The lights are low tonight. If it wasn’t for the neon’s above the drums, guitars, and turn tables, it would be a pitch black night at the legendary spot known as Fitzgerald’s. Oh, and please believe: the neon’s are on for a reason. In about 15 minutes, the room will thunder with screams, and roar with applause for the hip hop sensation known as “Das Racist.” This New York and California bred clan are sweeping the underground scene like a musical plague, and burying the competition. And from the energy generated by the massive crowd packed in Fitzgerald’s, it’s safe to say that Himanshu Suri, Victor Vazquez, and Ashok Kondabolu know a little something about burying the competition. As the band rolls onto the stage, wearing masks and all, the crowd goes hysterical. And sanity isn’t restored until the end of the night. Performing smash underground singles such as the sample driven, “You Oughta Know” which brilliantly reworks the Billy Joel classic, “Movin’ Out” and their comical hit, “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell,” which sees the trio paying a twisted tribute to the fast food restaurant over a pinging electric guitar. And the crowd eats it up. Digesting every one of their rhymes and regurgitating them right back to stage. As the crew wraps up their set, fans attempt to rush back stage with them, in an almost, rock star fashion. Across the room, their “Das Racist” t-shirts are flying off of the table just as quickly. The phenom is surreal. As they leave the venue, one can’t help but be reminded of the lyrics of their track, “Rainbow in the dark.” They're making a sound even when no ones around.
