American rapper Boots Riley heads to Dunedin next week to perform a concert with New Zealand-based British hip-hop producer Scalper and DJ Goldstein, as well as give an open lecture at the University of Otago titled ''Hip-Hop and the Class Struggle''.
The frontman of United States outfit The Coup, Riley is regarded as one of the most influential radical American musicians of the past two decades. In 2003, he was named one of the 10 most influential people of the year by Vibe magazine, while the conservative Fox News has described his lyrics as ''a stomach-turning example of anti-Americanism disguised as highbrow intellectual expression''.
Since forming in 1990, The Coup has released six albums, each combining funky rhythms with lyrics that range from witty observations to hard-hitting political criticism. The band's 1998 release Steal this Album was described as a ''masterpiece'' by Rolling Stone Magazine. Riley has roamed elsewhere, too, rapping with the late Tupac Shakur as well as producing a score for an episode of The Simpsons.
Dunedin duo on the road
Their travels have taken them from Oamaru and Christchurch to the warmer climes of the Coromandel, Auckland, Leigh and Raglan.
''Hyram and I have had a fantastic time up north and the new songs have had a great response. Highlights have included the beautiful Whangateau Hall near Leigh, a house concert in a llama farmer's bedroom in the Waitakere Ranges and playing in a former military bunker overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, where the Devonport Folk Club gave us a wonderful reception.
''Playing with Hyram has really honed my performance and approach; he's a highly skilled and instinctual player who listens carefully to the songs and gives each one the kick in the guts it needs. He also knows when to hold back and just let the lyrics do the talking.
''We're really looking forward to bringing this little show back to Dunedin on Sunday.
''The New Edinburgh Folk Club is musical home base for both of us so it'll be good to show Dunedin people what we've been putting together.''
Go into battle
Applications are open for the OUSA Battle of the Bands. Registrations close at 5pm on April 18. Bands will go head to head in heats at Re:Fuel on Fridays in May, with the final to be held on May 24. For more information, visit: www.ousa.org.nz
Festival schedule
Organisers have announced the playing schedule for the Queenstown Blues & Roots Festival, to be held at the Queenstown Events Centre on Saturday, April 26.
10.30am: Gates open
11am: Busking competition winner (TBA)
11.30am: King Leo Blues Band
1pm: The Johnnys
2.30pm: Fly My Pretties
4.30pm: Elvis Costello & the Imposters
7pm: The Doobie Brothers
9pm: The Black Seeds
10.30pm: Finish
Catch them
• Boots Riley, Scalper and DJ Goldstein perform at Chick's Hotel, Port Chalmers, Thursday, April 17, from 8pm. Boots Riley open lecture, Moot Court, sixth floor, Richardson Building, Wednesday, April 16, at 5.30pm (free).
• Bill Morris and Hyram Ballard perform at Otago Women's Pioneer Hall, Moray Pl, Dunedin, tomorrow at 7.30pm.
