Kemba To Celebrate “Negus” Album Release With Guests Homeboy Sandman, Peter Rosenberg

Kemba with special guests Homeboy Sandman & Peter Rosenberg.
November 22, 2016 at Rough Trade, 64 N 9th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249

I kinda have a problem with folks talking about “New York hip-hop back”…

I mean, come on… It’s a conversation that comes up every year or so, which then begs the question, “When does it stop being a ‘comeback’ if you keep talking about it every year?”

The problem, of course, is that a buzzing musician or two from any particular region couldn’t properly demonstrate the greatness of that region one way or the other, in any genre.

Especially New York.

Yet people still think that because our artists don’t play in typical radio reindeer games, that somehow, New York isn’t still the Mecca.

Insanity.

I’ll keep it brief. It doesn’t matter if you’re an old head, or brand new to the hip hop universe.

If you’re looking for a young, smart, stylish spitter with substance (and oh so many of you claim you are), you really have to go no farther than the Boogie Down Bronx to find Kemba.

This wordsmith, previously known as YC The Cynic, has shed the skin of his already formidable former self and unleashed the kind of substantive, thoughtful and head-nodding album that “real New York hip-hop heads” have been clamoring for. Bolstered by the strength of the haunting “The New Black Theory,” Kemba is the kind of MC many have been asking for, and previously finding in artists like Kendrick Lamar. The good news is that while Kemba may be poised for the same type of breakthrough, he is right here, he is accessible and he is well worth your time.

For the celebration of his latest full-length project, Negus, Kemba couldn’t have picked a better counterpart than the inimitable Homeboy Sandman. The Queens emcee has long been the epitome of avant-garde lyricism, a give-zero-fucks creative who can rap rings around any rapper who can rap rings around any rapper.

The synergy and audience connection will be powerful on this night, as these two who have worked together in the past have been anointed The Chosen Two by a great many who have experienced their growth over the years, recognizing their talent and respecting their humility, knowing each artist is truly groundbreaking.

You know, the kind of people who don’t wait until the radio tells them who they should think is dope.

(Like me. Full disclosure.)

So, on that note, if people think New York hip-hop is “back,” well, good. Now you’re paying attention. And if you come on down to Rough Trade on November 22 to witness this event, you will realize just how “back” we already were.

Tickets are on sale now. For the love of all things hip-hop-holy, buy them now.

Presented by Move Forward Music, The VS and your very own Birthplace Magazine. Special guests include Peter Rosenberg.