December 12–19, 1996

critic pick

six pick

Da Funk/Tasc 4orce

Many of Philly's phattest rappers will be in the house for the Bed Rock Skating Party. On their recent single, "Money," Da Funk weaves elements of new and old school. Crisp beats combine with smooth grooving funk guitar, pulsing keyboards and sweet soul vocalizing. "Whoever said money can't buy you happiness didn't buy the right stuff," proclaims rappers Ken and Eyse with a delivery that pumps ferocious energy into a laid-back soundscape. Tasc 4orce works a gangsta vibe on their new ep, Time Ta Shine. Tales of homicide, guns and Uzis are slammed down over austere piano riffs, snare cracks and strings. The thematic terrain isn't anything new, but the rapping is executed with enough percussive panache to make it seem fresh.

Mon., Dec. 16 at 2400 S. 71st St., 7:30 p.m., 927-0646.

— Neil Gladstone