Flex MatthewsWayne, the new IT guy at work, started to complain about the lack of live hip hop in DC. I don’t know if it was because he just moved here from the Bay Area where there’s a show every night or because I’m the only Black male in the office under 40, but he proceeded to ask me if I knew any place for good local rap. And since our editor Jim is constantly on my case to write about the DC hip hop scene, I present to you, our adoring public, Alan’s Guide to Rhythmic American Poetry in the Nation's Capitol (and surrounding suburbs as far out as Baltimore, 'cause it really is a suburb if you think about it).
Disclaimer: There isn’t a huge underground hip hop scene in DC, but it does exist. As an underground phenomenon, hip hop has definitely taken a backseat over the years to go-go and even punk. But there are artists and labels out there that will put together shows whenever they can. The list below is comprised of places that showcase rap on at least a monthly basis; however, there are several instances of shows that happen once in blue moon or constantly move to whichever spot will let them perform. The best way to find out about these shows is to go to events like the ones listed below. There you find people handing out flyers or talking about another event occurring in the near future.
First let’s talk 930 Club (815 V St NW Washington DC 20001) for hip hop. Don’t believe me? Just click on the club’s link. I’ll wait … See? Yes, 9:30 traditionally brings in the big dogs -- the national acts like Ghostface Killah, The Roots or Talib Kweli. But even then, they do try to showcase local talent. For instance, if a major name is being promoted by MN8, the promoters make a point to have local artists as openers. They also offer early or late shows comprised solely of DC talent like Asheru, Rosetta Stoned or POEMcees.
As well, the Black Cat (1811 14th St NW Washington DC 20009) has been known to feature local MCs. From Mr Lif to Head Roc, they definitely make room on their schedule for hip hop. Unfortunately, they are a little more sporadic with “the rap music” than 9:30.
Staying in that part of town, Bohemian Caverns, (2003 11th St NW Washington DC 20001) offers up live cuts Mondays and intermittently on the weekends.
A few doors down, the Velvet Lounge (915 U St NW Washington DC 20001) is another option. Though they feature bands of all genres, hip hop shows up a few times a month. Local artist Flex Matthews, the Out of Work Superhero aka the Handsome Grandson, hosts an open mic the First Thursday of each month featuring nothing but local talent.
Leaving the U street corridor, you should try to catch up with FunkDC, local DJs that often pull in some of the MC’s from Man Bites Dog, an indie VA label featuring several rap artists. They play First Friday ( the first Friday of each month) at the (1101 Kenyon St NW Washington, DC 20010) . They are also regulars at The Science Club (1136 19th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036) on Wednesdays and Thursdays and put on a show the 2nd Friday of each month at Café St. Ex (1847 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009).
New on the DC hip hop circuit is the Phish Tea Café (1335 H St NE Washington DC 20002). They boast of a true DC bass heavy sound system- straight up go-go or reggae style. With artists like K-Beta and Target Squad, though, you can rest assured that they will come with it. But be forewarned, this weekly Friday party called Konkrete Jungle (same party as in Philly, NYC, LA, Tokyo and Atlanta) is also a Drum & Bass showcase, with about a 50-50 mix of styles.
And when there is a decent turnout, the Grog & Tankard (2408 Wisconsin Ave Washington DC 200007) has a hip hop open mic on Monday nights. Hip hop is quite a surprise in toney Glover Park, but well worth the lack of Metro accessibility when the show is on.
Make no mistake, it can happen. There is a segment of people in DC that love the hip hop culture. On any given night, you can find a circle of breakers at Modern in Georgetown or Wonderland in Columbia Heights. Even Chief Ike’s in Adam’s Morgan will have people battling on the dance floor on a Friday or Saturday. The problem is, people don’t make it to the live shows. Maybe it’s the fact that most of these shows are during the week, or maybe its that people don’t know about them, but people don’t really show up.
I don’t think it’s a lack of interest. At the Lupe show at the 9:30 Club, Mr. Fiasco himself said that he’d play a show in DC over NYC any day, because the fans there are spoiled. They see so many shows that they don’t get really excited anymore. To an extent, the same can be said of Philly, Atlanta and Chicago. All of these cities have had artists (the Roots, Outkast and Common, respectively) establish themselves on a national level and pulled up the members of their crews, thus building more visibility for their cities nationally and raising interest locally. In DC, we’re so starved for hip hop that when we have the opportunity to catch a good national act, we turn out; the same cannot be said of our support for local acts. So, for the sake of DC hip hop (and music in general), get out and see some shows. Support your local artists. Its time for DC to be spoiled.
