Local rap collective Conduit celebrates the release of its latest compilation album, “Theme Muzik,” with an expanded version of its regular concert series “The Chill” at the Revolution Music Room on Friday. Led by Pine Bluff native Chane Morrow (who raps as Epiphany) and Brian Rikuda, winner of the BET reality show “The Ultimate Hustler,” the collective arguably represents Arkansas’s best chance to make the jump into the national scene.
Along with Epiphany, the label’s roster includes DK, a street-bent rapper from Stuttgart, and the deeply pleasurable duo Suga City (Arkansas Bo and Goines). The latter could be the state’s version of Outkast: Two aesthetically different rappers who wrap smart, probing lyrics in gumbo-thick Southern accents. They’re sure to perform “BIGGIE,” their hilarious tribute to big asses, which has received a fair amount of local radio play.
“The Chill” also will feature the extended Conduit family, including soul singer Gina Gee and the band One Night Stand, who will support Epiphany on his new single, “5 Dollas,” a buoyant push for optimism in the face of a slim wallet. Here’s to more rappers using full bands and honey-voiced soulsingers.
A $10 cover charge covers entry and the 19-track CD. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.