Monday, March 30, 2009

Innerloop Records Reasonable Doubt Remix Project Recap


ViceLife video of Innerloop Records Reasonable Doubt Event from ViceLifePR on Vimeo.

(I was the one who won the RockSmith tee at 5:05 and please don't laugh me out when you get to 13:40)

The Reasonable Doubt Remix Project, an event showcasing some of the area's best rappers rhyming over some of the area's best producers remixed tracks from Jay-Z's classic career debut release, Reasonable Doubt. I was more than anxious to attend this event when I first learned of it because this was something rather paramount, yet unheard of to me. I was familiar with most of the line-up but it was definitely a pleasure to see Asheru rock "Politics As Usual", not on some "Guess who's back?" type shit but more so me wanting to hear Asheru do his thing after not hearing him for a minute.

My favorite lines for the evening:

- AB The Producer when he said "I'd rather be paid with haters, than broke with lovers" on "Dead Presidents". Can I also mention how he flippin' freaked this beat

- Nando McFlyy told us on "22 Two's" there's "Too much down south boooty lickin'!" Thank you! Even though he admittedly forgot some of the lyrics he maintained a humorously cocky yet sincerely cool demeanor

- Cayan and Pro'Verb on "Friend or Foe '09" - "Ain't nobody smellin' any local cologne unless they got some roto-toms or congos"

Favorite remixes:

Asheru - "Politics As Usual" produced by E-Minah

AB The Producer - "Dead Presidents" produced by himself

B-Sheba - "Ain't No Love" produced by LCD

RAtheMC - "Cashmere Thoughts" produced by Judah

Lyriciss - "Regrets" produced by Kokayi

I can't end this before mentioning how captivating K-Beta's performance on "D'Evils" was. He just went in as soon as the beat dropped, commanding the audiences attention the entire time. He voiced the grimness of the track through his lyrics and facial expression. Practically mean mugging the crowd lol...



Download - Reasonable Doubt Remix Project

Wednesday 4/1: Equal Footing: DC Statehood Rally & Free Concert @ U.S .Capitol




Equal Footing: DC Statehood Rally & Free Concert
Shout out to Sneaker Suite)
Wednesday, April 1st
6PM-8PM
Performances by:
Tabi Bonney
Rasi Caprice
Head Roc
Kyonte
Kingpin Slim

West Steps of the U.S. Capitol Building
@ 1st St. NW between Constitution and Independence Avenues

Friday 4/3: LACED @ Wisconsin Overlook





EVOLUTION OF CULTURE
This current time marks a point in history. Is it the beginning of a shift? Or is it a new
case on the same device? With a new president, a new optimistic outlook, and new
global view perspective by the world, American culture automatically leaps into the
door of opportunity- a mainstream opportunity to share and be open to
inclusiveness. It also means a new found evolution of thought, new expression of
individuality, yet juxtaposed with new expressions of association-concepts of life
experiences represented as family, heritage, tradition,
language, style, diction and
life experiences—CULTURE.

Cul ture [kuhl-cher]:
:a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period.
:the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group
:the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts

This makes us who we are, uniquely cultural, uniquely devoted to those subtleties
and conformities, traditions that associate us with a specific group, form or
expression. Featured artists at this event will explore our past, present and future
with the EVOLUTION OF CULTURE; the consistent transcendence of it, how it is
exported, represented, adhered to, understood, defied, related, and what this means
to them in American society.
Join us in a consciously progressive walk in time as bring back LACED, our mix of video, music, art & fashion elements in
The Return of LACED THE ART SHOW: EVOLUTION OF
CULTURE
at the Grand Opening of the WISCONSIN OVERLOOK.

Curated by Jonathan Sears

LACED:
THE ART SHOW
FRI 04.03.09

6-10PM
$10

Thematically exploring the EVOLUTION OF CULTURE,
with artworks by MAHWISH CHISTY, BILLY COLBERT, PRISCILLA DE LIMA-LEDESMA
SHAUNTE GATES, BRANDON HILL, CHARLES JEAN-PIERRE,
ELLINGTON ROBINSON

Live installation by ANIEKAN UDOFIA

Curated by JONATHAN SEARS

Fashion exhibition by DANA AYANA GREAVES
Additional stylings by L'RAI ARTHUR-MENSAH
Classical Carnatic music by RANGASHREE VARADARAJAN (Violin/Vocals) & V:SHAL KANWAR (Tabla)
Video by VIDEOKILLERS
also with music by DJ ADRIAN LOVING & DJ I-WAH

Complimentary wine & champagne by BAREFOOT

Partial proceeds donated to LIFE PIECES TO MASTERPIECES

Sponsored by WASHINGTON CITYPAPER

@ GRAND OPENING OF
WISCONSIN OVERLOOK
Parking in rear | 3 floors + rooftop

Friday 4/3: solSource x Stockholm 180: LACED - The Spring Kickoff w/Open Bar




This Friday, your presence is requested in Georgetown, to a unique party in a very exclusive venue. It's not in a club, it's not even in a lounge. This invitation-only event will be held in a renovated 5-level residence that overlooks the entire city.

The LACED Party returns, all grown up for those craving a real party with like-minded, mature, sophisticated people with various elements for the senses.

If you've been to LACED before, you're in for a new treat. For those who haven't, we'd bet that you've never been to a party like this in D.C. before.

Appealing to all five senses, each floor will have its own theme with beautiful Art, Video DJ's spinning all of the best music videos on projectors, and a rooftop where DJ's will be spinning the right mix while we enjoy a view of the Monument.

Because of the private nature of this location and event launch, this event is only available to those who are on the list.

The price of admission is only $25 (get there before 11:30pm to guarantee this price), but in addition to the beautiful people, sights and sounds, there will be a COMPLIMENTARY OPEN BAR all night long!

You must be on the guest list to gain entry to this exclusive location. There will be no plus ones. Your full name plus your guests full name must be on the list to gain admission.

