So it's official, I'm a Smart Chick among many

As if I didn't already know...



Check out the this double feature edition of Revenge of The Smart Chicks by my new partner in crime, Carolyn Malachi

Friday 5/1: Strut For The Cure Fashion Show @ EF'n Lounge aka Be Bar

A couple of my folks have worked hard to put this project together. Definitely come out and support the cause for increased Breast Cancer awareness and prevention y'all. If you can't make then be sure to hit up www.avonwalk.org/goto/ameenah to show your support.

She Scenes Entertainment Present Strut For The Cure Fashion Show
Friday, May 1st
6PM-3AM
Free admission to Happy Hour 6PM-8PM $3 Martinis/ 2-For-1 Drink Specials
Fashion Show - Doors open @ 8PM and show starts promptly @ 9PM
Tickets for Fashion Show $15 in advance (Ya got until today at 5PM to purchase) and $20 at the door
$5 Martinis all night
Silent Auction for a 7 Day/6 Night vacation (Bidding starts @ $100)

For more info - SheScenesEnt@yahoo.com

EF'n Lounge aka BeBar
1318 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Interview: Chilli and Teyana Taylor @ The Dasani Style and Beauty Lounge

Thanks to my boy Stone at The Couch Sessions, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chilli of TLC and Star Trak recording artist Teyana Taylor at the Dasani Style and Beauty Lounge. The event was really dope because I got to interview two very interesting women and I got a facial for the first time. The best part was being amongst many accomplished and beautiful Black women such as Debra Lee, CEO of BET Television and Bethann Hardison of Black Girls Coalition. I must say I was very honored to be in the building last Friday.

*Crank up your speakers because the audio may be kind of low*

Friday 5/1: Spring Heat @ Policy

Kevin Lance Murray Presents Spring Heat
with Nacey of Nouveau Riche on the tables
Friday, May 1st
10PM
21+
Guestlist only - Click HERE

For table resevations - 646.457.0553

Policy
1904 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 5/1: Bouncing Off The Ropes Tour @ Expo & Axum

Mac Lethal gives good hugs. He also punches really hard.

After putting in a decade of hip-hop elbow grease; he one day realized he has put entirely too much time into honing his craft. The problem was, however, that he hasn't put nearly enough time into saving his money, laying off the booze, overcoming his weakness for seductive women, and finally creating his groundbreaking album that explains this strange enigma of a man.

Featured in Urb Magazine's Next 100 in 2003, next to 99 other artists that still work day jobs, Mac Lethal really had made some deep impressions on the music industry. He was the media's little pitbull puppy -- terrorizing rappers at prestigious events like Scribble Jam and taking the championship belt, or gorilla-style touring with hip-hop flagship artists Atmosphere and Sage Francis.

Read the full article HERE

Bouncing Off The Ropes Tour
featuring Mac Lethal, The Five One, Educated Consumers, and The Metaphysical @ Expo
Friday, May 1st
9PM-3AM
21+
$10

Dubstep with Soohan and Hubsmoke @ Axum
21+
Free

Sponsored by:
DC Rap
One vs Many
Food Chain Collective
Rhymesayers Entertaiment

Expo
1928 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Axum
1934 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Thursday 4/30: Afrika Bambataa @ Current

Red Bull Music Academy Presents Afrika Bambataa - Godfather of Hip Hop
Thursday, April 30th
9PM-2AM
Opening set by DJ Bee
21+
Free with RSVP before 11
$10 after

Guestlist - vip@scandaldc.com

Current
1215 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC

Lovable - Rare Essence aka The Wickedest Band Alive

Had to post this joint, not so much because the song goes, but because the video encapsulates so much about the "good ol' days" of GoGo. I actually saw people in the front freakin'! I didn't even think people still did that because their outfits were too fresh lol.

"My City" - XO, AB The Producer and Toney Nightmare

"My City" - XO, AB The Producer & Toney Nightmare from ricky parker on Vimeo.

The New Classics Tour Mixtape NYC Edition

This mixtape explains a little bit about what DJ 2 Tone Jones did at the in-store I attended at the Adidas Originals Store in SoHo last Thursday but a lot about what he does on the regular.

