Advance tickets available at:

http://mastakill3_21.eventbrite.com and at Stinkweeds Records and Yucca Tap Room

Yucca’s HIP HOP Weekly Every Thursday

Masta Killa (WU TANG)                                http://mastakillamusic.com

(from Wikipedia)

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Masta Killa was the last member to join the Wu-Tang Clan; consequently he did not appear on the group’s debut single “Protect Ya Neck”. He was also the only member who was not a rapper at the time of the group’s formation. He was extensively mentored by the GZA during his early days with the group, evident in the similar flow they both employ. He derived his rap name from the 1978 kung fu film Shaolin Master Killer, (Shao Lin san shi liu fang). Masta only appeared on one track on the Wu-Tang Clan’s first album, in the closing verse to “Da Mystery of Chessboxin”. Masta only narrowly made the track, and was almost left off in favor ofKillah Priest. In fact, on the No Said Date DVD, Killah Priest claims that he and Masta Killa were in competition for the spot on “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’”, and while Killah Priest fell asleep, Masta Killa stayed up all night writing and Killah Priest woke up the next morning to Masta Killa’s verse. Since he was a developing rapper at the time Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) was being written, his verse in “Da Mystery of Chessboxin” was the only one that could hold up with the other, more experienced Wu-Tang members.^[3]

During the first round of solo projects, he made several appearances on tracks now considered Wu-Tang classics, such as “Winter Warz”, “Duel of the Iron Mic”, and “Glaciers of Ice”. His flow at the time attracted attention for being very slow and laid-back, in contrast to the more manic, forceful styles of members like Inspectah Deckand Ghostface Killah. Masta Killa is also the Clansman fondest of Chinese martial arts imagery. In 1997 (1997 in music), the Wu-Tang Clan’s second album Wu-Tang Forever saw Masta become a mainstay in the group’s line-up with regular appearances throughout the double album.

Masta Killa was the last member to release a solo project, after it was delayed for several years and finally released in June 2004 with the title No Said Date; critically acclaimed, it became independent label Nature Sounds‘ best-selling album, notable for featuring every core member of the Wu-Tang Clan on the album after a period in the group’s history that lacked unity. His second album, Made in Brooklyn, was released on August 8, 2006, and includes production from Pete Rock and MF Doom. “Ringing Bells”, the Bronze Nazareth-produced lead single from the album, was released in March 2006. Also in 2006, Masta Killa became the latest in a succession of hip hop artists to endorse PETA, also participating in an advertisement for the organization and is also a vegetarian.^[4] In a 2004 “Rock the Bells” documentary the head orgainizer of the event – the man that had booked the Wu-Tang Clan to perform – mistakes Masta Killa for a nobody.

In 2012 he plans on releasing his 3rd album entitled “Selling My Soul”, an LP with heavy soul grooves as a precursor to his long awaited announced album “Loyalty Is Royalty”, on December 11 with guests Kurupt & the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Lyricks (va)                                   http://www.writelyricks.com

Lyricks, born Rick Lee, is a Korean-American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in VA, Lyricks developed an interest in hip-hop after discovering that he had a natural ability in writing poetry and inspiring the audience. Over the years, he would go on to perfect his game, gaining the attention of both casual listeners and professional music artists. Lyricks has not only toured and performed all over the country, but also internationally in Europe and Africa. Striking the balance between being a perfectionist and a prolific artist, Lyricks has appeared on over 300 songs on various albums, mixtapes, singles, and features.

While continuing to perform and work on his next album, Lyricks operates his own recording studio, Supernova. As a proud and fiercely loyal VA representative, Lyricks aims to transcend Supernova into a central mecca for the VA hip-hop scene – a place for nurturing talent, sparking creativity, and strengthening the foundation of hip-hop. Having directly experienced and seen all aspects of the industry, Lyricks has been molded into an versatile artist with not only an incredible gift, but also integrity, authenticity, and consistency.

21+ // $8 // 9pm