Kendrick Lamar
Royal Oak Music Theatre • 9/20
Straight out of Compton (literally), this young hip hop artist first came to fame after being mentioned by Dr. Dre. Since that first buzz in 2010, he's already worked with Snoop Dog, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Lady Gaga and that's just naming a few. Just this past July the Game announced Lamar had dethroned him as the king of Westside. Part of this supergroup Black Hippy- alongside Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul-, his style and technical ability has been compared to Eminem, Tupac , Nas and Jay-Z, who are also among his favorite rappers and idols. Show starts at 8 pm., more info at royaloakmusictheatre.com

DJ Maz
Bleu • 9/22
He's been studying the art of DJing since '95, developing a style that's a blend of house, hip hop, rock and pop. And that Top 40 mash-up method has proven quite popular, garnering him residencies at both of Tin Fish's locations plus Sky Club and the club he'll be making his epic return to this Saturday night. As one of Detroit's iconic DJs, Maz has an innate ability to read the crowd, thus delivering everyone in attendance exactly what it is that will pump them up and get them on the dance floor. Suffice it to say, it's not a party until this man takes over the turntables. Doors open at 10 p.m., for more info visit bleudetroit.com

Kevin Hart
Palace • 9/22
This actor and comedian packs quite a bit of talent in to his 5'2" frame. And while he may have been a little "scripted" when he recently hosted MTV's Video Music Awards, he was still as ridiculously funny in the show's promos as he is doing stand up. Whether he's poking fun at his grandpa or moonlighting as an actor (seriously, he's been in more movies than we can count) this grown little man never ceases to make us laugh 'til it hurts. Performing all new material, Hart is set to bring his Let Me Explain tour to Auburn Hills. Show starts at 8 p.m., palacenet.com for more info.

Hazel Park Art Fair
Green Acres Park • 9/22
Be one of the 10,000 people expected at this inaugural event happening in conjunction with the Hazel Park Fall Harvest Festival. Aside from a nominal donation, this event is free for artists to participate in, making it not only one-of-a-kind, but also a celebration of gratitude for all the creative folks who've chosen the city as their home. Music will also be heard from stages provided, free of charge, by the city and all performers –and artists– will retain every last penny of their sales. Power to the people! Starts at 11 a.m., for more info check out facebook.com/hazelpark.artfair.

#TBT
Blackfinn • 9/20
Celebrate just how close to weekend you've made it at Blackfinn's newest weekly event, Throwback Thursdays. Featuring a couple of our favorite DJs (Prevu and Captn20, who have managed to build some pretty successful weekly parties throughout town), expect to not only hear a lot of old school jams, but also catch some drink prices you haven't seen since '92. For more info visit blackfinnroyaloak.com.

Michael Kiwanuka
Magic Bag • 9/23

Coming to us from Great Britain by way of Uganda, this soul musician really only broke onto the scene in 2011. Though he counts Bill Withers, Otis Redding, Jack Johnson, The Band and Joni Mitchell among his many influences, he's only performed with one of his idols thus far. He has however, supported a pretty famous songstress, Adele, on tour and at the iTunes Festival in 2011. Catch him in the Motor City at 8 p.m., this Sunday. More info at themagicbag.com.

big business
Small's • 9/20
Take our word for it – Big Business is big business. The stoner metal band from Los Angeles (by way of Seattle) will return to Small's on Thursday with Gay Witch Abortion and awesome new local group Nice Hooves. Doors open at 8 p.m. for this all ages show – tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. If there's any doubt that these dudes will blow you away, you'll just have to take our word for it – and head to Hamtramck to check it out for yourself. More info at smallsbardetroit.com.