Event: Biz Markie! at Dinkytowner

You know the world's getting a little weird when corporate types become major players in keeping underground and old-school hip-hop alive. To promote its Scion brand (that goofy little car that looks like a toaster oven), Toyota has been using hip-hop for the past few years. But instead of paying rap stars to rhyme jingles in commercials, Scion has gone a different, less corny route, showing up in unlikely places to hold hip-hop's hand. It sponsors national DJ competitions, beat-making contests and local events such as the B-Girl Be summit. Recently, Scion started hosting DJ nights featuring legendary hip-hop artists at small clubs across the country. Last month Scion brought Prince Paul to the Dinkytowner in Minneapolis. On Thursday, it's bringing Biz Markie! This might be corporate branding at its slyest, but you know every hip-hop head worth his or her fat-lace Adidas will be there. (9 p.m. Thu., Dinkytowner, 412½ 14th Av. SE., Mpls. Free. 21 & older. 612-362-0427.)

TOM HORGEN