Art Basel Miami Beach week isn't just about paint on a canvas, graffiti on a wall, or a sculpture in the park.
It's also about the drop of the boom-bap beat from the most significant art form of the last half-century, hip-hop.
Starting in the late 1980s and early 90s, De La Soul and Wu Tang's Ghostface Killah helped turn rap into a global force. And now they're headlining the Basel 2013 lineup at the Design District's The Stage Miami, joined by the virtuosos of Black Violin, Sheek Louch from Tha Lox, and other special guests.
We chatted with the club's DJ Heron to get the lowdown.
See also: Review & Photos: De La Soul at Basel 2013, a House Party for "Everybody Who's 'Bout Real Hip-Hop"
For the past couple of years, The Stage's old-school hip-hop shows during Art Basel week have been getting a lot of attention. And with good reason.
"The first year, they had Rakim," Heron points out. "Last year was the GZA, and now this year, we're bringing Ghostface Killah, and De La Soul. It's a double whammy, back to back.
"Then," he adds, "we also have Black Violin, who are amazing."
See also: De La Soul's Maseo Talks Classic Hip-Hop and Basel 2013
"On Thursday, we're gonna have a meet and greet with Ghostface, and two artists," Heron confirms.
"Plus, we've got Freehand Profit, who makes graffiti masks out of sneakers, old Jordans, Wallabies. They're crazy, son. You gotta see 'em. And we got Kwue who just won the Inkmonster competition in NYC.
"We're trying to make a statement that Miami is a place where people do have a good time and enjoy art, and hip hop is an art form, and The Stage is showing that."
See also: Art Basel Miami Beach 2013 Party Guide
De La Soul. With DJ Y Not, DJ Self Born, and DJ Heron. Thursday, December 5. The Stage, 170 NE 38th St., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. Individual concert tickets cost $30 plus fees or a full-weekend passes cost $70 via wantickets.com. Call 305-576-9577 or visit thestagemiami.com.
Ghostface Killah. With Sheek Louch (from Tha Lox), and DJs Exes, Klassik, Self Born, and Heron. Friday, December 6. The Stage, 170 NE 38th St., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. Individual concert tickets cost $33 plus fees or a full-weekend passes cost $70 via wantickets.com. Call 305-576-9577 or visit thestagemiami.com.
Black Violin. With DJs Immortal (trained by Jam Master Jay), Klassik, and Heron. Saturday, December 7. The Stage, 170 NE 38th St., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. Individual concert tickets cost $15 plus fees or a full-weekend passes cost $70 via wantickets.com. Call 305-576-9577 or visit thestagemiami.com.
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