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WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22
Popular rapper Pusha T will perform at The Republik
Gangsta rap fans are wary of fakers — artists who spit out lines about drugs and street life but don’t have firsthand knowledge.
That’s not Pusha T.
The rapper out of Virginia Beach, Va., has a well-documented past of dealing cocaine and other drugs, which he frequently references. On “Hold On” from his first solo studio album, 2013′s “My Name Is My Name,” he calls out artists with a more tame past, boasting, “I sold more dope than I sold records.”
That may not be true anymore. Since those days on the street, Pusha’s become one of the most popular rappers around. He performs at The Republik on Wednesday with supporting acts DJs Franzen, Compose and Anit.
“My Name Is My Name” released in October on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart and received good reviews. West contributed heavily to the album, which also features Chris Brown, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar and Kelly Rowland, among others.
Pusha first gained notoriety with his brother Malice (now known as No Malice) in the hip-hop duo Clipse, whose last album was 2009′s “Til the Casket Drops.” Just last week Pusha confirmed that a long-awaited Clipse album is in the works, with The Neptunes at the dials.
Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
When: 10 p.m. Wednesday
Cost: $35-$65
Info: 855-235-2867, flavorus.com
–Stefanie Nakasone
SUNDAY, JAN. 19
Bone Thugs brings its classic hip-hop sound back to isles
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Last year was a bit of a crossroads for veteran hip-hop group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
In August, Layzie Bone (Steven Howse) announced he was leaving the Grammy Award-winning group to focus on his solo career. That same month, Bone Thugs signed with record company eOne Entertainment.
A couple months later, the Ohio-based group was disappointed when Rock the Bells — a four-stop, multistage hip-hop festival — was cut short due to low ticket sales. It was a special tour for headliner Bone Thugs because the group’s set featured a holographic performance by the late Easy E, whom Bone Thugs honored with the 1996 hit “Tha Crossroads.”
“Basically, you gotta really tell the kids and everybody out there to support hip-hop,” Wish Bone later told MTV News. “We gotta come together and let them know and support what we do. If not this thing can die, so we gotta bring it together.”
Sure, there’s change underway. But Bone Thugs-N-Harmony remains true to its sound fans love, mixing fast rap with melodic tones. And after a 2012 headlining performance at the Point Panic Music Festival in Kakaako, the group returns to Hawaii for a show Sunday at The Republik.
Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $35, $80 (meet and greet)
Info: 855-235-2867, flavorus.com
SATURDAY, JAN. 18
Head to Kualoa for events that honor makahiki
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As part of a three-part celebration of the makahiki season, Kualoa Ranch welcomes kamaaina and tourists alike to explore its grounds and learn more about Hawaiian culture at Discover Kualoa.
This month’s Discover Kualoa focuses on Ahupua’a Hakipu’u, highlighting Kualoa’s Moli’i Fishpond and its historic folklore through tours and storytelling. There will also be demonstrations on lau hala weaving, poi pounding, lei making and surfboard shaping.
While admission is $5 pre-sale online ($7 at the door) for adults, visitors also can opt for a “Discover Kualoa Experience Pass,” which includes tours of the property. Pre-sale adult passes are $39 for kamaaina, $49 for nonresidents; $19 and $29 for youth. There’s a $10 increase on passes bought at the gate.
Free parking will be available at Kualoa Ranch’s Moli’i area, not the main entrance. There is no parking allowed along Kamehameha Highway or in front of nearby residential areas.
The other two Discover Kualoa events are Feb. 15 (Ahupua’a Ka’a'awa) and March 15 (Ahupua’a Kualoa).
Where: Kualoa Ranch, 49-345 Kamehameha Highway
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $5-$59
Info: 237-7321, kualoa.com/discover-kualoa
SATURDAY, JAN. 18
Haleiwa festival celebrates wellness with healthful activities
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It’s a new year, so what better time to focus on your health and wellness?
You’ll find organic and vegan food, yoga and entertainment at the eighth annual Optimysstique in Haleiwa, dubbed the “I Have a Dream Interactive Wellness Festival” in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
The entertainment lineup features artists who embody the event’s soul of healthy living and sustainability, including singer-songwriters Paul Izak and Lucie Lynch, pictured, and drummer Jerome James. Also performing are Brian Von Ahsen, Good Foot, Dieter Runge, Zachariah, DJ eOmni and DJ Mojo.
Organic personal chef Cab Spates will offer exotic locally grown and foraged cuisine, including Thai and African fusion food.
Other dining options include veggie fillets, pea protein morsels and dips from Chef Peters and fresh produce from Kolea Farms.
There will be yoga classes and African dance performances, as well as seminars on an array of subjects including solar energy, ethnobotany, healing and business. The event also includes local artists and crafters and a seed/plant sale and swap.
Where: 66-434 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa (across from the post office)
When: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
Info: 637-2117, optimysstique.com
TICKER:
Halau from Hawaii and Japan will perform in the Moanikeala Hula Festival. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. $6-$10. 293-3333, polynesia.com