Boston’s Blak Madeen—A.K.A. MCs Al-J and Yusuf—blend hip-hop and old school sampling with upbeat lyricism that touches on Islamic and anti-war themes. Add in collaborations with luminaries like Reks and Slaine, opening gigs for Lupe Fiasco and Immortal Technique, an almost allergic avoidance of unsavory rap tropes and a show tonight at the Middle East Downstairs, and you’ve got a crew that … you should totally see. Live, and all.
Full disclosure: that’s sort of what we were building up to with all that awesome stuff back there.
[Fri 4.27.12. 472 Mass. Ave., Central Sq., Cambridge. 617.864.3278. 8pm/18+/$13. @MidEastClub. mideastclub.com]
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