Alright, Baltimore: Hip hop is woven into the fabric of this city. If you haven't already heard about Salim (www.salimmusic.com), you need to (a) check out his debut LP, Hip Hop Revisited (read the Any Given Tuesday review), one of the best Baltimore albums of 2007 and (b) head to Sonar on 12/28 to watch Salim as he and his band open up for Rakim. Yes, Rakim. One of the best emcees on the face of the Earth (running neck and neck with KRS-One in this writer's book) has asked one of Baltimore's most eloquent emcees to grace the stage with him. Joining the band will be constant collaborator Wendel Patrick, whose album Sound: (read the review) is also among Baltimore's best of the year. Also gracing the stage are Baltimore emcees Ogun and Skarr Akbarr, capping off the cream of the city's crop.

Tickets are $15.

Tags: ogun, rakim, salim, skarr akbarr, sonar, wendel patrick