Chali 2na

The fifty greatest rap groups of all time

There's something great about a hip-hop group. From the beginning, it was never intended to be a solo endeavor; rap began in cyphers at block parties, and the first established rappers were components of a collective centered around the more important DJ. Even now that the rapper is the star, it's n ... More >>

The fifty greatest rap groups of all time: 50-26

There's something great about a hip-hop group. From the beginning, it was never intended to be a solo endeavor; rap began in cyphers at block parties, and the first established rappers were components of a collective centered around the more important DJ. Even now that the rapper is the star, it's n ... More >>

The 2013 Colorado music festival guide

I know it's hard to imagine now, especially with the temperature outside and the blanket of snow currently covering the Front Range, but summertime is just around the corner, which means the festival season is just getting ready to kick off. We know this because we're in the middle of putting togeth ... More >>

The ten best concerts this weekend: Oct. 26-28

Welcome to the weekend, amigos! Ah, yes, we finally made it. Is it just us, or has this seemed like the longest week ever? Ah, maybe it's just the weather. Whatever the case, it's in the rearview now, and it's time to blow off some steam. Drinks are on the horizon and there's a full slate of great m ... More >>

SnowBall Music Festival 2012: Day 2 travelogue

SNOWBALL MUSIC FESTIVAL @ VAIL VALLEY | 3/3/12 (DAY 2) Having survived the frigid first night, the sunshine and above-freezing temps of the second day are a treat. Feeling a little wear and tear from the night before, I was hoping to make it back to the festival grounds in time to catch Sauna play ... More >>

Galactic gives props to the music, and musicians, of New Orleans

Public Enemy at The Ogden, 2/19/11

Photo: Eric Gruneisen​Public Enemy has, for upwards of 26 years, put out rousing music that incites the masses both in recording and live show. Last night at the Ogden Theatre though, the crew showed out as if they had something to prove. Don't call it a come back. They've been here for yea ... More >>

Public Enemy, Drive-By Truckers, Sepultura shows announced

​After hitting South Africa and Australia in December and January, legendary hip-hop act Public Enemy makes its way to the Ogden Theatre for a co-headlining bill with Karl Denson's Tiny Universe on Saturday, February 19. Jurrasic 5's Chali 2na opens the show. Tickets ($25) for the 16 and over ... More >>

Cut Chemist on crate digging, Jurassic 5 and Boyd Rice

​Cut Chemist (real name Lucas MacFadden) has been constantly redefining the art of turntablim for the past seventeen years as a member of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, in addition to being an innovative solo artist. Blending everything from funk and soul to hip-hop and bossa nova, Cut Chemist's sty ... More >>

Over the Weekend: Ozomatli at the Ogden

(Editor's note: The author is a moron and forgot his camera. The above video is basically what happened in the Ogden lobby). Ozomatli with the Nathen Maxwell and the Original Bunny Gang Saturday, November 14, 2009 The Ogden Better Than: Whatever you did, unless whatever you did featured a thousan ... More >>

Last Night: Rock the Bells at Red Rocks

Aaron Thackeray​Rock the Bells 2009 Red Rocks Amphitheatre Thursday, August 6, 2009 Better than: ringtone rap, anything associated with Auto-Tune or listening to the self-proclaimed newly anointed "King of Pop," Kanye West, talk about himself endlessly. Since 2003, Rock the Bells has been the pre ... More >>

This Just In 9/4-9/10

Friday Rap-Up: Frank E, Xzibit, 50 Cent, Slick Rick

Freeloader

The best in legitimate, artist-approved downloads.

This Weekend: Crown City Rockers, Mighty Underdogs and Blackalicious @ Fox Theatre

Beyond Playlist: Kelly Clarkson and More

A.G.

Sunday, December 10, Fox Theatre, Boulder, 303-443-3399.

On the Records

Backbeat contributors reflect on the releases that helped them survive the year 2000.

Into the Light

The Jurassic 5 make a heroic ascent from the hip-hop underground.

The Grandfathers of Punk

Denver's early punk rock pioneers are remembered

Political Party Animals

Ozomatli hopes its cross-cultural music spurs a revolution -- and makes you want to dance.