Since their inception in 2010, local independent culture firm EKL has specialized in visual production, music, and clothing, creating a unique brand designed to cultivate all things creative, aiding clients in the pursuits of their passions. Tonight, Verve dance studio hosts the collective's fourth anniversary party, featuring music from Kinda Like Dreamin', Wza, Goodman Brown, Shuteyes, Hooizzy, and Rada Rada. Buffalo MC's Sammy Booms and Dr. Ooo of Kinda Like Dreamin' will also have solo sets at the event which will include free drinks, photography, clothing giveaway and a copy of the EKLephantz Volume 2. mixtape with $10 admission.

The lineup features some of best local hip-hop talent, a group of artists committed to keeping the founding cultural ideals of the genre intact with individual style, thoughtful lyricism, and soulful instrumentals full of personality. As new producers and rappers continue to emerge on a consistent basis, Buffalo hip hop is a growing scene, full of creative, innovative and deeply passionate artists. Head down to Verve at 10pm and catch the EKL's celebration of the inspiring work they do to help build our strong sense of local culture. Watch the video for the new Dr.Ooo single below, "Primetime," produced by Goodman Brown, which appears on the EKLephantz Vol 2. mixtape as well as a new EP, Canary Yellow, due out this summer.

After wallowing in a post-Thanksgiving slumber, make your way down to Hardware tonight as Buffalo hip hop duo, Kinda Like Dreamin, make their triumphant return to the Queen City. This time of year is always about catching up with those you haven't seen in a while after all. Since relocating to Washington D.C. and NYC respectively, former EVC members Sammy Booms and Dr. Ooo have worked on their own solo projects, while remembering their Buffalo beginnings.

The hip hop tag team will be playing the back room of Hardware tonight, beginning at 12am, along with the party DJ duo of Spooky Business. Get there early to catch turntablist extraordinaire Camacian Sensation (and to save a couple bucks) in the front room all night long. Cover is $3 before midnight, $5 after.

To be honest with you, I am sick of this end of the world crap.  It's annoying.  The fact that I am sitting here at my desk typing this means those Mayans didn't know crap.  Oh well.  Since we are all still here, might as well enjoy some music tonight.  And if hip-hop is your bag, then head down to Hardware tonight for the return Buffalo's best hip hop duo.  After a great performance at our holiday party last week with Mic Excel, Dr.Ooo welcomes his Kinda Like Dreamin' partner in crime Sammy Booms back to Buffalo for the holidays and for a performance tonight at Allen Street Hardware.  Joining them on tables will be DJ Cutler, with the Chillharmonic Orchestra also throwing things down.  As you can see by the above flyer, music gets going at 11pm.  $5 will get you through the door.

LowKey by Doons (KLD)