Tomorrow: Integral Arts Screening @ Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse

Ok Boob Tube watchers, the lovely folks of Integral Arts have put together a screening of a few television pilots for our viewing pleasure. Dog in particular, was awarded “Best Overall Television Show” at LA’s 2009 Independent Television Festival (ITVF). Guess the budget? $100 - with a little ingeninuity even just a little cash can take you a long way. It was also filmed by two self-taught filmmakers (Barry Gribble and Kevin Good) and produced by a Duke Ellington High School of The Arts grad (Joy Haynes). Here's a little info about Dog:

"Dog is an uncommon comedy about a common radio shock-jock: Dog Rollins. Dog is making his way through life, pissing off as many women as possible when he gets the news - his new cohost has to be a woman. We watch as he struggles with finding a partner and as they struggle to deal with each other while hiding their big secrets."

Integral Arts TV Pilot Screening
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Screening Starts @ 7:30

Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington, VA

Wednesday 9/2: One Hundred Percent x The Glass House Presents Local Wednesdays

Local Wednesdays on U St ~ "A Necessary Recess From The Week"

Local Wednesdays is for anyone who needs that mid-week break from the job, school or
anything else that tends to stress. Chill out, get back to those carefree days for the
evening and still partake in all the social freedoms of adulthood.

All Photos by Sexy Fitsum/iLLIMETER










DJ Steve Starks and DJ Chris Burns invite you to the dance floor and enjoy the rhythms this Wednesday at Local 16. Steve Starks has been known to take partygoers anywhere from Oran Juice Jones's "Walking In The Rain" to The Dream's "Walking On The Moon" with some dubstep and electro fused in between. Chris Burns also keeps crowds
moving with the latest and greatest in House music from here all the way from the Euro Dance music scene. When you're ready to cool your heels for a few and grab a bite, you can step outside onto the patio which offers an additional bar and seating to add to the chill factor of Local Wednesdays.

Local Wednesdays @ Local 16
Every Wednesday for the month of September
Featuring DJs Steve Starks and Chris Burns for Week 1
6PM-1AM
21+
No Cover
Peroni Specials from 6PM-10PM
Food menu available

Local 16
1602 U St. NW (Next to Starbucks at 16th and U)
Washington, DC

Interview: The Connect x Lady A

LADY A - HIATUS from Vin Hoffa on Vimeo.

The Great Debater Lady A has resurfaced! I know for the last couple of months I've thought to myself several times about where she was hiding. No Twitter action, no appearances at any events, just straight incognito. Well within the first minute of the video, Lady A shares with us why she has been off the radar and for good reason, too! I'm very happy to her back on the scene and that she's ready to hit the ground running. If you don't know about Lady A get to her HERE and download The Great Debate when you get there.

Video Recap: Trackhustle.com x The Beatdown Producer Showcase 2009

The Beatdown Producer Showcase 2009 from TrackHustle.com on Vimeo.

TrackHustle.com takes you inside Washington DC's producer showcase known as "The Beatdown." Organized by Inner Loop Records, this event featured producers J-Scrilla, Sakwe, Mark Henry, and Team Demo. K-Beta and Kingpen Slim also rocked the mic that night.

Friday 8/28: Lunch Box Theory Presents Afrobeat @ Selam

So I will admit, I have never attended an Afrobeat party but practically every person I know who frequents U St on night of the week other than Friday and Saturday have told me I've missed out each time. Because of this I'm going to make this Friday my first appearance at Afrobeat and if you haven't yet you should come through, too. Warning - This party is only for those who love good music and love to dance.


And of course, an Afrobeat post wouldn't be complete without a monthly promo mix by DJ Underdog

Lunchbox Theory Presents Afrobeat (DC's #1 Sweat Party)
Featuring DJ Underdog spinning Afro Beat, Afro Soul, Afro Funk, Cubanismo, and all the funky ish!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Party kicks off @ 10PM
$1 Entry so no excuses
Free Budweiser from 10PM-12AM
Free face painting all night

Selam
1524 U St. NW (Between 15th and 16th Sts.)
Washington, DC

Interview: The Glass House (in DC and Beyond) x Don Juan

The Glass House got up with Don Juan before his performance at LOVE Nightclub last Saturday. The dude is pretty driven as you'll hear and has working hard since a pre-teen. Don Juan's "humble grind" has paid off for him with his well received single "Lookie Looky" (one of my favorite tracks to party to in the club) and has also scored him a deal with Jive Records. The Lookie Looky Mixtape is also available for download so you can hear how hard this guy is going in the streets of DC and Beyond.