(Proceeds from this event will be donated to www.kiva.org which is an organization that funds entrepreneurs in third world countries to start their own businesses)

DOORS: 10PM
ADMISSION IS $25 BEFORE 11:30PM

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2009
solSource x Stockholm 180 LACED: Spring Kickoff w/ open bar
Location: Wisconsin Overlook -
2136 WISCONSIN AVE NW
(Rear entrance & parking off of W Place)

OPEN BAR

Projectors on 2 floors, Art all around from some of D.C.'s hot visual artists

DJ Okun spinning videos in basement (hip hop, top 40)

Video Killers spinning videos on second level (classic hip hop, mashups, 80s, electro)

DJ I-Wah on roof until 12:30 (soulful house, afrobeat, Brazilian)

Chris Burns on roof from 12:30 until (house, disco, funk, classic soul)

Hip Hop, DMV, DC, who ya wit?

I've been talking about doing this post for a few days and I wanted to wait until after the EMAs to post this. I'd like to thank Mo Betta for playing a part in my inspiration to do this post.

Entering the Hip Hop side of DC's (I'll use DC as an all inclusive term because I haven't infiltrated Baltimore or Virginia yet but it's coming) independent music scene head first as of recent, I have been blessed and relieved to know there's a plethora of talent in this area. For years, I have been plagued with the reality of wack rappers hailing from DC. Buying umpteen CDs for $5 from guys hawking me as I'm passing buy, sales pitch ready and not taking no for an answer. I'll be honest, I bought many of their CDs so they would get out of my face. I've been a Hip Hop fan practically my entire life so I have a pretty good idea of how a good/bad rapper sounds. On a more positive note, since my interest in having a career in the entertainment industry was peaked at the age of 12 (Thanks Diddy), one of my goals was to be one of the first to put a rapper from the DC area on the map (clearly I've been beaten to the punch). For years I wondered, 'Why not us, why not us?' always coming up with possibilities but never a means to a new musical beginning. With Go-Go being the area's biggest claim to fame as of the late twentieth century, along with Punk for a brief time, Jazz and R&B preceeding and continuing to a smaller extent, I realized DC's lack of Hip Hop-centricity played a huge role in our absence from Hip Hop.

Fast forward to the present, we have Mr. Folarin and Mr. Bonney as the faces of DC Hip Hop. Many have strong opinions about that but this piece isn't about them and those who disagree with their style and image. With both of those gentlemen in the positions they're in, we've made a little progress. Still many more in the area are working to break through the glass ceiling. I hear and read some local rappers saying "We need to stick together in order for us to truly get on the map" or something to that effect (know that I can't remember words very well). Contrary to that mantra, there's a huge lack of unity amongst a good majority of the rappers here.

Some of you may have seen my sound off on Twitter a few nights ago. For those that didn't see it, I'll update you - I attended the Queen of The DMV event last Wednesday and knew something was up from the gate. Performers paying to get in, "Make sure to get on the sign up sheet" - hold up...is this an open mic? Yep, I was misled by the advertising (and I posted that flyer on the blog, too). I thought the line up had been pre-screened and preset. Nope, well probably pre-screened. Anyway, with the exception of a few, a SMALL few, my attention wasn't kept at all. One woman sounded as if she were having a basic poetic conversation with a beat playing in the background. I attempted to listen to each one of these ladies fairly but could no longer tolerate. A large majority of these women have been bamboozled, hoodwinked and led astray. They need to fire they're friends because either they're too afraid of giving constructive criticism (which would prevent me from doing posts such as this) or they don't know what a good rapper is supposed to sound like. Upset that I sat through another event outside of my usual DC Hip Hop realm to hear more rappers who lived up to the DC "No Talent Havin' Rappers" stereotype, I stayed for 90 minutes and bounced. I learned of the winner of the event, Madam Madon, the next day and listened to her - she's okay. I know everyone can't be lyrical but at least have a little wordplay in your rhyme. It was at that point I knew the cancerous political influence of DC had infected the burgeoning DC Hip Hop scene and that I was not attending the DMV EMAs (the list was rigged and if you think otherwise you're lunchin'). It was also at that point I knew 100% my "Theory of Three" was correct.

I initially was going to talk about the different groups of female emcees in the area but since those groups involve males, I'm going to mention each one as its own entity. Here's the breakdown of my theory of three:

DC rappers whose sound reflects DC tradition period (This was the path many of the women at the Queen of The DMV event have chosen to take)

DC rappers whose sound is influenced by DC tradition but displays progression beyond their reality

DC rappers whose sound is influenced by DC tradition but displays progression beyond their reality and reflects Afro-centricity and a heightened level of social awareness and consciousness

Now I will say that all of the rappers as a whole I've heard who fall into one of these categories aren't necessarily better than those who fall into another and vice versa. I think it's important for all artists within a genre to see what else is going on in their locale. I follow the rappers in the second and third categories more than the first because, generally speaking, the bars are risen higher and people are grabbing hold. I will also say, however that many of the rappers I've heard in category one miss the bar entirely too often. You're not getting your shine and CREDIBLE publicity for a reason. Take accountability for your skill set as a performing artist because you only get one shot. People are looking at DC now, so that one shot counts more than ever.

READ! - Black Church Maraca in East of the River Newspaper



This is what happens when you become addicted to Twitter and neglect other very useful social networking sites like Facebook. This was sent to me like a week ago but better one week late than one year late. The monthly open mic I keep telling y'all to go to, Black Church Maraca, was written up in East of the River Newspaper and I wanted to share so y'all wouldn't think I was sicin' it on the strength of sicin' it.

