As a woman in a predominantly male-driven arena, some might think that Jamie “Jay Mf G” Gugino is playing with fire. But when you’ve got her kind of credentials, who could blame the femcee for walking straight into the flames? Jay G is a revolutionary, a mother, a student, a chef, and a self-published author. She’s also one hell of a lyricist, packing just as much force as her male counterparts on any given day. As the female stand-out of Essential Vitamins Crew and the only real feminist voice representing the local underground hip hop scene, Jay G proves she is the true first lady femcee of Buffalo hip hop. She has gathered all of the brilliant facets of herself that give truth to this under her first official LP, Food for Thought, a project that took two years of planning and producing to complete.

On this project, Jay G dishes out a mouthwatering collection of masterpieces inspired by her Sicilian roots and the traditional 8-course Italian meal. She starts with the savory “Sauce on SunJay,” a track with cuts complimentary of DJ Optimus Prime and Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message.” In it, the femcee delivers her own message, a constructive critique on the state of today, through swift cadence changes and a call out on “idiotic ideologies.” Next she dips into the “Duck Sauce” featuring Keith Concept. Concept humbles those living the wack MC lifestyle by serving them up a raw platter of “vagina meat,” while Jay G throws a flaming pile of “my shit don’t stink” in the faces of haters everywhere. The pair boasts a tenacious spirit and a tag team lyrical approach, proving they have nothing to hide in this game. 

And just when you thought you were full, love comes to bite you in the ass in “Burnt Toast,” a menu item that comes with a side of lies and a glass of “fuck you.” The lady MC attacks with venom in this frightfully scrumptious treat produced by EVC’s Cove Blackbelt, steering us through the trials and tribulations of a tumultuous relationship. It’s a track any woman could feel the fury of and also feel devilishly empowered by. Lastly, we get served some steaming hot “Va Fangool & Pasta Fagioli” featuring Legal the Lifesaver, a rap rock dedication beat that tantalizes the taste buds in every way.

This album is unapologetic, intelligent, fearless, and audacious, just as every woman should be. You don’t have to dumb down, sell out, or put out to get anywhere in life—especially as a woman in hip hop, and Jay G is proof of that.
 

The vibrant culture that surrounds Buffalo hip hop will be on full display tonight at The Vault arthouse. Cuts & Breaks is a celebration of the four elements of street art and will showcase the city's finest talent in hip-hop, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Artists performing include Dr.Ooo, Mic Excel, Mad Dukez, Jack Toft, Shuteyes with Charlie the Butcher, Koolie High, Essential Vitamins Crew producer Cove, Keith Concept and Legal the Lifesaver.

The event will also feature a gallery show of the canvas work of various graffiti artists who will get a chance to enjoy the spotlight as much of their work is undeservedly overlooked. With all of the elements of Buffalo hip hop culture coming together, tonight will serve as an important opportunity for the scene to gather and acknowledge their contribution to the local musical landscape.

Doors open for the downstairs gallery at 7pm, with the music starting upstairs at 9pm. Tickets are $10 presale or $15 at the door.

Buffalo has been getting its fair share of good hip-hop lately and tonight is continuing in that trend. Blueprint, aka Printmatic, is an incredibly talented emcee and producer who's been around awhile now, touring and releasing critically acclaimed albums for buzz label, Rhymesayers Entertainment. The Columbus-based rapper will be at Duke's tonight ($8, 9pm), along Mad Dukez and Fresh Kils. This show's got my vote for hip-hop standout of the year. Be there to catch it.