EGYPTIAN LOVER @ ACTIVATOR
With Jamie Jupiter, DJs Dougie Boom, Cryo, Barbi. Fri, May 30. Wrongbar, 1279 Queen W. $10 before 11pm.
For their launch of Activator — a jam dedicated to ‘80s electro, hip-hop, R&B, funk and boogie — the Dmoney crew hosts LA-based originator Egyptian Lover in his Canadian debut. Citing Kraftwerk and Prince as influences, the man born Greg Broussard stands alongside greats like Soul Sonic Force and Man Parrish for his pioneering hip-hop/electro fusions. His standout songs include ‘80s club hits “Egypt, Egypt” and “What Is a DJ If He Can’t Scratch?” but Egyptian’s Platinum Pyramids album of 2005 is just as funky. He hits T.O. after performing at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, and will be joined by hype-man and fellow producer Jamie Jupiter.
DJ FASE vs. DJ LAW @ DJ SOUNDCLASH III
With DJ Mensa & DJ Mercilless, Sweet Touch Foundation, DJs Wristpect & Illiment, Circle Research, DJ Marmalade & DJ Buttafingaz. Fri, May 30.
6 Degrees, 2335 Yonge. $10 advance tickets at Play De Record, Slinky/Moog, Soundscapes, Live Stock. $15 at the door.
It’s a battle of beats, blends and skill as two of this city’s most musically diverse and technically talented hip-hop DJs — Fase and Law — go head-to-head while hosts Bozack Morris and Wan Luv call it like they hear it. This MUDJ Battle will be a highlight of the eve, but the other DJ duos will also mix it to the max at this Soundclash, which is an official Stylus Spinfest event. The related 2008 Stylus DJ Awards take place Monday, June 2 at the Capitol Event Theatre. Check stylusgroup.ca for details.
EFTERKLANG @ DANISH DYNAMITE TOUR
With Slaraffenland. Sat, May 31. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Av (downstairs). $10 advance tickets at Rotate This, Soundscapes, Ticketmaster, Sonic Temple. Doors 10pm.
Danish band Efterklang make otherworldly post-rock pop that’s infused with electronics, humour and found sound. The Copenhagen-based fivesome formed in 2001 and have gained international acclaim through releases on England’s The Leaf Label. I lost my heart to them in 2004, upon hearing the rich, romantic songs of Tripper, their debut album. Last year’s Parades was equally lovely, blending multi-layered vocals, electronic rhythms and warm string arrangements. This show is one of only two Canadian dates on their first North American tour.
BOBBITO @ FOOTPRINTS SIXTH ANNIVERSARY
With resident DJs Jason Palma, General Eclectic, DJ Stuart, host Lybido. Sat, May 31. El Mocambo, 464 Spadina Av (second floor). $12 advance tickets at Play De Record, Cosmos Records, Rotate This. $15 at the door.
Kudos to the Footprints crew for six years of bringing solid monthly jams to T.O., focusing on the under-represented vibes of soul, Latin, Afro-beat and related grooves. The resident DJ trio will rotate sets in both the main and back rooms, and will be joined by NYC DJ, music journalist, dancer and b-baller Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love. Though best known as a hip-hop heavyweight, Bobbito flexes any sound that’s fresh and funky.
THE UPBEATS @ RE:BIRTH
With DJs NC-17, Aspect, Nusense, Sconeboy, MCs Lucid, La, Grimm. Sat, May 31. The Blue Moon, 725 Queen E. $15 before 11:30pm.
The promoters of Gridiron and Rugged North gave this event the right title — Re:birth features a number of emerging drum ‘n’ bass artists from both near and far. New Zealand’s Jeremy Glenn and Dylan Jones have been producing together for eight years and, as The Upbeats, they make some of the most musical and drum-heavy D&B I’ve heard in ages. Their sophomore album from last year, Nobody’s Out There (on Bad Company Presents), served as a wicked wake-up call to an international scene that’s come to rely heavily on recycled beats and samples. All four supporting acts on this bill are Canadians to keep an ear out for.