Glazed Tracks

Why did Detroit native Eminem to travel to sunny Southern California to hook up with Dr. Dre, when he had super producer Jay Dee -- a.k.a. J Dilla -- in his backyard? Maybe it’s because Em digs the hardcore thug aesthetic, and Jay Dee is more a purveyor of the chill, smart-rhyme sound. (He’s been the go-to man for A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Common and Busta Rhymes.) After staying behind the scenes for half a decade, the producer is coming to the forefront with his first solo instrumental disc, Donuts, and today, the folks behind the weekly Rock Box parties at The Proletariat are holding an official Donuts listening party, just one of many concurrently happening around the country. And here’s something sweet: You can enjoy complimentary donuts throughout the night as you check the 31 Donuts MC-free tracks, which are glazed with soul, hip-hop and funk. A party like this may make you feel like Homer Simpson at Shipley’s. But don’t worry -- you’ll eventually burn off those empty calories by shakin’ your ass. 9 p.m. For tickets, call 713-523-1199 or visit www.theproletariathouston.com. Free.
Thu., Feb. 2