They want mellow. But mellow doesn't make money. Connor insists the idea is wrong that hip-hop is a main form of music that gets caught up in occasional violence. He says problems can crop up no matter what music a club plays, or who shows up to dance. Nightclub managers are aware that some night crawlers live extreme lives.
Many clubs limit their exposure through strict dress codes on gang wear and rave clothes.
At the Hop, customers may go through security pat-downs and purse checks. Clubs also use security guards and train employees to spot potential troublemakers. Richardson agrees with Connor that providing good security doesn't depend on the music. Richardson and other club managers at corporate-owned hotels are usually held to a higher burden of providing safety. In the meantime, of course, clubs are under pressure to create a special formula, a little somethin'-somethin' recipe that seduces people with money inside.