CALLIN' OUT: Lyrics Born is keeping it all funky for San Jose.

Exhibit Z in NorCal’s oft overlooked contributions to the hip hop world: Solesides Records. In the early ‘90s, the label and collective helped to first define and then spread the sound of alternative hip hop, bringing the world such luminaries as DJ Shadow and Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab, both of whom changed the rap game forever. Lyrics Born may not quite have the same household name recognition, but Bay Area heads know that gold often stays underground; ever since the breakthrough Later That Day…, the Berkeley-based MC has brought big funk and a cool lyrical flow that nails a unique NorCal sound.

Lyrics Born
Fri, 7pm, $34.15
Guild Theatre, Menlo Park