"Crossing the dark parking lot, a pair of young twenty-something’s navigate their way to the apartment building just blocks from the Benning Road Metro station. Buzzed in they climb the stairs and arrive at a small apartment that has been turned into the venue for The Black Church Maraca, a poetry open mic night." Continue reading HERE

Saturday 4/4: Rap Leagues @ University of Maryland's Nyumburu Cultural Center




Admission (all ages)
------------------------
$10 at the event ($5 if you RSVP here)
$10 battle registration (email tyronenorris@gmail.com)

Doors open at 7pm
Starts at 8pm
Ends at Midnight

$200 prize money
16 man tournament

Nyumburu Cultural Center
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Shuttle bus service from College Park metro to campus

Performances
------------------
Rosetta Stoned
The Five One
G-Five Clive

Host
------------------
Jamal Ferby

Judges
------------------
Mental Stamina (of Rosetta Stoned)
Stoney Ashes (of Rosetta Stoned)
Labtekwon
K-Murdock (of Panacea)
Raw Poetic (of Panacea)

Sponsors
-----------
Aplomb Clothing
Brown Monkey Music
DC Rap
Eat the Cake Photography
Food Chain Collective
Convoy Skateboards
New Lifee 101
One Versus Many
solSource Group
WMUC Radio 88.1 FM

RSVP List #1
RSVP List #2

For press entry contact tyronenorris@gmail.com

Saturday 4/4: Hip Hop Cinema Cafe (HHCC) presents: Bomb-It!



SolSourceDC and The Historical Society of Washington, DC Presents
Hip Hop Cinema Cafe (HHCC) presents: Bomb-It!
Saturday, April 4th
2:00 PM
FREE
@ Historical Society of DC
801 K Street, NW
at Mount Vernon Square
Washington, DC 20001

The solSource Group and Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

Present Hip Hop Cinema Cafe: BOMB-IT
93 minutes. 2006 Jon Reiss

BOMB IT is the explosive documentary from award-winning director Jon Reiss. It investigates the most subversive and controversial art form currently shaping international youth culture: graffiti.

While some believe the roots of graffiti can be traced back to pre-linguistic cave markings and the innate human need for self-expression, graffiti remains a highly controversial issue. Graffiti raises important questions that delve deep into our contemporary social structure such as: Who has the right to express themselves? What is a canvas? Where should art take place? If public space is a forum for discussion, which voices will be heard?

Using a myriad of original interviews from around the world as well as guerilla footage of graffiti writers in action, BOMB IT tells the story of contemporary graffiti from its roots in ancient rock paintings through Picasso to Latino placas through its notorious emergence as a visual adjunct to the rise of hip hop culture in 1970's New York City culminating in its current, varied and highly complex form.

BOMB IT is the most comprehensive documentary about graffiti and street art to date and for years to come.

In present day, we are as likely to encounter graffiti-influenced art in the Smithsonian as we are on an urban bus ride. How did this radical street art evolve into the ultimate signifier of urban cool?

BOMB IT explores how graffiti has developed worldwide to encompass stenciling, postering, and any unsanctioned graphic "interference in public space.

The controversy surrounding graffiti is an integral part of the story: from anti-tagging groups, to the impact of New York City's infamous "Quality of Life" laws which directly targeted illicit writing, to the proliferation of these laws throughout the world.

BOMB IT also shows how graffiti writers vary in their attitudes to gallery pieces, commissioned work and the effect "sanctioned' writing has on the roots of the art in guerilla tactics and its essentially subversive nature.

BOMB IT is the first film to update the story of graffiti with a truly global perspective. The film features original footage with artists around the world who have taken the form and applied it to their particular cultural and social conditions, from Latin America, where graffiti has been adapted into the mural tradition, to Japan where anime inspired rakugaki juxtaposes with formal calligraphy and conformist societal norms, to Europe where a dadaist/surrealist tradition produces deliberately confrontational prankstering.

Graffiti's inherently kinetic visual style will be brought to life via state of the art animation by young, up-and-coming motion graphic artists. The synergistic relationship between graffiti and hip hop and punk rock provides BOMB IT an unprecedented opportunity for creative collaboration between the filmmakers, the graffiti writers and cutting-edge musicians and poets.

BOMB IT pushes the envelope of traditional documentaries into a truly multi-media non-fiction experience.

Graffiti, postering, stenciling and stickering form a fascinating and radical movement that defies definition except as a voice demanding to be heard. Literally born out of urban blight, graffiti's tough mimetic code consistently defies the forces that try to stop it and thrives today in varied and artistically evolved forms. BOMB IT explores how graffiti writers are expanding into the highest levels of technology including the web, cell phones, and laser projections.

After the film, you are invited to participate in a forum discussion to discuss:

The Art and Crime debate of Graffiti

Panelists:

Cory Stowers - Words Beats & Life

Asad ULTRA Walker

Peter Krsko-Albus Cavus

Decoy of DC51

Thursday 4/2: Cake & Kisses @ Asylum



Cake & Kisses
Featuring Lyriciss and RAtheMC blessing the stage and the mic
Special guest DJs all the way from Richmond, VA, NASA
The Five One Band providing the musical backdrop all evening
Thursday, April 2nd
Always a FREE party and always FREE cake!
Doors Open @ 9PM
21+

Asylum
2471 18th St. NW (Adams Morgan)
Washington, DC

Wednesday 4/1: Blu & Exile @ LIV



MN8 & Shine On Me Presents
Blu & Exile
Also featuring Damu The Fudgemunk, Ardamus and Flex Matthews
Sounds by DJ Underdog
Wednesday, April 1st
Doors Open @ 9PM
Tickets $15 @ InstantSeats.com
18+

LIV
11th & U Sts. NW
Washington, DC

Wednesday 4/1: Foolishly Fashionable @ 18th and RED



Foolishly Fashionable - Hella Tuff Stuff Launch

Vintage vendors, local crafters, artists, photo booths, cupcakes, fortune cookies, dancing, gift bags and drink specials!

Featuring the sweet DJ sounds of The Captain
Wednesday, April 1st
6PM-10PM
No Cover!
All Ages
$3 draft beers, rail drinks, and house wines

And now for the line-up...

Artist:

Elizabeth Graeber

Artisans:

b-kao

Daisy Lacy

Hella Tuff Stuff
(site launching April 1)

Jules + Juniper

Kingham Designs

Monument Snowboards

NEW ADDITIONS:

Aplomb Clothing

One vs Many

18th and RED
2436 18th St. NW (Adams Morgan)
Washington, DC

Tuesday 3/31: Q-Tip vs. Common @ Almaz



King RJ Presents
Versus Series V. 6 - Q-Tip vs. Common
Featuring DJ 2 Tone Jones and DJ Marshall Law
Tuesday, March 31st
Doors Open @ 9PM
$5
Live Artwork Mural Painting by Aniekan of AM Radio

Almaz
1212 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Tuesday: Asher Roth Listening Party @ Commonwealth DC



Asher Roth Asleep In The Breasd Aisle Listening Party
Tuesday, March 31st
8pm-10pm
Free Liquor!

