Rahiem Supreme - Tonight ft. Fennan (video)

Back in December Rahiem Supreme dropped a single titled "Tonight" featuring Fennan, along with an accompanying video trailer. Following up, today marks the offical video drop for "Tonight"; a song with a relaxing vibe made specially for Rahiem's female fans. This is the first video release to come after his successful debut project, "Genesis", and the single "Tonight" is set to be featured on a collaborative mixtape in the near future. Enjoy the video, and download the single below.
Download: Here

Holleywood and G'Town Wayne's "23" Mixtape Release Party

When you put combine free with music, food, drinks, and then throw in quality you have the makings for a great time. Holleywood and G'Town Wyane, along with 3NITY Ent. and Swagg Gang Ent., did just that at Everlasting Life Cafe last night to celebrate the release of their new collaborative mixtape "23". Special guests took the stage including e MeX, Prince Akeem, G-Two, The Bang Bang Boyz, Nike Nando, and KingPen Slim. When it came time for Holleywood and G'Town Wayne's set they remixed songs from their mixtape with a live band giving their music a distinct DC vibe. The mixtape includes 10 tracks and two skits, and is well worth the download. Showcasing the versatility of both Holleywood and G'Town Wayne as artists, the mixtape covers many different topics, and has a songs for just about any listener type.
Download: Here

Holleywood brought high energy to the stage keeping the crownd alive with his gogo infused mixtape remixes.

KingPen Slim is a great example of an artist from the greater DC area who has found music related success outside of The District, but still shows love to his home.

Representing Largo, MD The Bang Bang Boyz portrayed street life through their high energy music.

The Alchemist 'Got Raps?' Contest

Yes, this blog is focused on the music scene in the greater DC area, but when there is a great opportunity, despite its location, it is only right for it to be shared. Legendary Hip Hop producer, The Alchemist, has set up a contest to coincide with his newest album release: "Rapper's Best Friend Part 2". Basically, all you have to do is download his "Whole Lotta Thug" instrumental, record over it, make a video, and post it as a reply to the video posted above. If The Alchemist likes your submission you win yourself a spot on his next project, as well as a custom instrumental. This is a great opportunity for any emcee in the greater DC area, or an emcee anywhere for that matter. If you do decide to enter please share your submission by commenting below.

Stunna Lorenzana "Sky's The Limit" EP Showcase

Trying to find success, while staying true to yourself, is quite hard to do no matter what genre of music one decides to pursue. However, Silver Spring  native, Stunna Lorenzana is on the path to success, while staying true to his heart. Last night at Art Under Pressure Stunna showcased his new EP, "Sky's The Limit"; the title directly depicts his mindset. The event consisted of DJ Moe on the ones and twos, a cypher showcasing various artists from the greater DC area, and Stunna Lorenzana preforming various tracks from his new project. With plans to progress to a bigger platform in the coming year it is clear that Stunna has dreams, and is working to achieve them. His new EP consists of eight tracks; all with original production. You can download/stream the EP here.

DJ Moe kept the vibe alive, playing a diverse selection of Hip Hop and Rap while providing some classic instrumentals for the cypher.

Skweeky Kleen, one of the artists that took part in the cypher, delivered dope lyrics while promoting unity throughout the greater DC Hip Hop scene.

Stunna Lorenzana captivated the crowd with his aggressive flow, and thoughtful lyrics. While Stunna remains humble it is clear that he has the aptitude to find success in the music industry.

Mr. Cheeks at Ras

With the commercialization of music more stress in put on studio engineering, and consequently it is rare to find artists with a good live sound; not to mention a good stage presence. However, last night Mr. Cheeks blessed DC with both. By mixing his classic lyrical delivery with a stage presence that demanded attention Mr. Cheeks truly moved the crowd, and lead to an overall good time. Mr. Cheeks also brought out some various artists from his new record label: Mob Muzik Inc. Other notable acts of the night where Sock The Rapper, Ciscero, and Cloud 9; all representing the greater DC area in a respectable way.

Sock The Rapper, showcasing his unique sound, with a distinct DC vibe, while pumping out conscientious lyrics.

Ciscero delivered a unique sound to the crowd, showing great diversity as a artist due to the content of his lyrics.

Mr. Cheeks, of The Lost Boyz, truly embodied what Hip Hop is all about. Having a good time, while staying true to yourself.

UllNevaNo - I'm Thru With Love EP

UllNevaNo's newest EP breaks down Valentine's Day showing people that you don't have to wait for a particular month to show how much you care about someone, but that people should show affection everyday because tomorrow is not promised. Through sharing personal experiences, UllNevaNo does a great job displaying various dynamics of love that are commonly overlooked. The EP features original production from Logic Marselis, Da God Knowledge, Flight August Gordon and Vann Clayton; as well as two instrumentals from Exile and 9th Wonder.

