High-tech sizzle meets old-school values

DJ Shadow, the acclaimed turntablist and DJ who heads the progressive Northern California-based Quannum hip-hop family, showed off some new technology during Thursday’s “Quannum World Tour 2004” stop at the House of Blues in West Hollywood.

He boasted on stage that the tour was the first outing to feature a DVD turntable, a device that allows a DJ to “scratch” images from a DVD.

During the collective’s lively two-hour-plus performance, the technology was put to good use for an ingenious performance of the Lifesavas’ “HelloHiHey,” in which group member Vursatyl had a hilarious exchange with his ego. A prerecorded Vursatyl poked fun at the Vursatyl on stage for his proclamations of microphone supremacy.

Even with this cutting-edge approach, however, the remainder of Quannum’s show had a decidedly old-school approach. That’s because the Quannum artists -- who include Blackalicious, Latyrx and Joyo Velarde -- draw inspiration from the ideals of hip-hop’s formative years, when the rhymes had two main purposes: to get the party started and to showcase the rapper’s lyrical skill.

On Thursday, DJ Shadow took center stage, with DJ D Sharp and Chief Xcel.

Each DJ performed as one-third of a band, handling the drums, guitar or keyboard section of the song.

The five Quannum rappers rotated on and off stage, performing a medley of songs that kept the show moving.

In the background, DJ Shadow flashed and scratched the images and words of such old-school hip-hop icons as Busy Bee and the Fat Boys, obviously pleased at being able to combine the old with the new.