J-Zone & DJ $heep are XxxTra Chee$e, Scratch, The Bongo Club, 7 Dec

Edinburgh's scene gets a much-needed shot in the arm, thanks to the return of the mighty Scratch, the original East Coast headz convention, for a completely exclusive one-off show. Scratch are bringing together US beat pioneer J-Zone, whose releases on the Maid Ent label ensured him legendary status among fans of underground hip-hop, and the unparalleled decksmanship of Australian DMC champion DJ $heep. Under their moniker XxxTra Chee$e, they deliver a two-hour hip-hop show combining raw beats, the lightning fast mixes of DJ $heep, and the off-kilter, lunatic humour that made J-Zone's Ign'ant Mix series so sought after. The XxxTra Chee$e experience is a culture clash of comedy, turntablism and dancefloor urgency. Fuelled by classic beats from the 70s, 80s and 90s, including slept-on hip-hop classics, the show is the brainchild of two DJs / producers whose list of collaborators (everyone from Celph Titled to Q Bert, from Prince Paul to Premier) is literally a who's who of classic hip-hop. Quite apart from that, what would compel you to miss the reuniting of Scratch residents Richie Rufftone (5 times Scottish DMC champ), Blag1 (Xplicit) and Lyley, for this one-of-a-kind rap spectacular? Pack this one out, mo'fos! [Bram Gieben]