Rap TV

Wed., Feb. 2, 9 p.m., $5, Blockley Pourhouse, 3801 Chestnut St., 215-222-1234, theblockley.com.

by John Vettese

[ hip-hop ]

It may be premature to declare this a renaissance year for live Philadelphia hip-hop, but the picture is looking undeniably bright. Last week Kuf Knotz launched his Boombox Collective showcase at World Café Live, and next week Philadelphia Slick is hosting the second installment of Rap TV at The Blockley. This month, The Rebel Yell takes the stage with twitchy, unconventional beats and thick synthesizer backdrops carrying acrobatic soul vocals — a blend not unlike that which generated all the buzz for Cee-Lo last year. It should play well alongside Slick's groovedelic, late-era Tribe sound, as well as the fierce delivery of newcomer Tom Charles.

Wed., Feb. 2, 9 p.m., $5, Blockley Pourhouse, 3801 Chestnut St., 215-222-1234, theblockley.com.