Club Hoppin’ / Hip Hop

Years past its ‘80s heyday, clubs in the hip-hop community continue to suffer from a bad rap. Without the support of the House of Blues, which regularly books hip-hop performers, this area would be hurting. Here, however, are some soul survivors, along with a few new clubs out to keep the torch lit:

After Hours at the Jamaican Grill Cafe on Fridays and Saturdays, 6284 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 464-3475. From 2 a.m. till sunrise, you can bop till you drop. 18 & over, $5 cover.

Billboard Live’s Industry Groove on Sundays, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 769-0404. For the bourgie hip-hop lover. 21 & over, $10 cover.

Fat Pad at the Lava Room on Fridays, 1945 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 631-0526 or (714) 324-3976. Deejays Melo-D, Curse and Julio G spin all hip-hop, all night, breaking only for special guest artist appearances at this hotbed for rap lovers. 21 & over, $10 cover.

First Degree at the Garage on Saturdays, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd., Silver Lake, (213) 662-6802. Jimi Jam and Bigga B take over the three-room club and lend it some old-school soul, with videos featuring the best in ‘80s break-dancing and the best in resident deejays--Daz and Alywad. (Be sure to call because the club plans to relocate soon.) 21 & over, $8 cover (early arrival recommended).

Jamaican Gold at Martini Lounge on Sundays, 5657 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, (213) 467-4068. For the hip-hop fan who likes his or her beats laced with a dash of reggae. 21 & over, $5 cover.

Lethal Groove Injection at the Viper Room on Tuesdays, 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 358-1880. This funk ‘n’ hip-hop joint is a Viper highlight, with go-go dancers and multiple deejays weekly. 21 & over, $10 cover.

Malathion at Vertigo’s, the first Monday of the month, 801 W. Temple St., downtown, (213) 782-7047. Deejays Daz and Cokni-o-dire spin at this two-room club, offering strictly hip-hop on the main dance floor and experimental, drum ‘n’ bass in the second room. 18 & over, $5 cover.

The Push Lounge at Checca on Saturdays, 7323 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 850-7471. DJ Alphabet spins the best in hip-hop and funk. 21 & over, $20 cover.

UNITY, location and frequency varies, (213) 368-8927. Showcasing everyone from the Wu Tang Clan to KRS, this six-year old floating club is one of the most pivotal clubs on the scene. If only it had a home!18 & over, cover varies (between $10 and $15).