Top Five Must-See Shows This Weekend

By Richard Noel Fri., Nov. 2 2012 at 4:00 AM

Categories: Lists

Oddissee is scheduled to perform Friday, November 2, at Stray Cat in Tempe.

Curious what's going on around town this weekend? Need some suggestions as to how to rock, dance, or krump in the Valley of the Sun?

Don't fret: These are our Five Shows to See This Weekend.

Friday, November 2: Oddissee @ Stray Cat

One of the most intriguing new voices in hip-hop, Maryland MC Oddisee has amassed one of the most loyal word-of-mouth grassroots fanbases in indie-rap today. Acclaimed for his work both behind the mic and behind the boards (he's produced for Talib Kweli, Freeway and Homeboy Sandman), what makes Oddisee stand out is how his strong roots in rap tradition allow for him to thrive with a strong, entirely fresh sound. His new album, People Hear What They See, is one of the year's strongest sleeper hits.

Oddisee's perspective has often been compared to much of today's "everyman"-type rappers. But, while many of his contemporaries frame their struggles in a "this could be anywhere" motif, it's precisely because Oddisee maintains his geographic lineage that empathizing with him feels much more genuine.

When he boasts his oft-quoted take on Rick Ross, "I'm not a star, somebody lied / I ride the subway as a car, I'm getting by," he ensures we're right there ridin' with him. --Chaz Kangas