pull up to the drive-thru gimme #9.

Last night I had the privilege of catching Tabi Bonney at DC9 for Feedback. Stereofaith was backing him on the decks and Lil El & Jackie O also contributed good sets. By the time Tabi went on it was late, liquor was flowing freely, and the hype was massive. Everyone just wanted to party, and were given a great show.

"Rock Bamas" was my standout favorite, but I also loved it when he called the women on stage for a dance-along. ReadysetDC were in the audience filming, and I joined the bevy of girls for some craziness. I also really like "The Pocket" and think it's nice that there's someone out there reppin' NE. These DC rappers are really restoring my faith in hip-hop as well as in the local scene. I hope to see Tabi again ASAP. He has the potential for really big things.

it feels good to be over you babe.

DMV hip-hop artist Wale's long-awaited full-length album has finally debuted. Although it was delayed many times, Attention Deficit was worth the wait. From the time I heard him on Mark Ronson's DC remix of "Smile" by Lily Allen, Wale was on my radar. When "Nike Boots" dropped it peaked my interest even more. Two years later, the album is here!

Wale's DC pride is what attracts me to him the most. He shouts it out on Attention Deficit, but definitely delves into some deeper topics. Though I favor some songs over others, each track shows serious growth from his earlier work. My favorite song is "Contemplate." Rihanna's hook adds a dimension to the haunting sound and lyrics. The subject matter ranges from relationships, fame, and death, asking how much someone can take before they hit a limit. There are also a lot of incredibly fun tracks. I liked "Chillin" for a first single because it is uber catchy and draws attention to itself with Lady Gaga. I also love other singles "World Tour" and "Pretty Girls". The collaborations are integral. Wale and the producers made the most of their connections in order to put together some hot tracks.

Conversely, I'm not the biggest fan of all the beats, but there is space to grow with that. The vocals are hot and I praise what Wale did with his debut. I will never hesitate to support him as a local rapper with tremendous talent and potential.

EXACTLY HALLOWEEN take 2.

I would describe Exactly! as the most bloody energetic band I've ever seen. Literally bloody. And Halloween is the perfect time to catch them in their element. This year's show at the Velvet Lounge was no exception, with the usual Christmas lights setting the scene and a "Hall-O-Ween" intro song. I liked 2008's blood and tighty-whities combo, but this year it was men in powdered wigs, tights, and of course blood! Some may dismiss them as gimmicky, but that's what makes them fun. They never take themselves too seriously and it works for them.

To me, Exactly have the best of both worlds: charisma and stage presence, while proving to be genuine and determined about their music. They have made a lot of progress since debuting at SHORTS last year; and even when the music was still in the early stages, the audience could always count on a spectacular show. I like that they aren't afraid to play developing tunes like "Broken Leg" so they can gauge audience response and keep tweaking things. It points to a process where they allow things to evolve on their own to a certain extent, while still putting in the necessary work.

"Dying All Around Us" is my favorite of their songs and it is particularly catchy. A recording can be found on the DURKL mixtape, produced by Judah. Dueling keys and driving percussion are matched with fervent vocals to make up a complete and layered sound. "Jenny's Fine," always a crowd- [and Kigongo] pleaser also never fails to disappoint. Adrian Parsons and Jesse Bishop play off of each other quite a bit, while Cole Sharp keeps everything going at the drum set. Finally, Cole debuted as a vocalist during the final song, a cover of "96 Tears." This show pointed to just how diverse this lot is and how much more they have hidden up their sleeves. All in all, they go for it, and we love them for that.