NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ–Tonight will be the first time hip-hop music is played at the Court Tavern since it re-opened in October.

For decades, the small bar with a big basement has become one of the seminal music venues in the state, catering to acts of nearly every genre.  It closed suddenly in January and re-opened in October under new management.

The new monthly showcase, “J.D. Armelin Presents: Verbal Fusion,” will feature headliner Sadat X, of the famous group Brand Nubian, alongside local hip-hop artists including the event’s host Silent Knight.

The showcase will serve as the album release party for Sadat X’s latest album, Love, Hell, or Right, which was released on December 4.

“Sadat will only have one album release party in New York and one in New Jersey.  Our first installment of Verbal Fusion will double as his only planned album release party in New Jersey and we’re thrilled to be a part of that history,” said the event’s promoter J.D. Armelin.

“The most important thing is fusing our own local artists with the pioneers of the culture. The whole goal is to give our local hip-hop scene a little more shine,” said Armelin.

Armelin says that fans can expect surprise appearances and performances by other legendary artists featured on the new album.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.