Even as the dance music scene in Hong Kong continues to blossom and diversify, it’s still rare to get a visit by a London-based Grime and Bassline DJ, let alone, one as influential as Dexplicit.
On Saturday, July 28th, XXX will host Dexplicit on the turntables, introducing Hong Kong to the sounds of two of London’s most beloved underground music genres.
In the Internet age where music is getting more and more international, Grime and Bassline have remained very much a mostly U.K. phenomenon, not enjoying the same breakout success as their more high-profile cousin, Dubstep.
Like Dubstep, Bassline and Grime incorporate elements from Reggae, Jungle, Hip Hop, and Techno, to create an interesting, dance-floor friendly sound.
But what the hell is Grime and Bassline anyway?
Grime is vocally akin to a modern British Hip Hop with a fast instrumental that is composed, rather than sample driven. It often features M.C.’s rhyming in a rapid-fire stop-and-go flow that is heavily Dancehall Reggae influenced and chock full of London street slang.
Rich in musicality and heavy in bass, Bassline, is even more melodic, less choppy, and less aggressive. It has a driving, fast-paced beat that weaves vocals smoothly on top. As a generalization, Bassline has more female singers than Grime does.
One major difference between the two genres and Dubstep is that the songs aren’t interrupted by full breakdowns made up exclusively of sound effects and beeps, the way Dubstep often is.
The following are a few examples from Dexplicit who is a major producer, as well as a DJ.
Bassline:
Dexplicit Might Be instrumental
Short interview with Dexplicit, with his Bassline remix of “Curses – What I Need” playing in the club.
Grime:
Dexplicit produced Pull Up
Recommended!
Dexplicit dj set
Supported by DJs Enso, Yao, Blooddunza, Rolec, Steffunn, Stitcha and Shelfindex
Saturday, July 28th, 2012
XXX Gallery
B/F, 212 Wing Lok Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong (close to Sai Ying Pun)
Cover charge $150 HKD, $100 HKD for XXX members
11pm til late
XXX is a bring your own drinks (or bottle!) establishment
