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GUEST: Medusa, rapper, musician, actress

Los Angeles underground rapper Medusa is considered by many as the West Coast queen of hip hop. For more than fifteen years, she has made her presence known as an actress and musician everywhere from Leimert Park’s “Project Blowed” workshop, to scoring films and soundtracks. Dubbed also as the “Angela Davis of hip hop,” Medusa has opened and shared the stage with such artists as Erykah Badu, Dead Prez, and KRS-One. Backed by her live band Feline Science, the fiercely independent MC has toured across the nation and overseas. In addition to rhyming, Medusa has also been invited to speak at seminars and conferences on various issues within hip hop music. She currently has her fans anticipating the release of her new album, “The Gangsta Goddess,” later this summer. Meanwhile people can get their Medusa fix this weekend in Los Angeles at the 11th Annual Farce of July Music Fest. Presented by Xicano Records and Film, the alternative July 4th event will feature music, theater, and spoken word in benefit of the 2008 indigenous Peace and Dignity Run of the Americas.

For more information about Medusa, visit her website: myspace.com/medusa

The Farce of July Music Fest takes place Friday July 4th at 1221 S. Hope St from 2-10 pm. Children and elders enter free. There will be live music, DJs, speakers, food, vendors, arts and crafts, theater, and dance. In addition to Medusa, performers include 2mex, kiwi, jroz/dj ethos, atzlan unearthed, in lak ech, olmeca, Sherman Austin, Chicano Secret Service and many others. Pre-sale tickets can be bought at www.groovetickets.com, use the keyword, “farce.” For more information, email thefarce@riseup.net.