Bohemian Fifth

Hip-hop

Most MCs fail to recognize that rap is essentially poetry backed up by a beat. And, while spoken word is popular, the two art forms continue to have uneven representation within the hip-hop culture. Bohemian Fifth, a Philly-based collective of MCs and poets, looks to balance the styles on their debut release We the People. The members of BoFifth are winners of poetry-slam contests and MC battles, so they're skilled at delivering metaphors and similes in proper doses. Their popular single, "Fleetwood," showcases their Southern influence, while "Bohemia Delight" pays homage to the classic rhymes and beats of yesteryear. Backed by an eclectic live band, BoFifth borrows elements of jazz, Negro spirituals and Caribbean dancehall. Femcee Byrd2Banks and songstress Electric Lady serve as hip-hop's ambassadors to the female perspective. Perhaps that's why BoFifth consistently gets so many women to attend their shows. Male MCs better take notes.

Mon., May 24, 10 p.m., $10, with Chef Word and DJ Mike Nyce, hosted by Black Ice and Yameen, The Five Spot, 5 S. Bank St., 215-574-0070, www.squarebiz.org.

—Deesha Dyer

-- Respond to this article in our Forums -- click to jump there