Crib Notes

With Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One was one of the originators of hip-hop as social commentary. His conscious rhymes inspired the likes of Public Enemy, N.W.A. and a generation of acts willing to use their music to address discrimination, street violence and inner city injustice.

Though today’s commercial rap rarely gets so philosophical, KRS is still around to tell it like it is. And this week the legendary MC assembles the ATL All-stars, which includes the likes of Killer Mike, Bone Crusher, Nappy Roots and Dres tha Beatnik, for some similarly cerebral vibes. This official Hip Hop Appreciation Week concert features more than a dozen rappers, with DJs Majestik and Feel X providing the beats and scratches.

It’s not often that this much talent of any kind is assembled in such a small venue, so if you’re a hip-hop fan on any level you owe it to yourself to check out this show. For the full schedule of Hip Hop Appreciation Week, visit hhawatl2009.wordpress.com.

$20. 10 p.m. Thurs., May 21. The Loft, 1374 West Peachtree St. 404-885-1365. www.theloftatl.com.

Turntables on the Hudson. After becoming one of New York’s most popular events, Turntables on the Hudson has grown into a traveling night of house beats and worldly vibes. Hosted by DJs Nickodemus and Mariano, with live percussionist Nappy G, TOTH brought the show to Halo last year and returns this weekend as part of the Intown Getdown series.

$5. 10 p.m. Fri., May 22. Halo Lounge, 817 W. Peachtree St. N.W. 404-962-7333. www.halolounge.com.

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It’s been about nine years since Florida’s Rabbit in the Moon brought its full post-apocalyptic stage show to Atlanta (not counting a performance at the Echo Project suburban music festival in 2007). Sure, Confucius and Monk have done individual and combined DJ gigs from time to time. But when it comes to their highly theatrical performances where grinder shows, fire performers and other visual stimulation compliment the band’s blend of trance, house, breakbeat and industrial rock, Atlantans have been missing out for quite a while.

Like some sort of sci-fi cross between Cirque du Soleil and Marilyn Manson, Rabbit in the Moon finally returns to Atlanta this week for a performance at Opera. And whether you’re dancing to the infectious sounds or entranced by the overall spectacle, you’re not likely to be bored by a couple of guys standing behind turntables in the dark. Rabbit in the Moon takes live electronica to an entirely new level.

Rabbit in the Moon. $20-$50. 10 p.m. Thurs., April 16. Opera, 1150 B Peachtree St. 404-874-0428. www.liquified.com.

Door 44 Anniversary Party Kickoff. It was one year ago that Door 44 opened its doors, offering a more rock ‘n’ roll take on Midtown clubbing. Celebrating its anniversary all weekend, the party begins Wednesday night as DJ Menelik, who made a name for himself in Atlanta spinning rock, hip-hop, soul and pop, returns from Los Angeles for a headlining set. Danny M spins in the parlor while the Door 44 pinup girls provide additional stimulation.

Free. 10 p.m. Wed., April 15. Door 44, 44 12th St. 678-949-9531. www.okellypromotions.com.

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Editor’s note: If you haven’t read self-proclaimed Mayor of Ponce J. Winter’s latest Nightcrawler columns, click here and here. And check out one of his older columns below. Even without photos, we think you’ll get the picture.

Fri., Jan. 11

It’s 6:30 p.m. and the text reads, “Louis goes on at 7:45.” It’s from Butch Walker. I’d better hustle if we’re going to make it to Buckhead.

“I’ll be upstairs,” his next text reads. Funny, because it conjures up an image of him waiting for my arrival above his Ruby Red Studios with candles and suggestive music playing. He buzzes me in, and thankfully, it’s just Butch. No candles or Keith Sweat. As a matter of fact, there’s not much of anything.

Butch is back in town taking care of a few things after the Malibu beach house he was renting from Flea burned to the ground along with ALL his possessions. His Midtown pad is empty except for a couch, a baby grand, and now, a mayor.

We hop in his rental and bounce to Buckhead. It’s a fairly anticipated show at the Roxy with San Diego’s Louis XIV, Canadians Hot Hot Heat, and Britian’s Editors. It’s like the U.N. of corporate rock.

Backstage we head up an extremely tight spiral staircase into a tree house of sorts that overlooks the stage. Paul, the Hot Hot Heat drummer, is looking out a window into the crowd and notices someone, “It’s that dude! He’s at every one of our shows.”

I already know before I look. Sure enough, front and center, it’s former Creative Loafing cover boy and current Atlanta mystery Kenny Crucial. I explain to Paul that it’s an honor to have him at your show, and the only reason Kenny is so weird is because he’s Canadian. Awkward silence.

Louis XIV absolutely kills its set. Onstage, lead singer Jase Hill is drinking wine of out of the bottle. You can’t take your eyes off him. He’s half wizard, half Jim Morrison.

Free backstage Budweiser is great, but we need drinks. The front bar is definitely “Cougarville,” and rock star Butch isn’t the only one getting recognized. A cute little blonde whom I’ve seen around starts chatting me up. Butch buys us a handful of drinks and we set up shop to watch his boys Hot Hot Heat. Aside from having to follow Louis XIV, the sound isn’t right and Steve Bay’s disheveled vocal pattern is definitely an acquired taste.

Plus, he kind of reminds me of Sideshow Bob. (more…)

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(photo by Christo)

Next week, longtime house DJ, promoter and all-around awesome lady Rachael Pryor is moving from Atlanta to San Francisco. She’s been doing “farewell gigs” for the past few weeks, but tonight’s (Friday, Oct. 12) installment of Illuminate at Halo Lounge will truly be her last in the city for some time. She’ll be joined by resident DJ Chris Grass, a few unannounced guests that are in town for the Echo Project, and several dozen of her teary-eyed admirers. Head on down and wish Miss Rachael good luck.

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