Rising from the traditions of legendary MCs Chuck D and KRS One comes the political and personal flow of Mr. Lif. Entertainment Weekly has described him as “One of alt/hip-hops hottest commodities,” and that is an understatement considering his many endeavors. He is part of the rising political tide in hip-hop that extends to such artists as Dead Prez, The Roots, and Aesop Rock. With Lif you can expect a mastery of rap styles from storytelling to freestyle, and he’s not only known for his phenomenal execution but for his thoughtful commentary on our political and social environment. You can find examples of this on his latest album Mo’ Mega (Definitive Jux) with songs such as “The Fries,” which comments on the fast-food industry. Mr. Lif comes to Soundlab with Gr Phee & Rhyson Hall, Definition and Shut Eyes on Friday (Feb. 9) at 9pm

Brazilian-born brothers Sergio and Odair Assad have had the opportunity to collaborate with many artists, but none have been as fruitful as the most recent one with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. An award-winning violinist who has played all over the world, she burst onto the music scene over 20 years ago as the youngest artist ever to win the Naumburg International Violin Competition, and went on to be the recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize, awarded to instrumentalists who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and excellence. Paired with the guitar-duo’s style of folk and jazz mixed with Latin music of almost every style, the trio has composed a program of compelling blends of periods, styles and cultures. They’ve selected music that ranges from Baroque to contemporary, featuring Gypsy songs, Argentinean tangos, Rumanian folk dances and a Charlie Chaplin medley. The performance is on Sunday (Feb. 11) at 3pm at UB’s Lippes Concert Hall

As a member of “dada-metal” band Mr Bungle (in which he typically wore pigtails and a plastic clown mask) as well as progressive noise experimentalists Fantomas, notorious bassist Trevor Dunn might not be the first person you’d expect to find playing in tandem with a pedal harpist. But as fans of his jazz-inflected Trio Convulsant project can attest, Dunn’s pallet is even broader than his genre-defying rock work suggests. Playing regularly with downtown New York luminaries like John Zorn, Marc Ribot and Susi Ibarra, Dunn has proven himself a master of avant-garde technique. Joining him for a night of haunting improvisation and new music composition is harpist Shelley Burgon, whose unorthodox approach to the instrument has led to equally significant collaborations with the likes of Ikue Mori, Skuli Sverrisson, Marina Rosenfeld and Raz Mesanai. Opening the show, which takes place at Soundlab next Thursday (Feb. 15), 9pm, is local improv mainstay Nucleo Polygot.

Rising independent artists Lovedrug are bringing their acoustic act on the road in anticipation of their new latest release Everything Starts Where it Ends (Militia) Their sound includes very intricate arrangements that often apply piano and heavy beats, a sound that seems like it would fit perfectly on a Zach Braff film soundtrack. Overall, the band has poetic lyrics and carries an artistic quality that many artists of this genre lack. The most unique quality to Lovedrug is their seamless storytelling and lyrics that often take a mystical, almost fairytale turn, one that appeals to listeners and makes them want to hear more. Lovedrug plays the Icon on Thursday (Feb. 15). Doors open at 7pm

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, the Koffin Kats began as a not so serious trio before getting down to the business of fusing rockabilly, punk and dark lyrical themes. Like the Quakes before them, the Kats maintain the art of psychobilly but integrate themes that wouldn’t be out of place on a Damned or Misfits record. Somewhere between Eddie Cochran and Glenn Danzig, the band is as true to rock and roll as it gets, earning accolades from psychobilly fans all over the world. The Koffin Kats perform at Mohawk Place on Thursday (Feb. 15) at 8pm. The Lower Town Trio and the Gutterpunx open the show.