Where other hip-hop clubs fail, the Loft, a midsize venue in the burgeoning midtown strip, excels. Olive Street is lined with tricked-out Escalades and cruisers on weekends, and men and women shoulder their way into the packed house looking fresh off a shoot for BET. Reserved VIP booths line one wall, and HOT 104.1's best DJs burn up the dance floor with well-chosen hip-hop, R&B and soul tracks. The Loft may not be the biggest or swankiest club in River City, but it's a great alternative to the Wash. Ave. club scene.