The name CunninLynguists might seem sophomoric, but the three emcees who comprise the group–Deacon, Kno and Natti–are lyrically dexterous and socially conscious with their rhymes, making one of the dirtier names in the Dirty South a bit misleading. The Atlanta-based group is best known for their stellar albums SouthernUnderground and A Piece of Strange, released in 2003 and 2006, respectively, both of which offer gritty commentary on life in general and the music biz in particular. Their latest, titled Oneirology, is a concept album about dreams and the subconscious that benefits from smooth, soulfully refined beats (Kno pulls double-duty as producer) and guest spots from new school southern rappers Big K.R.I.T. and Freddie Gibbs. With Homeboy Sandman, ToneDeff, Blue Sky Black Death. KEEGAN HAMILTON

Sun., May 15, 8 p.m., 2011