Note - I suggest you come early if you actually want to get inside the store

Commonwealth DC
1781 Florida Ave. NW
Washington, DC

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Mad late but still here - Quote of the Week

If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise. - Robert Fritz

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Video of Alison Carney @ R&B Live DC last Tuesday 3/17


R&B Live DC - March - Alison Carney from ABB VIDEO on Vimeo.

I met Alison Carney on Tuesday night at the Jay-Z vs. Nas party. Very kind soul just like I expected...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

M.F. Doom - Remix Mix CD



I'm sitting in Big Bear Cafe bumping to this for a second time. If you don't know about MF Doom, this is a great intro of some of his best tracks over the last few years before the release of his next album which hopefully will hit the streets this summer. Thank you MCSL

Download the joint HERE

All this weekend: Policy Resto-Lounge Grand Opening



After seeing this flyer, I realized I attended a not-so-soft soft opening last Friday. The guestlist was a bust, so myself and many others couldn't get upstairs to the lounge so I wasn't able to see the entire spot. However, the restaurant layout and decor on the lower level is pretty dope. Dark, blush red and black covers the walls and booths with three TVs - all displaying the NCAA tournament - lined up behind the bar. In certain booths you'll have a mini-spotlight set as the moodlight for the evening. The crowd is mixed attracting mostly 35 and under comprised of glamour girls, young professionals, hipsters, sneaker kids, artists, photographers, and me. I almost forgot to mention that DJ Gavin Holland was doing what he does best on the tables that night. I can easily compare it to a spot a couple blocks up the street, Marvin, with the split level restaurant/lounge and the DJ nights BUT it doesn't have the same rustic look or Belgian-Soul food. Chef Brian Murphy is focusing on SMALL plates or tapas (depending on who you talk to) with a focus on some American favorites with a twist. Note - If you equate price with size as opposed to quality you may have sticker shock. I think only the most audacious of folks and those with a trained palate will probably eat the Crispy Veal Shortbreads (if you don't know what "shortbreads" are, Google it) but the menu looks pretty good to me.

Policy Resto-Lounge Grand Opening Weekend
An Invitation to Celebrate Truth, Love and Liberty
Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29th
Open Daily @ 5PM

Dinner reservations - RYAN@POLICYDC.COM 202.387.7654
List for lounge - RSVP@POLICYDC.COM
Table reservations in the lounge - GABRIELLA@POLICYDC.COM



Friday night with DJ Stereo Faith (Feedback/Sorted)

Guestlist only - Send all names to: kevinlmurray@gmail.com

Policy DC
1904 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 3/27: Close 2 The Edge @ Black Cat



Close 2 The Edge
Featuring DJ Dredd with special guest DJ Scotty Rock
Friday, March 27th
Doors open @ 9PM
$7
Dress Code: B-Boy/ B-Girl

Black Cat
1811 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

Odd correlation but hey it's my mind...



For some reason the intro to this track immediately made me think of all the GoGo venues that have been shut down over the last 10 years. Considering the far distance from civilization of many of the current venues, it has become an ever increasing reality that one must have access to a vehicle if they want to dance to the GoGo beat. For real, for real, if there were something like the Icey-Ice hotline like back in the days of The Icebox, I'd at least be able to keep up with who's playing where. Oh well...

Rossi B and Luca - ‘Ghost Town’ (via The Fat! Club)

Saturday 3/28: 100th BLISS Dance Party @ Black Cat



The 100th BLISS Dance party!
Featuring Resident DJ Will Eastman
Very special guest DJ Jackie O (Check for her because she's doper than most)
Saturday, March 28th
All Ages
Doors open @ 9:30
Live visuals by Kylos

Black Cat
1811 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

Performance Update - Saturday 3/28: Journeys To A Dream @ Almaz



Jade "Friday" Foster (The brain behind Black Church Maraca) Presents...
Journeys To A Dream - A Fundraising Party!
Saturday, March 28th
10PM-3AM
18+
$15 Single Entry
$10 You + 1 (But bring your whole squad regardless!)

Performances by:
RAtheMC
Mz. Mimz
Jesse Boykins III
Niambi Ra
Baby Sharn

Proceeds go towards sending some very lucky DC High School students and staff to Senegal and Sierra Leone in order to build a computer center (I'm all for that!), put a performance of the play also entitled Journeys To A Dream and provide community service.

For more information contact:
Jade Foster - jade.foster@gmail.com

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Buddy Maxwell - BollyHood


(via Crate Kings)

(This joint gives Madlib's Beat Konducta Vol 3-4: Beat Konducta in India a run for its money IMO)

"Prodocer/crate digger Buddy Maxwell sampled, chopped, and rearranged various Hindi and Malayalam movies soundtrack to create a Madlib and DJ Ohm inspired beattape entitled Bollyhood. With professionally structured interludes along with pre-set choruses, cuts, and scratches, Buddy Maxwell’s 21 track Bollyhood beattape really comes across as more of an instrumental album than a beat demo." Continue reading HERE

Download: Buddy Maxwell - Bollyhood

Saturday 3/28: Otherside @ Selam



Otherside - The Party that makes you like music again!
Brought to you by DJ Cam Jus and DJ Underdog
Saturday, March 28th
10PM-2AM
21+
$7 (Don't Front!)

Selam Bar
1524 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 3/27: Lunchbox Theory @ Selam



LunchBox Theory Presents.....
BLACK LIGHT SPECIAL..... Afro Beat for Your Soul!
DJ Underdog doing what he does, spinning AfroBeat, AfroCuban and AfroSoul ALL NIGHT!
Friday, March 27th
Party starts @ 10PM
Cover - IT'S ONLY $1!
Dress: As your beauti-ful self!

