Eminem melts in my hands by SCOTT C I was really looking forward to talking to the twisted little mind behind the Slim Shady LP. Yeah, I know that maybe the buzz has died down a bit when it comes to the "incredibly controversial" Eminem, but to tell the truth, I simply thought that this cat would have some funny shit to say. From what I've heard, he doesn't put on a bad live show either, but none of that matters now. The tentative interview that I've been trying to schedule for weeks has been DENIED. What are all those hungry little fans gonna do for the next week and a half? They can start by dropping acid, popping some pills and yelling rhyming swearwords at themselves in the bathroom mirror. Eminem and pals Black Eyed Peas and Ice T play the Warped Tour at Parc des Îles on July 23. On July 17, Metropolis is transformed into a battleground once again. Montreal welcomes the long-awaited ITF Advancement Class Regional Competitions. The turntablist event where, as my man Graham would say, it's for all the cookies. The ITF works on elimination rounds where you see the DJs go head to head, kinda like GQ from that movie Juice, climbing mercilessly to the top of the heap. Beat juggling and scratching skills are paramount if you want to compete, judged by New York deck-professors Roc Raida and Mista Sinista. Look for Kid Koala hosting Turntable Jeopardy and DJ Simahlak controlling the musical interludes. Roc Raida and Sinista will also showcase, so don't miss. If you haven't bought your Jamiroquai ticket by now, you and I both know it may be too late. With an anticipated sold-out house, this is going to be a party. Legendary Toronto soul phenomenon Blaxxam is rumoured to be opening for the big show on the 16th, so stakes is high, if you know what I mean. Later that night, move on up to China Club for the official Jamiroquai after-party, featuring the vinyl stylings of Sebastian Joannette and myself. Me and Jay K are supposed to race the St-Joseph mile in matching Ferraris at 2 a.m., so get there early for a good seat. Let's talk about Wednesdays because there's all kinds to do right smack dab in the middle of the week. First, get your ass to Dub Lounge at Blizzarts for some original drum and bass, roots and culture, easily one of the city's best kept reggae secrets. Next, Alchemy at Jai and its downtempo and worldbeat mixture is worth a look, while across the street at Kokino, DJs Quest and Patrick C spin "music with soft shoulders and dangerous curves" at a new night called Oasis. Lastly, it's nice to see that the Roots have decided to return to Montreal so soon after killing it at the Spectrum the last time they were here. A nice outside show is a great way to come back, towing the consummate self-proclaimed white boy Everlast in their wake (fans of Everlast will no doubt see it the other way around, but who cares) at Place des Nations on Parc des Îles, August 5. All you Ruff Ryders can reach me at: plan_b13@hotmail.com