Nasty Sounds

Sometimes we all just need to cut loose and throw a party. Maybe it's because we've had a long intense week of work or because we've faced hard times. After all, with the economy what it is, we've got plenty to worry about and then try to put out of our mind.

Somehow, I think that if George W. or Obama knew what the current recession would spawn in Dub Nasty, they might have tried more to kick start the economy. Nevertheless, the monster has been set loose and those whose ears get infected might never be the same.

Just what am I rambling on about, you might ask? Why, the return of rapper Dub Nasty, of course.

If you haven't heard him yet, you might want to be thankful and run for the hills before he catches your ear. If you're looking for some stress relief or if you've already been corrupted, however, you'll run to the source when Dub Nasty drops his debut CD, Ecktoplasm, at The Colony Wednesday, July 21.

You see, I've known the man behind Dub Nasty for a few years now, working behind the scenes at DFest. Referred to simply, at least in my mind, as J-Dub, he officially worked video and media but was the ultimate party master.

If there's mischief and mayhem in the air, the trail would often lead to J-Dub. And if the party progressed too far, his alter-ego, Dub Nasty just might emerge.

To the chagrin of many and delight of even more, Dub Nasty has officially been unleashed.

After rapping in high school and college, Dub Nasty had been retired from the rap scene as John W. Halford entered the real world and work force. Once Halford was layed off in 2009, however, and he struggled to find more work, a little social experiment gone haywire brought Dub Nasty out of retirement.

With extra time on his hands, J-Dub created a video for one of his old songs, "Robot Party" and uploaded it to YouTube. That's where the magic of the Internet came into play.

In three days and with no real warning or explanation, "Robot Party" got 26,000 views in its first three days posted on the web.

After all, everyone loves robots, right? And rap? If it's this funny, they do.

A collage of images and a song that serves more as a pop-culture mash up grabbed the imagination and attention of the viral video culture and Dub Nasty rose to cult celebrity, even landing on G4's "Attack of the Show."

Eventually "Robot Party" got banned from YouTube in a political move -- perhaps because the lyrics were slightly obscene or maybe because one of the robots allegedly had a "nip slip." Once Dub Nasty got a taste of celebrity, however, there was no turning back.

After being banned from YouTube, Dub Nasty went to work, contacting the people at G4 and other sites that had spotlighted "Robot Party" and its quick rise in popularity. After G4 expressed interest in doing an exclusive premier of Dub Nasty's next piece, he went to work composing a video for "Konami Code (99 Lives and Power Glove)" as quickly as possible.

Although the homage to classic video games was completed quickly, J-Dub decided not to send it exclusively to G4 and released it on YouTube. Once again, it got banned with an age restriction, but it garnered even more attention and was featured on both IGN.com and USAToday.com.

Following the great attention drawn from a pair of videos, what else is a guy to do except work on an album? Perhaps a trip to Bonnaroo?

Granted, it does sound slightly crazy, but in the world of Dub Nasty, it all makes sense.

A trip to Bonnaroo -- and many other events and festivals for that matter -- were used as an excuse to promote Dub Nasty and the website dubnasty.com. It was at Bonnaroo, however, that Dub Nasty met his main sidekick and music collaborator, known as Dr. Bootygrabber. Ironically both reside in Tulsa and have mutual friends, but it was a late-night jam session that brought the two together at a festival three states away.

When sitting down together, the two agree that the pairing came naturally. Before "retiring," Dub Nasty had worked with Billy Moore, who had gone by the moniker FuturePerfect and is now working with Almost Allies.

After the recession and viral videos brought Dub Nasty back, however, he needed a new sidekick and music director and Dr. Bootygrabber naturally fit the bill.

The result of their collaboration is something they call acid rap -- a combination of psychedelic, hip hop and dance music influences. Or as Dr. Bootygrabber describes it, "Drums and bass with some nasty ass synths."

These guys don't take themselves too seriously, so don't get all up in arms. Dub Nasty is no challenge to the hardcore rap culture. He's more of a party outlet and pop-culture mash-up outlet, and the party starts now.

With tracks such as "F5 at the Trailer Park," "Oprah-Black-Ops," "Bubble Wrap" and "Mayor McCheeze," you should know that this is all fun and games. Somehow, though, even amidst the pop culture references and inside jokes, it all comes off as something more than just novelty.

Dub Nasty's acid rap harkens back to Digital Underground, Bloodhound Gang, Cypress Hill and even Fu Schnickens, albeit without the reggae-dub influences. Yes, Dub Nasty's raps are over the top, slightly obscene and a bit outrageous, but it's all about the party and either finding or creating one.

The party commences Wednesday night at the Colony as Dub Nasty releases his full-length debut, Ecktoplasm and creates a full concert experience with Dr. Bootygrabber. There's no cover and the music starts at 10pm with RSun, followed by GRex and Dispozal at 10:30pm.

Dub Nasty will take the stage with Dr. Bootygrabber for a full set at 11pm that will include LED lights, fog machines and video projections, tying the whole experience together. And part of that experience is pushing you back to YouTube and the website, dubnasty.com.

You'll be able to purchase CDs at the show and even get something to eat as the taco guys will be on hand for a special weeknight residency on the Colony's patio. After Dub Nasty wraps up, the party will continue with Heady P spinning into the night.

More than anything, the night will be a party -- and a continuation of a social experiment that has gone drastically awry.

If you want to find out more or want a sneak peek, check out the website or YouTube. Once you've been hooked, you'll find it all ties together: the videos, the music, the website and the viral presence on YouTube and elsewhere. Don't be afraid, just become part of the experiment and join the party.

Weekly Roundup

As you can already tell, we're in the heat of the summer. We're also in the heat of the concert and club season, which leaves us with plenty of shows to choose from on a nightly basis. There are too many this week to cover them all, but as always, we've got the highlights to get you started. Of course, if something here doesn't strike you, make sure to peruse the Live Music listings to find your favorite band playing this weekend.

I still contend that Thursday night is the real kickoff to the weekend, and this week proves to be no different. You can jump start your weekend with a country gig as Mary Cogan appears at Utica Square, catch some comedy and music with Weird Al Yankovic at The Brady or catch alt-rock act Eve 6 for a free show at Friction in the Hard Rock Casino.

Friday night, July 16, Mary Cogan continues to support the release of her new CD with a show at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill at The Hard Rock Casino, while Fiawna Forte appears with Young Savage at The Colony and 6 Market Boulevard appears at Woody's. The weekend's big show, however, has got to be rock legend Robert Plant and Band of Joy at The Brady on Friday night.

Saturday, July 17 puts more focus on local music as Steve Pryor rocks Arnie's, RadioRadio plays the Hunt Club Patio, Thomas Martinez is at Woody's and Bright Giant plays Mercury Lounge. Cain's Ballroom opens its doors late however, and rocks into the wee hours this weekend as it hosts the PBR Rodeo after party on Saturday night with 2 Steps Back and Mickey and the Motorcars for a great night of southern and country rock.

Sunday night is busy in Tulsa with three big shows on July 18. First up, Ted Nugent returns to Cain's Ballroom, and then Bowling For Soup takes over The Ivey on Brookside to replace the dance crowd with a live concert. Finally, Forever the Sickest Kids headline The Marquee with The Scene Aesthetic, The Ready Set and more.

Also, don't forget to wrap up your week with Dub Nasty's CD release party at The Colony on Wednesday night, July 21.