Selam Restaurant and Bar
1524 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Thursday 3/26: The Reasonable Doubt Remix Project @ Expo



It goes down Thursday - you need to be there!

Inner Loop Records and Hip Hop Game Presents
The Reasonable Doubt Remix Project
Thursday, March 26th

Expo
1928 9th St. NW (9th and U Sts.)
Washington, DC

Tuesday 3/24: Versus Series V.5.1 - Jay-Z vs Nas @ Red Lounge



Glad they got it together at Red Lounge

KIng RJ Presents
Jay-Z vs Nas
with DJ 2 Tone Jones and DJ RoddyRod
Live artwork mural painting by Aniekan of AM Radio
Tuesday, March 24th
Doors Open @ 9PM
$5

Red Lounge
2013 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

The DMV EMAs Week Post



Monday Night Neo-Soul/R&B/Spoken Word Jam Session
Hosted by Jay Mills
Monday, March 23rd

Expo
1928 9th St. NW
Washington, DC



The Masters' Showcase
Hosted by Squirrel Wyde (92Q) and Dre' "All Day In The Paint"
Thursday, March 26th
Doors Open @ 9PM
Tickets $15 in advance
$20 at the door
18+

The Black Hole (No the one on Georgia Ave. didn't re-open)
216 German Hill Rd.
Baltimore, MD (Dundalk)




MidEast & PT Entertainment Presents
Rich Boy Live!
Hosted by Dre' "All Day In The Paint"
With Performances by Frayz and The Oy Boyz
Friday, March 27th
Doors Open @ 7:00
Tickets available @ www.ticketmaster.com

Jaxx Nightclub
6355 Rolling Rd.
Springfield, VA



I Got It For Free Presents
The Official DMV Jam Session
Sunday, March 29th
3PM-6PM
100% Free!

Mayorga Cafe
8040 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.562.9090
Free Parking and Metro-Accessible (Silver Spring Metro Red Line)



The Ultimate independent music award show of DC, Maryland and Virginia, The DMV Entertainment and Music Awards is back and better than ever!! Hosted by none other than national recording artist and Baltimore's own Lil Mo, and our favorite DJ DJ Rico of WPGC.

Sounds provided by DMV EMAs official DJ DJ Heat of WPGC and official band Sound of the City" with special guests:
Mya
Snoop Pearson (The Wire)
Rare Essence
Jeannie Jones (Kitty from the City---WKYS)
Paula Campbell (Sony/BMG recording artist)
Anwan "Big G" Glover (The Wire)
Wil "Onix" Lash (VH1 I love NY, I love Money 2)
Kelson "the boy next door" (92Q)
DJ Alizay
Wayna (Grammy nominated artist)
Mambo Sauce
Lizz Robbins
E the RnB Rockstar
Ms. Kitten and DJ Anomylee (Top Dog Hill)
Target Squad
and many more...

"Penned as DC, MD, and VA's premiere award show created for and dedicated to independent music and art as well as community service efforts, the DMV EMAs™ inspires, motivates, honors, and assembles the best, brightest and most innovative talents. The DMV EMAs™ not only showcase various genres of music, it also highlights all those supportive components that advocate for independent entertainment, such as press/media outlets that cover local showcases and open mics, retail stores that market and promote local music and merchandise, radio stations and personalities who go above and beyond to play independent music, promoters and managers who work tirelessly to ensure local artistry is continually in motion."

The 3rd Annual DMV EMAs
Sunday, March 29th
GOLD Carpet Pre-show event begins @ 5PM
DMV EMAs begin @7PM
Tickets $25.00 in Advance
Double at the door
Purchase tickets HERE

Hampton Conference Center
207 Westhampton Blvd.
Capital Heights, MD 20743

First impressions: A review of RAtheMC’s mixtape "Are You Not Entertained?" by K.Scribe


(Photo by Fresh Pair of DMVs)

My introduction to RAtheMC was at Black Church Maraca, an event that is always spilling over with talent. She stood before the crowd, no one’s muse but her own, and renouncing any ounce of anxiety she’d ever felt. Ra didn’t fling lyrics at her audience. Instead, she delivered her rhymes as if they were gifts for her artists to unwrap. In short, she rocked the mic.

The voice, the style, the swag, and I’m too old to say swag, but there is no other word befitting her presence. I was put on to her mixtape by Collins, and I absorbed the tracks in what felt like as natural a process as osmosis. The mixtape’s title, Are You Not Entertained? plays off of the Russell Crowe flick, “Gladiator.” Clever, right? Clever is as clever does, because what follows is a delectable earful of Ra’s sophisticated wordplay. The question dares its listeners to go beyond the numbing of a great beat, but challenges us to really hear her. The tracks are produced by several producers, including Judah, Neako, Go Getta and Street Level, but stitched together by DJ M.A.F. Producer, Judah’s influence is definitely felt heaviest, as he’s the beat-pusher on at least five of the tracks. This emcee’s mixtape is a creatively woven tale of love sought, fame looming, and growth all out of soil comprised of Ra and producer, Judah’s strength.

The mix begins with a Fresh Prince flavored intro, “We Suffer” featuring Brooklyn-based Theophilus London (produced by Neako). London delivers excellent poetry and ends the track by saying, he’s “officially co-signing” RAtheMC. From the beginning of the mixtape, Ra carves out an image for herself, citing her originality and comparing The Norm’s (the empty wordplay circulating airways) talents to the materialism they worship. Instead, Ra makes it clear that yes, she enjoys material things. However, it does not define her as an artist, nor does it govern her flow. Instead, Ra offers a bit of depth with the lyrics. She chooses to inject our psyches with such parables like Brenda (an offspring of Tupac’s Brenda’s Got a Baby), a tale of dreams deferred in pursuit of love’s façade. She sings, “Ain’t it funny how the times rewind, and come back. You lookin’ forward but you walkin’ behind/ (so what’s that) you call it a price/I call it a vice and if not then I’m calling it life.” This profundity can be found throughout the tape, because it’s an essential characteristic of Ra’s music. Even in “You Can’t Win,” she raps, “They say be careful what you rappin’ in your music/ you give too much of yourself you might lose it/I keep too much of myself I might lose it/If I don’t give it to y’all then it’s useless.” Verses like this elevate her above just being witty, desiring us all to look underneath the rhythm for meaning.