Download: Here

DC Record Fair

With so much music becoming digital many pros and cons have come forth. With less at stake, more "artists" have taken the liberty of filling the internet with numerous musical projects of questionable quality. However, there is something about the quality of music pressed on wax that still persists into this technological age. Despite if it be the large album covers, the crisp sound, or the collectable factor vinyl still persists to this day as a valid music listening format. Events like the DC Record Fair showcase such a modern passion for vinyl. Taking place at the Riot Act Comedy Club, the DCRF showcased numerous vinyl vendors from all over the East Coast with music from every imiginable genre. On a personal note, I ended up finding: Tha Alkaholiks "21 & Over", Brand Nubian "Foundation", DAS EFX "Straight Up Sewaside", PMD "Business Is Business", Fat Joe "Represent", Killah Priest "Heavy Mental", Method Man/Redman "Blackout!", The Stop The Violence Movement "Self Destruction" (Single), and Wu-Tang Clan "C.R.E.A.M." (Single). The DC Record Fair was a great event, and if you happened to miss it the next installment is worth putting on your future event list.

Lots of digging ahead. Part of what makes buying vinyl fun is the process of finding each one. Looking through the stacks, builds up the anticipation, for what you will eventually discover.

The fish that got away. I found GZA's "Liquid Swords" project from 1994. Sadly, the $40 price tag was enough to deter me.

UllNevaNo - She's Got Beauty (EP Leak)

With UllNevaNo getting ready to release his new EP, titled "I'm Thru With Love", on Valentines day he has decided to bless his fans with a preview of what is to come. "She's Got Beauty" consists of UllNevaNo's solid lyrical content being delivered over 9th Wonder and Jean Grae's soulful "Supa Luv" instrumental. Let this leak serve as a hint of what is to come. Despite if you have a date or not "I'm Thru With Love" should make next Tuesday a dope day regardless.
Download: Here

iWorkmusic - Electric Groove (video)

Today marks the release of, DC native, iWorkmusic's first video from his fourth project "Born On This Day".  Following with the song's lyrics the video showcases iWorkmusic simply celebrating his life; showing a typical day. This video goes to show that everyday should be a celebration, calling people to enjoy all the experiences of their days.

The Power Cypher

Chess, Hip Hop, and black book sessions; Wednesday night Ras had all that and more. Presented by Art Under Pressure and The Carryout Productions, The Power Cypher brought people together to celebrate various aspects of Hip Hop culture. Showcasing different forms of art graffiti writers from the greater DC area showcased their craft, along with a cypher of local emcees, followed by two sets from STEF IS DOPE and 431. Being the first installment of The Power Cypher, if you missed the experience, you will have another chance to attend January 25, 2012. Music was provided by DJ Jahny Aleus and DJ Matas. Positive vibes, good music, and live art; The Power Cypher is a great way to keep your mind right in the middle of the work week.

Working out new hand styles.

Steezy Grizzlies taking part in the opening Cypher.

Trei Hill took the stage, for his first live performance, at The Power Cypher bringing dope lyrics and a powerful stage presence.

431 preformed content from his EUPHORIA ABSTRACT project including "Tokyo Tomorrows".

Som Records

It's a new year, but some things are better left unchanged. The sound that vinyl produces has always been one of my favorites in reference to music publishing mediums. Being back in DC, I decided to check out Som Records; located on 14th street. The owner was pleasant, the atmosphere was nice, and the selection was diverse. The Hip Hop selection, my genre of choice, was slightly limited, but I was still able to make two nice pickups ("It Ain't Hard To Tell" by Nas 1994 Single for $4.99, as well as a Blunderground Massive remix record from the dollar bin). Som Records has a nice listening area so you can preview your music before making your purchase, and is quite clean compared to some record stores I have visited in the past.

The records are well organized; even toting comedic labels in some cases.

Record Listening Station surrounded, like the rest of the store, with cool items from various decades.

Steezy Grizzlies - PUNCHOUT (mixtape)

DC native, Steezy Grizzlies has recently released his primmer mixtape; which is made up of a skit, a remix, and four records. While "PUNCHOUT" does not showcase astonishing sound quality, the creativity of the lyrical content is something quite refreshing. While fluctuating his flow, and bringing up unique rhyme-schemes Steezy Grizzlies has done a good job sharing his style with a new audience; as a primmer mixtape should. Featuring producers and other artists from the greater DC area the mixtape does a good job showing a overlooked cut of the district's Hip Hop scene.
Download: Here

UllNevaNo - The Color Brown Part 2 (mixtape)

2011 was a great year for music Hip Hop, and 2012 has already given hints it will follow suit; with Chuck Inglish, Raekwon, and The Brown Bag AllStars all releasing new mixtapes today. UllNevaNo also released a notable new project to start off the new year, "The Color Brown Part 2"; produced by Apollo Brown, sponsored by Mix Bullies and Brick To Ya Face. The project is filled with Detroit inspired instrumentals with, Baltimore Native, UllNevaNo's distinct lyrical delivery. The 15 tracks are filled with soul and a raw Hip Hop sound that many fans have been yearning for.
Download: Here