Shaman Work Recordings Presents The New Classics Tour Mixtape - NYC Edition


Tracklisting:

My NY State of Mind II Intro – DJ 2-Tone Jones
Young G’s (Astronote remix) – Notorious BIG feat. Talib Kweli
Chinatown Wars – Ghostface Killah
Chinatown Wars (remix) – MF Doom
Wu Ooh – Raekwon feat. Ghostface Killah & Method Man
A Yo – Redman & Method Man feat. Saukrates
Gazzilion Ear – MF Doom
This is Ringtone Murder – LL Cool J feat. Grandmaster Caz
Take it Back – Wu-Tang
Pray (K-Def remix) – Jay-Z
Getting Up (DJ Scratch remix) – Q-Tip feat. Busta Rhymes
Won’t Trade – Q-Tip
That Knack – DJ K.O. feat. Wordsworth, Stricklin & Torae
It’s a Love Thing (King RJ remix) – Pete Rock & CL Smooth
The Hardest – Large Pro feat. Styles P. & AZ
Top 5…[Dead or Alive?] – Sound of the City feat. Notorious BIG, 2pac, Scarface, Nas & Jay-Z
Someday – DJ K.O. feat. Talib Kweli, Torae, John Robinson & Tiffany Paige
My NY State of Mind Outro

Saturday 5/2: DC MAYDAY Alleycat Race @ Dupont Circle

For all you competitive cyclists out there...

DC MAYDAY Alleycat Race
Saturday, May 2nd
3:30 PM Meetup @ Dupnt Circle
4PM Manifest Passout

1st Place - Leader 725TR Framework and Stussy Messenger
2nd Place - Seagull Bag, Outlier Clothing and Kryptonite NY Lock
3rd Place - Kryptonite NY Lock and Stussy Bag

Tons of giveaways!

BBQ and Beer at the finish line!

Check out maydaydc.wordpress.com prior to the race

Saturday 5/2: Spy vs Spy vs Spy vs Spy @ Expo & Axum

Spy vs Spy vs Spy vs Spy
with DJs Cam Jus, Soohan, Phil Real and The Metaphysical
Saturday, May 2nd
9PM-3AM
21+
$5
Ladies Free All Night

Expo
1928 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Axum
1934 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 5/1: MAYDAY - Global Politics @ Art Whino

I want to mention that the National Harbor as a whole is the best thing to come to my hood (Oxon Hill) ever in life. The sad part is, it's not here for my hood and it shows by the continued degradation and lack of progression of the town formerly known as Oxford On Hill.

MAYDAY: Global Politics - A 3 Part Show
with music by DJ Two Tone
Kareem Rizk Solo show - Trapped in Paradise

AM Radio - Installation and Mural

Art Whino Artists - Group show
Aaron Kraten
Adam Neubauer
Anthony Jones
BayTruthSeeker
Bonnie Durham
Brent Houzenga
Bryan Schnelle
Casey Weldon
Daniel Fleres
Dave Lowell
Downer
dust
Ed Gross
ELSTABO
Francesco D'Isa
Imani
James Walker
Jessica Gamble
Joshua Krause
Kristal Blanco
Matthew Somma
Max Jones
Max Kauffman
Mefee
Michael Crockett
Nils Westergard
Nishi
PaperMonster
Paulo Arraiano
SMAC
SOULE
Spencer Reynolds
Terri Woodward
TMNK

Art Whino
173 Waterfront St.
National Harbor, MD 20745

Tonight: Versus Series V.9 - D'Angelo vs. Musiq Soulchild @ Almaz

King RJ Presents
Versus Series V.9 - D'Angelo vs. Musiq Soulchild
Featuring DJs 2 Tone Jones and Stylus
Tuesday, April 28th
Doors Open @ 9PM
$5
Live Artwork Mural Painting by Aniekan of AM Radio

Almaz
1212 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 5/1: Joyism @ Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (Peep my 1st Interview)

Binahkaye Joy tells all...about JOYISM! from Sonya Collins on Vimeo.

JOYISM! takes audiences on an dynamic, participatory movement journey by diving into themes and issues that affect us all. Binahkaye initiates a communal honoring of motherhood through danced biographies in The Mother Project. She challenges everyone to reconsider the travesty of Hurricane Katrina in a co-created movement dialogue where dance takes the place of words in New Orleans! The words of women who are incarcerated come alive in Lifelines on 57 through movement and audience participation. And of course, an experience with Binahkaye would be incomplete without a danced exploration of the mystical booty in Bootyism. Live music adds a brand new dimension to JOYISM! with Manatho "Shumba" Masani on Mbira and Eric Maring on Tabla. JOYISM! is an opportunity to embrace the dance that belongs to all of us!


