My favorite hip hop group of all time, Cypress Hill, swings by Austin Thursday night for a big concert at Stubb's. Nothing, other than a At The Drive In or Rage Against The Machine reunion, can make me happier. They are touring to support their new album, Rise Up, which includes the summer anthem "Armada Latina". This is their best radio single in years, maybe ever. When you get Pitbull and Marc Anthony on the same track with you, backed by Eric Bobo's percussion and such, you have a smash single. I have already heard a bunch kids with "Armada Latina" as their ring tone.
Tonight at The Austin Music Hall, the world's hottest hip hop act takes the stage. Mr. 305, Armando Pérez aka Pitbull is coming through Austin in support of his new album, Rebelution. As a long time of fan of Pitbull, I look forward to hearing his radio hits, but moreso for me his street stuff that never makes it the radio. Tracks like "Dammit Man" and "Everybody Get Up" get you through a weight workout. I doubt he'll perform them because those aren't songs fans will be able to sing along to, but you never know.
When he first came on the scene with his major breakthrough album, Money Is Still A Major Issue, I couldn't have been more proud of the fact that he was Latino. He has proven that a talented Latino rapper can be a commercial hip hop star that gets love from the blacks, whites, Latinos, all hip hop fans. He didn't fall into the trap that is the label "Latin Rapper". Everyone loves Pitbull and with good reason. He makes hot club tracks that turn nice girls into naughty girls dancing in cages. Your abuelita dances to Pitbull.
Something else I love about Pitbull that no one really points out or notices are all the freestyle and DJ Laz samples he uses. He did the Spring Love remake with the original artist, Stevie B. He gets down with Reggaeton stars, like Rakim y Ken Y, on songs like "Tell Me". He can probably pull a Nelly and cross over into country if he wanted to. Pitbull is the real deal. No one has the diverse portfolio or resume Pitbull has in any genre of urban music. People tend overlook that because of his radio success. Lately he has stuck to party songs,but no one does them better. Check out the music video for "I Know You Want Me" off his new album, Rebelution.
Also performing tonight is MTV3 and Mun2 darling, Kat DeLuna.She is no slouch as an opener by any means. Her breakthrough hit, "Whine Up" still gets spins in the clubs and radio play on occasion. She'll be performing new songs tonight off her upcoming new album. DeLuna fans won't want to miss that.
Arrive by 7:00 to ensure a good spot for the show. The Austin Music Hall is located 208 Nueces. Look for a parking garage and parking lot by some condos. You'll have to pay to park, but that's like anywhere else and those spots make your life easier after the show ends.
If you still need your tickets., click here to purchase.
Ian is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended St Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In 2008 he joined the team at Double Stereo (formerly CD Fuse) as their Blog editor where he reviewed concerts, albums, and did interviews for the popular music site.In January 2009, he became the Editor in Chief for Austin Vida. In 2010, with the help of some of his most talented friends, he launched Red River Noise. "Ian's Music Blog" is also one of the few blogs selected to be a Do512 All-Star.
On any given night of the week he can be found in downtown Austin on 6th Street and the Red River live music district.
