Hailing from the cold lands of Cornell where she is getting a PHd, but no stranger to NYC"s hip-hop scene, Sammus possesses one of the most refreshing flows amongst emerging rappers today. While many emmcees have begun to incorporate more and more melodic RnB elements into their vocals and instrumentals, Sammus goes back to basics, equipped with a slow, lyrically dense style that through which she ensures she is heard loud and clear. On her latest music video for "100%", a track off her new album Pieces in Space, Sammus takes her peers back to school. Filmed on her stomping ground at Cornell, the emcee, alongside featured artist Latasha Alcindor, teach a bunch of college kids how to rap and have swagger in a class called "Hip-Hop 101." It's a fun video, but what really stands out is the music portion. On a 90's type soul flow, Sammus and LA go in with aggressive flows, filled to the brim with political messages and pop culture trivia. While Sammus' music may feel a little out of place initially in today's hip hop climate, on this track and others she demands her place at the table. Check out her music video below, and catch her at Alphaville tomorrow 10/28 where she'll release her new LP. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber, photo by— CoolDad Music

Despite heavy rain pausing Saturday's festivities, this year's second Boston Calling Music Festival – and the fourth overall – was once again a success. What sets the live showcase apart from other festivals, aside from its unique array of talents, is its location: instead of an open field, Boston Calling takes place on City Hall Plaza, in the heart of downtown and dwarfed by the taller buildings surrounding it.

While Saturday’s storm led to the cancellation of sets by Volcano Choir (the latest project of Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon) and mash-up artist Girl Talk, Lorde and Childish Gambino ended the night on a triumphant note. Each given a 50-minute set, the two boasted the most energetic performances and youngest crowds of the weekend. “What you’ve done here tonight … is pretty special,” the 17-year-old songstress told the audience after they stuck it out to see her perform.

Luckily, the inclement weather steered clear of the festival on Friday and Sunday, with Neutral Milk Hotel and The National closing Friday night each with its own brass section, while Nas and The Roots finished off the festival on Sunday. Sunday’s lineup also included punk legends The Replacements and psychedelic newcomers White Denim.

Check out The Deli New England’s photo album from the weekend over on Flickr and make sure to keep posted at the Boston Calling website so you can be amongst the first to swipe tickets for the festival’s May edition.

-Jake Reed (@jakejreed)

Photos by Monica Kwan