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Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s launch event, PAID DUES returns March 24, 2007, this time to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA. Presented by MURS 3:16 in association with Guerilla Union, PAID DUES promises to prove itself as the premiere festival for independent hip-hop with billing that includes talents like Felt, Sage Francis, Brother Ali and more.
“Don’t let the often redundant and routine rap songs and videos played on commercial radio, BET and MTV fool you. There’s a vibrant rap scene with advanced lyricism, stinging political commentary and quality DJ performances that continues to flourish in a seemingly parallel universe, largely shunned by the mainstream media,†wrote Soren Baker of the Los Angeles Times (3/3/06) in his review of the first PAID DUES which sold-out the 5,500 capacity Shrine Expo Center in downtown Los Angeles. “Several leaders of this movement, including El-P, Aesop Rock, Brother Ali and Living Legends, delivered solid sets…â€
Flash forward for the 2007 PAID DUES line-up with FELT (MURS [Living Legends] w/ Slug & Ant [Atmosphere]), SAGE FRANCIS, BROTHER ALI, BLACKALICIOUS, JEAN GRAE, VISIONARIES, MR LIF, CAGE, ZION I & THE GROUCH, DEVIN THE DUDE, EVIDENCE w/ ALCHEMIST, PIGEON JOHN, LOS NATIVOS, and HANGAR 18 with DJ’s MR LEN and MAJI. The event will be hosted by LUCKY I AM and surprise guests are in the works. “It’s not just an event. It’s an experience,†states organizer Murs, “…a family reunion of sorts for the independent hip- hop community.â€
Adds Chang Weisberg of Guerilla Union, “PAID DUES is the only arena dedicated to independent hip-hop artists. Not only is it evolving into a cherished once a year event, but soon PAID DUES will be a national tour, documentary film, media outlet, and overall artist support mechanism. From Myspace.com to XM Radio, we are committed to developing a unique soapbox for these amazing artists who otherwise struggle to compete with the current industry model. It’s not an easy thing to do, but Murs has put himself out there to support his friends and colleagues. The support from artists, labels, managers, media partners, and agents has been overwhelming.”
Beyond his PAID DUES empire plans, Murs—“better than your favorite rapper‖will be releasing a new album. Please stay tuned for future developments.
www.rockthebells.net | myspace.com/paidduesfestival | www.guerillaunion.com