Riding smoothly atop spacey and soulful instrumentals, Helladopes funk-laden, Southern rap-influenced sound is the result of the South End collaboration between veteran MC Jerm of Alpha P and up-and-coming producer/emcee Tay Sean. At different times danceable and searing, their self-titled debut album released this March reveals a pleasantly accessible sound that matches up well with MC Jerms seasoned flow. And after sharing stages with the likes of Snoop Dogg and Goodie Mob, Hellaope has proven they can hold their own. Dont forget about the bill-sharers for this Star-Spangled Banger either; State of the Artist is responsible for something called SeattleCaliFragalisticExtraHellaDopeness thats just as fantastic as it sounds. With State of the Artist, Dark Time Sunshine, Katie Kate, DJ Radjaw. NICK FELDMAN
Sat., July 3, 8 p.m., 2010