With the blur of performances by people with a DJ prefix it might be easy to overlook DJ Krush tonight in Taipei. But that would be a big mistake for any fan of hip hop or electronic music.
As probably Japan's best so-called turntablist - a kind of musician who uses DJ mixing skills for live performance - DJ Krush is at the forefront of this relatively new genre with peers like Kid Koala and Coldcut.
When his first, eponymous album was released in 1991, followed by a second album titled <
either said erratic mish-mash or masterful sythesis. <
DJ Krush's music can only barely be described as hip hop, having dropped the bloated extravagance that characterizes much of the music form today. The tracks are moody and dark with haunting background pieces reminicscent of early ambient electronica. Nonetheless, DJ Krush retains the gritty, hard-edged city-feel of East Coast hip hop in the sharp lyrics of guest rappers and MCs and most importantly in his immensely powerful beats. The blend is particularly entrancing, leading some to describe the music as abstract hip hop.
With major label backing from Sony Music, DJ Krush can now hardly be described as obscure, which makes his appearance tonight at Room 18, a small venue suited for about 400 people, all the more special. For those with any interest in music, even the upsettingly high NT$1,000 ticket price will seem justified.
performance notes:
What: DJ Krush
Where: Room 18
When: Tonight, 10pm
Tickets: NT$1,000
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