Fri., Aug. 16, Tha Alkaholiks

Tha Alkaholiks, a.k.a. Tha Liks, is another old-school hip-hop group that, unfortunately, isn't as well-known as it should be. Formed in the early 1990s, the trio propelled itself with lyrics influenced by hard-hitting yet fun-loving early East Coast hip-hop (think Beastie Boys, Wu-Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest) rapped over G-Funk-esque beats by DJ E-Swift. Emcees Tash and J-Ro tag-teamed to perfection on 1997's “Hip Hop Drunkies”—the group's biggest hit—which featured guest vocals by the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. The group disbanded in 2006 after releasing Firewater, which featured the rhythmic and poetic “Chaos.” The Liks are now back together; catch them this Friday with Cali Agents and Casual. 2708 J Street, www.alkaholiks.com.