Binahkaye Joy, Visionary Space Activator and Artistic Director, is launching JOYISM! this year. JOYISM! is a global movement laboratory where everything living is welcome to come and make dances together. JOYISM! honors the infinite creative powers of all people and facilitates dance experiences for personal and communal healing, artistic experimentation, and the celebration of life.

The JOYISM! show will be at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 in Eastern Market on Friday, May 1st. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show begins at 8:00pm. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets are $15 and are available online at www.osadance.blogspot.com.


For more information about the JOYISM! show and Binahkaye Joy please visit www.osadance.blogspot.com

Joyism! | dance : play : live
Friday, May 1st
Show starts @ 8PM
Advance tickets $15

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th Street, SE
Washington, DC

Saturday 5/2: HOMECOMING @ Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

In May 2002, Saartjie (Sara) Baartman's remains were flown back to her homeland, South Africa and laid to rest almost 200 years after she left for Europe in search of a life void of violence. Tragically from 1810 – 1815 Saartjie was paraded around Europe under the show name “Hottentot Venus”. Featured as an oddity and hypersexual African woman, she was adorned in feathers, beads and placed in a cage on display because of her large buttocks. When she died her body was dissected and her remains were on display in a museum in Paris until 1974.

HOMECOMING is a tradition adopted by The Saartjie Project to commemorate the 7th anniversary of Saartjie Baartman’s final return home and raises the question, “What does it mean to commemorate this day?” HOMECOMING will feature women and girls boldly using their original art to heal and change communities.

The Saartjie Project Presents HOMECOMING
Saturday, May 2nd
Starts @ 8PM

Original performances by:
Princess of Controversy
Dee Stone
LEA
Chaquis Maliq
Mahoganee
Jade Foster
Young Women’s Drumming Empowerment Project
Elen Awalom
Members of The Saartjie Project
...and more!

Original Visual Art by:
Kameelah Rasheed
Amber Robles-Gordon
Nataki McNeal Bhatti
...and more!

This is not a night to miss!

Purchase tix at www.thesaartjieproject.org

Your donation helps support The Saartjie Project as we scale our production, community-based programs & sojourn to Minneapolis for the 2009 Pedagogy & Theatre of the Oppressed International Conference. We are a volunteer-run organization for the people sustained by the people.

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop
545 7th St. SE
Washington, DC

Saturday 5/2: Renovatio Soul @ Studio 10

Renovatio Soul is a multi dimensional art show incorporating elements of visual, performance, and fashion art. As 'change agents' this generation has been penned for capitalizing off cultural trends and neo cultural influences. While the nature of the art itself has been compromised in the past decade, its overal significance remains true today. In graphic, physical, or performance based form, urban art tells stories and narrates the experiences of a generation in progress. Renovatio, being Latin for 'rebuild', highlights the need to revitalize this community by showcasing infused artistic dynamics and providing a space for open network and collaboration. The event will feature the acclaimed pieces of Maurice Bradford (www.moesartdesign.com) as well as sample works from local artists and artistic stylists/designers. The live art show will portray moving pieces of visual art in fashion, hair, and/or body art forms.

Sweet Honey Produtions Presents Renavatio Soul
Saturday, May 2nd
2PM-10PM
Art Expo: 2PM-5PM
Live Art/Fashion Show: 6PM-9PM

Studio 10
2828 10th St. NE
Washington, DC

Friday 5/1 - WOVEN: Smart Chicks Inc. Launch @ Seventh Metro Church

Jade Foster (of Black Church Maraca fame)


Bluegrass singer, Chelsea Mcbee


Tya Anthony shoots


Shelby Jade


Liz Wilson paints


WOVEN: Smart Chicks Inc. Launch ~ Weaving a tapestry of culture through art.
Friday, May 1st
7PM-10PM
Performances start @ 8PM

Seventh Metro Church
30 E. North Ave. (Enter on St. Paul Street side of church)
Baltimore, MD
For more info - info@smartchicksinc.org

Friday 5/1: Real Hip Hop on U Vol. 1 @ Almaz

Real Hip Hop On U Vol. 1 @ Almaz
featuring a live performance by SKILLZ
Hosted by Asheru & Maimouna Youssef

DJs RBI & MarcNfinit on the Main Level
DJ Mel B EZ on the Second Level

Additional performances by:
M!das
Shaka
RAtheMC
The Package

Doors open @ 9PM
Ladies Free before 11
Guys $10 before 11

Almaz
1212 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Friday 5/1: Critical Exposure Presents Picture Equality

Critical Exposure and Words Beats & Life Inc. are Washington DC based youth arts organizations that empower their students to be the leaders of today. The featured works, graffiti and photograph were created by students and supporters in order to promote social change and to share their creative vision.


