Welcome the new ambassador

Certain artists work well for winning over those reluctant to embrace hip-hop. Gang Starr, Public Enemy, De La Soul and Del Tha Funkee Homosapien all serve as ambassadors to hip-hop haters. Topping the list this year is Lateef the Truth Speaker. With his bands Latryx and Maroons (a duo with Chief Xcel of Blackalicious), Lateef is emerging as one of the most intelligent and danceable MCs in the game. Intellectual enough to pull off political rap, he’s still able to battle rhyme with the best of them. And his playful starring role in Fatboy Slim’s newest single, “Wonderful Night,” surely will get the message out. Greet the ambassador at Harlow’s, located at 2708 J Street. Lateef shares the stage with two DJs (the Demolition Men) and backing MCs Myron Glasper and Kween. Get there early for openers the Perceptionist, a conscious yet boogie-inspiring trio of MCs. Check it, Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 the day of the show. Call Harlow’s for more at (916) 441-4693.