thing. Now let me tell you why.

When hip-hop was first born 40 years ago in the South Bronx, the DJ was the most important position. In fact the three Founding Fathers of hip-hop, Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash, were all DJ’s. But after the success of Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” the MC has been in the spotlight. Now just because somebody picks up a microphone and spits out some couplets doesn’t make them an MC. If I can quote Black Thought, “To MC requires skill. I demand some shown.” There are a lot of rappers out there but not many MC’s. Drake is a rapper. Kendrick Lamar is an MC. Rick Ross is a rapper. Jay-Z is, or at least was, an MC. Nicki Minaj is a rapper. Nas is an MC. A$AP Rocky is a rapper. Black Thought is an MC. But with hip-hop being in the condition that it is right now, there is way too much attention being paid to rappers, wack-ass rappers at that, than MC’s. I’m gonna shine some light on some MC’s you may or may not have heard of in an attempt to give them their just due.

Philly readers! We have another giveaway for you for a surprise show presented by AXE this Friday, October 25th at Underground Arts.

This one night only event will feature one up-and-coming DJ and two of the following artists listed on the above flyer. Coincidentally, Power 99 is hosting their annual Powerhouse concert that same night at Wells Fargo Center featuring Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, Wale, Ace Hood, Meek Mill, Big Sean, and more. Notice any overlap?

Boston Calling debuted four months ago in May with huge success with acts including The National (one of the members Aaron Dessner  actually co-created the festival), Fun and Marina and the Diamonds.  Around 20,000 Bostonians turned up even in the rain, but yes there was head-bobbing and grooving in less than wonderful rain jackets.  Fortunately, for all the 250,000 students of Boston most of which have returned home for summer break, Boston Calling is having 2.0 THIS WEEK.  It's difficult to have a better start of school than to see Kendrick Lamar, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives, Passion Pit and many amazing acts.