July 1- 7, 2004

musicpicks

End of the Weak Challenge

Hip-hop

You know what to expect when MCs go head to head: insults, flexing and boasting over minimal beats and instruments. Buzzing with popularity, the New York-run End of the Weak Challenge comes to Philly with all the drama and trash-talking you crave. Crowd favorite Reef the Lost Cauze will take on femcee Keen, Jersey intellect Viro and Allentown's famed GQ, among others. All hold a reputation for being strong competitors and entertainers. They'll go mic-to-mic in four rounds, being judged on creativity, flow consistency, originality and overall crowd participation. Bohemian Fifth, Adlib and Fel Sweetenberg will also be in the house to perform cuts off their recently released albums. The 2003 EOW Philly champ, Ikon the Mic King, will also take the stage before turning over his crown.

Fri., July 2, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $10, Ulana's, 205 Bainbridge St., 215-922-4152.

—Deesha Dyer