Critical Exposure Presents Picture Equality
Featuring Words Beats & Life Inc. bringing you Graffiti, Turntables, and Documentary Photography!
Friday, May 1st
9PM-12AM

2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Se
Washington, DC

Made possible by The Pink Line Project and Red Bull

Quote of the Week

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails. - John Maxwell

Marky x Connect DVD Interview Part 3

Markdef Interview 3 of 3 from Vin Hoffa on Vimeo.

Hipster Overkill Interview with Armand Van Helden

Hipster Overkill's MCSL comes through again with another dope interview. This time with House music icon, Armand Van Helden. If you don't know who this dude is and you're a fan of any type House music you should be ashamed of yourself. Producer of hits like "The Witch Doktor" (one of my favorite House tracks of all time), Armand shows no signs of quitting anytime soon even after almost 20 years in the game.

They also posted a video for his track "I Want Your Soul" which is an almost spot on visual and audio interpretation of the mission of The Glass House. I don't want your soul in a cult kinda way but show me the soul you got. Ultimately, don't ever be afraid to be you when you're partying in The Glass House. Watch this joint closely to see if you see what I'm talking about...

Saturday 4/25: Bliss Dance Party @ Black Cat

Bliss Dance Party
featuring DJ Will Eastman
with special guest DJ Shea Van Horr
Saturday, April 25th
9:30PM-2AM
All Ages
$7

Black Cat
1811 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

Saturday 4/25: Cuba After Market 1.5 Video Shoot and Afterparty @ The Warehouse

King RJ Presents Cuba After Market 1.5 Video Shoot and Afterparty
Hosted by Phonte' of Little Brother and special guest Carlitta Durand
with DJs 2 Tone Jones, Stylus and many more!
Saturday, April 25th
Doors open @ 10PM
$10 w/RSVP

RSVP and selected invite only during taping!
Contact: kingroddyjones@gmail.com

*Free 1st Edition Cuba After Market Ver.1 will be given to the first 75*

The Warehouse (3rd Floor)
411 New York Ave. NE (Corner of Penn Ave./4th St.)
Washington, DC

Friday 5/1 - WOVEN: Smart Chicks Inc. Launch @ Seventh Metro Church

Although I am very excited and grateful to be a part of Smart Chicks, Inc. this isn't about only me. It's about all women (read Smart Chicks) who are bold, leaders in their craft and communities, funny, independent in thought and action...you know, smart.

WOVEN: Smart Chicks Inc. Launch ~ Weaving a tapestry of culture through art.
Friday, May 1st
7PM-10PM

Featuring the work of Liz Wilson and Tya Anthony
8 p.m. Performances by poets, Jade Foster (of Black Church Maraca fame) and Shelby Jade, and bluegrass singer, Chelsea Mcbee. Liz Wilson paints. Tya Anthony shoots.

Seventh Metro Church
30 E. North Ave. (Enter on St. Paul Street side of church)
Baltimore, MD
For more info - info@smartchicksinc.org

The article that reinforces my "grass is greener" perspective on the recession

The majority of people I have met recently, along with a couple I have known for a while, have lost their jobs within the last six months or they've voluntarily walked away from them. Since these events have occurred, however, instead of fretting because they no longer are bound to a paycheck these enterprising souls have been just that - Enterprising. Either going "full steam ahead" with business ideas or making moonlighting a 24/7/365 routine, all these individuals have been rather inspiring to me. I often feel like my time can come any day for whatever reason. Do I want to lose my job - although I'm not as into it as before "No". Would I be able to think fast to come up with another source of income that would sustain me - "Yes" because I've done it on a few occassions. This article (posted on FB via Victor) definitely breaks down why you can find much good in these uncertain times...