SoulCulture.co.uk Presents "Aaliyah Revisted" Tribute EP

Urban music mag, SoulCulture.co.uk has teamed up with many of R&B's best in the game to bring you Aaliyah Revisited Tribute EP. The remixes you'll hear on this are phenomenal and well thought out. On the first listen, I could hear that the artists and producers both channeled Aaliyah's energy and soul while in in the studio. I have yet to meet someone who wasn't a fan of Aaliyah and couldn't relate to her in some way. Whether you were that girl who thought rockin' a sports bra and baggy jeans was the flyest look ever, you at some point in your life experienced the words heard in all her songs or you had the biggest crush on her from "Back and Forth" all the way to "We Need A Resolution", the Aaliyah Revisited Tribute EP is something that will truly be appreciated by you and all Aaliyah fans alike.

Download Aaliyah Revisited Tribute EP and preview what you'll hear below with the soulful crooning of Jesse Boykins III on "I Care 4 U"




TRACKLIST & INFORMATION


1. If Your Girl Only Knew (Syberized) – produced & performed by Sy Smith (Recorded & Engineered by: Grant Nicholas at Rumbo Studio C, Winnetka, CA)

2. Are You That Somebody – performed by Tawiah, produced by Jodi Milliner

3. I Care 4 U – produced & performed by Jesse Boykins III

4. It’s Whatever – produced by Black Einstein ft. Baby Sol

5. A Million Preludes – performed by Marsha Ambrosius

6. One In A Million – performed by Jonas

7. Rock The Boat – performed by Vula, produced by Jodi Milliner

8. ESP (A 4 Page Suite) – produced by AFTA-1 ft. Nikko Gray

Members Only...

Anyone who knows me on a personal level is aware of how much I love a bargain, especially when relative to fashion. Of my favorite sources, I thought I'd share one of my most beneficial as far as being one anyone can access. If not familiar with online designer sample sales, prepare to become. These sample sales are set up as online "boutiques" and consist of exclusive designer sales that go up to 50-75% off. Ideeli, Gilt, Editor's Closet, Ruelala, are just a few, however they're invite only.Two of my favorite, which I'm obviously members of are Hautelook and BeyondtheRack.

Boutiques stay open for two days at the most, so you must be quick with it! Save yourself the stress and bruises of a real life rush, and be one of the first IN line/ON line to score royally. Items go fast! You can opt for email notifications to update you on current boutiques and ones to come. Boutiques currently open on Hautelook include: Movado, Philosophy products, Ben Sherman Men AND Women, and Hale Bob. Marc by Marc Jacobs had a huge sunglasses/accessories sale a few weeks back. If in need of an invite to Hautelook or BeyondtheRack, or assistance becoming member of any other you come across that tickles your fashion fancy...email yours truly at troisnoir@gmail.com and I'll get you behind the gates.

xoxo,

B. Zarr

The Glass House (in DC and Beyond) still stylin' on you!

Introducing Michela, new style writer for The Glass House (in DC and Beyond) -

I am the fashion and style enthusiast of minimal fame, known as Michela. I believe in stylistic expression through the much underrated art form of fashion. To that end, I am abreast on trends but do not advocate them; fashion is a lifestyle and not a series of fads. I celebrate the uniquely created aesthetic of the truly daring personal style enthusiasts; those who don't base stylistic value on tags, be it price or designer label. I aim to share my perspective with the world.

Music Video: LMFAO - "La La La"

LMFAO (Think "I'm In Miami Bitch") dropped a video for their track "La La La" from their album Party Rock. In this video, Red Foo creates a crazy computer application that allows you to transport anyone you want into a video dreamworld using just a photo. Sky Blu's choice? The sexy Chelsea Korka of the Paradiso Girls!

Durkl Fall '09 Lookbook

Durkl has made major strides since their inception a couple years ago. From online only sales to an awesome new showroom, the brand has and will continue to stamp itself as the equalizer of urban fashion amongst hipsters, hip-hop folks and skaters whether Black, White, Asian and Latino. Here are a few shots from their Fall '09 Lookbook. If you like what you see (and you will) stop by their showroom some time at 443 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC or check them out at Durkl.com.

