What's New Bars & Clubs: Hush, Tuanjiehu

Just about every rapper has had their start from the bottom now I’m here boast, typically followed by an MTV Cribs showcase of newly-acquired wealth and everything the comes with it. The Beijing version of MTV Cribs is a night out at Gongti, with girls, cars, and as much champagne as it takes to one-up the surrounding tables. It’s only appropriate then that the city’s first club dedicated to all things hip-hop has posted up in Gongti. Hush take the mic.

“4 and 3 and 2 and 1!
Beijing party all the lights on us/ throw the best parties champagne full cups
Put your finger to your mouth/join the fam
At HUSH”*

Word to your mutha. MC A, aka Leonardo, has a big hand in what Hush is and what it will be. It is a defiant shhh to its noisy neighbors. While the Gongti giants prefer to conspicuously out-swank each other, Hush prefers to keep things low-key and private, a radical concept for the area. The interior helps to ensure this. The club is hidden behind a slim anteroom and thick curtains. Step inside, and you’re on the set of Big Poppa. Dimmed lights, plush couches, tubs full of champagne bottles, flashy boys, and video girls convince you that Sean Combs is still Puff Daddy, and he’s sitting in the back with Biggy. If you want “Hot in Here,” go across the street. DJ purists would smile upon the two turntables spun by established tastemakers that play old school and nu-skewl kool.

MC A does it all for the fans. Everything from the sound system to the menu is customer-centric. Music too loud? They’ve placed their speakers in such a way that you can have a conversation at the bar. Drink not strong enough? They’ll take care of that. You can even make your own drink. Choose your favorite liquor and experiment with different mixers to make a personalized cocktail (RMB 80). They love experimenting themselves, and have invented ten cocktails, all mixed with brand-name liquor and quality ingredients (RMB 80). But if my hip-hop knowledge serves me, the drinks menu might as well just be the champagne list. The list starts at RMB 480 and the Dom Perignon 750ml is RMB 3,980.

Hush is attracting attention from locals and expats alike, and the irony should not be wasted on anybody, but celebrated with a sparkling flute.

*Lyrics by MC A from WeChat WeHush Vol. 1

Hush
Tue-Sun 10pm-Late. 22 Workers’ Stadium, Chaoyang district
工体22看台900m
West of Tuanjiehu Station (Line 10)
 

Photos: Sui