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Diplo Vs Next Door

September 2nd, 2009
By: Badass

Thomas Wesley Pentz aka Diplo played at Next Door Cinema Lounge on Friday July 31st, 2009 to a sweaty, sold out crowd. It was a much anticipated night for Honolulu heads interested in this Grammy nominated producer, dj, songwriter, record label owner and now co-producer of a documentary based in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . This night had a talent in the midst that was almost overridden by the venue's mismanagement from the door dictatorship, to general uncleanliness and no ventilation. The night started out at 930pm. "Favela On Blast" the documentary was played for club go-ers interested in seeing the origins of funk carioca or favela funk, known on the mainland and abroad as baile funk. This film had the real poverty of the favelas and the music inspired or produced in spite of being from the slums. Musicians, dancers, and the "funk" promoters were interviewed, it was fast paced, loud, and contained surprisingly, sex appeal. This film was a great insight into the origins, the inspirations, and the constant motion of musical creativity and is a great credit to Mr. Pentz, as one of THE purveyors of baile funk to the world at large. The documentary's only drawback it had a run time of 80 minutes but it felt longer.

Then Next Door transformed from cinema to lounge, resident dj Mr. Nick and Jami from Nocturnal Sound Crew started the crowd dancing. Diplo played from midnight on to a cheering and dancing crowd. It took Diplo's entire two hour set to forget about the toilets flooding, my blocked reentry, frustration of waiting in line after already being inside and the heat. It was so hot, water dripped from the ceiling, many speculated it was sweat and everyone’s hands were in the air when Diplo ended his mash up set at 2am. It was time to go and Mr. Pentz put away his gear, then posed for photos with fans and then discreetly slipped away. It was another club night done, if only the venue had been as great as the talent.