For the month of July, the soundCLASH – New Orleans’ premier underground hip-hop showcase and networking event – returns to the Hi-Ho Lounge this Thursday for an open mic contest, followed by performances by AudyoDope, Nino Purp, and Lu1ce. As always, local MC/producer Wes Beez and resident DJ RQaway will host the evening’s proceedings, which begin at 8 p.m.

Local rapper Nino Purp performs Thursday, July 18 at soundCLASH.

This time around, the soundCLASH will forego its usual beat battle, in which local producers face-off for musical supremacy, in favor of an open mic contest. This contest is open to any local musician who wants to show off his or her talents in front of a who’s who of the New Orleans rap game. In addition to bragging rights, the first place winner of the contest will receive a performance slot at a future soundCLASH event and a cash prize of $100. The second place winner will receive a $50 prize. If you want to compete, you can sign up for the contest at www.thesoundclash.com for a sign-up fee of $10.

After the open mic winner has been crowned, local rappers Nino Purp, Lu1ce, and AudyoDope will perform. Nino Purp is a fresh young voice in the local hip-hop scene, and his new single, “Rider” featuring Shorty and Ashley Renay, has been getting airplay on Q93.3 FM. Lu1ce is another local who’s been making a name for himself by following in the footsteps of more socially conscious rappers like Chuck D, Wise Intelligent, and Brother J. AudyoDope is actually the duo of Coal and Peace, two young rappers whose recent EP, The Home and Garden Show, has made waves in the local scene since its release this May.

Tickets to this month’s soundCLASH are $10 for men and $5 for ladies and can be purchased at www.thesoundclash.com.