There haven't been many songs lately that I can incessantly listen to, but ever since I heard Hollywood Holt's "Throw a Kit", there are a few people who have endured my constant attempts at rapping, probably wishing I'd just STFU. Although my rap skills are somewhat lackluster, I can assure you that Hollywood Holt is one Chicago artist that can bring it, and you can count on hearing a lot more about him in the months and years to come.

To give you a point of reference as to how little I actually know about rap music today, I had no idea that the song is basically a cover of Rich Boy’s “Throw Some D’s”, but to be perfectly honest, I enjoy Holt's version much more than the original. I guess there is something about the culture of mopeds that I can relate to more than driving a Cadillac, but even that is a serious stretch considering I have never taken a ride in either.

Most live hip hop I have ever seen ends up being a serious disappointment. Perhaps its no fault to the artists themselves, but there is something that consistently does not translate from recordings to the stage. However, one night last summer/fall (my memory fails me lately) at the Hideout, I had the pleasure of watching Hollywood Holt perform, and the show ended up being one of the best live acts I saw last year. There is something geniune about his stage presence and delivery that I can really admire. Even though I was surrounded by tons of Chicago hipsters, which completely had me screaming "IRONIC!" in my head, you couldn't deny the energy felt by the entire room that night. Holt had the entire crowd moving along to his beats, a feat that very few artists can lay claim to these days.

Hollywood Holt takes the stage tonight at Darkroom, along with Yea Big & Kid Static, Meat Number 5, DJ Johnny Kesh, DJ Mikey Dance Panther, and DJ Trew. More info on Hollywood Holt and the show can be found over at Miles Raymer's great Sharp Darts column which appeared in the Chicago Reader yesterday. Before you head on over there, check out the video for "Throw A Kit" and tell me with a straight face that this song doesn't completely kick ass and you couldn't see yourself listening to it 10 times in a row (not that I have or anything....)