The Gamblers take on the album's first track, "Let's Go Crazy." No word on if they'll duplicate the iconic "Dearly beloved ..." church-organ intro.
Also on the collection, set for release online June 23: Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Of Montreal and a cover of "When Doves Cry" by Greg Dulli's Twilight Singers, with a little help from Purple Rain co-star Apollonia.
The second annual Quick's Big Thing event was a solid showcase in DFW music talent last week. The lineup was stacked and included a wide variety of performances and awards from a diverse genre base of local talent.
One of the biggest stories to emerge from this current crop of artists has been Dallas rapper B-Hamp and his "Do the Ricky Bobby" hit single. The catchy club-ready dance cut, themed after Will Ferrell's Talladega Nights character, has been an immediate radio chart topper and remains in steady rotation on the BET/MTV networks. B-Hamp, who was nominated for two Quick's Big Thing awards, has seen a fast ride to being in the limelight on the local and national stage.
This current wave of Southern flavored dance routine hip hop has been a mainstream success but the accolades have also brought along harsh criticism against the artists.
One of the behind the scenes crafters of this popular rap sound is local youngster Youngstarr, producer of the "Do the Ricky Bobby", and last week's award winner in the Quick's Big Studio ace category.
Q: You're only 20 years old, how did you decide that you wanted to "make beats" ?
A: It was a natural step towards production since I started out at an early age rapping in different groups. We had a crew called Dynasty and I spent a lot of time around producers in the studio. I'm still learning but the progression to the studio has been the best move for my career.
Q: How did you connect with rapper B-Hamp, and how was the "Ricky Bobby" hit formulated?
A: I've known B-Hamp since we were both in high school. He worked with different groups and our paths crossed several times while trying to come up in the scene. Eventually we started to work together and he was one of the first artists to rap over my first homemade beats. The "Ricky Bobby" track was presented to me as an idea from B-Hamp and it has turned into a massive hit record.
Q: There is a heap of negative criticism regarding the current Dallas rap style and the abundance of dance routine type songs that come from this area. How do you respond to this backlash against these dance-inspired rap tracks?
A: Personally, I do not consider them dance songs but "club" songs. We are trying to bring something different to the industry and this just happens to be our flavor of music. There are a lot of talented artists in Dallas with different styles including true lyricists or groups like GS Spot Boys ("Stanky Legg) who are blowing up this year. Dorrough Music ("Ice Cream Paint Job", BET/MTV rotation, recent performance on BET's 106 & Park) just performed on 106 and Park and neither of his hit songs are dance singles. We have a specific sound that works for us plus we have already proven ourselves in the game. Atlanta had the "lean with it / rock with it" snap music phase and that did not hurt their scene. Dallas is a very creative city so it's not just about that particular sound for every group.
Q: Has anything changed for you due to the success of 'Ricky Bobby" and what can be expected next from you in the future?
A: It's still crazy to hear my stuff on tv or the radio and walking away with the Quick producer award was exciting for me. There are definitely more doors opening for me in the industry. It's definitely easier to network now and I have plans to work with some of the major big name rap artists. I produced Six tracks on B-Hamps new album ("B-Dash") in addition to work with Dorrough and other upcoming artists. I've been very busy but it's still early so I will continue to work hard on my music.
Youngstarr can be heard at myspace.com/youngstarrproductions5
Were you captured by our cameras this past weekend at Quick's Big Thing at the Granada Theater? Click on the picture to see Quick's Club Cam gallery. And check back next Thursday for a new Club Cam photo slideshow.
Break out your trusty air guitar and see if you can top the champ in the video above. It's time for the regional legs of the U.S. Air Guitar Championships. One winner from Dallas will go on to represent at the national competition. 7 p.m. The Loft, 1135 S. Lamar St. $13. 1-800-745-3000 or usairguitar.com.
Doug Stanhope may be best known for his stint on Comedy Central's The Man Show or his memorable segment in The Aristocrats, but his own brand of humor is significantly more raw. He's not for everyone, especially the easily offended. But if you enjoy dark, challenging and often brutal comedy, he's your man. 8 p.m. Skillman Street Pub, 9220 Skillman St. $20. myspace.com/skillmanstreetbar.
John Congleton is the dynamic and wonderfully weird lead singer of the Paper Chase, which just released the new album Someday This Could All Be Yours Vol. 1. While his solo set won't likely be as frenetic as his Paper Chase performances, it'll still be something different from than your average singer-songwriter show. With opening act Joey Kendall. 10 p.m. at Dan's Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St. in Denton. $8. danssilverleaf.com.
Chad Reuffer, former member of the '90s pop bands Mildred and Spot , is now a country singer, and he's known to pack 'em in at Pearl's. Grab a beer and enjoy the sound of his deep, deep voice. With Randy Brown. 8 p.m. at Pearl's Dancehall and Saloon, 302 W. Exchange St. in Fort Worth. No cover. pearlsdancehall.com.
Think Pink breast cancer benefit at Go Fish. Ten percent of the proceeds from this happy hour go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Complimentary sushi will be served. 5 p.m. 5301 Alpha Road. 972-980-1919. accessdallas.com.
Champagne Thursday at the Hotel Capri. Complimentary champagne for ladies until midnight. Doors open at 6 p.m. 2020 Greenville Ave. No cover. 214-370-9944. thehotelcapri.com.
Blondes Vs. Brunettes night at Purgatory. No cover for blondes dressed in white and brunettes dressed in black before 11 p.m. DJs Hex, ATG, and D Train spin. Doors at 10 p.m. 2208 Main St. $10 for guys, $5 for girls. 972-567-3068. accessdallas.com.