http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2013/nov/20/264893/

ShowYouSuck
w/ Yawn Johnson/ Approach/ BluntRap/ Les Paul/ Second Hand King/ DJ G Train

With a lineup that lengthy, and only the standard $3 cover at the Replay, there is no reason you shouldn’t get yourself to this hip hop show. And I guarantee, they’ll give you a show. ShowYouSuck is an artist from the west side of Chicago who created his own brand of hip hop catering to all of his music interests (raised on alternative/metal) described at punk-based trill rap “with a touch of wit.” He delivers a live metal-enthused hip-hop show, spreading messages of life’s ups and downs, relationships and of course, partying.
Friday, Nov. 22, at the Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, 11 p.m. $3.

Middle Twin
w/ Your Friend/ Haunt Ananta

Style on the Hill is hosting this party to raise money for their operations so if you’re a fan of the blog/magazine, show some support by showing up. Middle Twin is local electronic-indie-rock band formerly known as Brain Food that provides heavy synth sounds for your dancing pleasure. Taryn Miller, or Your Friend, recently topped the charts at KJHK for two weeks straight, the most played local artist since 2011. She uses her vocals and six guitar pedals to create ambient, atmospheric music.
Friday, Nov. 22, at the Jackpot Saloon, 943 Massachusetts, 10 p.m., $3-5.

Taproom DJ’s Throwdown 4

This throwdown’s lineup: DJ Proof, DJ Kimberly Legal, Josh Powers, and Johnny Quest. If you attend DJ versus Drums, Check Your Head, or Every Record in the Box, you’ll enjoy this show, as it features players from all of those nights. If you’re unfamiliar with the spinning scene in Lawrence, check out this story I wrote, featuring DJ Kimbarely Legal (Kimberly Simonetti). Then get to the Taproom this Saturday to see these three other DJs on their grind.
Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Eighth Street Taproom, 801 New Hampshire, 10 p.m. $3.

Wade Bowen

Country music fans rejoice! It’s not that often that I get to highlight a country show, as this isn’t exactly the town setting for the genre. Wade Bowen is a Texan singer-songwriter who released his first album “Try Not to Listen” in 2002, a regional success. This album inspired 200 nights on the road in grassroots campaign to steal the hearts of even more fans. He continued to rake in regional fans with five independent films and a decade of touring, leading to national recognition for 2012 album, “The Given.”
Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Granada, 1020 Massachusetts, 8 p.m. $15 in advance.

Rusko [KANSAS CITY PICK]

English dubstep producer and DJ, Rusko is known for a fun, energetic and uplifting approach to the conventional darker sounds of dubstep. He studied at Leeds College of music where he immersed himself in the world of reggae and dubstep, leading him to London to work with record label Sub Soldiers. His biggest hit, “Cockney Thug,” has been played by Pete Tong, Switch, Diplo and Santogold, to name a few, and has been remixed by Buraka Som Sistema, Diplo, Caspa, Drop the Lime and the Scratch Perverts.
Monday, Nov. 25, at the Midland, 1228 Main St., 8 p.m., $25-35.

Norma Jean

Originally called Luti-Kriss and releasing two albums under that name, this Atlanta-based Christian metalcore band (who appeals to non-Christian headbangers) changed their name to Marilyn Monroe’s actual name, after major confusion with Atlanta-based rapper Ludacris. With his controversial and explicit lyrics, they were quick to make a change. In its original formation, the band played heavy rap-metal, earning comparisons to Limp Bizkit and Korn. Now heavier and nixing the rap element, Norma Jean says they believe in a punishing sound, beating listeners into obedience (in a figurative manner).
Wednesday, Nov. 27, at the Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire, 6:30 p.m. $14-16.