Howdy, folks. The best thing that's gonna happen this month is the one and only State Fair of Texas. It's in your best interest to head on down to Fair Park and daze at the 55 foot gargantuan glory that is Big Tex. Gorging on fried foods that have the propensity to stop your arteries by the aroma alone is also highly recommended. If you can't make it, there's always the first half of October. The second best thing you can do this month is attend a rap show or two. So fear not, we've got you covered with a few suggestions there as well.
Juicy J Trees, 2709 Elm St., Dallas September 3
It may seem like it was so long ago that the time never really existed, but Three Six Mafia was once a powerhouse underground rap group. Then Hustle and Flow happened and there was a Grammy win too. Following their new found fame, Three Six Mafia hopped on a slow and gradual train back to obscurity. Out of the cracked concrete of obsolescence grew a marijuana leaf known as Juicy J's solo career. These days, Juicy J has pretty much nothing to talk about but doing drugs and getting women who are young enough to be his daughters to do things that are rated anywhere between PG-13 and XXX. But the beats are cool and Juicy J is a rap veteran with a wonderful stage presence. May cognitive dissonance lead you towards a great time.
Drake Vs. Lil Wayne Gexa Energy Pavilion, 1818 First Ave., Dallas September 7
Let's take it all the way back to the promotional tour for Drake's debut album, Thank Me Later. The year was 2010 and Fuse TV asked Drake what it's like to work with Lil Wayne. Drake's answer? "Ooooh, Lil Wayne's just too good." It's seems like Drake is really having a sensual moment, playing back how much he adores his mentor's talent. Four summers have come and gone and now Drake and Lil Wayne are on tour together as equals. Drake Vs. Lil Wayne has a neat little format that lets fans declare a winner of the concert by voting. This is cool for Drake and hopefully he's finally able to reach completion, right there on stage performing "Miss Me" with his pal.
Isaiah Rashad Trees, 2709 Elm St., Dallas September 11
Everybody knows Kendrick Lamar, hip-hop's golden child lyricist. Behind the giant, in such close proximity, stands a talented bunch. Top Dog Entertainment is a small collection of talented rappers that form like Voltron. There's party boy Schoolboy Q, conspiracy theorist Ab-Soul, rugged street poet Jay Rock and the newcomer, Southern wordsmith Isaiah Rashad. Rounding out the bill are a few of North Texas' best rap acts: Blue, The Misfit, The Outfit, TX and Buffalo Black. From top to bottom, this is the best bang for your buck you're likely to ever come across, with a laughably meager presale of three bucks.
Joey Fatts The Door, 2513 Main St., Dallas September 11
Instead of clicking that Upworthy link, you can go and see a manifestation of a feel good story in Joey Fatts. The rapper was once homeless, gang banging (he started at seven) and living out of his car. His aspirations of rapping led him to make his own beats, which eventually landed him a production spot on A$AP Rocky's debut album, Long. Live. A$AP. As a double threat, Joey Fatts is something like an early Kanye West, but with a crisp paisley blue flag tucked in his back jean pocket.
Rakim Club Dada, 2720 Elm St., Dallas September 18
Rakim is a rap legend. Ever since he first burst onto the rap scene he's been a pioneer behind so many rap styles, cadences and personas, ad infinitum. Rakim's massive catalog of classic songs is brimming with keen lyrics that make this a must-see concert this month. Who in their right mind would pass up a chance to see a true microphone fiend?
