THE NIGHT STUFF
Mystikal arrives with criminal rap in tow

Advertiser Staff

Raspy-voiced Mystikal performs Thursday at Volcanoes Nightclub. The rapper has been convicted of sexual battery and extortion. Gannett News Service 'Mystikal Halloween in Honolulu' Doors open 9 p.m. Thursday Volcanoes Nightclub $15 advance, $20 at the door, $30 for V.I.P. room 528-7071

Imagine a growl sounding a lot like a nicotine-trashed larynx with a shot of Jack Daniels flowing down. Now set that afire and bring on the hot sauce. That's the vox that has sent three CDs into the Billboard Top 200 album chart top five and made messy-as-a-rib-dinner Mystikal hits out of Neptunes-produced tracks like "Danger (Been So Long)" and "Shake Ya ... ."

Mystikal will be in Honolulu to perform at Thursday's aptly titled "Mystikal Halloween In Honolulu" party at Volcanoes Nightclub. As reported in yesterday's Advertiser, the gig arrives four days before the rapper is scheduled to appear in a Baton Rouge, La., courtroom for sentencing on a sexual battery conviction.

In June, Mystikal — whose real name is Michael Tyler — pleaded no-contest to an extortion charge and guilty to a sexual battery charge. The battery charge was for forcing his hairstylist to perform sex acts on him and two bodyguards; the extortion charge for telling the woman he would not press charges (he had accused her of stealing from him) if she performed the sex acts.

Tyler, 32, was sentenced to five years probation on the extortion charge in June. He faces a maximum 10-year sentence for the sexual battery charge.

Mystikal's publicist originally agreed to set up a phone interview with the rapper, provided our questions were e-mailed ahead of time so he could prepare. We were told Mystikal would answer whatever questions he could about his legal travails. However, there was some concern from Mystikal's publicist when our queries proved too concentrated on the case for their comfort. We were assured they would contact us, but they did not before TGIF press deadlines.

Once known as "the James Brown of hip-hop" because of his surprisingly-ranged rasp and slightly-this-side-of-crazed onstage demeanor, Mystikal has received fairly solid reviews for his live performances in the past. His Volcanoes show might also wind up being his last live show for some time.

Reach Derek Paiva at dpaiva@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8005.

Night notes ...

The Pussycat Lounge's Glitter N Glamour party moves to Saturday this month for "Red Carpet" at Wave Waikiki. Dress to the theme and catch a live set by DJ Mei-Lwun of San Francisco-based, trip-hop electronica combo Soulstice. All the usual GNG accoutrements will be offered, along with performances by the GNG Dancers and the b-boys from Kakimochi Funk Crew. Entry is $15, doors open at 9 p.m., 21 and older. Mei-Lwun also shows up at The Pussycat Lounge on Tuesday.

The Bikini Bar, up the stairs from Blue Tropix, launches Version 2.0 of Intensified on Saturday. Formerly at Players on University Avenue, the weekly will continue to feature live roots reggae and rock steady from local bands. Opening night at the Bikini Bar kicks off with Ooklah the Moc, Ionz and Irie Souls. From 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Entry is $5 for 21 and older, $7 for ages 18 to 21.

Finally, if you're looking for sweet, live worldbeat-tinged rock on Saturday, pile in for Country Truck at Anna Bannanas. Guitarist Jamie Winpenny and vocalist Selika Drake were in Red Session, a longtime Anna's favorite. Sax man Chuck Allan and flutist Karla K round out the quartet. At 9 p.m.