Two Bay Area Legends in One Night (but at separate clubs): Digital Underground and Too $hort

British drum 'n' bass icon Goldie has generated a second wind for himself and his record label Metalheadz, which set the genre standard for sharp, instrumentally aggressive tunes throughout the '90s. He recently restarted his packed-to-the-gills "Metalheadz Sessions" club night in London, and is rereleasing many of the label's greatest anthems on vinyl. Not bad evidence against those who say his musical format — and drum 'n' bass itself — are dying arts. Goldie will present his case on Thursday, Feb. 21, at Temple at 10 p.m. Admission is $10-$15; call 256-8499 or visit www.templesf.com for more info. — Tamara Palmer

In the early '90s, Oakland's Digital Underground injected a memorable dose of comedy into a scene laden with hard street tales. "The Humpty Dance," "Freaks of the Industry," and "Doowutchyalike" are still local radio staples despite being almost twenty years old. Digital Underground also mentored Tupac, crafting his early hits. Lead personality and piano man Shock G (aka the wonderfully outrageous Humpty Hump) and sidekick Money B have remained together below the radar of the mainstream, touring consistently for almost two decades. They're due for a scheduled breather, so don't miss what might be their last local appearance in a while. Digital Underground gets freaky on Friday, Feb. 22, at Red Devil Lounge at 8 p.m. Admission is $30; call 921-1695 or visit www.reddevillounge.com for more info. — T.P.

Goldie.

Related Content

• The 10 Best Bay Area Hip-Hop Records of 2012
  December 21, 2012
• Small Touches Go Far at Waraku
  April 22, 2013
• The Top Five Parties in San Francisco This Weekend
  April 4, 2013
• 9 Places to Celebrate Quail in the Bay Area
  February 28, 2013
• Live Review, 6/16/12: Digital Underground and Surprise Guests Celebrate Tupac at Yoshi's
  June 18, 2012

More About

• Jennifer Johns
• Tupac Shakur
• Tamara Palmer
• Too $hort
• Hip-Hop and Rap

Oakland's Jennifer Johns has a genuine versatility that deserves national attention. She possesses the voice of a throwback soul singer, the street smarts of a rap artist, and the playful spirit of a jazz improviser, flirting with modern rhythms you might normally find on a dancefloor. All of these influences make her hard to classify in the best possible way. Johns performs live at the "She's the DJ" night hosted by Sisterz of the Underground on Friday, Feb. 22, at Club Six at 9 p.m. Admission is $5; call 863-1221 or visit www.clubsix1.com for more info. — T.P.

Too $hort has remained consistent in his hustle from the time he was a teenager selling custom-made cassette raps in East Oakland through to his current status as an internationally respected rap icon. Now in his early 40s, $hort is a breath away from having 20 quality solo albums under his belt. He has also charted a rather unidirectional course in rapping about the 'hood and the game, one powered by humor, bawdiness, caution, and insight not seen in the average artist. Most importantly, he knows how to throw a party —- an especially good reason to celebrate his rare live appearance on Friday, Feb. 22, at 1015 Folsom at 8 p.m. Admission is $25-$50; call 431-1200 or visit www.1015.com for more info. — T.P.