where's hip-hop in the white house?

Today I read an article in the Washington Post regarding President Barack Obama's lack of recognition toward hip-hop artists since he's been in office. I largely concur with Chris Richards' assertion. Obama has highlighted music as an important cultural element, and has held many concerts, but has yet to show appreciation for an art form that rallied to get him into office. There are many "safe" artists to choose from, but it hasn't happened.

One can assume that Obama is still tiptoeing the very thin line between embracing the hip-hop community and catering to constituents who remain dubious about rap music.

He took a similar approach during the campaign, adopting Jay-Z's dirt-off-your-shoulder gesture during a speech in North Carolina, while distancing himself from a Ludacris song that hurled pointed insults at Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and George W. Bush.

While I also understand Obama's hesitation, I think he needs to tow the line a bit more. As much as I love him, he seemed ready to shake things up all around. There is a way to make hip-hop culture a conscious educational tool. He should use that to his advantage and acknowledge what the music has given him. Bring hip-hop to the House!

on the beat with judah.

Judah, a respected DC-based producer, who's latest mix was featured here last week, is bringing unity and camaraderie to the district. He combines music with a message, simultaneously inspiring, beat-making, and supporting local talent. Judah was nice enough to take time out of his schedule and answer a few key questions about hip-hop in the DMV.

[Answers are paraphrased from a phone interview held on 2/1/2010]

1. I really enjoyed the Amber Rose Mixtape. How did you come up with the concept behind it?
Judah: Thank you. Well, first off I'm a man, so there was that attraction. I ran into her at SXSW and then she came to DC and I was inspired. I thought it would be a good creative idea to mix music, fashion, a woman and put everything into one mix.
Laura: And how does Kanye [her boyfriend] feel about it?
J: I'm actually not sure, I've been trying to get a copy out to him, a comment from him would be helpful whether it's good or bad.

2. How do you offset the fact that DC rap is thought to have just broken through, but the history is much deeper than that?
J: I aim to provide history and facts that potentially give DC more national recognition. Nobody knew that it was happening in DC, but it has for fifteen years or so. It is our duty to get out the history and facts about the music scene.

3. How did you get the idea to show the movement through the historic DMV photo shoot and to declare Nov 1st as DMV hip-hop day?
J: The photos have been happening in other cities, and I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight what is going on in the district. It is important to showcase local artists and producers, get our names out, and show that DC does have a rich musical history.

4. What is the role of social media [blogs, twitter] in what you're aiming to do and spreading the word?
J: Social media can be great, but major blogs aren't helping out yet. They all post the same material, and there is no diversity in getting others exposed. Wale is the only thing they focus on when there are many others. In terms of Twitter, it is good for local recognition, but it is more of a network for the scene. Everyone in the area follows each other, but it needs more people from out of town to really be able to promote beyond the region. [Follow him @Judahonthebeat.]

5. What are you working on now?
J: I have a lot of things on the table. There's records with Clipse and DJ Alizee. I've got an instrumental album and a lot of independent work with the majors. I'm working at building a brand and getting back to contributing more on the major label side of things.

6. Do you have anything else you want to say to our readers?
J: We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. In terms of DMV music, we need to raise the level and hold artists accountable, but always support each other. We are making strides, but can't stop pushing forward.

malucamala.

This winter, snow has caused quite a few cancellations of good concerts at Rock & Roll Hotel, but the show must go on. The absence of Amanda Blank on Saturday was definitely a bummer, but Maluca, Nadastrom, and DJ Jackie O held it down.
I ran across Maluca at the Mad Decent Block Party, and was curious to know more about her. After seeing her perform, I will summarize with the word "fierce". The New Yorker, via Dominican parents definitely has a talent and a look. Her red lipstick, long braid, and all-black attire were complimented by energetic vocals and dance moves. She was even performing on her birthday!

Check out the addictive single. "El Tigeraso":

rose for amber.

"There's no telling what can happen when you put a woman and a beat together." So says the lead-in line announcing Judah's Amber Rose-inspired mixtape release. Monday's launch marks a muse/producer relationship of sensual proportions.

In "The Amber Rose Instrumentals," Judah links up with Dub MD (UK) to yield thirteen short tracks. It is quite different from what I previously heard from him on Durkl's "Survivor Series" mix. The songs range from whimsical to torrid and highlight a variety of samples including Rose's voice. Pairing music and model, Judah tells a full story through this mix. His range makes it clear why he is a highly regarded producer, who has worked with those from Wale to Tabi Bonney. The only question is what does Kanye have to say about all this?

Download

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.

DMV so we used to the waitin.

Yesterday afternoon, a very interesting article from the Washington Post arrived in my inbox. "D.C. Hip-Hop: Can it Break the Hold of Go-Go?," by Chris Richards, will be featured in Sunday's paper. It features a look at local DMV hip-hop artists poised for national success. Check it out here!

slim thugga...

This song has become my current jam to listen to while I walk around the city. "Three Kings" by Slim Thug, T.I., and Bun B is included on Ratatat Remixes Vol. 2 (2007), the second self-released remix album by the Brooklyn rock duo. On the whole, I find Ratatat hip-hop remixes to be a bit busy and harder to listen to than the original tracks. However, "Three Kings" thrives on the upbeat tempo and electronic backing. It definitely denotes a feel-good mood.

put your foot in my nikes.

A tune as catchy and captivating as it is inspirational, Maino's "All the Above" tells his motivating story. This Brooklyn-born rapper emerged from prison in 2003 and founded Hustle Hard Entertainment. He decided to pursue music and found breakout success in first single "Hi Hater" (2008). "All the Above" speaks about how Maino overcame his struggles and hardships by always hustlin' and keeping his head in the game. He never gave up. The narrative is accented by a fantastic T-Pain hook and Just Blaze's done-up production. This song has been stuck in my head for a good while and will probably remain there.

he's phony, she's fake...

...that's the type of people I hate.

I am not known to be Jadakiss's biggest fan, but this song is highly addictive. The real gon' win, the fake gon' lose.

my president is black, my lambo's blue.

Young Jeezy - "My President"


Nas - "Black President"


P.S. Do you think Pac cares that Nas sampled him when it's a matter of civil rights? I feel he'll be watching from the sky tomorrow and loving it all. Holler if you see me at the inauguration!

let me ride.

What is it with all of these so-so rock bands thinking it is cool to incorporate elements of hip-hop into their songs and videos. Sure it is wonderful that hip-hop is really being accepted as a culture and that the tenets are recognized as true art, but come on. Back in 1986 when Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith collaborated on "Walk This Way" this idea was revolutionary. I have yet to see any other rock acts that can pull it off, or they are slipping from my memory. Anyway, when mixing genres, care must be taken in order for it to come off as a real effort.

Rock bands borrowing from hip-hop probably wouldn't bother me that much if I liked the songs or if it was done as a tasteful homage to the art form, but the new videos from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and All Time Low are just plain tacky. Who wants to see Anthony Kiedis with an iced out grill and second rate video-ho's dancing around the band. There is even a scene where Kiedis is getting his hair braided a la Snoop Dogg. If the intent was to make me laugh, it worked, but it makes hip-hop seem hokey and it appears more like a Weird Al parody than a real song. In the case of All Time Low, an underage band singing about popping champagne in a song that sounds very emo, they decide to borrow the cheapest elements of hip-hop for their video. It ends up looking like some kind of a disaster, like hip-hop purged on the set of an emo fantasy. Perhaps these bands should stick to what they know and not denigrate hip-hop. As someone who takes her hip-hop very seriously, man, it's just plain annoying to see.