If you’ve been paying attention, you already know that there’s no shortage of talent emerging from today’s dubstep scene. We’re pretty spoiled here in Denver. Let’s just say that if you’re searching for some serious bass you won’t struggle to find it. For all the innovators of sound and style rising from this little bass pocket that we call “home”, we haven’t forgotten about the pioneers. Final Fridays are special nights featuring special artists, where we pay respects to the classic vibes and keep their tradition alive. As a fresh initiate to the culture, I’m still reeling from the proper parties that kicked off 2015: DJ Madd and N-Type both delivered a dose of the sounds that carved their musical imaginations in the genre’s eternal memory. As March comes to a close, we prepare for an appearance from yet another legend: madman Matty G.
Hailing from Santa Cruz, California, Matty G is an American gem in a genre consistently dominated by European artists. The west coast emanates from every syllable of his signature sound. Known for his innovative fusion of hip-hop and heavy bass, Matty G is the first name that should come to mind to any aficianados of the “trap” aesthetic. After establishing himself as a musical imagination to be reckoned with in the early 2000’s, Matty G birthed the infamous “50,000 Watts” in 2007. His 2011 EP Back to the Bay highlighted his hip-hop roots, demonstrating the role of interplaying genres for stylistic innovation.
Matty G’s history is marked by releases on trail-blazing labels such as Dub Police. Most recently, he contributed to 2014’s Artikal Records compilation alongside scene staples such as J:Kenzo and fellow American mainstay EshOne. The compilation features “Flatline” – the collaboration with J:Kenzo is already hailed as a contemporary classic. Matty G’s mix for the Artikal release draws from dubstep’s historical catalogue as well as today’s bangers to showcase his signature sound.
On March 27th, Final Fridays continues the journey through dubstep’s roots with an all-night celebration of the sounds that spawned our scene. Whether this is your first Final Fridays party or you’ve been skanking around the underground since dubstep’s early days, you can expect to hear a fresh spin on familiar favorites – classic sounds synthesized with the styles that permeate today’s biggest tunes. Local artists The Toddfatha, Cord, CurlyOne, and Subliminal will share the (notable lack of visible) spotlight with the legend to round out an unforgettable night of emerging and established talents. Counting down the days? You’re not alone. Enjoy that sweet anticipation, because you’ll miss it when its over.
-Amye Koziel