Illbotz’s songs may be driven by punch lines, but this Roanoke group’s rapping is no joke. Emcees Stevie D (sometimes seen wearing a DVD case on a necklace, Flava Flav style) and Big Perm trade comedic rhymes with Run DMC-style precision while addressing such nerd-happy topics as zombies and the Nintendo Powerglove. DJ Samson, who seems to back every rapper from the ’noke, holds his own nicely with a modernized approach to mid-’90s turntablism. It’s well-made hip-hop that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a nice balance.
$8-$10. The Milestone.
This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 5, 2011.
