Though Harlem has been my home for the past 5+ years, it's no secret that I rep Maryland all day. As I was on the train listening to "I Get Money" (the DC remix) feat. Tabi Bonney, Raheem DeVaughn, Bonney & Carter (courtesy of Erik P), I realized that most people outside of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia area) don't know about the music scene in Chocolate City, aside from their token Go-Go play list that usually consists of EU's "Da Butt" and DJ Kool (often acquired from going to college and befriending an Uh-Re-Ah (Area) resident.)
Here are a few new cats to lookout for in a town near you...DC is on the rise! Click on their names for more info...
On the Hip Hop side:
Tabi Bonney, who put us all "In the Pocket"
Wale, who infuses traditional Hip Hop flows and production with a Go Go flare
Asheru, part of the Unspoken Heard crew and notably known for his ill theme song on the intro of the Boondocks,
Oddisee, whom I discovered via his many collaborations (Jazzy Jeff, Little Brother, etc)
Kev Brown, producer/MC who's drums and bass driven production bring to mind that of the Pete Rock era
On the R&B side:
Raheem Devaughn, whose debut release "The Love Experience" charted my Top 10 albums of that year
J. Holiday, whom you may know for dominating the airwaves with the "Bed" and "Be With You" singles.
Just to name a few...so the next time someone offers you Old Bay Seasoning for your fries or Mambo Sauce for your chicken wings, you may want to pay attention