Four years ago, MC Josiah “Zion” Quarles, a local guy who plays in the hip-hop group MuAmin Collective, launched a showcase for local acts that he dubbed Fear of a Black Planet.

He’s just announced the details for this year’s event, which will feature a tribute to the late hip-hop producer and rapper J Dilla and include performances by local acts such as DJ Candi Fresca, Amani Cove, Delofi, Muamin Collective, Mourning [A] BlkStar and Jah Nada.

A-Live will spin music from Dilla’s extensive catalog. The show takes place at 8 p.m. on Feb. 8, which is also J Dilla’s birthday, at Now That’s Class.

Tickets are $10.

This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2019.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.