It’s Not the Recession, You Just Suck
by LISA BARONE

"Are we really going to spend our entire Friday talking about Oprah’s caps locked Twitter debut? Or invest more time discussing Ashton Kutcher and his one million followers publicity stunt? Seriously? Do you ever think that we’re wasting far too much time on stuff that isn’t making us any money or helping anyone? And maybe that’s why you lost your job/can’t get clients/haven’t produced anything exciting recently?" Continue reading HERE

Saturday 4/25: Basement Bashment: Pure Reggae Rhythms @ LIV

Basement Bashment:Pure Reggae Rhythms
with DJ Underdog and DJ Fiyaman spinnin' Reggae ~ Dub ~ Culture ~ Dancehall
Saturday, April 25th
11PM-2AM
$10
Ladies Free All Night!

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

Friday 4/24: Black Light Special Presents Afro-Beat @ Selam

Black Light Special Presents Afro-Beat
with DJ Underdog spinning Afro-Soul ~ Cubanismo ~ Afro-Beat ~ Fete
Friday, April 24th and Every Last Friday
10PM - When they feel like quitting!
21+
$1 (Best recession-diet special next to no cover)

Selam
1524 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Marky x Connect DVD Interview Part 2

Markdef Interview 2 of 3 from Vin Hoffa on Vimeo.

AllHipHop.com interviews Wordsmith

I was officially introduced to Wordsmith at 7AM last week while checking my email one morning. I was shocked because unlike many other rappers who's music and press releases are emailed to me, he's not from the DC area and I haven't been to Baltimore in over a year. I stopped wondering the other day how people get my email when I remembered that my contact info is so easily accessible. Then he started following me on Twitter...this type of stuff is still big to me because everyone who hits me up for the most part are people who have way more notoriety and clout than me. Nonetheless, we exchanged words and he left me very inspired, artist to marketing genius in the making. Before I continue I just want to thank RAtheMC for having dope artists as features on her last joint. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any prior knowledge of Wordsmith or the others dudes on the joint. Being one of the illest emcees from Bmore, being interviewed by AllHipHop.com is definitely not unwarranted. Wordsmith is dropping his upcoming collaborative release Bridging The Gap. Linking up with Chubb Rock, this should be a cross-generational excursion in Hip Hop worth checking out. Check the AllHipHop.com interview HERE...

Saturday 4/25: Dinner With DJ @ The Pour House

Dinner With DJ - The Soul Sessions
Live performance by Jacobsoul feat. The Els
Hosted by DJ The DJ of WPFW 89.3 FM
Live Art Installation by FOCSI
Saturday, April 25th
Advance Ticket $15 includes buffet, performance and raffle giveaways
For more info: www.breatheasymusic.ning.com ~ 202.560.2964

Top of The Hill @ The Pour House
319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC

Another DJ Cam Jus Blast 3 Mixtape leak

Ok so last week I posted a "Bang" remix by Nacey from Nouveau Riche but DJ Cam Jus, who has now linked up with me as the official DJ for The Glass House, sent me another leak from his upcoming mixtape entitled Blast 3. This is his take on one of the hardest Rye Rye tracks I've heard to date.

"Bang" (DJ Cam Jus Remix) - Rye Rye feat. M.I.A.

Bang (Cam Jus remix) - Rye Rye ft. MIA & Blaqstarr by camjus

Blaqstarr and Rye Rye - The Blaqout Mixtape

I almost didn't post this because, with the exception of the intro, I was a little disappointed. However, after a conversation I had with Marcus Dowling about it, I see they're trying to break-in the ears of the mainstream and ween them into the hype Bmore Club sound I've grown accustomed to hearing from both Rye Rye and Blaqstarr. Nonetheless, you may like it regardless of this fact.

Marky x Connect DVD Interview Part 1

Markdef Interview 1 of 3 from Vin Hoffa on Vimeo.

Vin I need the other two parts ASAP man!

Clipse - Kinda Like A Big Deal feat. Kanye West

Some would consider including the Tidewater region of VA in the DMV reaching BUT regardless I like this joint a lot. Me personally, I think I'm becoming kinda like a big deal but I'll keep you posted on that though lol.

My man Uncle Q got checked by Washington Post's Going Out Gurus

In a nightlife street cred kinda way that is...

