In The Mix
Kool Mixx gets
hip-hop emceeWORD HAS IT that one of hip-hop's pioneers will be here later this month -- the "Original Human Beatbox" Doug E. Fresh will emcee and former Fugees member Wyclef Jean will perform as part of the "Kool Mixx 2002" national DJ competition Aug. 17 at World Cafe. Much like the Dance Music Community American Battleground regionals held here recently, local turntable wizards will compete for a shot to represent Hawaii at the "Kool Mixx 2002" finals Sept. 1 in Chicago. The free show is tentatively scheduled to take place after the competition from 6 to 10 p.m. that night.
If the word "Kool" sounds a bit familiar, it's because tobacco company Brown and Williamson is the sponsor behind the competition. While traveling to cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Cleveland, Miami, New York and Atlanta, the contest also serves to market Kool's new catch phrase "The House of Menthol." And here's another interesting tidbit: Most of the test marketing for Kool's new packaging and advertising campaign was completed earlier this year right here in Hawaii. ...
OLD-SCHOOL STONER Tommy Chong was spotted at Hawaii's Natural High over the weekend (where else would he show up?) signing autographs and mugging for instant photos with fans. Chong, who currently appears in the television program "That '70s Show," was in town for performances at Gussie L'Amour's last Friday and Saturday. It was pretty interesting to see girls young enough to still be in high school lining up to check out some of the Chong Glass products on display and chat with the counter-culture icon. ...
BEST OF LUCK to Lanikai resident Erin Madden; the Punahou graduate will celebrate her 18th birthday later this month before flying to South Padre Island, Texas, as Hawaii's representative in the Miss Teen USA 2002 national competition. Madden follows in the steps of sister Lauren Madden, who served as Miss Hawaii Teen USA in 2000. ...
AND ON THURSDAY, head over to Eastside Grill in Puck's Alley for the finals of their "Kanikapila Clash." The competition features 7 Simple Pieces facing off against Speed Limit, starting at 11 p.m. Island Rhythm 98.5's Bruddah Jake will emcee, just as he did at ESG's last clash a few months ago. Call 952-6555 for more info. ...
In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at jason@starbulletin.com.