Friday 8/28: Strange Music and 368 Music Group Presents He Said She Said @ Palace 5

Two of the area's best MCs rockin' mics right now have linked to bring you He Said She Said. I don't know what to expect exactly from this joint but knowing the work of both Phil and Ra individually I know it'll be a very necessary listen.

Strange Music and 368 Music Group Presents He Said She Said featuring Phil Adé and RAtheMC
Friday, August 28, 2009
8PM-11PM

Palace 5 (14th and Florida NW)
2220 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

Thursday 8/27: Art Salon @ Solea

Art Salon featuring DJ Iwah and Christylez Bacon
Thursday, August 27, 2009
6PM-8PM
Soundscapes by DJ Gold and Riddle
Art exhibit by Albus Cavus
A raffle for art provided by Albus Cavus
"Art Salon" brought to you by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities

Solea Condo Space
1405 Florida Ave. NW
Washington, DC

Ninjasonik @ DC9

Telli & McFly of Ninjasonik

Photography By

Lafayette Barnes

LBARNESPHOTO, Inc.

lbarnesphoto@gmail.com

Recap: R&B Live DC August 2009 Edition @ Station 9

 Earlier this week I attended my first R&B Live event featuring Yahzarah.  Contrary to the unbelievably bad service at Station 9, the show was good.  Three artists performed - Patrice Jones, Brandon Hines and headliner, Yahzarah.  While all artists gave good performances, Yahzarah's talent and stage presence stood out like tofu at a black folks barbecue! Instead of starting her performance on  stage she decided to make her entrance from the audience.

Complete with dominatrix looking stiletto black patent leather platforms, an iridescent blue and black long-sleeved mini dress, tons of pearl colored bobbles and bangles and legs that would make Tina Turner do a double take, Ms. Thing came to tear the house down - and she did. As soon as she came out into the audience, she hopped up on some guests' dinner table and lets loose.  She then gets down from table and heads for the stage where she continued to captivate the audience. She sang a few numbers from her latest project The Prelude and even took us to church for a few minutes. 

While performing, her voice and onstage persona came off as a blend of Erykah Badu, Joi and Janelle Monae. Her style was funky, but very soulful and futuristic.  Her voice was powerful but behind the notes she sang was a lot of vulnerability.  She left her heart on stage and many audience member's souls on fire!  She reminded me of why I fell in love with good music and her performance was truly a memorable one.

Weekend Roundup

If you go out in DC as often as I do, then you know that it has evolved into a "7 Nights A Week" town. By that I mean, you can literally find some party or event, in almost any of the most popular social scenes in the area every night of the week. Students attending area colleges are back in town this week so you may want to temporarily change that "Fashionably Late" mentality until next spring, that is if you don't mind waiting in line for a while.



Close 2 the Edge with DJ Dredd
Friday, August 21, 2009
Doors open @ 9PM
$7 Entry
All ages

The Black Cat
1811 14th St. NW (14th & S)
Washington, DC



SHIFT DC with DJs Gavin Holland, Aaron Riggins & MAJR
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Doors open @ 10PM
$5 Cover / Free before 10:30
21+
$5 Philly Special (PBR/Jim Beam Shot combo)
$4 Rails & Beers
$2 PBR

Cobalt
1639 R St. NW (17th & R)
Washington, DC




Jump 'N' Funk with DJs Rich Medina and Underdog
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Doors open @ 10PM
$10 Advance tickets HERE

LIV Nightclub
2001 11th St. NW (11th & U)
Washington, DC



BLISS 9th Year Anniversary with DJs Will Eastman, Yes Giantess, Codebreaker and Dmerit
Saturday, August 22, 2009
9PM-2AM
$10 Entry
All ages

Black Cat main stage
1811 14th St. NW (14th & S)
Washington, DC



Dre All Day In The Paint's Birthday Bash hosted by Big G aka Anwan Glover
Featuring Don Juan, Wale, Frayz, Luegar, Whitefolkz and Oy Boyz
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Doors open @ 9PM
Free before 11PM with text, pass or flyer
Text 202.560.7467 for VIP Guest List
18+

LOVE Nightclub
1350 Okie St. NE
Washington, DC

Interview: The Glass House x Kingpen Slim

The Glass House (in DC and Beyond) x Kingpen Slim from The Glass House (in DC for now) on Vimeo.

Beam Up Entertainment's (TheBeamUp.com) Kingpen Slim talks to the people about his time in the game, influences and his latest album The Beam Up.

