2014 A3C 101
CL scribes call out the top picks for A3C 2014 in 11 words
Wed., Oct. 8
Kingston native’s sinister patter looms large in his violent, Scarface-esque tales. 8 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
Boldy James’ monotone menace landed him on Nas’ Mass Appeal Records. 8 p.m. @ the Music Room. Also playing the Music Room, 10:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10.
Louisiana native’s exploratory, honest gangsta rap reflects on his powerful demons. 8 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
The genre-bending rapper/singer/rocker is one of ATL hip-hop’s most beloved performers. 8 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
Thurs., Oct. 9
Jean Grae’s panel will prove her commentary cuts like her rhymes. 3 p.m.
@ #FilmRM (Artist Center). Also doing another panel 12:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10 @ #AcademicRM
DJ/MC/producer blasts intelligent rhymes from a more sophisticated era of boom-bap. The Bar Exam, 7 p.m. @ the Department Store
This Millennial MC spits thought-provoking bars with an untouchable, golden-era flow. 7 p.m. @ the Department Store
Scotty has the voice of a truly relatable ATL hip-hop underdog. 8 p.m. @ Music Room. Also playing 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10 @ 3rd Street Armory (front), 11:30 p.m. Oct. 10 @ 529, and 8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 11 @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
Bratty-voiced newcomer sets scattershot pop culture criticism to thumping, club-worthy beats. 8 p.m. @ the Earl. Also playing 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 10 @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
Hot-headed crunk heavyweight barrels through rough-edged bars and militarized partying chants. 8 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (back). Also playing 10 p.m. Oct. 10 @ the Basement
Ubiquitous College Park MC is one of ATL hip-hop’s most charismatic. 9 p.m. @ the QUAD
This Odd Future alumnus rips synth bangers, ensuring a sweaty audience. 9 p.m. @ the Basement
Barely 21, Vic Mensa rises above the mixtape circuit’s cutting edge. 9 p.m. @ the Basement
Founding mixtape jock blends rap and R&B — what the crowd orders. 11 p.m. @ the Earl
Fri., Oct. 10
Two successful NOLA rappers bring their catalogues to the stage together. 2 p.m. @ #MainRM (Artist Center) (panel). 8 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Da Beatminerz and Black Moon member Entas Da Stage once again. 2 p.m. @ #PAEMainStage (SAE Institute). Also 2 p.m. Sat., Oct. 11 @ #AcademicRM
UGK half endures with pensive lyrics, technical dexterity, and Southern snarl. 3:30 p.m. @ #TupacRM (Artist Center). Also playing the Pimp C tribute, 8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 11 @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Independent East Coast vet returns with introspective lyrics and perfectionist beats. 4 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Raw hip-hop lyricism meets classic ’90s sound revived with underground feel. 4 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Unofficial Ferguson, Mo. spokesman spits as a Midwest hip-hop foot soldier. 7 p.m. @ the Music Room
Arguably one of ATL’s most underrated MCs; not one to miss. 7 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (front) and 10:30 p.m. @ the Earl
The country boys haven’t lost a step in the energy category. 8 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Gucci Mane affiliate frightens hip-hop purists with sheer goofball joy, aye! 10 p.m. @ the Basement
ATL DIY rapper spits syrupy vocals laced with textured synth beats. 10 p.m. @ the Basement
“Tuesday” rapper and Drake signee, this generation’s answer to Kilo Ali. 10 p.m. @ the Basement
Former Slum Village resident, now known as “Detroit’s Best Kept Secret.” 4 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Project Pat’s rhymes maintain grit from his Three 6 Mafia heyday. 10 p.m. @ the Basement
Level-headed 9th Wonder protegee re-imagines the block as a hip-hop battleground. 10:30 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
9th Wonder’s brooding soul has bolstered everyone from Buckshot to Drake. 10:30 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (front)
Lil Kim protegee harnesses schizophrenic energy evoking Nicki Minaj/Young Thug. 10:30 p.m. @ Music Room
For those fans amazed by warp-speed lyricism, Twista is your man. 10:30 p.m. @ the Earl
Migos-affiliated new Atlantan swings addictive trap hooks with a trademark rasp. 10:30 p.m. @ Space2 and 11:30 p.m. @ 529
Houston, Texas-based Screwed Up Click member’s street-tough baritone laments fallen friends. 11:30 p.m. @ 529
Sat., Oct. 11
Brooklyn duo perform their debut album Dah Shinin’ and much more. 2 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Storied Boot Camp Clik leader Buckshot is an East Coast staple. 2 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Funk Volume’s most animated rhyme spitter brings the schizo party home. 2 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Iconic DJ and producer (De La Soul, Gravediggaz) ruminates on career hip-hop. 3 p.m. @ #BeatLife (SAE Institute) (workshop)
’90s hip-hop heads rejoice: Veteran Artifacts member returns to the stage. 9 p.m. @ Space2
Female MC who sells lyrics, not sex — mainstream hip-hop needs her. 9 p.m. @ Space2
Producer-emcee trio sends hypnotic, funky riding music to infinity and beyond. 9:30 p.m. @ the Basement. Also playing 9 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (back)
MCs In-Doe, A.T., and producer Flick James sling some lyrical candor. 9:30 p.m. @ the Basement
Geto Boys rapper Scarface is an OG in the truest sense. 9:30 p.m. @ the Basement. Also, he appears in conversation, 2 p.m. @ #MainRM (Artist Center)
The singular, Solar Hop-ping Decatur MC comes equipped with intergalactic rhymes. 9 p.m. @ Space2
Freewheeling rookie dives into struggles with ADD, resurfaces for party jams. 9 p.m. @ 3rd Street Armory (back). Also playing 10:30 p.m. @ 529
Bronx-born boom-bap weirdo/Ultramagnetic MCs co-founder, aka Dr. Octagonecologyst, spits pornocore madness. 11 p.m. @ the Earl
Lobster-slaying local and A3C vet hosts while DJing for Kool Keith. 11 p.m. @ the Earl
Expand your consciousness with mind-bending, psychedelic hip-hop that’s from another planet. 11 p.m. @ the Earl
Sun., Oct. 12
The Roots MC’s complex lyricism assures his place among hip-hop legends. 2 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
Talib Kweli, ’90s underground visionary, and activist finally takes the stage.
2 p.m. @ Old Fourth Ward Main Stage
The second annual Best Block Party Ever
Black Thought, Talib Kweli, + more close A3C with all-day party. Free if you RSVP on site or with your A3C badge. This event is also a drive for Hosea Feed the Hungry. 2 p.m. Sun., Oct. 12. Old Fourth Ward Main Stage, 447 Edgewood Ave. S.E.