HIP-HOP FEAST: Rap is taking on the...

HIP-HOP FEAST: Rap is taking on the classics. First the Jungle Brothers did a rap version of Cole Porter’s “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Now Def Jef’s new album, “Soul Food,” features a cover drawing of the Last Supper with a dozen black pop icons portraying the 12 Apostles. Outfitted in Pan-African garb, the Apostle posse includes Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, George Clinton, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin and Gil Scott-Heron. Says Def Jef: “I just want people to think of the Last Supper because hip-hop is the last--most profound--music to come along.” The album, due out Sept. 22, features such new songs as “Soul Is Back,” “Don’t Sleep (Open Your Eyes)” and “God Complex.” . . . Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner, whose first-ever solo tour arrives at the Strand on Thursday, is finishing up a new solo project. One highlight: It features vocal appearances by both of the Airplane’s original leading ladies, Signe Anderson and Grace Slick. . . . And a host of local bands, including Thelonious Monster, the Circle Jerks and Firehose, will do a benefit show Sept. 4 at the Palace for local musician, rock writer--and enthusiast-- Craig Lee, who is ill with AIDS. The bill will also feature special appearances by Redd Kross’ Jeff and Steve McDonald, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, ex-Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey and members of Mary’s Danish.