Military brats KeithElite and Rudy Rude from the Rukus have lived all over the world, hooking up first in Okinawa, Japan, and later in Tampa. Part of the Gwan Massive art and music collective, the Rukus, which also includes DJ Blenda, spit a funky blend of thought-provoking lyrics over a smooth, head-bobbing selection of Blenda's soul samples. The end result is trippy, slick and rocking throughout.

On Wednesday (5/25), the Rukus will be part of a hip-hop show that'll be as cool for the local scene as it will for fans of hip-hop in general. They'll be opening for Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan at the State Theatre, alongside locals Dynasty, Sandman, Infinite Skillz and B.C. It's a top-to-bottom killer lineup. Tickets are $17-$20. Click here to get 'em.