On September 22, 2000, a portion of the Atlanta rave community proved to me that positive vibes still thrives in our scene. On what seemed like a start to a dreary, rain-filled weekend, a descent crowd of people showed up at the Masquerade for what was going to be an evening that no one would forget. Due to complications with transportation, I arrived as Nookie was in the middle of his smooth set. Sounds of electric pianos and Moog keyboards supplied Hell with a superior feeling of joy. I knew as soon as I stepped in that room, that the vibe was going to be different.
I made my rounds in Hell, and worked my way over to the Sharc Tank, where Mr. Dean Coleman was working it like Olivia Newton John in a leotard. It was so ironic, because I've been on this whole funk/house thing lately. I can't get enough of it. Now this was my first time in the Sharc Tank, and I must say it had a real cozy feel to it. Everyone seemed to be socializing and smiling, I almost forgot I was at a rave. I strolled through the Tank and conversed with the likes of Jonathan Allyn, Brad G, Spykitty, and Sharc, who seemed to be in good spirits, as always. I shot the breeze for a moment with Sharc and made my way back downstairs.
It was one o'clock, and I was trying to get a good view of Conrad, when I noticed Nookie was still spinning. This is something that I have noticed about the Good Looking crew. They seemed to really care about their set, not just as mixing the records, but as in what direction it brings the crowd. Nookie continued to drop melody after melody, exceeding his one o'clock exit from the decks. He was really bringing it at the end, laying down Moog-coated melodies over crisp amen breaks. It was a perfect way to end an atmospheric joyride. All this, while our host, MC Conrad, mentioned at ease, "Give it up for the Nookie". That phrase still runs through my head when I think about Friday evening. By then, everyone had packed into the venue, and found a spot on the well-layered dance floor.
Suddenly the record slowed. MC Conrad let out another "Give it up one more time for the Nookie", and LTJ took the decks. At this point, I noticed the unordinary behavior of the crowd. Everyone was clapping and really getting into the music. I was very surprised. I didn't even see anyone lying on the floor. The crowd seemed to consist of a solid mix of subcultures, but no one seemed to really take it out of hand. Break circles were scarce, giving everyone room to boogie down to the sweet sounds of LTJ Bukem.
Before I knew it I was caught in the mix. Bukem's style is truly amazing. It is literally impossible to put this into words. Between his mixing skills and track selection, LTJ is truly a genius. His set was like an intelligent bubble bath of the mind and soul. If I had to pick two words to describe his style it would be Cosmic Meltdown. Of course, this was all enhanced by the lyrical grace of MC Conrad, who did not hesitate to get the crowd live with his mixture of singing, MCing, and vocal effects. If there is anyone meant to MC over intelligent drum and bass, it's Conrad.