Thursday 8/20: The GAP Presents When The Sky Turns Green

When The Sky Turns Green
Featuring Greenspan
Thursday, August 20, 2009
7PM-9PM
The GAP (Downtown Baltimore)
200 E Pratt St. # 3091
Baltimore, MD

And before you go, hear why you should. You'll thank me later....

Download When The Sky Turns Green

Music Video: Nike Nando "Talk To Me"

Talk To Me: by Nike Nando from ABB VIDEO on Vimeo.

The young dude speaks from the heart in this joint. "Talk To Me" is one of my favorite songs from his most recent mixtape Super Nike Nando which displays Nando's talent with the pen and mic in a way unheard prior to now. He even produces one of the tracks on it (check for "Produced By Me"). He's got some good folks that are pushing him beyond DC and coupled in with mixtapes like Super Nike Nando it shouldn't be much longer.

Music Video Mashup: Major Lazer vs Missy Elliot "Pon De Gossip"

For those that may not remember, earlier this month I posted the funny, kinda strange and controversial (all depending on who you talk to) video for Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor" in which you witness dance moves that are rather common in the dancehall and reggae music scenes. The good dudes of Cookin' Soul did an excellent mash up video of "Pon De Floor" and Missy Elliot's "Gossip Folks". Check out the video and download the track HERE.

Heineken Red Star Soul x DJ Clark Kent x Melanie Fiona

Last Thursday The Glass House and The Couch Sessions got up with DJ Clark Kent and Melanie Fiona at the Heineken Red Star Soul event at Ibiza. It was also an impromptu DC blog site meetup as well and we got to chop it up with many of the minds behind some of DC's top entertainment and lifestyle blogs. Hear what they had to say about what's new and life until now.

Tonight: Don Juan "Lookie Looky" Mixtape Release Party x Kingpen Slim's Birthday Beam Up Tour x Saturday 8/22: Sex Love & Kool-Aid

It's going to be pretty active this week in DMV Hip Hop. Don Juan of "Lookie Looky" fame along with host Big Tigger of WPGC will be at Pure (1326 U St. NW) tonight for the Lookie Looky Mixtape Release Party from 7PM-10PM.



Kingpen Slim's birthday is today (wish him well via Twitter or if you see him in the street) but he's celebrating all week long so come out to or come out to all for The Beam Up.



WhoIsRickyParker.com and Durkl have teamed up to bring you the Sex Love & Kool-Aid Concert this Saturday at XII Lounge (1123 H St. NE) featuring some of the best in the DMV. If you haven't had a chance to see any of these artists perform live then you need to be in the building this weekend to see what's really good in the area.

Tarjay, Tarjay Take Me Away!

A usual Target trip for myself runs along the lines of running in for "just a few things" and ending up walking out of the store with "just a few bags" instead. I know I'm not alone! And ever since Target launched their Go International program, I've been making even more "not on the list" purchases. Those not familiar with Go International, let me introduce. Go International consists of affordable apparel and accessories for women created by young and emerging designers. Each season is created by a different designer who is already well-known

for their high-end collections and is only available for 90 days from its release. The idea of it all isn't necessarily fresh. I can remember the first design collaboration between H&M and Karl Lagerfeld, I died three times.

My first purchase was a sweater by Anna Sui under Target's Designer Collaborations program. From the Go International line an adorable tie-front sheath dress by Richard Chai I wore to a Fall Collection show last year, and most recent a shirt for the office by Alexander McQueen.

But I very recently learned that a line I adore, Rodarte, headed by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy will be releasing a collection under Go International the end of December 09. Rodarte, known for their attention to detail and extremely intricate designs will be available until February with the highest price of a piece set to being $80.

It will be interesting to see if a high fashion line whose frocks are easily labeled with price tags in the four digits can be successfully translated to mass fashion. Either way, I am uber excited and am preparing myself for many more luxury for less purchases at Tarjay!

xoxo,

B. Zarr

Summer School REVIEW: MИWKA presents NINJASONIK Darth Baño

First I want to thank Sonya for the opportunity to share my opinion on anything, I check The Glass House daily and find it a privilege to be asked to contribute to its ongoing mission. My first assignment is to Review the "MИWKA presents Darth Baño" mixtape which you can find here, but keep reading to see if its worth your time. The Glass House Rating System is really relevant with the start of school weeks or depending on your district days away, I studied long and hard so you can advance to the next grade level musically.

