In 2000 year-end issue, Billboard magazine acknowledged "...'global rock,' a hip hop-rock-reggae crossbreed..." Only the sound is profoundly much more. Global Rock is naturally a blend of Punk, Reggae, Ska, Dub, Hardcore, Funk, Metal and Hiphop in multiple variations. And yea, snap, crackle and pop effects plus random piercing feedbacks are sometimes a part of it. Often these effects are not edited from recordings -- they are enhanced (;-)). And in the tradition of Lee Scratch Perry, a little distorted bass is tolerated. It is about rhythm, culture and a lifestyle one could only find in the street. Like blues greats Lightnin' Hopkins and Howling Wolf, etc., plus the legendary sound system owner and producer Jack Ruby (from Ocho Rios - Jamaica) who used to sit on a redstripe crate under a broadleaf tree and A&R new artists -- D.I.A Records can be found on every street corner where the scene is. And regarding Red Light districts –- call the State Department because we are going in to soak up the flavah dude. D.I.A loves grit and warmth man.