Not even 25, Rusko (born Christopher Mercer ) is already a dubstep icon. The genre itself isn’t all that old either: The movement grew out of the U.K.’s garage scene in the early part of the decade. If you don’t know the ins and outs of all the different electronic subgenres, dubstep is the one with the crazy wobbly bass sound. In recent years, mainstream hip-hop artists like Snoop Dogg and Xzibit have recorded dubstep songs. Like its drum ’n’ bass predecessor, dubstep is often dominated by a darker vibe. But Rusko adds his own spin on the genre, crafting tunes that are more fun and energetic. This approach paid off on 2007’s “Cockney Thug,” which was a massive hit overseas. Not only are his production skills top-notch, but Rusko’s DJ sets are just as memorable. An Essential Mix he did for BBC’s Radio 1 last year set the blogosphere ablaze and put Rusko on the same esteemed list as Fatboy Slim, Moby and Daft Punk. He performs at the B-Side Liquor Lounge (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Hts., 216.932.1966) at 9 p.m. Tickets: $10. — Eddie Fleisher
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