Sikenomics and Scion

Summertime has more to offer than a predictable spike in the city’s murder rate. This weekend, for instance, locals can take refuge at two events that showcase the city’s growing affinity for all things hip-hop. Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, local man-about-town, artist, DJ and clothing-designer Sike Style hosts a Recession-Proof Summer Release Block Party and Trunk Show outside of Spool (122 West 18th Street). With music from Reach’s Soul Providers Crew (a rotating cast of prominent local DJs and MCs) as the fitting backdrop, Sike reveals new additions to his Sikenomics clothing line alongside offerings from Spool’s haute racks. Down the street on Sunday, producer Ace Fadal of CrushProof Studios hosts the grand opening of a “locals only” beat battle series at Scion Lab, a cozy underground venue located at Crossroads KC at Grinders (on the east side of Oak, south of 18th Street). Starting at 8 p.m., the inaugural battle pits Deuce Fontane of the Soul Servers against Mythik of the duo Barbaric Merits. (The crowd, per hip-hop regulation, will provide summary judgment and execution.) A hip-hop performance and, in an interesting twist, an appearance by local indie-rock group Pet Comfort, will close out the evening’s 18-and-up festivities.