However, consistently impressive feedback and raving reviews about the night, compounded by surprisingly impressive headliners (including Australian DMC champion DJ Selekt and Mofonik’s own Mr Tsang) on a weekly basis, quickly turned this night from a ‘maybe’ into a ‘must see’. And who could seriously ask for a more opportune time to pop my Boogie Down cherry than to simultaneously bear witness to the ex UK DMC champ and ex Scratch Pervert member Mr Thing? Solid stuff.

Upon arriving to Candy’s Apartment, Regal was on the decks playing to a steadily growing crowd. Events at this venue tend to attract relatively late comers, (perhaps $6 VBs have something to do with it?) so turning up to an already half full room before midnight caused my eyes to light up in surprise. Next in line was Blaze, and he wasted no time in displaying the skills that upholds his reputation as one of Sydney’s finest. Delivering a set that was technically impressive, as well as a track selection adequately designed to get the crowd moving in anticipation of the headline act, Blaze picked up from where Regal left flawlessly and gradually got the dancfloor moving.

By the time Mr Thing graced us with his presence, the house was comfortably packed with an eclectic crowd of party people keen for a funking good time. I don’t think anyone can really get sick of turntablism if it is done properly, and a scratch supremo as proficient as Mr Thing was bound to impress even the most skeptical of punters.

On cue, he certainly delivered the goods in that department, with a superbly programmed set that covered a wide spectrum of classic hip hop and funk party tunes. A variety of huge tracks ranged from Roots Manuva, krs-one, Wu Tang, to J5, Cypress Hill and Pete Rock. He obviously has a thing for Gangstarr because several of their tracks featured (“Full Clip” inciting a rowdy response from the massive), and there were surely no complaints here. Fantastic reactions from the crowd were noted with every tune he slammed onto the decks. Mr Thing managed for the most part to select a plethora of recognisable tunes, while managing to avoid many of the predictable party set staples.

The mixing and cutting was extremely tight as one would expect, albeit less scratching than I expected. This was clearly a DJ who knew the difference between a pure trick set and a party set. Tonight he was here to perform the latter, all the while showcasing a subtle balance of what the true essence of turntablism is about. A damn fine set.

Unfortunately, I had to leave early and missed out on Nick Toth’s set. However, judging by the number of people still bustin moves on the dancefloor as I left, I’m sure the party continued well into the early hours of Saturday morning. An all-round fantastic party from the Boogie Down crew. Great vibe, great music, great concept. This is one night that looks set to be around for a while. Two big thumbs up!