Philadelphia Slick

Sat., Nov. 10, 9 p.m., $10-$12, with Last Emperor, Nouveau Riche and MC Squared, North Star Bar, 2639 W. Poplar St., 215-787-0488, northstarrocks.com, philadelphiaslick.com.

by Deesha Dyer

hip-hop

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Don't try to give Philadelphia Slick a line about battles of the bands being a waste of time — for them it paid off big. When the independent hip-hop crew won the PhillyCarShare Sound Clash competition in February, they took home money and free pressing and increased promotion to complete their 12-track debut, Culture Industry. According to lead MC Noesis, the recently self-released CD is properly produced but captures the energy of a live show by this 10-strong ensemble. In addition to the typical blueprint beats and rhymes, the band brought in horns, strings and piano to give Culture Industry a funky vibe built on a real-instrument foundation. Now, getting Philly to catch on to the Slick, that's another battle they're up for. Just last week they took home the City Paper Reader's Choice award for Top Local Band.

Sat., Nov. 10, 9 p.m., $10-$12, with Last Emperor, Nouveau Riche and MC Squared, North Star Bar, 2639 W. Poplar St., 215-787-0488, northstarrocks.com, philadelphiaslick.com.