Boston veterans STL GLD are among the city’s most prominent hip-hop artists in recent years. | Photo by The Arcitype
If you picture Boston as strictly a rock city, it’s time to update your playlists. As music fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop this month, we’re recognizing Beantown as Beat-town, honoring contributions to the genre that range from Bell Biv DeVoe (a bit of “Poison,” anyone?) to solo gold from rappers like Akrobatik, Guru, Mr. Lif, and Ed O.G.
Fast forward to the 2020s, and there’s still no shortage of local sounds shaping hip-hop’s trajectory. Before August comes to an end, dive into our quick breakdown of influential rappers who call Boston their hometown. Make sure you’ve got headphones on — these bars hold nothing back.
Quick trivia: Cousin Stizz was the first hip-hop musician to win “Artist of the Year” at the Boston Music Awards; he’s nabbed the title in 2018, 2019, and 2022
Quick trivia: This month the group coordinated GLD FSTVL with the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, which featured rising local rappers Oompa, Van Buren Records, Latrell James, Billy Dean Thomas, and kei
Want more Boston flavor? Click the button below to head to our Spotify playlist + let us know who else we should add.
Music Bingo | Tuesday, Aug. 29 | 6-8 p.m. | Samuel Adams Boston Brewery, 30 Germania St., Boston | Free | Listen up for the songs instead of the numbers to score Bingo at this game night.
Thursday, Aug. 31
Tiwa Savage North American Tour | Thursday, Aug. 31 | 7 p.m. | Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St., Boston | $45 | The Nigerian singer and “Queen of Afrobeat” brings her infectious rhythms downtown.
Friday, Sept. 1
“Allston Christmas” at the Sil | Friday, Sept. 1 | 4 p.m.-1 a.m. | Silhouette Lounge, 200 Brighton Ave., Allston | Free | Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with dollar hot dogs and festive drink specials.
Downtown Movie Night | Friday, Sept. 1 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Boston Common Frog Pond, 38 Beacon St., Boston | Free | Join the city for an outdoor movie screening of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”
Enjoy live outdoor musical performances at Live Music on the Lawn–with free admission to the Mapparium™ globe in the How Do You See the World? experience. | Photo provided by The First Church of Christ, Scientist
Looking for a way to celebrate the end of summer? Head to the Christian Science Plaza lawn on Friday, Sept. 8 from 6-9 p.m. for the last Live Music on the Lawn for the summer.
This free outdoor concert features the perfect mix of Venezuelan fusion songs and covers of top hits, with Eduardo Betancourt as the opener and Britt Connors Band as the headliner.
Order dinner from The Chubby Chickpea for a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern favorites and authentic recipes featuring fresh, local ingredients and contemporary styles.
Plus, take advantage of free admission to the Mapparium™ globe in the How Do You See the World? experience from 5-9 p.m.
Globe tours are available on a first come, first served basis, with free admission beginning one hour before the concert.
The MBTA announced fall service disruptions to the subway’s Red, Green, and Orange lines — as well as the commuter rail’s Kingston, Middleborough, Greenbush, Newburyport/Rockport, and Haverhill lines. The update follows last week’s news that the Red Line with close for 16 days in October. Check if your stops are affected.
Civic
Marriage licenses in Boston will no longer require sex or gender identification. The change builds on the city’s new gender-aware guidelines developed by the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement and the Department of Innovation and Technology.
Weather
Beachgoers, beware. The National Weather Service’s Boston office has announced an increasing risk for rip currents and high surf through this Thursday, Sept. 7 due to the force of Hurricane Franklin. Read through its safety rules before you take a dip.
Sports
A new women’s hockey team is skating into the city. The Professional Women’s Hockey League will have six original teams: Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, New York City, and Minnesota. The women hit the ice in January. (Boston Globe)
Outdoors
Look up. Tonight’s full moon is not only the second one this month (aka a blue moon); it’s also the last blue supermoon we’ll see until 2032, appearing 8% bigger and 16% brighter than usual. Check local charts for the best time to view. Bonus: shop for telescopes. (NPR)
Coming Soon
South Bay eatery The Pearl is plotting a second location. The bar and grill plans to open another restaurant at Boston Landing, where Brighton residents can sample seafood and raw oysters at this not-so-hidden gem. An opening date has not yet been revealed. (Boston Restaurant Talk)
Concert
Start the countdown to quittin’ time. Zach Bryan’s “The Quittin Time Tour” will come to Gillette Stadium next June. Fans can register now for ticket presale access.
Finance
Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Fall into the season of baking with Adams Apple Co biscuit mixes. You’ll have all the ingredients you’ll need to create a delicious apple-based treat.
Drink
Hosting a dinner party this fall? Treat your guests to one-of-a-kind laser-etched glasses from CEB Studio. Find your city’s design here.
Wellness
The best thing to scoop into your coffee (or tea, or smoothies) daily? Collagen that’s grass-fed, pasture-raised, and has 18 grams of protein per serving. Enter: NativePath’s Collagen Peptides.
Outdoors
Pro tip: Use a propane-powered fire pit for an easy, smokeless burn. This Amazon Basics gas fire pit makes a great home patio addition or camping buddy.
Home
The piece of furniture we’re drooling over: this Poly & Bark leather ottoman pouf in cognac brown. Hello, soft leather and beautiful living room.
Apparently, I watch baseball just like Stephen King: with a book in my hands. A photo of the Maine horror master + Red Sox fan reading between innings is circulating online (again). Talk about a shining example of New England culture.
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