Nerdcore Hip-Hop in Las Vegas

Nerdcore hip-hop is a relatively new musical genre, but it's quickly growing into more than a quiet little niche. More and more MC's are recording geeky rhymes. As some have called it, it's a Nerdcore Revolution.

The art of putting dorky lyrics to beats is nothing new (see Kool Keith or MC Paul Barman, among other), but it's only recently with the advancement of home recording technology and P2P software that the nerds with a love of rap can truly express themselves. MC Frontalot, considered by many as the Godfather of Nerdcore, has been self recording and releasing albums for a few years now, inspiring legions of closet geeksta rappers. Last year saw the release of the four CD compilation, Rhyme Torrents, featuring artists from all over the country.

Recently, the people at Divx contacted the Rhyme Torrents mastermind, High-C, about putting on a nerdcore show at their booth at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. A call was put out and so much talent responded that a pre-show was planned for the day before at the Beauty Bar in downtown Vegas.

This past Tuesday, January 9th, the doors opened at the Beauty Bar and many rappers took the stage, backed by Lord Illingworth who provided the beats. MCDJ (featuring DJMC) opened the show, followed by MCeeP, YT Cracker, Benjamin Bear, Nursehella, MC Plus+, Emergency Pizza Party (featuring MC Wreckshin, Fanatical, Sir-Up and Betty Rebel), High-C, Zealous 1, Doctor Popular and finally Ultraklystron. Everyone gave it their all and everyone did an amazing job. Unfortunately, due to some miscommunication, some artists who flew in from far parts of the country had their sets cut short, so people like Doctor Popular wound up with a ten minute set rather than 30. Still, he did show off his amazing yo-yo skills.

Wednesday was the big CES gig. Most of the same artists performed, some debuting new songs, some performing the same tracks from the night before. Conventioneers passed by, not quite sure how to react to it all. Not many stuck around. Which is too bad because they missed MC Plus+ and his breakdancing ninja battle Monzy and his live band. Things got heated until Ultraklystron hopped on stage and spread the message of geek love in the community. With little time left, some acts not on the bill hopped up onstage to do a song or two. Finally, the show ended the way it began the night before, with MCDJ.

Again, everyone put in 100%, but there was an issue with the sound system. Lots of feedback and faulty cords and unreliable CD players made for a slightly frustrating experience. It could have gone better, but it wasn't a disaster.

In the end, both nights showcased some amazing talent from all involved. What's great is that there is no real defining nerdcore sound. Everyone does it in their own style, so watching a dozen performers on stage was never boring. Nerdcore is about peace and love through technology. Nerdcore for life.