Speaking of rhythm, in “Brenda,” Ra and Judah join forces to create a musical marriage that is worthy of a memorable wedding gift - a solid record deal. Judah’s productions possess an elusive sound, guaranteed to morph to fit the artist’s style. His approach to production allows Ra’s perspective on the way music should be heard to emerge - BTW Judah, superb Handsome Boy Modeling School sample. This is a crucial need for a growing artist - in fact it’s like water to a seed. Announcing itself with trumpet blasts befitting of hip hop royalty and a continuous stutter-step is another favorite “Get Me.” This song is at the top for its musical score. Though Ra is only on the track forty-five seconds, she delivers a strong verse by being sure to let listeners know the source of her passion.

Though this album is Judah heavy, we can’t sleep on the other producers on this tape, Neako and Go Getta definitely put it down with “We Suffer” and “Fantasy,” respectively. These are tracks in which we probably hear more of Ra’s creativity. We also get a feel for how she’d be received by the media at large, because these tracks possess a commercial sound. On that level, she exceeds expectations, making it sound so damn, easy, but so damn honest. Still, the emcee adds her District vernacular to it to make it her own.

Props are given to the posthumously released J Dilla album, Donuts, for the instrumentals for “Imperfection” and “We knew you was a star.” The two tracks used are “Dilla Says Go” and “Gobbstopper,” respectively.

DJ M.A.F. contributes his own morsels of creativity with The Warriors (1979) and well placed Crowe samples, exclaiming, "Are you entertained?" These bytes are well placed and add just the right continuity to the tracks, while reinforcing Ra's theme.

Hopefully, like so many, fame, the promise of fortune, and city lights won’t blind this young artist. If she can escape the glass ceiling of DC, then she can change the rules to the game.

Overall, Are You Not Entertained? is definitely a mix tape to get your ears in on---it’ll challenge you, move you (literally), and enlighten you. Oh and how could I forget, it’ll most definitely, definitely entertain you. But, Ra, you knew that I already…

-K.Scribe

Introducing K.Scribe - The latest addition to The Glass House (in DC for now)

I had a brainfart a couple weeks back to bring on a co-writer to this blog who was a "writer" and not a "blogger" (major difference). If y'all have been following me for a minute you may have noticed some improvement in my actual writing pieces, however I still am extremely reluctant to call myself a "writer" - I just sometimes expound greatly upon stuff that hits home with me. Because of this I recruited a good friend who writes way better than I do to assist with music reviews. I feature a lot of dope DMV rappers, DJs and soon more artists in the area of other genres that I think are like that. As a creative person myself, I respect any constructive criticism be it good or bad so I like to provide the same. Music is near and dear to my heart so I want to provide reviews not so much as a testament to what I think, but as a detailed way to tell those I admire "Hey I think your shit is hot!". I now give to you my (wo)man 50 Grand, K.Scribe...

When I first came to DC, I didn’t understand where the hip hop conversation began and who was a part of the dialogue. Hip Hop, though a universal language has many definitions in various places. It’s like Anthony Bourdain says, "each culture has its own version of the Jamaican pattie", and Hip Hop isn’t immune to this theory. Since my DC arrival, I’ve pulled music off the shelves in NYC, the West Coast, my homestead (The Dirty South), and the Midwest. To love Hip Hop is to love the many threads of different types of music woven together to create its complexity. It took one of its own, Sonya Collins, a DMV native to really plug me into the Hip Hop conversation in the DMV. Collins, of The Glass House, is a Hip Hop fiend. If it’s good, she’s tried it and if it’s bad, she’s renounced it. However, I’m still exploring the nature of DC’s sound, with its go-go muses, soul, and quadrants, but I’m open to the possibility that its rhythm is always, always evolving.

As for me, I’m a literature-music-medicine loving scribe and I write the scripture of whatever it is I see, hear, or sense. My pen of choice is anything that bleeds. Contact me at kdotscribe@gmail.com for any questions, comments, or suggestions.

-K.Scribe

Quote of the Week

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.”

-Rainier Maria Rilke

Friday, March 20, 2009

Vimby x Up On Thingz Presents The New Classics - Hosted by Peter Rosenberg

Thanks Tonika!



http://www.zshare.net/download/561880993aa37577/#

Major pump fake...Kid Cudi is not retiring


Glad he came to his senses (via Nah Right)

Wale is Chillin'


Figuratively speaking that is...Wale was on WKYS today for the debut of his track "Chillin'". This mix features Lady Gaga. I missed the lead up to the radio debut but DJ Alizay was on Twitter asking for song requests and unfortunately never got to hear if any of my requests were heard (friggin' retail job). Any who, here's the full radio rip for y'all - Enjoy!

Wale - Chillin' feat. Lady Gaga (Fully Loaded Rip) (via Elitaste)

Hipster Overkill Interview with A.C. Slater



Another dope DJ I've been introduced to as of January 2009, Brooklyn's A.C. Slater has graced DC on several occasions (More recently at the Nouveau Riche party at the Rock & Roll Hotel in February). Never to be confused with Mario Lopez, the guy who played A.C. Slater on Saved By The Bell back in the day and now hosts America's Best Dance Crew, he had a sit down with Hipster Overkill's MC Sean Lucas that proved somewhat insightful. I now know a little more about how and when electro parties became so popular. Check the interview HERE

Got some hittin' mixes as well - Pay attention to the "Jack Got Jacked" intro on the Kiss 100 mix

Late postings


For the record...I know I'm late as hell with a lot of my postings now. Due to a crackdown on internet usage at my job, I can't really do much during the day. So I know some of the posts prior to this have like two day old info and I apologize for that. Regardless of when I can get to my personal comp, I'm still committed to bringing you blogworthy info. I do a lot of muckraking in order to come up with posts with info that matters. Although I am guilty of blog post recycling (with proper citation though), I know you may not even go to any of the blogs I cite. I also know that many of the readers of the blogs I follow may not ever make to mine. Because of this, I see a need to share interesting things with you regardless of their origin or exclusivity. For all the people who have been reading this blog since January '09, the newbies and a special shout goes out to those who are on my followers list (They like me, they really like me!). It's gotten better for me and it's only going to continue on that way.

