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.

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

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.

When asked her stage name, she shrugged her shoulders, licked her lips, shifted in her knee high stiletto boots and nonchalantly replied “Joan.” After seconds of an awkward stare as if something more unique was to follow she finished…”Just Joan!” Though her name is strikingly simple and far from street her rhymes are ironically a direct opposite. Detroit born and AK bread lady emcee Joan Martin has put her foot in the game as one of the most exceptional lyricist of her time. From her high school years of aggressive battling to her more matured ballads, she is definitely one of the most well- rounded and talented artist the industry has seen in quite some time.

Although she is well known for her battle rapping skills as an adolescent, Joan has also grown to be a phenomenal writer. Her lyrics depict a troubled childhood, tough experiences as a female in the rap game, love stories gone bad, and the lost of many closest to heart. Her lyrics can be best described as feminine yet influential, borderline offensive yet genuine, and most importantly personal yet universally heart felt. Unlike many artists in the game Joan recognizes the significance of longevity, a realization that has motivated her to pursue other endeavors in the music industry aside from rapping.

Success bound, Joan began her own record label in 2007 entitled “At the Top Records.” The name was given as a tribute to Alaska the furthest north state in the US. “At the Top,” is also symbolic of her target location in the industry because unlike many, mediocrity is far from acceptable. Her desire to start her own label was not just another simple venture. Joan began “At the Top Records” as an attempt to avoid much of the corruption that occurs in the music industry between artist s and labels.

Despite her desires to make it big time, Joan values partnerships with other Alaskan artists. Her collaborations include songs with local artists: Mannish, AKream, Da Boii, DNA, and Joker the Bailbondsman. She plans to complete her EP summer of 2008 while polishing her LP. Upon completion she anticipates traveling the United States, tagging every major city with albums. She is currently relocating to the lower 48 not only to network but also to serve as a ambassador for Alaska’s unrecognized musical talent.

For all music heads awaiting a musical messiah, keep your eyes open and ears listening because she’s here to resurrect all the missing elements of the game: Lyrical talent, timeless tracks, and authenticity. Contrary to her name, she’s not “Just Joan.” With the combination of her skill and ambition she is sure to be the next thing circulating the airwaves and pounding through your speakers.

While many read the flyer, stared in confusion and asked themselves, "Who are these cats," avid listeners like myself marked their calendar and made it a priority to attend the "From the Bay to AK" concert. Bay area artists, Coolio the Under Dogg, J. Diggs, Ryder J Klyde and Sleep Dank performed March 21, 2008 at Club Millennium rockin a crowd under conditions that for many artists would have been less than performable. The Thizz Nation artists managed to make it through nearly 90 minutes of showtime despite an audience of less than 200 people.

Out of those 200 audience members, about 80-90% were under the age of 18. The choice in Venue eliminated many fans that would have otherwise attended. After all how many people wish to attend a club that their younger siblings or kids for that matter are able to go to. With the bar being a floor below the actual concert to avoid underage drinking, audience members 21 and up were forced to decide between having a drink or enjoying the show. The separation in floors took heads from the crowd and unfortunately when you lose numbers you lose hype.

Along with choice in venue comes atmosphere. Selection in music is one of the largest ways to create an atmosphere for any event. If you were to host a Miles Davis concert one would only expect that you play soothing sounds of Jazz and Classic R&B. If you were to host a Lil Jon concert one would only expect that you play high energy crunk club music. So if you were to have a Thizz Nation concert one would only expect that you play West Coast Music more specifically Hyphy music. The most memorable song of the night was "The Thizzle Dance." Why? Because it may have been the only Bay Area track played the entire evening.

Nonetheless, the rappers completed their sets as if they were performing in a crowd of 1000 attendees. They also shot footage for "Treal TV 3," a series of Thizz Nation performances and documentaries filmed around the globe. The series began as a tradition that was started by Bay Area legend Mac Dre. While crowd members held up their T’z in the air to show their Thizz Nation support, four camera men circulated the room capturing their Alaskan fans. Indeed the Atmosphere could have been improved and the arrangement of the Venue could have been adjusted but if anyone knows the trials and tribulations of concert coordination trust that it is yours truly. The promoters did the best with what they were given and unfortunately that’s how the concert business works!