It started in 2004 in New York City. Eventually, it made it’s way through metropolises like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Tonight, rap karaoke will debut itself in our very own Sioux Falls.
The night will be hosted by local emcees Soulcrate Music and Trey Lane at Club David. Members of Soulcrate were introduced to rap karaoke last year when they saw it first hand at a Soundset Festival after party in Minneapolis. When given a chance to book a show over Halloween weekend, they thought it would be a good time to give it a shot. With the blessing of the original hip-hop karaoke group, they put the scheme in to action.
“We thought it was a unique idea,” Wes “Attention Def” Eisenhauer, one third of Soulcrate, said. “It’s a really good chance for us to remain in the mix without having to perform. We just want to throw a party.”
While the 21 and over event will undoubtedly be a good time, it isn’t your run-of-the-mill drunk bar-goers taking their chance to stumble through “Ice Ice Baby” or strut to “Baby Got Back”. The event will feature 10 to 15 artists spitting rhymes from classics like “Guilty Conscience” by Eminem and Dr. Dre to underground favorites like “National Disgrace” by Atmosphere.
Some of the performers may be people you recognize from the local music scene, but there are also plenty of first-timers. No matter the skill level, the hosts are there to make sure you’re comfortable on stage and stay on track. While Eisenhauer says he assumes there will be people that get nervous, they’re not going to let you leave the stage easily.
“We’ll make them start over,” Eisenhauer said. “I’d say they get about three tries.”
Those participating in the karaoke event signed up with specific songs through the event email, rapkaraoke@gmail.com. Corey “DJ Absolute” Gerlach then confirmed that he had original instrumentals for the songs requested, and sent all the info back for the participant to prepare. While they send lyric sheets out, they also encourage freestyle additions and for those partaking in the event to really get involved.
“I’ve had people tell me that they’ve been practicing,” Gerlach said. “I think if they can play off of it and make it more natural … I say go for it.”
“The thing we want people know, though, is that this isn’t their gig or their chance to promote themselves personally,” Eisenhauer said. “It’s just a chance to have fun.”
Along with those already singed up, there will also be around 20 songs available for any last-minute additions. Although this is the first attempt at an event like this, the hosts hope that they can continue with more shows down the road. If all goes well, a competition isn’t out of the question, they said.
Beyond the attempts at hip hop stardom, there are also plenty of other activities going on. With DJ Absolute spinning music all night long, Club David will also be sponsoring costume contests as well as featuring drink specials. The upstairs will also be home to a free photobooth, courtesy of Reistroffer Design.
“The main thing we’re looking for is to just have people come out and have a fun,” Eisenhauer said. “It’s a cheap ticket with cheap drink specials and good entertainment.”
A simple five-dollar cover gets you in to the party, which starts at 9 p.m. For more information, visit Club David’s website here or Soulcrate’s website here.
