Mr. Brown Returns

No doubt Detroit rapper Danny Brown likes to party, evidenced by tracks like “Blunt After Blunt,” “Smokin & Drinkin” and “Die Like A Rockstar.” With an increasing fan base and his fourth studio album just released Sept. 30, it seems like the 35-year-old has no plans of halting the fun bus anytime soon.

Although still producing hearty bangers, it’s clear that Brown is stepping in a new direction. His new album Atrocity Exhibition, named after the Joy Division song, came out on Warp Records, an English label known for the experimental electronic and IDM, or intelligent dance music, of artists like Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada. And recent singles from Brown’s upcoming LP definitely show some of that influence.

For example, “When It Rain” features less trap-esque, sustained bass drops and a more frantic (almost anxious) and intimidating electronic sample over which Brown breathlessly flows with his signature twang.

Although more alternative than previous releases, Atrocity Exhibition features big-name collaborations with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Earl Sweatshirt, showing that Brown’s come a long way from self-releasing a plethora of mixtapes.

Live, Brown’s a whirlwind of energy that makes him well-suited to the larger stages he’ll be performing on throughout his tour: the Roseland Theater in Portland, The Knitting Factory in Spokane, House of Blues in Chicago. But, interestingly enough, Brown also has plans to bust through the more intimately sized WOW Hall in Eugene.

Catch Danny Brown with Maxo Kream and ZelooperZ 9 pm Saturday, Oct. 8, at WOW Hall; $26 adv., $29 door. All-ages. — Meerah Powell

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!