Turn it down

Formerly known as P.H.I.L.T.H.Y., Lansing-based hip-hop artist James Gardin headlines June 18 at Mac’s Bar along with Jabee, Rafa´el and Miles Young. “My current sound is a mix of funk, rap and gospel,” Gardin said. “My music sound is like Drake, Mos Def, and Kirk Franklin had a love child.” While he started out as a stripped-down act, he’s now joined by a full backing band: the Full Respect. Gardin, whose diverse influences range from Outkast to the Smiths, found his sound after hearing the 2004 Kanye West LP, “The College Dropout.” That’s when he decided to be himself, pull profanity from his rhymes and begin speaking about Christianity. These days he’s promoting his new album, “Living Daylights,” and is preparing to move to Pennsylvania for a job teaching songwriting and recording.

Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $8, 7 p.m., Thursday, June 18

Knowledge Da Mc releases album at Twiztid show , Saturday, Jun 13

Horror-core rap duo Twiztid headlines Saturday at the Loft, openers are Smokehouse Junkiez, Death 2 Reggies, Davey Suicide, Bake Lo and Knowledge Da MC. Twiztid was signed to Psychopathic Records from 1997 until 2012. Last year the pair formed its own label, Majik Ninja Entertainment. At the Loft show, Destin Leatherwood, aka Knowledge Da MC, releases his new 16-track mixtape, “Roach Reppin’ Smoke Sessions: Hydroponically Speaking.” The Lansing-based rapper will be joined on stage by his Roach Records label mate, Jimi Kanklez. “I’m originally from Atlanta, so I wanted to do something that not a lot of people do around here,” Leatherwood said about the new disc. “It’s basically a lot of stoner music on this album, but I’m not one dimensional when it comes to writing.” A follow-up Knowledge Da MC release is already in the works, the “First They See You” EP is due out later this year.

The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $30, $25 adv., 6 p.m., Saturday, Jun 13

Whitney Peyton at Mac´s Bar, Wednesday, June 17

Pennsylvania-based rapper Whitney Peyton brings her pop-flavored hip-hop to Mac’s Bar on June 17. Peyton is headlining a tour supporting her “Fear of Falling” EP. The disc, “an appetizer” for her upcoming full-length, was released in March and is a free download on her website. The EP is a follow-up to 2014’s “On the Brink.” Her bio cites Machine Gun Kelly, Eminem and Missy Elliott as influences and credits her accomplishments to her “catchy hooks and relatable rap verses.” Over the years she’s shared stages with Tech N9ne, Paul Wall, Jadakiss, DMX and more. Last year Peyton landed a 60-date national tour with Oscar- Winning rap group Three 6 Mafia. Opening the all-ages Mac’s Bar show are Eyrn Woods, S.O.P, VALO, A.I., Fatman the Glutton, DeRaNgEd, Trouble Da Tease, R.C. and Traviz-T.

Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $15, $10 adv., 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 17