Now to the matter at hand, MИWKA presents Darth Baño mixtape. This tapes opening salvo features a clip from the Liam Neeson's Action Thriller Taken, then launches into the Darth Vader Theme sampled beat, (Liam Neeson does star in Episode One of Star Wars as Obi Won Kenobi's Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn) , which is clever yet odd considering the Star Wars themed cover art. Does Episode one contain any line as menacing as the one lifted from the excellent Taken? Maybe but let us save that for another post. This then leads into the Dance influenced "It's OK" and rolls on into the rest of this musical journey led by Baño . This journey features familiar Hip Hop locals such a Money, Clothes, Hoes. Yeah but less misogynist but misogynist none the less. "NoFunForUglyGirls" is lead by the aptly titled "NoFunForUglyGirls Intro" on which Bano recounts an encounter with a young lady he met through the microblogging site twitter. While making valid observations it is somewhat unnecessary but it does provide for a terrific lead for its successor. The minimal beat and altered voice effect is reminiscent of some of Baltimore's Club Music and that provided me with a bit of comfort on this journey. Not only does this mine the very familiar themes of Hip Hop it travels through time, several tracks have beats straight from the early days of Hip Hop with that Boom Bap, "Danger" being one track that even warns their home borough BX " You better watchout, you better watchout". "Tight Pants Poppin'" clearly a nod to the current Hipster fashion trend is full of energy and seems to fly by but is followed by the equally energetic "Sip Some of This".

Now what does all this add up to, mining already well worn themes can be dangerous for any artist but what sets one artist apart from any other is what you do with what you find. Anyone can pull a rough diamond from the ground but how you cut polish and set the stone is what matters. To begin with this diamond is Conflict Free, no one died or lost a limb to get this stone out of the earth. So from that point it is already different than any other records, unlike most mainstream Hip Hop it comes from a different place, not the Ultra Macho Super violent Drug Addicted Country of Corporate Radio. The only people who will be killed in the making of this diamond might be wack rappers. You can listen to this guilt free knowing that the world will be rid of one more wack rapper. Now to the similarities in theme, the Money, Clothes Hoes I mentioned earlier. Well they aren't coming from the Materialistic, All about me, Macho place everyone else is launching there records from, it still features the braggadocios that is at the core of Hip Hop (and necessary to be a good MC) . The use of the Money Clothes and Hoes is cut different, the playful "NoFunForUglyGirls" is not new to Hip Hop just severely lacking and that makes it ok, in spite of the misogyny (mostly due to the use of the word "Bitch" in the proceeding track). The clothing label name dropping that turns most songs into a commercial for New York Fashion week is absent and not missed at all. The "Tight Pants Poppin'" could have easily been filled with every denim manufacturer to turn out a pair of jeans since time began but it doesn't. Money is alway linked to what I bought and how much I got but "My Kids Can't Eat No Fame" turns that inside out. Clarity is achieved with these cuts and gives you a radiance not seen in most of the cloudy off color jewels pushed on you by Corporate Radio. Now as to the color, this diamond is blue"ish" usually found in the best diamonds increasing their value significantly. So what is the weight of this diamond, its Carats, the last of the C's used to judge diamonds. This is tough because it depends on what you value, I like heavy lyrics that are fun, clever and witty. If you like to "crank that" or "birthday sex" then this may be too big and not to your liking I would suggest something smaller.

So will this release be accompanying you to the next grade this fall, did it pass this Summer Session based on The Glass House rating system:

Category I: Artistry

Darth Bano, Hmmm? While other Rappers have used Star Wars imagery, not many don Jedi robes and Light Sabers on the cover of there mixtapes (Real or Cartoons). Bano is putting his own twist on the current look that dominates the hipster fashion with fishing vest and four finger rings. The uninitiated may think its all the same but there is a more street element to what he is doing and coming from the Bronx that is to be expected. Swag isn't an issue, Bano has it. The Bronx toughness shines through skinny jeans, fishing vest and all. Don't sleep, Hipsters can be tough guys too. Grade: B+ (3.49)

