Well, true believers, here we are in the middle of August and the summer's just about over. I've had fun, and a lot of that stems from the music I've been hearing—a heavy dose of mashed-up classic rock and hip-hop.
Jocks like DJ AM have found success spinning these clever mixes. With gigs at Rain, Ice and a regular stint at Hard Rock's Body English, AM has helped beat this crazy sound into the clubs. So has Ra's DJ Create. I've heard him lay down some incredible mash-ups. Tangerine's David Christian also has been a solid pioneer of bringing rock music into the hip-hop-dominated scene, and Drai's and Foundation Room resident Justin Hoffman was the first DJ I've heard to inject the Beatles into a club set. A relative newcomer to the scene, DJ Korby Roxstar has thrown a few fun parties that have been nothing but rock. And let's not forget about the new Rok Box parties from VegasHotSpots.com. The debut party might not have delivered on the mash-up sound, but I've been assured it was only because of a turntable malfunction. All the kinks will be gone for the next Rok Box, August 23 at Tabú.
Why has rock-rap been such a success around town? Maybe the rebellious attitudes of rock and hip-hop are so in sync that its success boils down to simple physics. Now, let's discuss the beating-a-dead-horse anthems we must endure every summer.
This year, the Most Annoying Song award goes to that conceited little knucklehead, Usher, and his "Yeah!" song. During the Ultimate DJ Battle at Ice, I heard it three or four times per night. On a regular Saturday, I'll hear it at least six. Look, just because a song is popular doesn't mean we need to hear it endlessly.
I've also had enough of the "Lean Back" number from Fat Joe and the Terror Squad. Finally, we have a club song for folks too fat or lazy to move their asses on the floor. But there is hope, too.
Scott Stubb and Nokturnel's Lust Friday after-hours at the OBA Lounge is a great spot featuring old-skool underground house and trance. Nokturnel is looking for house and hip-hop DJs for upcoming events. Get your best mix together and send it to: Scott Stubbs 3307 Shadow Run Lane, No. 202, Las Vegas, NV 89117.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at
[email protected].