-Sonya

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Video: Tabi Bonney - Rich Kids


rich kids from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.

I attended the "Rich Kids" viewing party a couple weeks ago and because I'm only 5'6" I couldn't see the video standing behind so many tall people. Thank goodness for online video sites....

Another single from Wale & 9th Wonder's "Back To The Feature" Mixtape



The man is moving and not letting the haters deter his progress. Check this single from his forthcoming mixtape (collab with 9th Wonder btw) “Word Play” feat. Curren$y & Tre of UCB (via Candice Nicole In The City)

And if you didn't hear when I posted it before make sure you listen to "Nightlife" also feat. Tre of UCB along with Young Chris of the Young Gunz

Wale - Pat Your Weave feat. UCB

VAINDEER Photo Sharing
(Photo by John C. Liau)

Just listened to the joint and the beat is like that. If you've followed UCB over the last ten years you'll recognize the snare and the keyboards from a certain song of theirs referencing being a man-whore. Listen HERE (via The Couch Sessions)

R&B Live DC @ Posh 3-17-09 Recap

(Photo by Elite DC)

For those of you who missed it, there's another one next month. However, in the meantime I can give you a taste of what to expect - Beautiful people all different shades from the spectrum, varying lifestyles, all coming together to hear remarkable sounds in an upscale yet welcoming environment.

This was my second R&B Live event and instead of being so early this time that the house lights weren't even dimmed yet, I was so late I almost missed a performance by the vibrant Miss Alison Carney. I caught about three songs by the DC native and I truly enjoyed listening to her - she appeared to be enjoying herself on stage as well. Alison carried notes eloquently over the melodies produced by her five-piece, four man band. Believe it or not, my two favorites of the evening were "Giving In" and "You Said" (Slow love songs are hard for me to listen to but her voice makes it a lot easier). The vibe and chemistry amongst them was great, all of which I'm sure contributed to the non-stop energy put forth by Alison Carney. You also heard a little from J. Hill who had the spotlight put on him for a moment. Most would call him a backup singer, I call J. Hill the perfect complement to Alison's vocal gift. A beautifully calm spirit but still came hard with a strong finish to her performance. A definite addition to my growing "favorite R&B artist" list.

(Photo by Elite DC)

Following Alison's performance was the very familiar face, Terrence Cunningham. Another DMV native, I remember seeing Terrence quite often at Busboys and Poets on 14th St. (Haven't worked there since '07 and people still remember my face) yet never knew his dealings. I figured he was another Joe Schmoe patron. Well, I was wrong. First of all, anyone who uses a Rhodes piano as their instrument of choice is alright with me. Engagingly starting his set off with a rendition of Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore?", Terrence got the crowd to participate through some call and response, snapping and clapping, all during his many moments in falsetto. With an electric piano and a guitar, he crooned the audience with old favorites and some new love notes as well. A couple songs into his performance he introduced another familiar face and DMV native, poet Jason Reynolds who talked about his love interest in a woman over a subtle backbeat of Tribe's "Electric Relaxation". His words were a little hard to hear (Posh sound people, lets work on that thanks) but I got the essence of his rhyme. I've really come to appreciate poetry over the last few months thanks to being put in rooms with ACTUAL poets. The mostly two man show (remember I said an electric piano and a guitar) was a dope way to end the evening, or get it started depending on who you talk to {Laughs to self}. Terrence's relaxed demeanor made it easy to connect with his ardent sound. Even though, he went a little heavy on the cover songs, I'm convinced that the boy can sang!

Tonight: Angel's Night In Heaven @ The Republic



The Board Administration Presents
Angel's Night in Heaven Birthday Celebration
Thursday, March 19th
Gates open @ 10
Ladies free before 12
Dress Code: Fly

For Table Reservations:
Greg - 202.360.3644
Mitch - mitch@theboardent.com
Mo - mo@theboardent.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Friday 3/21: HOME @ Hillyer Art Space



Hosted by Fred Joiner, curator and host of the American Poetry Museum's Intersections at the Honfleur Gallery and poet-in-residence at Busboys and
Poets, Shirlington.

Carolyn Malachi and her Revenge of the Smart Chicks movement have a cocky sound influenced by the likes of legendary jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughn, Nirvana, Lauryn Hill, John Mayer, Seal, and Sade. The Revenge of the Smart Chicks (ROTSC) CD, Malachi's first, was released in September of 2008. Cool in her stance, the new artist concedes that the revenge sought is a matter of internal reflection. "Defying the laws of conventional neo-soul and spoken-word, [ROTSC] ebbs and flows effortlessly", says DMain's Kimberly Williams of Malachi's debut project. The sequel is set to follow in March 2009. Receiving four stars for the first installment in the series from Kane Mag, Malachi advances her movement of smart chicks from the Baltimore spoken word scene with gusto. ROTSC: a Cocky Column recurs in Mic Life Magazine and the first of the quarterly ROTSC event series kicks off in the spring of 2009. Malachi manages to get the manliest men to use their palms as makeshift mirrors and microphones during live shows. For her next trick, she just might pull a rabbit (or your heart) out of your hat.

HOME is on every THIRD Friday of the month at Hillyer Art Space.

International Art & Artists' Presents
HOME (Hillyer Open Mic Event) Hosted by Fred Joiner, Poet and Artist
Featuring Carolyn Malachi
Friday, March 20th
7PM-9PM
6PM Sign up for poets
Free for International Art & Artists' members and performers
$5 for Non-members

Hillyer Arts Space
9 Hillyer Court NW
Washington, DC

Saturday 3/21: Casting Call for DIVA @ Vinoteca


So many of y'all know that I have no days off and that I am also sleep deprived. One of the contributing factors to this unhealthy lifestyle is my collaboration with Mark Shelton of Sole of The City Entertainmnent Group on some film and video projects (performing artists, if you're good you'll be hearing from me in the next couple of months). The idea behind DIVA is to take Beyonce's hit, put a spin on it in order to expound upon what she meant by "A diva is a female version of a hustler!" in a film version.

