Black Milk has kept quiet the last year and a half. In 2008, not only did the Detroit emcee and producer drop his third album to much acclaim, he also produced the entirety of Slum Village member Elzhi's The Preface and dropped a collaborative album with fellow Detroit rapper Fat Ray. He's spent the time since meticulously crafting his fourth full-length, Album of the Year, which just dropped Sept. 14 on Fat Beats/Decon.

While naming your project Album of the Year may seem like a bold proclamation, those familiar with Black Milk's work know that it just might be true. He's helped shape the gritty Motor City Sound through bruising bangers that some say evoke Dilla's ghost, and traded verses with lyrical heavyweights like Royce Da 5'9" and Elzhi.

Black Milk will celebrate the release of Album of the Year with his first performance in San Francisco ever, accompanied with a live band, for VTech Phones' new monthly get-down, Frequency. This Detroit edition also features Elzhi and DJ House Shoes. It goes without saying...but this is gonna be a dope show. Ticket info, flyer, videos and downloads below.

Order presale tickets at: http://frequency.eventbrite.com/

Download: “Welcome (Gotta Go)"

Download: "Closed Chapter" (ft. Mr. Porter)

Going on their third year, the Wonder Twins--Melonie and Melorra Green of Bay Area-based creative events and production company Infin8 Sync--bring the Bay Area another true community festival. It's something I look forward to every year, more so than any other music or cultural festival. It's always a pleasure to participate in their organic, grassroots events that showcase the Bay's homegrown talent. Each year, Independent Artists Week grows bigger but the events are always dirt cheap, if not free. See the full details of the week below and visit the IAW blog for updates.

Monday, Sept. 6

Labor of Love: A live art celebration with local artists painting live, spoken word by Youth Speaks poets and Girls Inc, local DJs spinning the classics, performances by local bands, emcees and more! 12pm to 4pm at Fillmore Center Plaza. FREE.

Tuesday, Sept. 7

Opportunity Knocks: A speed dating meets networking event where emerging artists are given 15 minutes captive time to sit with various industry professionals. Artists are encouraged to bring their music, portfolios, scripts, apparel, etc. 7pm to 9pm at Yoshi’s SF. $5 with RSVP; $10 at the door. Immediately following is: Yoshi’s Late Night Live Tuesdays featuring Bay Area band, So Timeless! $5 before 9pm, $7 after.

Wednesday, Sept. 8

Go Green: A sustainability/eco art event where vendors and artists who create using recycled materials will be present to show and sell their amazing products. SF Environment will be present to share wisdom on creating responsibly. Enjoy live painting, DJs, and live music from a local band. This event is in conjunction with Bay Vibes’ Global Movement Night. 8pm to 12am at Yoshi’s SF. $5 before 9pm, $7 after.

Thursday, Sept. 9

Night of International Art, Thank You Awards and International Elements of Hip Hop--Kenya, India, and Ghana: A celebration to say “Thank You” to amazing Bay Area artists making a global impact. The event carries the theme of the Week: “One Love. One Heart. One Art” + Screening of Ni Wakati, a film about passing the torch from civil right’s leaders to leaders in hip-hop, Dead Prez.+ a fundraiser for India with a b-boy battle and b-boy showcase with the Dhol Indian drum. Awards at 7pm (donation); Screening and B-Boy Battle Fundraiser from 9pm to 11pm ($5). At African American Art and Culture Complex.

Friday, Sept. 10

Fillmore Art Walk: A huge art celebration on Fillmore Street between Eddy and Sutter. Live painting, video/DJ Showcase, food and drink specials from the restaurants and lounges along Fillmore Street, live music, vendors, face painting and More! 6pm to 12am. FREE. (Drink Specials and Food specials specified at each participating venue.)

Saturday, Sept. 11

Healing Arts: A glimpse into the art and craft of yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, massage therapy and meditation. This event is in conjunction with the Fillmore Farmer’s Market. Come and participate, ask questions and learn about taking care of your body so that you can continue to create beautiful works of art. First session starts at 9am. Fillmore Center Plaza. FREE

To participate in IAW. email: iaw@infin8sync.com

For more information: info@infin8sync.com; iawsf.wordpress.com.

Damn, four years came fast. And while four years in the online media circus is something of a triumph, we're still learning and growing each day. I know we've had our ups and downs--I've slacked on more than a few occasions--but the fact we still remain is a testament to our dedication to what we do. And we've got a few tricks up our sleeve that we'll be sharing with you over the next few months. I guess what I'm saying is: we ain't going nowhere any time soon.

In Oh Dang! fashion, we're partying and bullshitting with our fam and friends in celebration at 111 Minna Gallery. We've got Mes 1 (of All Mighty Family), Tap 10 (Honor Roll), Justin Time (Mixerfriendly) and Super Sayan spinnin' with J.Todd.O, Ichii Ohrhyin, Kris Mestizo, Steve Belale and Jasmin Joy doing live art. See the flyer below for more details.

Here's to four more--nah, fuck that--40 more years! (Okay, maybe not that long.).

We're teaming up with the good folks at LEGENDmag to bring our Cen Cal/State Cap family an extra-special, super-dope concert lineup featuring Brooklyn crew Tanya Morgan on their Headphone Rock tour. Supporting them on Sept. 1 at
The Sol Collective are Sacramento duo DLRN (who you should have read about
here), Vallejo newcomer Moe Green, Sac emcee J Good and veteran rapper Ahmad (yes, the "Back in the Days" Ahmad). $10 at the door, doors at 8pm. Check the flyer below, followed by more dates from Tanya Morgan's Headphone Rock tour (SF heads can catch Tanya Morgan on Aug. 25 with Freddie Gibbs and DaVinci. More info here.)

DOWNLOAD: Donwill and Von Pea of Tanya Morgan - The Sandwich Shop EP

8/20/2010 @ The Green Elephant Dallas, TX

8/21/2010 @ Moonlight Lounge Albuquerque, NM

8/24/2010 @ Spaceland Los Angeles, CA with Afro Classics & TiRon

8/25/2010 @ 330 Ritch San Francisco CA Freddie Gibbs, DaVinci

8/26/2010 @ Someday Lounge: The Fix Portland, OR w/ Blu J*Davey, + DJ Kenny Fresh's Birthday Celebration

8/27/2010 @ The Riverfront Salem, OR

8/28/2010 @ Columbia City Theater Seattle, WA

9/1/2010 @ Sol Collective Sacramento, CA