Ozone Party Pt. 3 at Club Elixir. March 19th. Doors open at 9pm.

Juice 2008 Review (Click for Photos)

(Click here for Videos)

Review by Marballz

CNS Crew at Juice 2008  

I just wanted to give a quick review on Juice this year and this year is a turning point, in my opinion, when it comes to taking a look at the Alaska b-boy scene.  Juice being a yearly event is a good way to see how far everything has grown since the last year and it's easy to bookmark people's progress.  There were some competitions that did not take place this year that have been with Juice, like the beatboxing and DJ comp; the new addition of popping, however, I can see staying with Juice, knowing how many people are into popping.

Each year has its moments that seperates it from other the Juice events.  This year I saw the newer generation stepping up and they brought heat.  It's good to see a newer generation coming, which is happening dominantly in Anchorage, this makes me want to go teach classes or something lol.  It's either I've seen "noob" kids that have gotten better since I last saw them, or kids I've never seen bringing heat.  At this point, I no longer see it as a scene with one or two dominant crews, but with mulitple crews doing their thing to be on top.  It's good to know that the scene is growing in such a way.  The only thing I can say I'd like to see more of is more open circle action.  Its hard to feel a vibe when nobody is getting down.

The 4v4 b-boy format was new and gave a different energy from other Juice events.  The winners of the 4v4 were me and my crew Canned Funk (Me, Figment, JJ and Gio), all from Fairbanks with the exception Gio.  The collective skill level of the b-boys that entered has risen the bar than the years before.  Much props to EOR for bringing it at the finals, you guys had mad energy and came to win and if you guys did win I wouldn't have contested the decision.  Aside from the finals my favorite part was the 3-way battle, which was mad heated between CNS, Yessiam and us for semi-final, a 3-way with another group of men would not compare what happened at Juice.

I wanna give mad props to Jewlz for holding it down for Juice, one of the events I look forward to every year and with new people getting involved, I hope this event grows with the scene.  If anyone wants to see footage, I have uploaded my footage of the battles on youtube.

Strictly Strange 08 Tour 9/25

Tech N9ne/Krizz Kaliko/ Kutt Calhoun Concert Review clear here for more photos from the concert

By Sin City

Strange typically isnt a word used to best illustrate a hip hop concert unless of course your describing a show put on by Kansas City, Missouri rap artist Tech N9ne. The rapper displayed an insanely incredible performance from entry to exit during his Strictly Strange 08 tour in Anchorage, Alaska. Accompanied by rappers Krizz Kaliko and Kutt Calhoun, the trio packed the Egan Convention Center a task that has been unsuccessful for previous promoters and performers alike.

The concert began with performances by Alaska’s own Indefinite Etiquette, Arctic Flow, and AK Thunder Funk all whom manage to entertain a very eager and ambitious crowd. As the audience grew thicker with fans the tone became just right for a stray jacket wearing face painted entrance by Tech N9ne. Crowd members chanted his name in worship of a rapper known to deliver high powered, mind blowing performances. The artist unleashed himself from his restraints revealing his all white medical scrubs costume and completed a few solo songs as the show climaxed to an even greater level of entertaining awkwardness. Strange Music artists Krizz Kaliko and Kutt Calhoun sprinted onto the stage dressed in identical white medical attire.

The three executed routines and collaboration tracks leaving the audience asking themselves, “What could possibly occur next?”

Kutt Calhoun then dashed off stage headed straight for the gate that held back devoted listeners. He propped himself up one hand holding the gate and the other cuffing his mic as he stood chest to chest with fans. Audience members embraced him as he spit lyric for lyric and rhyme for rhyme. Still yet there was more in store. Tech N9ne shortly after escorted a fan to the stage directing her to sit in a chair that sat center spot light. Krizz Kaliko then serenaded her as Tech N9ne seduced her to a track entitled “The Sexorist,” a single off disc two of Tech N9ne’s 2008 release Killer.

