Tonight is the big night, with both Grand Puba and U God throwing down the gauntlet at Le Poisson Rouge in anticipation of their drops on Tuesday. I slid through the Chop Shop last night to kick it with both artists as well as DJ Big Kap and my homies Domingo Neris from Frank Radio and Tod Nisbet from The Chop Shop. Legends crew.

My big homies and colleagues at Frank151 have been up to some major shit lately. I’m talking in addition to their ill book, their most-popular-in-NYC New Era fitteds, their ridiculous parties, and their behind the scenes manipulation of many a thing here in the rotten apple and in cities beyond. Yep on top of all that, they have gone and launched a record label called Frank Radio. Not coming into the game quietly, Frank Radio is jumping in heavy with two major hip hop releases hitting the streets next Truesday: Grand Puba and U-God. I’ve had the chance to extensively preview both albums and they are fire. Puba is straight golden era nostalgia with RetroActive while U God finally gets his shine on with Dopium. To jump everything off, Frank Radio is throwing a release party this Thursday, June 18 with both Puba and Golden Arms performing at Le Poisson Rouge. As a hookup for fam only, you can RSVP here for VIP free entrance. New York Kings Fam only! See you there! Shouts to Mingo and Dave C! Details after the jump.

I had to rep this one for my Frank151 fam. You already know I’m a Wu Banger for life, and Baby U aka Golden Arms aka U-God has always been the under-appreciated voice of the clan. Well homie’s got a new push with a new mixtape and a new album and now an ill collabo fitted with Major Threat. This joint is limited to only 144 pieces, so you better get to the Frank store quick to grab one. Also, cop U-God’s mixtape here. Wu Tang son.

Unfortunately I had to bounce to Chicago on Wednesday so missed out on several dope CMJ jumpoffs, but it is was it is and some good biz got done. Last night I was back at it, hitting Santos hard for the Dubshot Records showcase featuring 77Klash followed by the Frank151 party with the Noisettes and U-God from the Wu Tang. As much as I find myself in Santos, the spot just keeps getting better. 77Klash was on fire last night! With the impenetrable wall of sound that is the Santos Sound System, Klash’s electro craze dancehall insanity was at it’s sharpest peak yet. Klash himself said “I’ve never been calmer for a show in my life” but you wouldn’t know it from what transpired on stage. With a full squad of dancers, DJ Gravy on the decks and his righthand man Barrington holding him down on vocals, Klash demonstrated why he needs to be Brooklyn’s next big thing. The show’s highlight, Klash mashing his “Caroline” to Santogold’s “Starstruck” - Pure Fiya!!!

Following him was a perfect throwback performance from U God. Golden arms was in top form spitting Wu bangers and solo joints with the energy of a new jack and the swagger of a vet. I spoke to him afterward and he was gassed, “I just thank everyone for coming out to support Wu,” he said before adding “watch out for my new album!” Word up. Finally, the UK’s Noisettes tore shit down. I’d seen them three or so times before and was already a fan but getting the chance to kick it with the impossibly amazing Shingai before her show put everything in a whole new light. Shingai if you are reading this (and I know you are) don’t go. Ever. Seriously though, this chick is the truth. Aight, it’s Friday and I’m back at it again. Peep some pics below.