St. Louis Hip-Hop Family Reunion

Whether it's an east side emcee claiming that rappers from the city get more radio play or a north-side native dissing his Metro East counterpart, it always seems like the 314 and 618 just don't get along. Appearances can be deceiving, though: On August 16 at the Pageant, emcees from across the city will gather for a "St. Louis Hip-Hop Family Reunion." The music showcase, which is part of the monthly Loop Underground series, features crews from both sides of the river and damn near everywhere in between. The lineup includes Ruka Puff, Gena from East St. Louis, Potzee from University City, A-Verb, a "Pagedale repper" and Joka from south city. Says Q.B., half of Family Affair, the aptly named Walnut Park duo that headlines the event: "It's to show St. Louis that we stick together, that we hang out and all that stuff. It's like we're one big family."