Some people can't see that St. Joe has an original hip-hop music scene, but that's because there's really only one guy carrying the torch. Lucky for us, Brandon Smith a.k.a. Hollywood Aliaz proved at a solo show at The Rendezvous Friday night that he carries it well.

The performer took the stage with a few of his friends, including DJ Krunk and Toine C from Joe Mizzery Crew among others, to a respectable turnout. This was the second show Aliaz has performed at The Vous in two weeks after making his debut with indie rockers The Belt Highway, so he must have made a good impression.

With a few extra stand-up lights and a few people just standing randomly and sometimes lifelessly behind the DJ booth, Aliaz layed down charismatic flows over beats that conjured up Kanye West soul sampling, Dr. Dre-inspired funk and southern bounce. With his first track announcing "I'm Me," he certaintly was, with plastic '80s shades, a black rock t-shirt and baggy jeans. But what makes Aliaz most watchable is the dude performs his butt off. Lyrically, he can be autobiographical, referencing the pride of watching his one-year-old daughter grow up. But the dude can also boast about a fierce weed-smoking habit, which was probably truthful but a bit over-emphasized in the hour-long set, along with money and the dream of attaining it.

For all the energy Aliaz put out, with the exception of a few rogue drunks and goofballs, the crowd didn't give it back. Which is surprising considering a few of his songs could easily end up on 95.7 The Vibe and start at least one dance craze if they'll let him flip the bird and drop the F-bomb on BET.

Aliaz's performance showed he's definitely got the confidence and enough lyrical prowess to get beyond St. Joe if he had the right opportunity. If this city's got a chance produce a hip-hop star, Aliaz is that dude.