According to legend, it was a group of San Rafael High School students who coined the term "Four-Twenty" (4/20) in 1971 in northern California, and since then April 20 has been the unofficial, official day to celebrate the use and cultivation of marijuana. The subculture of marijuana has evolved from the stigma of being the cheap drug choice of hippies and airheads to a medicinal aid for many cancer patients. Through it all, it's been a controversial political topic.
Around California -- and the United States -- many venues program to the calendar, and San Diego is no different: SeedleSs clothing’s 12th annual 4/20 party at the House of Blues is the main event of the day, featuring hip-hop gurus the Living Legends. All of the eight original members -- Eligh, the Grouch, Sunspot Jonz, Luckyiam, Murs, Scarub, Aesop Fables and Bicasso -- will be present and Arata. Self-promotion of their mix tapes and trunk sales has made the Living Legends a popular underground hip-hop group. With more than 50 albums issued by the group and its members, Legends has yielded such hits such as “Trojan Horse,” “Never Fallin,” “It Us,” “She Wants You,” “Friends Are Calling” and my favorite, “Voices.”
Also performing on Friday at the House of Blues is reggae legend Johnny Osbourne (Errol Osbourne). Initially, Osbourne was a roots reggae artist before dabbling in the dancehall reggae scene. It was Osbourne’s “Buddy Bye” on the Sleng Teng riddim that made him a household name. The 63-year-old melody master headlined the second day earlier this year at Tribute to the Reggae Legends. Tickets for the start at $32 for general admission.
If you’re a fan of “Hickies and Dry Humps,” then DJs Rashi and Dash Eye of Tribe of Kings sound will satisfy your fetishes at the El Dorado Cocktail Lounge with pure '90s reggae tunes. Expect to hear classic dancehall, roots and culture and lovers rock reggae all night long. Die-hard and older reggae fans will appreciate the danceable beats and popular artists such as Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Dennis Brown and Bob Marley. Resident DJs Saul Q and Jason Waterfalls will close out the night. Admission is free before 10:30 p.m. if you sign up on the El Dorado’s guest list and $5 if you don't.
The best value for your dollar may be at Club Kingston’s 4/20 party at Winston’s, which will be hosted by DJ Carlos Culture. Five dollars will get you in to see local reggae artists, including, Piracy Mel, Puente, All Star Reggae Band, Revival and more. Parking is free and abundant. DJ Nick Solid Rock and Culture will spin early tunes beginning at 9 p.m.