"Friday night in Adams Morgan ..." conjures up some pretty unpleasant images. Lowest-common-denominator DJs spinning tired '80s hits. Drunk 22-year-olds spilling out of bars. Roaming bachelorette parties. It's exactly the time you don't want to be in the neighborhood -- unless you want to hit one of the best old-school hip-hop parties in town." Continue reading HERE

And download his latest mixtape, The Dance

Skyzoo - The FreshFest feat. Wale

Ok so everyone knows Wale but if you don't I hyperlinked his name so you can catch up. However, you may not know of Skyzoo who I learned of on RAtheMC's Are You Not Entertained? in February. The Brooklyn native links up again with Mr. Folarin on another track, this one entitled "The FreshFest" let the haters know they don't come nowhere near checking their fresh - you can hear it in the rap (I heard that in the rap actually).

Sound Systems in Australia are Sneaky?

Sneaky Sound System - 16 from Sneaky Sound System on Vimeo.

On occassion I post music totally unrelated to the DMV because it still falls in line with what The Glass House. I was put on to this band, Sneaky Sound System, while paying a visit to Jade Floyd's blog today. Sneaky Sound System got their start back in 2001 and are pretty popular right now down under. The band consists of four guys and a leading lady who rock in an electrifying kinda way.

Tomorrow: Versus Series V.9 - Outkast vs. The Roots @ Almaz

King RJ Presents
Versus Series V.9 - Outkast vs. The Roots
Featuring DJ 2 Tone Jones and DJ Marshall Law
Tuesday, April 21st
Doors Open @ 9PM
$5
Live Artwork Mural Painting by Aniekan of AM Radio

Almaz
1212 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Saturday 4/25: Nouveau Riche @ DC9

Nouveau Riche featuring DJs Gavin Holland, Steve Starks and Nacey
Saturday, April 25th
Doors open @ 9PM
21+

DC9
1940 9th St. NW
Washington, DC

Saturday 4/25: Pretty & Bad -in- Pink & Blue @ The Georgetown Dock

New Lifee 101 ~ Syce Game Ent ~ LBink Presents...
Pretty & Bad -in- Pink & Blue
Saturday April 25th
12PM-5PM
$10 to come and shoot around with everyone
$20 for personal photo shoots
($5 per extra person in your shoot)

The location is right across from the Georgetown Lowes Movie Theatre.

The location backdrop is the Potomac River, trees, boats, etc.

The shoot is to be pretty and airy for girls and cocky and fly for boys. Girls and Guys feel free t exaggerate your pink and blue! It makes for a better shoot!

Friday 4/24: Sweat Shop @ 9:30 Club Back Bar

Sweat Shop with DJs Trevor Martin and Jackie O
Friday, April 24th
10PM-4AM
$5
No Dress Code
No Bammas

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

Thursday 4/23: House of Soul @ Bossa

"Dedicated to nourishing the District's deep house scene -- the uplifting style of dance music blending organic soul, funk, and disco with electronica known for drawing a dedicated, some would say religious, following -- the band fuses the seamless and entrancing sets of an underground club DJ with the stirring sounds of live master performers. Like a good DJ, the band reads and reacts to the dancers, weaving improvized grooves, "remixes" of classic selections, and original tunes into non-stop sets that keep devoted dancers sweating.

House of Soul boasts six of the District's finest musicians who regularly perform jazz, soul, R&B, hip hop, and fusion around the city. Charles Ostle (InnerLoop, the Oscillators, Will Rast) lays the band's foundation with his trademark unwavering-but-soulful beats on drum set, complemented by Leroy Greer's energetic congas and hand percussion. Keyboardist Jon Ozment and bassist Matt Grason (Motel project) add driving, funky rhythm lines twinged with electronica. And tenor sax player Matt Rippetoe (Dog Fashion Disco, Funk Ark, Dan Roberts) and guitarist Greg Loman (Oddzar) bring spontenaeity to the sound with fluid jazz and soul riffs and solos."

