Philly rapper Freeway at Chop Suey on Saturday: gruff, powerful, in control. Prodigious beard. His set was a pleasure to behold, with thick, thumping, meaty beats over which his growl sounded just right. Such sparkly bling, too! Our only complaints are that he cut off "It's Over" way too early and there were a couple too many a capellas, but the man can keep filthily perfect time and impresses regardless of the beat behind him.......

We've been listening to UGK's "One Day" at ten minute intervals since we woke up this morning. Yes. It IS that good, and Bun B's larger-than-life (yet dancing dangerously close to humble) performance at Neumos on Friday night was equally satisfying. Into gangsta rap and the club scene? Frequent mentions of certain lady-parts, an ostentatious tour bus dominating 10th and Pike, and the flashy, dressed-up crowd would have sated your appetite. But there was......