VIVACC
The BeatJackers bring unique hip-hop blend
Kathleen Naderer
Special to the Caller-Times
What do mainstream hip-hop, rock and roll, house music, breakbeat and electro have in common? The BeatJackers!
The BeatJackers will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday, March 19, at the N A S A. The lineup also includes hip-hop artists Mr. P Chill, POOR, Complex City and Snail Killers. Ages 18 and up are welcome at the show.
The BeatJackers admit they are pretty unusual. The LA-based alternative hip-hop band smoothly blends different genres to create innovative, energetic music.
How did they develop such a distinct sound? According to band member Lumis James, "We draw inspiration from everything ... If you've ever dug through a used record bin, you'll have some idea about what inspires us."
The BeatJackers' unique sound that lead to their description as "artists' artists" actually began as musical and social commentary.
James, Tim Shireman and the late Daniel Blak formed the band as a way to debunk a common misunderstanding about hip-hop.
"It started as a goof, from the misconception that rap and hip-hop are the same thing," James said. "Like country and polka music, they share some similar elements but they're really as different as night and day."
By mixing distinct types of music like rap, rock, house and electro together with hip-hop, The BeatJackers manage to both subvert and transcend traditional genre constraints. Their original song "All I Am" and their cover of Gang Starr's "Take It Personal" further explore this unique identity and experience.
"We represent that there's good music out there in all elements," James said.
Although their debut album "We Got The Juice!" is now available online, the BeatJackers are not trying to become internet stars. They said they will always pride themselves on their live performances.
"We believe that live music is even more important than records," James said. "We want people to dance, to let go of their anxiety, to experience that exchange of energy — to make them feel like it's a Friday night on a Sunday."
The BeatJackers Corpus Christi performance follows their SXSW Music Festival performance in Austin. James is particularly excited about his first visit to Corpus Christi.
"This is a cool personal thing for me," he said. "I've driven through Texas before while I was building my musical career, and I always wanted to check out the Gulf."
What: The BeatJackers with Mr. P Chill and POOR, Complex and Snail Killer
When: 8 p.m. Sunday, March 19
Where: The N A S A
Information: www.facebook.com/NASAvenueCCTX/