What good is a holiday present without colorful wrapping? No, I mean the other kind of rapping, with mikes, MCs, and turntables. At Thursday's How the Grouch Stole Christmas date, the audience gets the gift of gab with sets by prolific Living Legends member the Grouch, hyphy king Mistah F.A.B., and hotly tipped newcomer Fashawn with L.A. beatmaker Exile. Every act on this bill could headline: Grouch is a compelling hip-hop narrator, F.A.B.'s infectious energy defines "party rap," and Fashawn's fluid, reality-infused rhymes recall Nas in his prime. Even better, this show is a Toys for Tots drive; bring a new, wrapped toy and receive a musical present from the Grouch. Maybe it'll be a copy of his newly released, DJ Fresh–produced album, Three Eyes off the Time.
