"Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, but to be at Hollertronix' parties in Philly circa 2002 was very heaven." I'm paraphrasing Wordsworth, of course, but I think that's what he might have said had he been on the dance floor of the Ukrainian National Home in northern Philadelphia when DJs Diplo and Low Budget, aka Hollertronix, were gaining notoriety as their hometown's most trusted party starters. Unleashing a mix as freakish as it was instantly recognizable -- the DJs layered undulating crunk jams over Soft Cell's "Tainted Love," classic funk over Indian bhangra, Rod Stewart over yo mamma -- they introduced indie rockers to Ludacris and hip hoppers to the Cars. Hot off the release of his captivating debut solo record, Florida, Diplo's doing a round of one-man DJ gigs at which he's sure to be up to his old Hollertron-icks. Catch him on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Milk; call 387-6455 or go to www.milksf.com for more info.
-- Garrett Kamps
Although it holds the title as one of San Francisco's most (in)famous nightclubs (epicenter to the city's swinging '70s; OD'd bodies turning up on the patio with the morning dew; Armistead Maupin immortalizing it in his Tales of the City), the EndUp is just as relevant today for its strong DJ base and spot on club nights (see: "Fag Fridays" and the beloved "Sunday T-Dance") as it is for its past. So before the venue is taken over by live-work loft encroachment, celebrate both its history and its present at the EndUp's 31st Anniversary. DJs Julius Papp, Jenö, and David Peterson, along with resident DJs Vince, Adrian, Charlotte the Baroness, and David Harness will start spinning in the wee hours of the morning. The festivities go from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. this Sunday, Nov. 14; call 646-0999 or visit www.theendup.com.
-- Brock Keeling
Nas: the man, the myth, the perennial Greatest MC of All Time, the Mohammad Ali of this rap shit. His debut album, Illmatic,is considered by many critics (including this one) hip hop's best. His sad, sleepy eyes contrasted his aerobic, skintight flow, and on songs such as "Memory Lane" and "One Love," Nas sounded as if he could've been 60 or 16; a shortie on the corner slinging rock or a revolutionary perched on the steps of the capitol. But while the Malcolm and Martin of his generation (Biggie and Tupac) were slain in the streets, Nas survived. And though the man may have endured, the legend has wilted in the uneven light of albums that have ranged from mediocre (Nastradamus) to very good (God's Son). An infrequent live performer, Nas will be at the Fillmore on Tuesday, Nov. 16, in support of his yet-to-be released double disk, Streets Disciple; call 346-6000 or go to www.thefillmore.com.
-- Sam Chennault
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