Author Archives: David Chang

Ever the social commentator, comedian Chris Rock once quipped that the world is coming to an end because the best golfer is black and the best rapper is white. All joking aside, Eminem might not even be the greatest of white hopes. Some bloke by the name of Mike Skinner has been making major noise […]

It can be an adventure trying to locate Ackerman 2400, the headquarters of uclaradio.com. The pocket-sized room is nestled snugly in obscurity much like the department it houses. However, one step through its door essentially erases all doubts of its identity and purpose. A line of shelves with ancient vinyl records runs along a short […]

Jim Thirlwell, aka Steroid Maximus, Clint Ruin, DJ OTEFSU, Wiseblood, Baby Zizanie, Manorexia and numerous incarnations centered around the name Foetus, either has a multiple personality disorder or way too much imagination for his own good. “Different projects have different intentions,” Thirlwell said. “Steroid Maximus is a different kettle of fish from Foetus. They’re different […]

Music and Los Angeles go together like unfulfilled expectations and Bruin basketball. A battle of the bands can break out anywhere and anytime. The latest musical mêlée to hit the Westwood area is an eight-week free-for-all called Acoustic Live. The tournament commenced on Sept. 8 and runs every Sunday through Oct. 27. Fans of local […]

By now, the rap star cliche has passed the point of no return. However, despite the blinding glare of the so-called Bling Dynasty, alternative rap acts like Blackalicious have begun lighting up audiences with their back-to-basics brand of hip-hop. “For me, what it comes down to is skill level,” said Gift of Gab, the MC […]

Jason Webley described his own shows as “a lot of fun,” but based on his accounts of his shows he may be trying for the award for Understatement of the Year. Webley, whose repertoire of on-stage antics includes persuading audience members to toss vegetables at a clock in an effort to “kill time” and having […]

The man who revolutionized prime-time TV by bestowing Bart and Homer Simpson, Ralph Wiggum, Groundskeeper Willie and Apu Nahasapeemapetilon upon the world is the same man who will handpick the cast of characters for Los Angeles’ second edition of All Tomorrow’s Parties, scheduled for June of 2003. As the creator of the groundbreaking animated series […]