House of Soul - DC's Only Live House Band
also feauring DJ V:Shal
Thursday, April 23, 2009
10PM-1AM
No Cover

Bossa
2463 18th St, NW (Adams Morgan)
Washington, DC

Tomorrow: 4/20 Happy Hour/Kingdom of Kush Listening Party @ Expo

Bambu and One VS. Many Presents 4/20 Happy Hour/Kingdom of Kush Listening Party
featuring Rosetta Stoned with DJs Earth 1ne & Nick Tha 1da on the tables
Monday, April 20th
4PM-9PM
No Admission
Free Kingdom of Kush CDs (limited supplies)
Free Bambu rolling papers (limited supplies)
$6 Grey Goose, Belvedere, or any vodka drinks
$5 Burgers & chicken sandwiches
$3.50 Beers

Pure Mondays @ Pure Lounge

XO ~ MAJOR ~ Inner Loop Records Presents Pure Mondays
Every Monday Night
Hosted by XO ~ Benji ~ Toney ~ 3STARS2BARS with DJ Underdog (MAJOR/Tru Skool)
8PM-1AM
List Sign-Up @ 8PM Sharp!

Pure Lounge
1326 U St. NW
Washington, DC

Quote of the Week

We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way. - Earl G. Graves

Mad late posting: Diamond District - In The Ruff

Don't ask why I didn't post this the night the joint dropped cuz I sure as hell downloaded it on Tuesday. Nonetheless, I present this to you for your listening pleasure. Diamond District, the truest representation of the DMV is made up of Northwest DC's XO (recently signed to Kenny Burns's Studio 43), uber-talented producer Oddisee (PG County, MD) and Y.U. (Northern Virginia) - see what I mean? The trio dropped their highly anticipated album, In The Ruff, which boasts a 90s boom bap flavor complemented by a DMV accent (no pun intended I swear lol). A stereotype shattering effort if I must say so myself and I think y'all will agree.

Download - In The Ruff

Video: Peter Rosenberg - Noisemakers feat. Q-Tip

Q-TIp talks Tribe


Q-Tip talks Miles Davis

Saturday 4/18: Stretch Armstong ~ Tittsworth ~ Will Eastman @ Ibiza

Level Entertainment Presents
Stretch Armstrong ~ Tittsworth ~ Will Eastman
Saturday, April 18th
Doors open @ 10PM
18+
$20
Free before 11PM for 21+ on list
$10 before 11PM for 18+ on list, $5 off thereafter

Click HERE for guestlist (Close @ 5PM on Saturday)

See what you'll get that evening...

VIMBY - Blisspop! DJ Tittsworth

Ibiza Nightclub
1222 1st St. NE
Washington, DC

Saturday 4/18: Bum Rush The Boards @ Columbia Heights Community Center

On Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Words Beats & Life
(WBL) along with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and Columbia Heights Youth Club will host the fourth annual Bum Rush the Boards Hip-Hop Chess Tournament at Columbia Heights Community Center located at 1480 Girard St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. The world's first hip-hop chess tournament, Bum Rush the Boards was created by WBL in 2006 to promote the idea to the hip-hop generation of overcoming through strategic struggle. The name of the event was inspired by Public Enemy's album, "Yo! Bum Rush the Show" released in October 1987.

There is a logical connection between chess and hip-hop considering that hip-hop, as a culture, is highly competitive. It is replete with opportunities to battle and to compete in order to win over crowds, crews, and sponsors. By connecting hip-hop to chess, WBL has created a chess tournament that exposes youth to a culture (hip-hop) and a science (chess) that requires them to think ahead, to manage talent and to size up their adversaries. WBL recognizes that these skills are not only useful in both chess and hip-hop, but in business and life, as well.

This year's tournament will include four rounds of chess with sections for both youth and adults. There will also be workshops and exhibitions taking place throughout the day on Rocking, Toasting, Visual Arts, Poetry, Graffiti, Chess, and more.


This Event is brought to you in part by D.C. Parks and Recreation.

Take some time to register TODAY (It's FREE!)

Columbia Heights Community Center
1480 Girard St. NW
Washington, DC

An evening out at Z-Burger in Tenleytown

Some of you may remember me posting about Free Burger Day at Z-Burger a couple weeks ago and to my surprise someone caught wind of that same post. So in return, I was invited to come try everything on the menu this evening and I do mean everything. I brought Stone from The Couch Sessions along for the excursion and it was real treat. We were a little concerned at first when we arrived because the lovely cashiers weren't too certain how this private promotion was supposed to work. However, after a call to the owner we were well on our way to a high calorie but highly comforting meal. Sorry for the lack of pictures, I didn't think to take pics until after the fact.

