by
Yousif Kassab on July 27, 2017
Just last month, Joshua “Mad Illz” Carrasco—founder of the Grind Time rap battle league—decided to sell his once-dominant platform. This report came coupled with the news that Carrasco didn’t have much confidence in the art form and the industry it spawned. “Battle rap is dying,” he said. “Dirtbag” Dan Martinez begs to…
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by
John Flynn on January 6, 2016
thouDirtbag Dan bustles about his high-ceilinged studio in an industrial block just outside of San Jose’s Japantown. He points out a psychedelic mural of a shark by a local artist on one wall and mismatched grey curtains stapled to another. The latter serve as the backdrop for his battle rap podcast. It…
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Two of San Jose’s best-known rappers, Dirtbag Dan and Rey Ressureccion have released a new video for “Thinking of a Master Plan.” The clip, which is anchored by Dan and Res spitting verses on the steps of what appears to be a San Jose porch—whilst smoking and kicking back brews—also features plenty…
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YEAR-END LISTS typically hew to the comfy round number 10. And although Top 10 has a ring to it, Silicon Valley’s melting pot of musical talent fused genres, collaborated, innovated and turned out so many great LPs and EPs this year that it became a nearly impossible task to narrow it down…
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South Bay battle rappers gathered for the second annual of Battle of the Zae, headlined by San Jose rapper Dirtbag Dan vs. Rone at the Cannery on Saturday.
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San Jose’s own Dirtbag Dan is joining Murs’ Paid Dues Festival lineup this March alongside buzz rappers of the moment Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, Trinidad James and vets like Talib Kweli and Juicy J .
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A self-proclaimed “pioneer of Gothic Hip Hop” San Jose’s Kung Fu Vampire had a big year in 2012, booking his longest national tour to date and recording with three industry vets: E-40, Tech N9ne and Brotha Lynch Hung. We caught up with KFV on the road to find out his favorite songs…
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It’s been 25 years since Too Short’s first LP was released and the Oakland rapper is still showing no signs of slowing. He released his 19th studio album this year, and just last week, he released two albums with E-40—the only other living Bay Area rapper to reach his level of national…
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For a city that struggles year in and year out to foster a vibrant local music scene, the SVSX festival—which featured over 20 bands in 9 venues—was a success. Mike Huguenor, who opened the Pagoda Lounge lineup, took a moment during his set to comment on what an incredible event SVSX was…
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Usually known for it’s rock ‘n’ roll tendencies, the Blank Club hosts a rare hip-hop show for SVSX on Saturday featuring battle rapper Dirtbag Dan, up-and-coming San Jose MC Antwon with Cities Aviv, DJ Ichy the Killer and G.I.F.T.
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