In the liner notes for their 2002 record O.S.T., producer and emcee Thes One wrote that “somewhere along the way it seems most critics decided that just making hip-hop was not good enough.” But after 13 years and 7 records, this LA hip-hop duo is as dedicated to the idea of golden-era hip-hop as when they began. With Double K making up the other half, all the duties are handled in-house—there are no guest producers or emcees involved with this project. The crate-dug breaks and samples all have a deliciously upbeat and funky vibe, and while Los Angeles might not be all fun and games, the way these two live (and rap) might just convince you otherwise. With Helladope, Gran Rapids, Dev From Above. NICK FELDMAN

Sun., Sept. 12, 8 p.m., 2010