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Kansas City rapper Kutt Calhoun

Kutt Calhoun
Kutt Calhoun

K to the C: Kansas City rapper Kutt Calhoun is a big name in underground rap, and also a compatriot and collaborator of many popular acts on Eugene stages like Tech N9ne, Krizz Kalico and more.  In 2013, Calhoun released Black Gold, featuring appearances from aforementioned artists as well as Brotha Lynch Hung. Hip hop blog HipHopDx gives the album three and a half stars, and it debuted at number one on the Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart. Edwin Ortiz of HipHopDx says, “Let Kutt Calhoun tell the story, and he’s the most underappreciated commodity in hip hop.” I say, “a rapper with a big ego is nothing new. So let’s see if he’s got the goods.”

Black Gold album-track “Self Preservation (featuring Krizz Kalico)” starts menacingly: “You have now entered no coast territory,” declares Calhoun (representing his Midwest roots). Next, a rallying cry ushers in the beat like a boxer entering the ring: “Killa City, Missouri, stand up!” Calhoun has an intimidating, breathy bark, biting off the end of lines and letting the rhythm bounce him along when needed. Lyrically, there isn’t much new — but now and then Calhoun’s got a thuggish way with words: “Killa City, misery, don’t desire your company / I got it all covered, unless you’re comin’ to fuck with me.” And soon, Krizz Kalico sings the pleading hook: “Get rich or die trying / so I don’t sleep.”

Kutt Calhoun performs 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Cozmic; $15 adv., $20 door, $30 VIP meet and greet.