just a note.

i haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but close.
working too much and too late to go to shows. boo.
can't wait for winter music conference.

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

fashion takes flight.

Tomorrow I will be walking in a fashion show fundraiser for the organization Luke's Wings. Luke's Wings is a great cause dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. "Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones during such a difficult time, Luke’s Wings provides families with the means to visit during the service member’s hospitalization and rehabilitation."

Hosted by WUSA 9's Angie Goff, the event will feature cocktails, hors d'eourves, and a silent auction. Models and military service men and women ‘take flight’ in a swank, high energy runway exhibition highlighting cutting edge fashion from Washington’s best boutiques and collections by the District's premier designers. Make it out if you can, it should be a fun event!

stewart lupton: a retrospective.

I didn't quite know what to expect from a Saturday night celebrating Stewart Lupton's rich musical and poetic history. I'd been meaning to make it to a Child Ballads show for some time, but there were always schedule conflicts. With a full entourage expected to perform, I was anticipating fireworks, and I got them.

Everyone came on stage dressed to the nines. The show was driven by Lupton's emotion, coupled with Wurlitzer player Lex Paulson's energy. Lupton's voice is unsettlingly calming, and his harmonica adds dimension. I don't mind the rambling poetry and interjections, as I think it adds to the character of the performance. His lyrics are the highlight, and where his true gift shines through. They even played my favorite Jonathan Fire*Eater song, "The Search for Cherry Red," which has been covered by The Kills. As friends joined the stage, it became apparent that Stewart is much more than the drama he is often associated with. He is capable of putting on a great show with interesting music and nuances.

At the end of the night, I picked up the Cheekbone Hollows EP along with a package of other goods. I'm excited to further explore Lupton's work and possibly work with him in the future.

music resolutions.

1. get some stuff recorded/play shows
2. go to and write about as many shows as possible
[pavement is going to be epic!]
3. learn to dj properly
4. revisit old forgotten favorites
5. keep up with new releases
6. analyze the intellect behind songs, lyrics, and sounds

see you all this 2010!