[image-1] (pictured) w/DJ Laz Cuban-American rap artist Pitbull hails from Miami, and writes catchy, passably clever and occasionally disgusting and absurd rhymes like those in “Hotel Room Service,” one big come-on of a song where Pitbull encourages his sex interest to drop her boyfriend, meet him in his hotel room (maybe with some girlfriends), and give him “that sweet, that nasty that gushy stuff.” For more info on where he’s staying, check the hook: “We at the hotel / motel / Holiday Inn.” He also tends to incorporate Spanish into his verses and sets them against Miami bass hip-hop marked by Latin-flavored samples of horns and guitar. Pitbull was discovered by producer-crunk rapper Lil Jon, and has put out a handful of charting songs with Lil Jon featured as a guest, including “Krazy” from his latest album, Rebelution. His most successful song to date, however, is the second single from the new album, “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho),” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. (The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City)
Matt Hires w/Alexander & the Grapes When Tampa native singer-songwriter Matt Hires played here in June, he was enjoying his first-ever national headlining tour in support of a four-song live EP. Less than three months later, Hires — who was the first artist signed to Atlantic’s new F-Stop Music last October — returns to town with his debut full-length, Take Us to the Start. Recorded in LA with Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Tori Amos), the album showcases Hires’ emo tender vocals and balladry, the pop-sensible production tasteful, if a bit Top 40 slick. To read a review of the album, click here. 8 p.m., Orpheum, Ybor City, $10.
[image-2]singing of bassist Bobby Lee. The five-piece released Born in Babylon exclusively via iTunes on August 25 and the last time I checked, it was the digital media player’s No. 1 reggae album. I like the title track best, about working hard to put yourself out there only to get hated on by the media. “I guess I gotta let critics talk / ‘cause I won’t stop,” Hemphill concludes. 8 p.m., State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $15.
Lee "Scratch" Perry (pictured) One of Jamaica’s most influential and innovative reggae artists and producers, Lee “Scratch” Perry, has released nearly 60 albums in his four-decade career. He incorporated samples into his music as early as 1968 and by the early 1970’s, he was experimenting with mixing boards and single-handedly creating a new sub-genre of reggae: dub. He’s worked with Bob Marley, The Congos, Junior Murvin, The Heptones and many others, and at a crusty 73, is still putting out music and touring in support of it. Even if his more recent fare is a bit on the soft side, the dude’s got mega chops and is definitely road trip-worthy. 9 p.m., The Social, Orlando, $25
Beres Hammond Another Jamaican all-star, this one roots reggae singer/songwriter Beres Hammond, who brings the warm balladry and rich croons to his soulful lovers rock. The 35-year musician is currently on the latest round of touring for his 2008 self-produced album, A Moment in Time. 8 p.m., Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, $25 general/$49.50 VIP.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
REH on the Road: The Beach Boys Although Brian Wilson has long since departed, vocalist Mike Love and keyboardist/vocalist Bruce Johnston continue performing as the Beach Boys with a five-piece back-up band; they’ll likely play lots of old school hits. This show is the last in the post-Rays game concert series. Post-game, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg; admission is the price of one ticket to the game, which start at $19.
Reggae Splash 2009 w/ “Jah Messenjah” [image-3], Ybor City, $25.
The Semis w/Room Full Of Strangers/Hot Hands/Cotton Candy Cookies & Cream A rowdy show at the Emerald featuring Southern gothic gritty, reverb-saturated alt rock from St. Pete’s own Semis, the distorted, double-guitar assault in Room Full of Strangers’ spooky fun punk, the noisy low-fi garage drone of Hot Hands, and the experimental psychedelia of Cotton Candy Cookies & Cream, the latter three bands all hailing from Orlando. 9 p.m., Emerald Bar, St. Petersburg, $5.
Magadog w/The Boozers/The Dead Popes If your idea of a great Saturday night involves punk, ska, pizza and PBR, then this show’s for you! Magadog headlines with party lively and leisurely ska reggae beats and a three-piece horn section that adds a nice kick. The Boozers and The Dead Popes play hard and fast and raucous punk rock; the Boozers have a bottle full of ditties about drinking (in case you thought the name was a joke, it’s a state of mind, man) while the Dead Popes shout songs like “Bitchin’ and Complainin’” and “Fuck Up.” Early birds get a slice of pie and a Pabst on the house in honor of National Cheese Pizza Day. 8 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $7.
[image-4] Not sure how I managed to miss this one -- never got a release about it and only found out about it today, looking at the Ford Amp calendar -- but it's definitely a worthy show if you like hip-hop. Lil Wayne is that Grammy-winning NOLA rap artist who got in lots of trouble recently for getting caught with a rather large stash of illegal substances (3.7 ounces of pot, 1.02 ounces of cocaine, 41 grams of MDMA) and cash ($22,000) on his tour bus in 2008 by no less than the Border Control hear Yuma, Ariz. But troubles aside, Lil Wayne has established himself as a talent with his gritty complex and somehow soulful rhymes filled with enough wit and thoughtfulness for you to get past his machismo tendencies. 7 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, $39.75-$79.75.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Pete & Wayne Show The Key West comedy music duo performs songs that include Myspace gems like “Looking to Breed in Boca,” “Rosie O’Donnell’s Vagina,” “The Rectum of Ella Fitzgerald” and “Floppycock.” 7 p.m., Skipper's Smokehouse, Tampa, $7 in advance/$10 dos.
Vanilla Ice / Rob Base Two one-hit wonder rappers — Rob “It Takes Two” Base and Vanilla “Ice Ice Baby” — perform at Shephard’s Old Skool Labor Day Weekend party. Not a prestigious gig but clearly the best that all involved could do. 10 p.m., Shephard’s Beach Resort, Clearwater Beach; call 727-442-5107 for ticket info).
Badfish (Tribute to Sublime) w/Scotty Don’t This tribute act comes to town pretty regularly and always plays Jannus Landing, so one must assume Badfish is quite proficient at re-creating the spirit of Sublime’s skate punkified West Coast ska. 8 p.m., Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, $19.99 in advance/$25 dos.
Dreadful Memories w/Filtered Thoughts/False Demise/OVID'S WITHERING/MuRdok/Good Friends And Better Pills Metal of all varieties — prog, thrash, death, metalcore, hardcore, and more — are represented on this local bill of heavy music. 7 p.m., Orpheum, Ybor City, $9 in advance/$10 dos (all ages)