Category II: Wordplay

Did he just say... Is something I don't find myself saying to often when I listen to a lot of rap music. "Jump up out my Bed, Turn my Swag on" is not going to have you rewinding at all, Sorry Sonya I know how you dig that song on a nice sound system, MИWKA presents Darth Baño has plenty of let me hear that again moment. These aren't your basic rhymes being spirt here, plenty of metephors, similies and clever wordplay. "...crushing y'all niggas like a project roach..." - Darth Bano Intro, most times projects are only filled with drug dealer (in reality they got roaches too). "...no Salty looks/ Im cutting out my sodium..." - Negative Thinking, gun play typically follows salty looks, I wasn't expecting a dietary recommendation. Grade: A (3.7)

Category III: Beat Chemistry

In this age of Corporate Radio with four producers dominating the airwaves it is amazing listing to this mixtape featuring six plus producers. Can one man find harmony with each one? Yes, is the correct answer. Never did I feel that Bano is out of his element, there were plenty of opportunities fr that to happen. Bano and this group of producers put together a collection of beats and rhymes that would trip up lesser rappers but he finds the pocket on each track and rides it effortlessly. Chemistry is hard to find with one person, but to share it with so many producers might give some people the wrong impression. Grade: A+ (4.0)

Category IV: Relativity Factor

With the current climate being what it is, Bano is on the fringe of the current crop of "Hipster" rappers currently raising there profiles via the blogosphere. Does he have "It" , yes the elusive "It". Bano has "Something", this effort fall into the "Something" category. What does that mean? Will those who are high on those who are on the verge look to Bano as a natural progression musically. Unfortunately, Not. This isn't a knock against him, just how the listening public will see him. They will get tired of the pretty girls and look for someone with personality (To all you pretty girls, I know you have personality. No one is attracted to it. it is why guys stay with you.). Bano has got that in spades but when a fresh new pretty face enters the room he will once again be shunned in favor of the fresh new pretty girl. It would take quite the effort for him to hold on to the hand of those fleeting listeners. Does he have it in him? Yes, and that is "Something". Grade: C+ (2.49)

Kingpen Slim x DC Unplugged @ Vegas Lounge

Last night's event, DC Unplugged at Vegas Lounge was a "cool" and surprising experience. There were a few performers, one of which I was able to interview and see perform live on stage. The venue was small and the lights were low giving the space a very intimate feel. The crowd was filled mostly with couples and tons of ladies. Given the atmosphere that the crowd and the setting created, I wondered how a rap artist would be successful in doing his set. On comes Kingpen Slim and I was expecting "Powder 4 Da Babies" right off jump. Instead, I got a well rehearsed band playing mellow mixes of about four tracks from his latest album, The Beam Up. His energy matched the crowds and he was extremely engaging. His flow and breath control were excellent and his ability to keep the crowd involved even though the audience didn't seem to be familiar with his music was awesome. He had small conversation during his set to keep the show moving and over all just did his thing! It is always gratifying to see an artist give a good show. He has a leg up on a few DMV artists because his performances are always DIFFERENT! His swag was crazy and it seems like the sky is the limit for this cat. BEAM UP!

Are You Blown Away? Phil Ade @ Liv 8/6

Phil Ade Interview from Couch Sessions on Vimeo.

Following in the footsteps of Wale and Tabi Bonney, Phil Adé is next in line to bring DMV hip-hop to the masses. The first artist signed to Raheem Devaughn's new 368 Music Group label, he took the stage last Thursday at Liv for a Mixtape Release Party. Backed by four-piece band The Five One, Adé ripped through most of his debut "Starting on JV" (check out the Glass House review here). He kicked things off with an extended version of electro-club banger "Disco Flow," telling the crowd that he never dreamed of this moment considering "Just last year I was in college…with straight F's."


He continued with the golden era boom-bap of "Blown Away," breaking out his own honey-toned vocals during the chorus. While the line between singing and rapping continues to blur with each new Auto-Tune mishap, Phil Adé is the rare MC who can actually blow. He even serenaded a lucky female audience member invited on onstage during the sexy sly "Always There." The energy intensified with a rocked-up "Everybody Still Nose," his reworking of the similarly titled N.E.R.D. track. Other highlights include the uptempo feel-good "Never Let U Go" and heartfelt "Hollywood," which he called a "letter to myself" to remind him to stay grounded in the midst of all his current accolades.


After last week's show the accolades will no doubt continue to roll in for Phil Adé. It's hard to believe he's only been performing for less than a year. With a sound as diverse as his background, he commandeered the stage with the natural charisma and stage presence of a seasoned pro. And if last week's show was any indication, then we can expect to be blown away by Phil Adé for years to come.