Return of the Native

Y'all can leave the earth, wind, fire, and water for Captain Planet, cuz the only element you need be concerned with this week is turntable guru DJ Element.

The true Arizona native -- we're talkin' straight off the Salt River Indian Rez -- has been blowing minds and eardrums for 13 years with his inspired mixing techniques, spinning everything from dancehall, reggae, and old school to underground hip-hop, funk, and soul.

Start the weekend off right (i.e., one day early) when Element takes command of the decks at the weekly Blunt Club affair for the first time in more than a year. For those not in the know, Blunt Club was originally a spoken word/poetry night held at PI (now Real Bar). Three years ago, it set up shop around the corner at Hollywood Alley and evolved into a multifaceted celebration of hip-hop culture, complete with DJs, MCs, b-boys/girls, and live art.

Element will kick off his three-week residence with special guests Anglo Saxon and Drive-in Scientists. He'll also man the wheels of steel August 16 and 23 before jetting off to Amsterdam next month for the IBE Championships, so bid him a safe trip to the land of hash, bicycles, and, well, more hash. Between Element, the live entertainment, drink specials, a late-night kitchen, and arcade, it will be damn near impossible not to enjoy yourself at this joint (pun intended).