For the starters, Stone had a double burger with the works and onion rings, I tried Z-Burger's take on a chicken cheesesteak and we split an order of fries. Stone was pleased with the onion rings which were accompanied by a remoulade-like dipping sauce. We were both familiar with the double burger and fries. The quality is pretty similar to that of the upstart's more established competitor, Five Guys, however the "other guys" don't have a chicken cheesesteak. Now some may say I don't know what I'm talking about when I say this but Z-Burger's chicken cheesesteak is the closest I've gotten to in flavor of an authentic chicken cheesesteak. I lived in Philly for a couple years and ate mad chicken cheesesteaks from all parts of the City of Brotherly Love, including long-time rivals Geno's and Pat's, so I have a pretty good idea of what to do and what not to do. I had to add lettuce and tomato, which made it a chicken cheesesteak hoagie, it comes with GOOD provolone cheese and I added my favorite condiment ketchup. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and greasy just as the meat on my first chicken steak was from Gennaro's at 12th and South Sts. in South Philly in 2003. If I used a star rating system, I would give it a 4 out of 5. One thing that would make this sandwich perfect - a tad more chicken considering the $7.00 price tag. I would've included the use of Amoroso rolls which anyone who knows Philly steaks knows that's the dealbreaker. However by the time you got a shipment of Amoroso rolls to DC they'd be pretty stale. Nonetheless, I think even the toughest of Philly natives would enjoy this one.

For the mid-course, we weren't offered an amuse bouche but we were given a tour of the restaurant's kitchen in which I learned the difference between a shake and a malt (they have 50 varieties two of which I'll touch on later) saw the grill and assembly lines up close. It appeared as if everyone was enjoying the job with the fry guy in particular being very enthusiastic about the use of fresh-cut fries. I can't argue with because fresh is always best in my opinion. Before we left the kitchen, I had to ask the staff what makes Z-Burger better than Five Guys. They responded, "Five Guys doesn't have shakes/malts and cheesesteaks!"

For the last course, we ended with real milkshakes and 100% beef hot dogs. I mentioned earlier that Z-Burger has 50 varieties of milkshakes. I'm not going to list them all but you can choose from Peanut Butter & Jelly, Chocolate Banana, Peach Mango, Pineapple, Vanilla, Strawberry Cheesecake (I had this one) and Peanut Butter Cup (Stone had this) to name a few. At first sip, I was expecting the same flavor as Breyer's Strawberry Cheesecake flavored ice cream - I tasted the strawberry right away but it took a few sips before I got that same cream cheese bite as you do with real cheesecake. The Peanut Butter Cup shake was very drinkable but could be a little heavier on the peanut butter. The hot dogs definitely lived up to my high hot dog standards as they were not only 100% jumbo beef dogs but they were also grilled and split perfectly. I'm not sure if they ran out of hot dog buns or if they purposely use the wrong-sized bread but the excess slightly takes away from the quality of the dog itself.

Our Z-Burger experience was top notch indeed. I've dined in places where, if we had paid, the cost of our total bill would've been equal to one entree alone. The food for the most part was on point and even when we were sorting out the details at the beginning, the customer service was great. I highly recommend taking a trip to Z-Burger if you haven't done so already and seeing for yourself.

Z-Burger
4321 Wisconsin Ave. NW (Tenleytown)
Washington, DC
202.966.1999

The Studio 43 Takeover

When Amazing Happens (43 Takeover version) from ricky parker on Vimeo.

Friday 4/17: The Grind @ Policy

Kevin Lance Murray Presents The Grind: Let's Get Physical
Featuring DJ Jackie O (Sweatshop and KIDS)
Friday, April 17th
Party starts @ 10PM
21+
Click HERE for Guestlist
For Table Reservations call: 646.457.0553

Policy
1904 14th St. NW
Washington, DC

U-N-I - Reach For The Sky featuring Tabi Bonney and Haziq Prod. by Beatnick and K-Salaam

U-N-I w/ Tabi Bonney & Haziq "Reach For The Sky" - K-Salaam & Beatnick (Imeem.com & Illroots.com)

While on a random Imeem search for another song, I saw the banner for this track and decided to post immediately. Not sure when exactly it came out but it's a project put together by Imeem and Illroots. Although two of DC's own, Tabi Bonney and Haziq, are featured on the track you'll hear the Cali influence brought by U-N-I all the way to the kick.