In 1997, a Los Angeles-based rap group named Jurassic 5 dropped its first official release, a self-titled EP full of samples, clever rhymes, vocal harmonies and a whole lot of indie soul. The EP established the group as one to watch on the ’90s scene. From the opening track, which kicks off with, “It’s the J-U-R-A-Capital-S-another-S-I-C / 5 MCs in the flesh,” through one of the group’s defining tracks, “Concrete Schoolyard,” the debut set J5 on the path to rap greatness. Twenty years in, the group is still at it, crafting head-bobbing beats, catchy lyrics and holding true to its reputation for keeping old school hip-hop alive.
INFO: 9 p.m. Saturday, May 27. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $40. 423-1338. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Monday, May 22 to find out how you could win a pair of tickets to the show.
