Two West Coast MCs and regular Bend visitors are back this weekend. Details:

• Bay Area gangsta rapper Andre Nickatina isn’t a household name across the country, but in places like Bend, he’s a hero. Why? Perseverance and familiarity play a large part in why local rap fans turn out in large numbers to see Nickatina do his gritty, streetwise thing in person. The guy’s been nothing if not prolific over the past 15 years, cranking out piles of CDs and DVDs and tirelessly working the regional circuit. He returns to the Domino Room (51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend) Saturday, with doors opening at 8 p.m. and showtime at 9 p.m. Also on the bill: Mumbls, Endr Won, Maintain and Logy B. Tickets are $23 plus fees in advance and $28 at the door. Visit www .randompresents.com for more info and ticket outlets.

• Speaking of hustling, Portland-based MC (and Sandpeople member) Sapient is always coming through with a new track, record, tour or video, it seems. The multi-talented MC/producer is a rising star in the Northwest, quick with a freshly futuristic beat and/or throught-provoking rhyme, and always looking to take a giant leap over hip-hop’s horizon. Hit up www.sapientkills.com to check out all the music there, and if you only have time for one, track down my personal favorite, a woozy, off-kilter banger called “Universal Diorama.” Sapient returns to MadHappy Lounge (850 N.W. Brooks St., Bend) on Sunday evening. The show is free, starts at 9 p.m., and also features performances by IAMe, Northern Lights, Cast Iron and DJ Nykon.