All Fists and Kisses

A name like All Teeth and Knuckles — and its aggressive acronym, ATAK — conjures true bloodiness. But, while this S.F. electro hip-hop duo's beats are loud, its lyrical content is anything but violent. On "My 411 Track," producer Gio Fo Rio's beats clang, while Sick Face Fallon raps, "I just write about my life, and what I think is fuckin' lame." Hear the group self-described as having a sound like "poor, drunk kids having a party in your ears" on Thursday, August 17, at BOCA at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 adv.; call 777-4278 or visit www.sfboca.com for more info. — Tamara Palmer

Originally a protégé of the legendary '90s duo Gang Starr, Jeru the Damaja is a secret weapon of the New York hip-hop scene. He's also vastly underrated, his strong critical voice suppressed by commercial artists who have none of the potency of Jeru's critical pen. Jeru, who's also dubbed "D. Original Dirty Rotten Scoundrel," will offer a taste of his classics as well as songs from his new album Divine Design (from his Ashenafi Records) at "Mindspray" on Friday, August 18, at Club Six at 9 p.m. Admission is $10; call 531-6593 or visit www.clubsix1.com for more info. — T.P.