Do you like music about dubs, guns, bills and beefs or who has the most money? If the answer is yes, there are hundreds of trendy clubs that cater to your taste.
If you enjoy positive environments filled with quality hip hop, classic favorites and cheap drinks, then Grand Imperial Night is for you. Every Thursday at Lounge Lizards on Decatur Street, DJ Maxmillion and DJ Rik Ducci deliver the goods.
Maxmillion and Rik are New Orleans natives who have national experience playing throughout the southeast and the Bay Area.
The duo claims they began spinning because disc jockeys were their heroes when they first listened to hip hop. Their influences include DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Kid Kapri.
The DJs believe the local hip hop community has been stereotyped by groups such as No Limit and Cash Money. Maxmillion and Rik want to expose fans to new music and help break New Orleans out of its current national pigeonhole.
Grand Imperial Night was created after the owner of Lounge Lizards saw the two play a soul and R&B set before a Soul Rebels show at Tipitina’s. Afterward they were offered a steady weekly gig that began at the end of September.
The showing was not large this particular night, but they claim it ranges from a quiet 30 people to a packed house. The more, the merrier, they said.
Typically DJ Rik spins an hour-long set and Maxmillion follows. Their sets are broken up each week by performances from local acts. Aspiring artist MC Impulse was this week’s local talent.
To perform at Grand Imperial Night, applicants should submit recordings to the DJs, including contact information. Rik said that many submissions focus too much on violence, where ten people have been killed less than a minute into the track.
Rik also noted that it seems like many of these artists do not portray themselves accurately and might not even know someone who lives this lifestyle. When listening to submissions, they said they are looking for creativity and overall quality.
If you’re sick of seeing half of your philosophy class at the latest overexposed club, come to Grand Imperial Night. Regardless of the small showing, the music was great, and everyone in attendance enjoyed themselves.
DJs Maxmillion and Rik guarantee it will be worth your time and only ask that you come with an open mind.
Benjamin Gordon can be reached at [email protected].
DJ Rik serves an upbeat hip hop set for audiences at the Lounge Lizards. After an hour of spinning, DJ Rik´s set is followed by a featured local artist. Then his friend and music partner, DJ Maxmillion takes the stage for the rest of the evening.
