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Whether releasing the literate hip hop of Blackalicious or reissuing the essential oddity Schoolhouse Funk (a compilation of high school funk bands), San Francisco-based Quannum Projects is everything that independent hip hop labels aspire to be but rarely are: smart and unpretentious, consistent and prolific, local yet universal. With a diverse lineup that ranges from classically trained singer Joyo Velarde to turntablist godfather DJ Shadow, Quannum represents a progressive and ineffable take on hip hop that offers a viable alternative to the mainstream, yet refuses to define itself in opposition to anything.

In the past year, Quannum (formerly SoulSides) released Later That Day-- the highly anticipated album from East Bay MC Lyrics Born that drew from an amalgamation of globally minded influences for a funky-fresh sound -- as well as the widely acclaimed debut album from Portland hip hop group Lifesavas, Spirit in Stone. With a solo EP from Blackalicious' MC Gift of Gab, the debut LP of Velarde, and a collaboration between Latyrx lyricist Lateef and Blackalicious producer Chief Xcel titled Maroons all scheduled for release in the immediate future, Quannum is set to continue its reign as the Bay Area's top indie hip hop label.

This showcase at the Warfield is a testament to the power and diversity of Quannum's roster: DJ Shadow, Blackalicious, Latyrx, Gift of Gab, D-Sharp, Lateef the Truth Speaker, Joyo Velarde, Lifesavas, and Lyrics Born will all share the same stage for the first time. This concert marks the lineup's homecoming after an extended West Coast tour, and with a roster of performers who excel in a live setting, it has all the markings of a classic show.