GZA

Undoubtedly the most well known name on our list, GZA has climbed to summit of hip-hop and lived to tell the tale. The legendary Wu Tang elder has been traveling the country playing his seminal album Liquid Swords in its entirety, most notably with Grupo Fantasma at this year’s Bonnaroo. You can see GZA play Liquid Swords for a CMJ Showcase at Irving Plaza on Thursday, October 18.

The Funk Ark

The Funk Ark is, well, funky. This Washington, DC based group combines elements of Latin, jazz and world beats to create some eclectic grooves. The band is in the middle of an extensive tour, and they played the Electric Forest Festival earlier this year. The Funk Ark have shared the stage with notable acts from the jam scene such as STS9, Thievery Corporation, Keller Williams and Trombone Shorty. The Funk Ark will be playing at FELA x CMJ: A Celebration of Fela’s Spirit and Music at Littlefield in Brooklyn on Thursday, October 18.

12th Planet

Los Angeles native 12th Planet has been criss-crossing the electronic music scene lately. The giant of American dustup has played all over the world, as well as at festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival, SXSW, Coachella, Ultra Music Festival and Electric Forest. Whether you’re a seasoned or raver or just someone who wants to know what the kids are into these days, 12th Planet is worth checking out. You can see him at the AM Only + Elektro CMJ Showcase at Webster Hall on Friday, October 19.

The Revivalists

2012 has been a big year for The Revivalists. These old school rock n’ rollers from New Orleans have been touring around the country, both as a headliner and an opening act for Gov’t Mule. The future looks bright for the Revivalists, but that’s no surprise considering the band got its start at music workshops at the legendary Tipitina’s. They will be playing at the Section 101 Showcase at Rockwood Music Hall on Wednesday, October 17.

TOKiMONSTA

TOKiMONSTA is the musical project of Los Angeles native Jennifer Lee. Her downtempo grooves find a nice balance between the supremely chill and the incredibly bizarre in a way that is reminiscent of experimental electronica whiz Flying Lotus, whose Brainfeeder label has released some of her work. TOKiMONSTA will be playing at the Ultra Music Showcase at Union Square Ballroom on Thursday, October 18, as well as at the Elektro Showcase at Webster Hall on Friday, October 19.