A Definite “Change”

 The Emerging Music scene in D.C./Maryland

          My years in college and grad school were spent at Hampton University in Virginia, which is not the most entertaining place in the world.  To escape, I would venture out to D.C. and also to Baltimore, Maryland; places where music has always been a staple.  Mention the world “Go-Go” to anybody and DC or Maryland leaves their lips.  It’s fascinating to think that these two places have housed incredible shows and hidden talent that unfortunately have not risen to the surface.  In these days where Barack Obama has brought immediate change to the streets of WashingtonD.C., a new emerging brand of music has brought “DMV” (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) to the forefront.

            The artist everyone has pinned with familiarity from this region is Raheem DeVaughn.  The D.C. crooner was putting out mix tapes and albums for years before breaking big with The Love Experience, featuring his groundbreaking single “Guess Who Loves You More.”  Fans were enthralled by DeVaughn’s soulful yet reminiscent sound and his dynamite production.  The release of his second album Love Behind the Melody catapulted him into the mainstream for good, and he has yet to return. 

            Though a city rich with soul, D.C. has always had MC’s that were killer but never seemed to get a big break in the industry.  In the 90s, artists like Question Mark Asylum and Nonchalant were easy to find on Rap City, but never got the shine they deserved.  Music aficionados did not take the city seriously when it came to hip hop, but that day has changed.  Thanks to artists like Wale, Tabi Bonney, Asheru and Kenn Starr D.C. hip hop has emerged as a major player in the ears of listeners.  Wale, known for his hip hop/go-go blends, was featured on the Roots song “Rising Up” and continues to make fans with his new single “Nike Boots.”  Most people know Asheru as the brother who did the theme for The Boondocks, but few do not know he has been an accomplished MC for the 7 Heads Entertainment level for years; releasing two albums to much underground success.  New kid on the block Tabi Bonney combines swagger lyricism with tight production to create his incredible outlook to hip hop, while still keeping D.C. true to his heart.  Finally, MC Kenn Starr emerged with his partner Oddisee to help build up underground label Halftooth Records.  His release Starr Status was received positively and Starr was labeled as a true lyrical giant who could stand strong with the best MC’s in the game.

            In the state of Maryland, one would scratch their dome when trying to think of anyone worth mentioning as an MC of trade.  Skills on the mic lie deep in the heart of the state from artists like Kev Brown and Oddisee, who are also extraordinary producers by trade.  Kev Brown first remixed Jay-Z’s The Black Album and came up with his own musical opus The Brown Album as well as releasing his solo joint I Do What I Do.  Oddisee, along with Kenn Starr and Wordsworth, help put Halftooth Records on the map with his blend of production and thoughtful lyricism.  Both Brown and Oddisee have produced for hip hop heavy hitters such as Busta Rhymes, De La Soul, Bahamadia and Little Brother.

            In 2009, President Obama entered the White House and vowed to bring changes and a return to normalcy to the country.  This year, we also should look for a different kind of return…the return of watchful eyes on this untapped region of DMV.