Nightwatch notes: Drama starter

By Tom Horgen, Star Tribune

Last update: November 15, 2007 - 3:53 PM

It's been a long, tumultuous year for hip-hop's mixtape king, DJ Drama. First he got arrested on racketeering charges for selling illegal mix CDs. Then his boss T.I. got busted for buying a bunch of guns. But things are looking up now, as his long-awaited major-label debut, "Gangsta Grillz: The Album," is finally dropping Dec. 4. In his "Gangsta Grillz" series, dozens of rap stars released CDs filled with exclusive material. Now they're contributing to Drama's own disc. He'll spend the night at Foundation, and maybe he'll spin the best from his long list of mixtapes. (10 p.m. Wed. 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. $15. 18 and older. 612-332-3931. www.foundationmpls.com)

Ed Hardy in the house

The Ed Hardy clothing brand is one reason it's now OK to wear T-shirts in the clubs -- after all, each can cost up to $100. Visage is hosting an Ed Hardy fashion show Sunday that also includes designer Adam Saaks, who's famous for what he calls "Custom Cutoure," cutting and fitting shirts and dresses for celebrities such as Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey. (The end result is a bunch of fabulous slits that show a lot more skin.) He'll cut about 60 tees live for women who sign up at the beginning of the night. Check out his process at www.myspace.com/adamsaaks. (10 p.m. Sun. 400 3rd Av. N., Mpls. $10-$15. 21 and older. 612-455-2525. www.visagenightclub.com)

Thanksgiving Eve

I don't know if it's a great idea to show up at your family get-together with a hangover, but plenty of clubs are offering Thanksgiving Eve parties. Here are two good ones: Spin will hold its annual Studio 54-themed party (www.spinmn.com) while Aqua offers a Miami Vice-themed party hosted by 2007's Playmate of the year, Sara Jean Underwood (www.aquampls.com).

Country in the clubs

If you'd rather shake your booty to Big & Rich than Soulja Boy, then you'd better head to the Rush in Cottage Grove. Once known for its Western theme, the club strayed from the concept in recent years, but it's going country again. First off, it's bringing country music back on Saturday nights, with DJ Gentleman Jim. It's also bringing in country singer Dustin Evans on Wednesday for a big rodeo party (9 p.m. $10). Here's to jumping back in the saddle. (7359 West Point Douglas Rd. S., Cottage Grove. 651-458-0636. www.therushnightclub.com)