As the saying goes…”All good things come to end.” Though the Strictly Strange Tour in Anchorage, Alaska was nearing its finale the audience was satisfied with its near two hour show a courtesy that has been neglected by many entertainers visiting the 907. Supporters attended in numbers despite the groups second show within a year. Indeed the Strange Music artists performed an unbelievable show but above all it’s the rappers’ devotion to their fan base that keeps Alaskan fans coming back for more.

Sin City

Pen and paper have become a way of life for many rappers in the industry however, Jerremy Santacrose AKA AKream of Arctic Flow Records, doesn’t allow the lines of college ruled paper to restrict his creativity. After more than 15 years of rapping, sculpting his lyrical skills and nearly perfecting his craft, Akream has reached the point of paper-free song creation; a level of a ingenious that even the best fall short of. Making an exception to the rule that "practice makes perfect, "he has discovered his own recipe for musical success. The combination of his natural ability to flow, real everyday experiences, and an authentic yet exclusive style is what separates this artist from the rest.



At first glance he’s best described as simple and reserved, from his plain all white sneakers to his lax fitted jeans. On the contrary, his tracks are unique and filled with an unsuppressed realness a style that was developed through years of unspoken struggle and hardship. As the oldest of eight siblings, in a home far from "All American," AKream learned quickly the essence of Darwin’s theory that only the strong survive. Though his passion for hip-hop is indescribable, the realist with-in the artist recognized that above anythingelse existed the need to live. On track two of his album "Digital Penetration" he states, "Hip-hop's secondary to me, that means money comes first the game is carrying me." At a very young age the rapper was faced with what appeared to be his only two options: legitimate failure or illicit success. Attempting to go against the grain, Akream chased legitimate success and set out to California. He returned to Alaska with a song recording in one hand and a platform for Arctic Flow Records in the other. In early 2000 the artist redeveloped a relationship with present members Josh Boots, Soil Seed, and Nauseas after listening to their mixtape entitle “Star Spangled Grammar.” That reunion sparked the birth of Arctic Flow as we know it.





Arctic Flow Records has become a major success for both the artist and the Alaskan music scene. The Arctic Flow logo, a pitbull chained to an igloo, has become an iconic symbol not only because of its distinctness, but because of the talent and history it represents. The label is one of Akream’s two major victories. Ice Box Entertainment, another avenue for local talent, is the other. Unlike Arctic Flow, Ice Box Entertainment does not consist of emcees alone. After launching talented battle rapper Phonetic, his first artist signed to Ice Box, Akream acknowledged the need to diversify his vision and expanded to include a DJ and a production team. Ice Box Entertainment still continues to grow. The ambitious artist has many other endeavors anticipated for the near future some of which are not musically related.

Stay tuned!!!

Although much of his visions are lived through others, the artist himself is an extraordinary lyricist. His talent, passion and natural ability to flow is illustrated through each of his tracks. From play to finish Akream provides his listeners with a musical journey. The architecture of his music is built much like a movie and is intended to be review from start to finish as a whole. The well thought out structure has developed a cult following, due to the relationship built through his songs. His musical influences include Three 6 Mafia in its 1995 era and Wu Tang Clan. His admiration comes from many aspects of their careers but above all is their ability to create music that is avoided by many and loved by few; yet the few followers’ are avid and overly devoted listeners. Their music is one of kind and is intended to strike the attention of an exclusive audience. He strives to construct a similar fan base and with each smashing hit released, he is brought closer.



Akream, a name questioned by fan and cynic alike, is a mesh between the abbreviation of Alaska and the word cream. While his name has its origination, it has also become synonymous with dedication and success. With his career on the rise, a much anticipated album release, and the development of both Arctic Flow and Ice Box Entertainment he is kept occupied. Even so, he finds time to strategize his next moves. Currently he is stirring up ideas and concepts for his next two albums. Akream’s skill, motivation and eagerness are contagious. The combination of those qualities is what has won the loyalty of his fans. He has certainly made a name for himself and on a larger scale; he has set a standard for all Alaskan Hip-Hop artists.