CMJ, the annual music festival promoted in New York City by the 'College Music Journal,' always brings one of the more robust lineups of the year. Spread over multiple venues in multiple boroughs, this year's festival has a significant hip-hop presence in its lineup. Similar to mega festivals such as South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, hip-hop is a relatively new addition to the festival's usual indie-focused programming.

CMJ 2010 will carry appearances by Wu-Tang icons Ghostface Killah and GZA. While both rappers certainly reside in the New York area, their shows have become increasingly rare over the years. Barring album promotion or large festivals such as Rock the Bells, it's truly a treat to witness the star power of Ghostface and GZA's still-unbeatable style on the microphone in a club.

On a more contemporary front, Freddie Gibbs will represent the newer class of critically-acclaimed rappers. Gibbs, a favorite of blogs that models himself after gangster rap legends such as UGK, has had his best year yet and won lots of fans over with his potent lyricism on the 'St8 Killa No Filla' mixtape and subsequent EP.

Other appearances at CMJ 2010 will include legendary producer Pete Rock, tongue-twisting MC Pharoahe Monch, Queens duo Black Sheep, Rah Digga, Sheek Louch, Tanya Morgan and the avant-garde beats of Los Angeles upstart Baths.

The festival runs October 19-23. Badge information is coming soon, but fans should keep in mind that most shows allow ticket purchases as well. Visit the CMJ website for the full lineup of more than 1200 acts.

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