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Lifesavas

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Lifesavas perform "Gutterfly"

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that hip hop isn’t only about today’s modern culture, with all its hyping of bling and bullets. The Portland, Oregon-based rap group Lifesavas brings us back in time with the use of funky horns, soulful beats and those unmistakable seventies grooves. Formed nearly 20 years ago, Lifesavas is a power duo based on the skill and friendship of two emcees (JUMBO “the Garbageman” and VURSATYL) whose styles couldn’t be more different or more complementary—just listen to their 2003 debut Spirit in Stone and you’ll hear how it works. Seriously crafted, thematic lyrics are the highlight of their just released sophomore album, 2007’s Gutterfly (Quaanum), which was inspired by 1970s blaxploitation films. Lifesavas delivers an incredibly well executed record that features signature beats and lyrics with a tag-team flow. It also features a third member, DJ SHINES in the role of “Jimmy Slimwater.” Playing a fictional “ghetto superhero” on Gutterfly, SHINES stars opposite JUMBO’s “Sleepy Floyd” and VURS’ “Bumpy Johnson” in a kind of hip hop allegory. The guest list for this album includes Camp Lo, Dead Prez and the incomparable George Clinton, adding to the campiness and mystique but ultimately helping to create a nostalgic and meaningful album. Also performing are Strange Fruit Project and DJ Marc Sense.

Friday, May 18 at 9pm Soundlab. 110 Pearl St. (440-5907)

www.bigorbitgallery.org/soundlab. $8