Brad Knutson

Inspired by the classic hip-hop film "Wild Style," Krush began his DJ career in the early eighties, backing up breakdancers at a local park in his native Tokyo. By the early nineties, Krush had a record deal with England's Mo Wax records, where he not only stood out as the label's only Japanese artist, but as one of its most prized acts. After about a dozen records in almost as many years, next month DJ Krush is releasing his first-ever "greatest hits" collection. However, rather than just put out a standard rehash of hits, Krush decided to put a unique spin on the "best of" concept by going back and reworking some of his favorite tracks. The resulting release, "Stepping Stones: The Self-Remixed Best," is a double album that features one CD consisting entirely of vocal tracks ("Lyricism") and one consisting entirely of instrumentals ("Soundscapes"). While "Soundscapes" reaffirms Krush's legacy as a pioneer of trip-hop, "Lyricism" confirms Krush can still hold his own with any producer in the game today...in the East or West. This week, DJ Krush returns to Smart Bar, handling early-show duties on a rare Friday night double-bill with Derrick Carter.

DJ Krush performs at Smart Bar, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203 on September 22 at 9pm. $15 cover. (2006-09-19)

Also by Brad Knutson

Spin Control
Brothers David and Stephen Dewaele are probably best known as the Belgian production duo 2 Many DJs
(2006-09-12)

New Joints
Known as DJ KID K.U.T. in the eighties, leader of the Atlanta super group K.I.N. in the early nineties and DJ and producer for the Further MCs in the mid-nineties, CX Kidtronik is truly a veteran of the underground hip-hop scene
(2006-09-05)

Soundcheck
Originally released in Europe in 2004, Nouvelle Vague's self-titled debut hit U.S. shores last year much to the delight of both swinging loungesters and black-clad new wavers
(2006-09-05)

Tip of the Week
After a bit of a tease earlier this year when they both played Smart Bar mere weeks apart, Ellen Allien and Apparat officially return as a duo to promote their brilliant collaboration, "Orchestra of Bubbles"
(2006-08-29)

The Politics of Dancing
(2006-08-15)

Tip of the Week
(2006-08-01)

Kaos Pays the Rent
(2006-07-18)

Tip of the Week
(2006-06-30)

Classical Spooky
(2006-06-21)

Tip of the Week
(2006-06-13)

Streets Team
(2006-06-13)

Spin Control
(2006-05-30)

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