A double-bill featuring two of the most invigorating and well-respected names in hip-hop, Doom and Mos Def, this evening’s show, labeled as “MOSDOOM” and rescheduled from January 29, should be one hell of a night of music. The mysterious and often enigmatic Doom broke through with 2004’s epic “Madvillainy,” plus his work with Danger Mouse under the moniker Danger Doom. His latest proper record, last year’s “Born Like This,” moved him even more in mainstream’s direction, which hasn’t been a bad thing—the more accessible Doom becomes, the more his own madcap vision becomes clear. Mos Def, over the years, has proven to be one of hip-hop’s most versatile artists, with each one of his albums guiding him one step closer to becoming a outright hip-hop legend. (He’s also a pretty good actor.) His last record, 2009’s “The Ecstatic,” included more musical diversity, as Mos Def injected jazz, soul and Afrobeat into his repertoire. The album kills. This show will be one to remember, as long as it isn’t cancelled again at the last minute. (Tom Lynch)
February 13 at Congress Theater, 2135 N. Milwaukee, (312)923-2000, at 7pm.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
