Also this issue: Home Records A roundup of CDs by people who go to the same dentist as you. -Paul Burress, M.J. Fine, P.R, Patrick Rapa and John Vettese More CD reviews -Debra Auspitz, Peter Burwasser, Andrew Milner and Patrick Rapa Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra -Peter Burwasser Choral Arts Society -Peter Burwasser Daniel Lanois -Sam Adams The Creatures of the Golden Dawn -Brian Howard Prism Quartet -Peter Burwasser A.F.I. -John Vettese

May 14-20, 2003

musicpicks

Def Jam Vendetta Tour

This might be a breakthrough in shameless cross-promotion: A music tour supporting a video game. Hip-hop's biggest, most powerful record label, Def Jam Records, just touched down on the home entertainment system circuit with their rappin', brawling fight game, Vendetta. So it makes sense that they gathered a GameCube full of veterans and rookies for the the Def Jam Vendetta Tour: Keith Murray, Capone and Noreaga, Joe Budden and Caddillac Tah. New Jersey newcomer Joe Budden is tearing up the airwaves all over the country with his fast-paced, party-powered club anthem, Pump It Up. And Murray? Fresh from prison, he traded his stripes for the microphone and a new hit single, Yeah, Yeah, You Know It. Def Jam can't be stopped! Well, not exactly. The company was just ordered to pay $132 million in damages to indie label TVT Records for bad business practices. And then there's the pending police investigation into whether the Def Jam's Murder Inc. imprint was launched with drug money. But despite all that, this show is bound to be an onstage free-for-all, complete with tag-team mic checkin' from some of the best and brightest. And if not, just press reset.

Thu., May 15, 9 p.m., $15-$20, Chrome, 939 N. Delaware Ave., 215-931-0101.