When Doves Cry vs. Billie Jean
In terms of DJs, few are as deep as New York’s DJ Spinna. The guy’s CV is longer than your iTunes playlist, and his musical knowledge (not to mention record collection) is vast and kind of overwhelming.
Which is why it’s such a treat whenever he brings his celebrated “Soul Slam” party to L.A. Starting the events in 1999 (zing!), Spinna pits Prince and Michael Jackson in a heated dance war, going between the two on the turntables. With all of that funk and energy pouring out of the speakers, most party people within earshot are crammed onto floor and working up a serious sweat. Just to keep it interesting, he'll toss in bizarre cover versions and rare remixes that leave the hardcore music nerds happy.
Tonight is the first time the bash has been held at the Echoplex, and I couldn’t think of a better host. There should be enough room for Prince and MJ fans to peacefully coexist. Although given Prince’s recent brain-melting set at Coachella, the Purple One might have something of an unfair advantage. Party on, y’all.
—Scott T. Sterling