Pitchfork: Nas, Redman to "Rock the Bells"

Last year's second annual Rock the Bells Festival will go down in hip- hop lore as the last concert gathering of the Wu-Tang Clan in its entirety. 'Twas a world-class event, as the festival likes to bill itself, and this year's third annual incarnation boasts nearly as much legendary flava. Held in San Bernardino, Calif., on July 30, the festival will feature a none-too-frequent appearance by Nas, a duet of Ghostface and Raekwon performing songs from Only Built for Cuban Linx, Redman, Hieroglyphics, Sage Francis, and former Gang Starr lyricist Guru. Tickets are on sale now, and the NOS Center can only hold so many people, so while you're busy deciding whether or not to attend, we'll list off the rest of the acts to keep the pressure up.

There'll be several other California-bred artists, from both the South and North, including a Stones Throw showcase featuring M.E.D., Oh No (Madlib's brother), and Percee P (who, according to Stones Throw's website, is working on a Madlib-produced album tentatively titled Perseverance). Others from Cali include Q-Bert, Cut Chemist, Living Legends, Visionaries, and former Cypress Hill member DJ Muggs.

In between sets, special guest hosts will step to the mic and provide their own brand of entertainment. The hosts include B- Real, RZA, and Mr. Choc of Power 106 and Beat Junkies. What, not sold yet?? Well, consider this: you might end up on the big screen if you go.

That is, if the same thing happens to this festival as will be happening to the 2004 edition. According to Rock the Bells' PR, a documentary of the 2004 festival (including that last Wu performance) is near completion, with only finishing touches remaining. The plan is to trot Rock the Bells (The Documentary) out on the festival circuit and then actually release it theatrically, as widely as that bitch of a film market will allow. Finally, the film will be released on DVD, and if all goes well, everything will be available by the end of the year.