Fri 4/18 @ 8PM
Of all the local music scenes, rap is the most fluid and least stable, as older performers drift away and younger ones crop up briefly, usually with minimal, disorganized presentation and promotion, a scattering of releases, and more bluster than talent.
Cleveland’s Mario Edward, who calls himself Shuicide Holla (formerly Young Holla), seems to be cut from a different mold. His sharp lyrical skills are evident on the latest of his series of releases, Freshman Year, hosted by DJ EV, and he’s posted videos that show off his poised and confident stage presence.
He even has a proper website and streaming tracks posted on Soundcloud so potential fans can discover him. That’s a rarity among upstart rappers, whose only web presence too often is a Twitter feed filled with cryptic remarks.
Holla will be headlining an evening at the Kent Stage called the NEO Rap Showcase. Hip-hop fans will be able to check him out, along with a host of other local rappers. Who knows? There might be another diamond in the pack, which features Bschors, Joey Long & KJ, Super Jones, Hodge Wilson, Big Squeeze, Saint Dank, Lohno, Majik, Riz Leigh, Nooiv, Kirk Stillz, and Tre Planes.
Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door.
thekentstage.com/neo-rap-showcase-shuicide