Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Music

Media Credit: Wale Agboola

Media Credit: www Kansas City's Mac Lethal and some of his Black Clover labelmates will headline the underground hip-hop show at the What's Up Lounge Sunday.

Local artist Matt Smith will be taking the stage Sunday at the Whats Up Lounge along with some formidable Midwest talent in an attempt to build a bigger hip-hop presence in the Mankato area. Mac Lethal, a former artist of the Minneapolis- based Rhymesayers Entertainment, will be headlining the show featuring Smith and Soulcrate Music, a member of Lethal's Black Clover Records posse.

Getting an opportunity to perform alongside such established Midwest hip-hoppers has Minnesota State's Smith excited for his performance this weekend.

"I think the line up is perfect because Black Clover Records has always been a huge inspiration to me and it's an honor sharing the stage with some of the Midwest's finest," Smith said. "People should come to this show because I honestly believe that this genre of music, in this part of the country, makes you feel like you're a part of something" said the 21-year-old Smith, known on stage as Smith Made Music.

Mac Lethal, co-founder of Black Clover Records and a Kansas City native, was once referred to as "a contemporary cross between a folk singer and a stand-up comic" by Rolling Stone. Having been featured in numerous urban magazines such as The Source, Lethal has built his reputation through touring with Atmosphere, P.O.S. and Sage Francis.

His sometimes abrasive, but often colorful and witty style is something of its own genre in the rap scene. Known to consistently perform over 150 shows a year throughout North America, Mac Lethal shows a lot of admiration for his fans, which has helped him receive quite a following in the Midwest, including his fellow performer Smith.

Like Lethal, Smith's musical talents reach beyond the mere hip-hop genre, consisting of a collection of different styles that include hip-hop, dance-rock and acoustic vocals.

As part of the evening's event, Smith Made Music will also be releasing his first album, "Anything and Everything: The Demo," which, as the title indicates, will encompass his assortment of musical talents.

"The reasoning behind the name of the album is because each song sounds distinctly different from one another, but with a Midwest hip-hop vibe to it," Smith said. "I'm calling it 'The Demo' because it's my first release and it's mainly just to start a fan base and book more shows."

The album, an 8 track exploration of Smith's unique style, will be available at the show for $5.

The show starts at 6 p.m. with tickets selling $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

In what has been a drought of live music attendance throughout the area of Mankato, this show is sure to to be an exciting night for everyone supporting their local music scene.


Dean Gorden is a Reporter staff writer

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools