Rap for a Stack

The Pyramid Scheme hosts a myriad of nationally-known rappers each year. While this is no doubt a plus for West Michigan’s hip-hop heads, the venue is also home to an evening dedicated to shedding a bit of light on local up-and-comers.

On Wednesday, the downtown Grand Rapids-based locale will once again invite 16 predetermined MCs to the stage to spit a few original bars in a four-round, single-elimination tournament and compete for a $1000 cash prize. The evening will be hosted by local entrepreneur Ajax Stacks and boasts a reputable judge panel. Although the main draw for artists is the potential exposure, the hosts of the show hope that they might also facilitate hip-hop fans’ discovery of fresh, local music. Tickets for the evening are $10 and the doors open at 9 p.m. The venue will be open to those ages 21 and older. For more about the evening, visit pyramidschemebar.com/event/rap-for-a-stack-2 or go to their Facebook page at facebook.com/ThePyramidScheme.

Flosstradamus

If you’ve ever listened to a bass-heavy EDM track that at some point during the song uttered “Damn son, where’d you find this?,” than there’s a good chance you’ll be interested in visiting The Intersection this Friday. That’s because around midnight the venue will hand the stage over to Chicago-based DJ duo Flosstradamus. Known for their trap-tinged EDM sound, the pair – comprised of J2K and Autobot – has performed everywhere from Coachella Valley Music Festival to Ultra Music Festival. For having just formed in 2011, the duo has released an impressive eight EPs and has collaborated with a solid roster of acts including Diplo and The Cool Kids. Flosstradamus’ stop is a part of the HDYNATION Tour which also features genre-defiant duo GTA and American hip-hop collective Two-9 headed by Curtis Williams. The doors for the show open at 8 p.m. and welcomes all ages. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To listen to Flosstradamus free of charge, visit the artists’ SoundCloud at soundcloud.com/flosstradamuscheck. For more about the concert, visit sectionlive.com/events/flossstradamus.