A little info on Sole of The City and the man behind it all...

Sole of The City is here to promote and pursue multicultural artists who are free from others distorted images imposed on them.

Mark Shelton is a producer/director on a mission to create social and spiritual films that reflect truth. Mark is currently the in-house director for Sole of the City Entertainment, Group LLC where he directed “A Cup of Coffee” a short film that plays with time and judgment. He has also directed a documentary on the Million More March and worked on the award winning short “Trapped in Realism”. Mark also served as the Director of Photography and Assistant Director for “Reverse Psychology” a short film produced by Sneak a Peak Production.

In Mark's words, "Now is the time to control the images of ourselves with reference to who we are and what we can become."

Casting Call for DIVA
Saturday, March 21st
4:30pm-7:00pm

Casting for:
(3) Males ages 20-30
(3) Females ages 25-30
All ethnicities

Please bring a non-returnable headshot or current photo of yourself to:
Sole of The City Entertainment Group, LLC
ATTN: Actor Casting
Vinoteca
1940 11th St. NW (11th and U Sts. NW)
Washington, DC 20009

All submissions will become the sole property of the producers once submitted

* You must be at least 18 years of age and a legal resident of the U.S.

DJ Jayceeoh Presents Super 7 V.2



This is a friggin' megamix! I downloaded this five days ago and I listened to it for the 1st time an hour ago. I don't even remember where I found this mix but the joint is so dope to me. It encompasses mashups, scratching, basic blends, hip hop, electro breaks, house, baltimore club, Strawberry Fields (Google it if you're not familiar), old school soul and some more stuff. I haven't gotten through the whole mix yet but I give it the stamp of approval 45 minutes in. Check out all that DJ Jayceeoh has going on HERE

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Sunday 3/29: DMV EMAs Jam Session



Get ready y'all...more info to come as the date nears

Video: Murals To Zora @ Eatonville



If you missed the Murals To Zora event this past Saturday like I did (my bad Chanel) then you missed out on being first. Eatonville is Andy Shallal's (owner of Busboys and Poets) latest venture is located directly across the street from BB&P 14th and V in the lower level of the City Vista condos. Although the restaurant still isn't open yet, the lofty space made for what looked to be a nice event. I like how Eric Kennedy did the walk through with what sounds like Radiohead playing in the background. (via Albus Cavus)

Saturday 3/21: BLISSPOP Dance Party @ 9:30 Club



BLISSPOP Dance Party
featuring Australia's own Miami Horror and DJ Will Eastman
Saturday, March 21st
Doors open at 11
$15
All Ages

9:30 Club
815 V St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 3/20: Joyism + The Saartjie Project @ The Potter's House



If any of you read my post a few weeks back about the Saartjie Project, you know that I find this group to be one of the most progressive groups around. If you don't know Saartjie "Sara" Baartman's story and why it's significance is still relevant in 2009, then you need to Google her and find out why.

JOYISM
dance/play/live

Binahkaye Joy activates the space with a fusion of dance, words, sounds, and fun, inviting everyone to participate in the dance that belongs to all of us. She is accompanied by the cosmic melodies of Manatho "Moonhead" Masani on mbira, the thumb piano.

and....

THE SAARTJIE PROJECT

The Saatjie Project is a diverse collective of black women performance artists weaving song, dance, visual art, spoken word & drama into a celebration that reclaims the humanity of Saartjie (Sara) Baartman and explores the continued fascination with the black female body...
www.thesaartjieproject.org

Joyism + The Saartjie Project
2 Shows in 1 Night!
Host ed by Sounds of Hope @ The Potter's House
Friday, March 20th
8PM-11PM
Doors open @ 7:30pm
Suggested Donation $15 (No one turned away!)
all tickets sold at the door!

The Potter's House
1658 Columbia Rd. NW
Washington, DC

88-Keys - Viagra (Stay Up!) feat. Kanye West



I know I'm probably running out of late passes but I can't post while I'm at work anymore so I have no choice but to post when I get out of that place. I've fucked with this track since Kanye's Can't Tell Me Nothing Mixtape from 2007 and was glad to finally hear the full version in 2008. The video doesn't really do much for me but then again, it takes a lot to make me laugh. Nonetheless, if you have yet to see the video, hear ya go...

Kid Cudi is quitting already?



Excerpt taken from his blog...

iam sorry
AFTER THE RELEASE OF MY FIRST LP THIS SUMMER, IAM NOT MAKING ANY MORE SOLO ALBUMS. IAM FALLIN BACK ON BEING A ARTIST. THE DRAMA THAT COMES WITH IT IS MORE OVERWHELMING THAN THE SHIT I WAS DEALING WIT WHEN I WAS PISS POOR BROKE. MY FRIENDS GET MAD AT ME, SAY IVE CHANGED, ONE OF THE ONLY HOMIES I GOT IN THIS GAME, WALE, IS WORRIED ABOUT ME CUZ OF SHIT HE HEARS. LIKE WTF? WHO CAN SAY IM BEIN HOLLYWOOD? IM NOT AROUND ANYONE BUT PLAIN PAT AND EMILE. WHO CAN SAY THAT SHIT? MUTHAFUCKAS TALKIN SHIT HERE AND THERE, SPREADIN RUMORS, MAKIN JOKES, TRYNA JUDGE ME, AND FOR WHAT? DOES MY MUSIC POKE FUN AT OTHERS? DO I TALK SHIT ABOUT PEOPLE N MY MUSIC? I ALREADY WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL ONCE, AND GOT EXPELLED CUZ IT WASNT FOR ME. IMA DROP OUT THIS SHIT BEFORE NIGGAZ TRY AND CRUCIFY ME. Continue reading HERE