Rahiem Supreme - Cali Swag Freestyle (Exclusive)

For the second time this month Rahiem Supreme has released new material; following the success of his last mixtape "Genesis." Recorded almost a year ago,  Rahiem Supreme shows diversity within various styles of his genre of choice; taking it to the West Coast with his newest release.
Download: Here
Video: Here

UllNevaNo - Quick Strike ft. Matth (Mixtape Leak)

With the new year quickly approaching Baltimore artist UllNevaNo has blessed listeners with one final leak off his upcoming project. UllNevaNo's newest mixtape, produced in its entirety by Mellow Music Producer Apollo Brown, is set to drop 01/01/12. "Quick Strike" showcases great lyrics and production just as in "Hand Movements", and continues to build anticipation for the mixtape release. Enjoy the single, and be sure to check back for the entire project New Years Day!
Download: Here

OCCUPY DC Hip Hop Showcase

Last evening, McPherson Square was the place to be to promote equality. However, the quest for equality took up a musical form due to Sheikatron and The Carry Out Productions hosting a Hip Hop Showcase. The showcase brought out talent from the greater DC area, and shined light on the musical abilities of the occupants. Artists that gave their time to preform included The Cornel West Theory, Kelow, Meche Korrect, STEF IS DOPE, Messiah, and Joe Smokes Wisdom along with his band The Lurk; just to name a few. All donations that were collected from the showcase were donated to the quest for criminal justice that the occupants are working towards. The showcase was another example of how Hip Hop holds the power to bring people from all walks of life together to promote something beautiful.

Jamal, of Carry Out Productions, provided the occupants and performers with beats throughout the evening.

Joe Smokes blessed the crowd with thought provoking lyrics, and a soulful vibes.

Marc blessed the crowd in multiple ways including live vocal performance and painting.

iWorkmusic's "Born On This Day" Project

"Born On This Day" is iWorkmusic's fourth release, which dropped on November 24, 2011 (his birthday, explaining the title). His inspiration for the project was "to get the city to know him as an artist." This project was produced, written, performed, recorded, and mixed entirely by iWorkmusic showcasing his diversity as a musician. DC native, iWorkmusic has had a diverse musical existence featuring him as lead guitar for several go go bands and him writing the opening song for the Jennie Jones show on WKYS 93.9. "Born On This Day" showcases a unique sound form a DC artist, and is of high quality.
Download: Here

The Beat Clash 2

Last night Carry-Out Productions brought DC another great Hip Hop event: The Beat Clash 2. Such events show that their is still so much good Hip Hop in the world today; so anyone that says Hip Hop is dead clearly must not have looked into the casket because it is empty. Showcasing various producers from the greater DC area, as well as some great emcees, the night was filled dope music. At the end of the night Nomad took first place, with CJ The Genesis coming in second, in the beat battle. If your an artist, and looking for some dope producers in the greater DC area both would surly be good people to contact. Beside the beat battles Black Fist, CM & Four-In and Tone 301 blessed the crowd with musical sets. However, the biggest impact I left the event with came from Doe Cigapom pictured above with microphone in hand. Between his musical set and the testimony he shared with all in attendance he surly made an impact on many lives last night. It is always a beautiful thing how Hip Hop has the power to bring people together of all backgrounds, and last night The Beat Clash 2 definitely made that happen.

Rahiem Supreme - Tonight ft. Fennan

After the release of Rahiem Supreme's mixtape "Gensis", which was quite dope, he has headed back into the studio to bless his fans with his first post-mixtape single: "Tonight". A smooth love song featuring vocals from Fennan, this will be a perfect song for all his female listeners. Rahiem Supreme did not just decide to bring fans a new single, but he has a video on the way to accompany it. Be sure to peep the trailer for Rahiem Supreme's newest video, and enjoy the new single. At the end of the trailer, be sure to follow the instructions for an exclusive new Rahiem Supreme freestyle as well!
Peep the Single: Here
Download: Here

FlagshipDC X DURKL Pop-Up Shop

DURKL, easily my favorite street wear company out of DC, partnered with FlagshipDC to hold the opening party of the pop-up shop that FlagshipDC will be having at DURKL for the majority of the rest of this month. First off, the space that Flagship DC worked to create was beautiful with great prints, products, and accessories. As for the products Flagship DC is one of the seldom companies on the East Coast who have contracts with brands like Fuct and Tantum LA; clothing companies which both had products at last evenings event. To top it off, Vex Ruffin of Stones Throw Records provided music and cool vibes for the event; I had the pleasure of speaking with the West Coast representer and he was a really nice guy. The event was great with dope products, architecture, and music. If you missed the opening party be sure to stop by the EYE Street store to enjoy the pop-up shop for the majority of this month.

Fuct mug, and FlagshipDC bracelets and candles.

Tantum LA's custom stitched pocket-tees.

A selection of beautiful pieces from Fuct and Tantum LA.

Vex Ruffin doing his thing, and creating dope vibes in the process.