 Despite the unbearable humidity, RJD2 did not disappoint as the Philly-based DJ delivered an energetic set full of danceable grooves.
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Sporting a yellow "Beat ND" T-shirt, RJD2 spun a perfect soundtrack for a sweat-drenched basement dance party. Condensation was even starting to form on the Rat's majestic window frames as the Philly-based DJ carefully pushed and prodded his way through an hour-long set on Thursday night. The event was sponsored by the Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC), the Residence Hall Association (RHA), and Nights on the Heights, and sold out early on Wednesday, to the surprise of many who underestimated the student body's desire to see a less-than-mainstream artist. While an ignorant few entered the show wondering what Rihanna songs he would mash up, RJD2 instead opted to reach deep into his bag of tricks (he actually did keep his records in a backpack) and conduct a seminar in sonic exploration via his turntables and mixing console. The result often played out like this: a relentless backbeat perpetually juiced up by layers of mood-enhancing expressions and further drizzled with an "old school" mentality. One adjective continuously comes to mind - "dirty."
Mixing from a tiny stage that barely rose above the crowd, RJD2 was able to get the entire crowd to groove despite the Zaire-like humidity and no re-entry policy, not to mention the absence of alcohol. The crowd pushed dangerously close to RJD2's table (most of the front row was leaning against it), but he responded by praising their energy. During one of the more upbeat numbers - a composition that barreled along dangerously, abruptly switching lanes as it challenged the rules of meter - multiple crowd surfers emerged. To everyone's surprise, the feeble efforts of these individuals to steal the show were not thwarted by the many police officers on hand. If anything, the crowd was rowdy during all the right times, and it was apparent that RJD2 was up for the challenge - ready to go punch-for-punch with the audience, to only further elevate the energy.
RJD2's songs generally lend themselves to a unique context akin to a scene from an intriguing action or suspense film. It is a type of music that burns slowly and exudes an unassuming lounge-like feeling, but it always moves in a positive direction as it builds toward an explosion. The difficult part, however, is keeping the energy up in between each melodic peak. RJD2 is only part of a select group who can pull this act off with workman-like precision.
The RJD2 show should be looked upon as a great success for the UGBC, RHA, and Nights on the Heights. It proved that we can host smaller talent, and that BC students are not afraid of the obscure. If anything, by spreading our resources across a greater number of smaller shows rather than attacking a big-name act, campus nightlife will improve substantially. A diverse schedule of shows will also naturally appeal to a greater number of students. With such a high demand for suitable venues in Boston, especially now with the Avalon out of the picture, why not go for a piece of the city's live-music pie? In the past, BC students have been accused of being apathetic toward good music, but if anything, Thursday night's RJD2 show proved that we are ready to listen.
Spring Break
