Last time I checked up on Mattapan native Singapore Kane, the Big Shug affiliate and underground slugger told us that – unlike most of his exalted peers in Bay State hip-hop – he's hardly content with subterranean acclaim. You can't blame him; in addition to clocking tour props in Europe with the Snowgoons and a rep among the game's top street cats, Singapore has an accessible cadence fit to tap mainstream demographics.

Last night's BOSTON MUSIC AWARDS was a stripped-down affair at the LIBERTY HOTEL -- yes, the joint formerly known as the Charles Street Jail. An appropriate setting, perhaps, for a long-running local-music event that feels like it's on probation. The awards presentation zoomed by in a mere half-hour with only a handful of presenters and fewer categories than in previous years -- they've done away with the traditional distinction between "local" and "national" acts, which is an easy thing to do in a year with no new albums by Aerosmith, the Dresden Dolls, or DROPKICK MURPHYS (who still managed to win Best Punk Act).

1. Termanology, "How We Rock" [Youtube link]

2. Prospect Hill, "Break Down" [Youtube link]

3. Graveyard BBQ, "BBQ Nation" [Youtube link]

4. Keep Me Conscious, "Thicker Than Blood" [Youtube link]

5. DJ Slim, "Utilize Your Boston Freedom Rally High" [Youtube link]

BONUS TRACKS

All we really know is that Gang Starr Foundation legend Big Shug will be rocking with a jazz band at Wally's Cafe this Sunday (8/16) night at 9pm. The set should be interesting, as Shug has been showcasing his vocal range quite a bit lately, lacing hooks for cats including Termanology and even recording his own r&b album, Living Room, with producer Moss and Christina Aguilera engineer Charles Roane (check this recent Phoenix feature on Shug for more).