I can't speak for everyone, but many of my favorite super-special L.A. moments arrive via the unexpected drop-in. You know, when you're checking out The Improv on a  Wednesday and Patton Oswalt decides to do an impromptu stand-up set, or when Eric Clapton randomly takes the stage at the House Of Blues, stuff like that. So when Low End Theory, the weekly Wednesday-night High Mass for the bass/hip-hop/electronica crowd, started hinting at a big name special guest this week, we knew to take them seriously. More»

After the holiday season with all of its random bustle, early January is all about getting back on track and re-setting the routines that let you live a normal life. This is, of course, why so many people try to re-start a diet or exercise regimen, but since both of those things aren't, y'know, fun, they tend to be hard to stick to. So why not start a new routine, one where you take weekly advantage of the incredible depth and diversity of live music available in Southern California? Welcome to the first 2012 weekly edition of "Go See A Show!" Here are the shows around around town you need to know about this week... More»

Go HERE for more photos by Blaine Wins and tag yourself and your friends!

On Saturday night the month of July literally went up in flames! Whispers and speculation that three of Brooklyn's cavernous warehouses would play host to an unashamed end of July bash turned out to be true via Life of Fire at the 3rd Ward.  The forefathers of electro hip-hop, which included Afrika Bambaataa and the Egyptian Lover, shared a stage for the first time. Also in attendance: as many DJs as it took to keep a heavily tattooed crowd going for an exhilarating 12 hours! More»

Go HERE for more photos by Sync Up Video and tag yourself and your friends!

Mos Def really needs no introduction, as he is one of hip-hop's most revered artists, and, without a doubt, a success in transcending definitions of underground and mainstream. The hip-hop hero gave an exclusive performance yesterday for a group of lucky Musicians Institute students who packed the on-campus venue and had no problem showing their appreciation for his words and beats. More»

-Drake tells the NY Times how Rihanna used him

Aw... he's so sensitive.

[Photo by Alex Hoerner for Icon International via]

Thursday night, hip hop star Drake performed in a sold out show at L.A.'s Club Nokia.  During his 75-minute set, Drake told the crowd "this is the most important show I'm gonna do on this tour"  and also announced that Alicia Keys would be featured on his debut album's first track, "Fireworks." More»

• Hip-hop icon and Gangstarr MC, Guru dies at 47 [NYTimes]
• Heidi Montag made at least one right decision when she chose not to sue "The Hills" producer for sexual harassment [NYPost]
• Some lady in Apple Valley had 67 cats living with her! [KTLA]
• Barney's Beanery to open its fifth location in Westwood in two weeks [LAW]
• Barbara Boxer will be getting some more help from Obama to raise funds for Dems [HuffingtonPost]

The multifaceted, label-breaking RJD2 performed for his L.A. fans Tuesday night at the El Rey, along with L.A. underground rapper Busdriver.  Best known as a DJ/producer, RJD2is on tour promoting his newest multi-genre album, The Colossus. More»

[images by Timothy Norris for LA Weekly] Jay-Z popped into the Staples Center on Friday night as part of his BP3 tour, and Young Jeezy was with him. As was Trey Songz, who prefaced the show with some of his own wholeheartedly enjoyed rhymes. More»

[LL Cool J, Young Jeezy, Russel Simmons, T.I, Don King. All photos by JACLYN SNOW for PMc]

Washington D.C. is certainly the place to be today, as an estimated 2 million people have come out to show support at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Last night, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network hosted a Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball at the Harman Center For The Arts. Guests included Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, Young Jeezy, T.I., MC Lyte, BowWow, Nick Cannon, and Don King. The evening included drinks, dancing, and performances by some of hip-hop's biggest stars, as guests came out to celebrate a night of great music alongside the swearing-in of a new president.

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From a tipster:

“off the record” Jimmy Choo may open a temp shop for August-Dec in East Hampton on Main St. -we’re touring with their broker today. I’ll let you know when its official (and when the party is of course!)