On Sunday June 20^th, Washington’s D. C’s Northwestern district’s 12 Lounge opened it’s doors to an opportunity unlike any the District has ever seen before. Outside and lined down the block were a host of artistic individuals waiting for their “New Voices” to be heard.

Inside, their fate was placed in the hands of a panel of industry heavyweights. Among these heavyweights searching for brand new voices were Angela and Vanessa Simmons, daughters of Hip Hop Pioneer: Reverend Run of the legendary trio Run DMC. The panel also included the sons of LA Ried, the founder of LaFace Records and CEO of Def Jam, Antonio and Aaron Reid. They are essentially young and rising hip hop royalty and have an effective authority on the claim to find the next big star as they are stars themselves as the Reid’s, Angela and Vanessa Simmons have successful projects in urban footwear modeling, magazines and fashion.

With this much hip hop linage in one room the “Next” is bound to be discovered. The Simmons-Reid venture to find the next voice of their legacy was justified by Vanessa Simmons who explained, “I’m tired of sitting in the car turning on the radio and going ‘Naaahh. Nahhh’”. And I have to agree whole heartedly as today a lot of us don’t even listen to main stream radio. And it is through events like “New Voices” that we have the chance to change main stream radio. For the artists the only thing they could do as individuals was to come with their best version of themselves.

Names that have been familiar on the underground circuit such as Pooka, The Paper Girl were in attendance traveling all way from New York. One thing this audition didn’t lack was Emcees but while there were a number of Emcee’s there was other noteworthy and unique talent.

Such as Hassani Kwess who brought flava to our ears with his locally infamous and circa 90′s inspired song “Summer 89” and Mixtape “T.R.O.N” . Male group, Jupiter Express moved the room with song like “Crowd Control”. Self proclaimed Hip Pop group Liberty Sensation came innovative and designed for sanctioned stardom and with Songs like “Shame on You” it could definitely be in “SpeakerBoxxs” around the world, watch out Will.I.Am there is competition unlike you have never seen before. And there weren’t just artists in the building, poet’s like Fendi gave an astounding prose performance that really showed promise to the event.

Locke Kaushal’s performance of “Rich Man Begging” was a true example of conscious Hip Hop and proved that Hip Hop is more than alive. Locke Kaushal is a strum and knock away from blessing every earlobe. Then there were artists like female emcee Choppa Locka who came with singles like “Kitty Kat” that left the judges praising the audacity of her provocative image and lyrics. You too should be on the lookout for her single “Kitty Kat” as it is a real banger.

DC’s A.B.H.O showed that female music groups are still evolving from the days of Salt and Peppers to Destiny’s Child. They showcased the vocal abilities of divas and the lyrical skills of pure emcees. All of these creators came out and put it down hard enough to leave imprints of how vital this tour was to the future of the industry.

However local favorite, and D.C’s Own Mumbo Sauce stole the audition! From song to song they had the entire room on their feet with the A.D.D set featuring a number of their best hits. By the end they had all the judges asking for more Prehistoric, MoJo , and BigTime who all brought something worthy of acclaim; whether it be hard-work, creativity, or dedication it’s obvious they had it all.

Individuals hailing from all walks of life and regions on the east coast and aboard came with what they thought was the best versions of themselves; and the best versions of what to expect for the future of music. Underground artists from all over, looking for their chance to transcend their subterranean existence for an eternity or even 15 mins of stardom, came to seek the guidance, advice, and promotion of the Simmons-Reid legacy venture. And there were definitely some amazing voice that walked through those door things that can’t be justified with comparisons. The judges were amazed at what hit their earlobes and had them re-coursing the fact that “This is only the first city!” with expectations of it one day being on the level of an “American Idol”.

Congrats to the Semi-Finalists: Fuse, Jupiter Express, Mumbo Sauce, A.B.H.O., King Swagg, Mugsy Malone, Cocheese, Phenom, Young Jase, Zavali , good work DC, lets win this thing!

#LatePass. Ok I just reviewed the new video from the homie, Lyriciss for the song off “Practice” entitled “Bright Nights”. First off when I first heard Bright Nights sometime back in October I automatically added it to the list of “fave Lyriciss songs“.  Now we have a video for the song; the homie Lyriciss answered a few questions for me that in the end, ended up writing the review for its self! So I give you the words of L. Enjoy!

Next up, look out for a video for “Hot Music”, also shot by Knowledgeable Ent. and Cool Kids Forever Films. Other than that, look for something epic from Lyriciss and DC’s #1 DJ, DJ Alizay. Umm…and many other amazing accomplishments that he doesn’t even know about yet, look out for them, because they’re going to happen. (laughs) Enjoy the video, y’all. Peace.

Yesterday I got in contact with the dude, G-Two , Maryland Emcee, member of  the new upcoming group Black Sand. We chatted up about a bunch of shit but mainly about where the fuck he’s been. Its been  shy of one year since his last release so naturally folks are wonderings where he went. Good news is today I bring with me updates. G-Two is preparing to drop a new project with his new group Black Sand this summer. This time G-Two has teamed up with Queens, NYC native, K Prime creating Black Sand respectively. The tape holds all new tracks garaunteed to bring a refreshing sound through your stereo speakers and into the streets. The tape will be self entitled “Black Sand”

For now I’m gonna supply you with substance to hold you over until the tape drops. This here is a track entitled “The Intangible”, an exclusive track from G-Two (not off of Black Sand). He once again proves that he has what it takes to alter the state of the game. PS. I love how he never supplies your average rap song, the pop fusion shit is workin; let me make it known that it doesnt work for everyone tho; he pulled it off nicely. “It’s about an artist’s chase of a goal or target that’s only visible to us. Something that nobody else can seem to understand, or see, or feel. That Intangible. All the independent artists will feel this as well as hip-hop heads.”- G-TWO

So without further interuption, I present to you, “The Intangible” single from G-Two.

Make sure you leave your comment; let us know what your thoughts are.

What if I told you that there is still hope for the Hiphop culture to rise once again? What if I then told you that the return of Hiphop would rise from within the boundaries of the DMV? Yeah, id think I was full of bullshit as well, but its very plausible. As of lately the district meto area has been getting a lot of attention from the mecca of hiphop and other areas as the artist from our humble abode are making a sound for theirselves to shake up the scene. One artist that we’ve been tracking for sometime now, a good friend of ours, is one of the emcees who stands out and shines in the lime light. The main attraction in tonights show is Chris Barz(io).

Chris Barz came to be circa 2007 with his first project entitled “Do You Know Him?” drawing the attention of a lot of true hiphop heads from the area providing a “new” refreshing sound. Chris’s lastest project “Class[icks] Out The Dark” was a remarkable mixtape that would easily be mistaken for an Album you would buy off the shelf at Best Buy. Produced by Best Kept Secret, Industry Producers from the area, this tape is the definition of hard work. Now reving up for his next release of “Angels & Jets” , Barzio promises to “WOW” the none believers and make faithful listerners drool. “ It’s Angels singing, and Jets flying; all different vibes, very hype , exciting, and smooth…”- Chris Barz. With a statement like that, I personally cannot wait to hear what he produces. Oh yeah, by the way, all tracks on this upcoming project will showcase the other side of Barz that is often overlooked, his production; chris will be producing the whole mixtape. So for all of you who have not been paying attention, please do yourselve a favor and go do some research and get hip. Now fuck all this noise and talk to Barz!

Interview:

Q: So here we are again, cuttin’ it up with none other then Chris Barz.  Go ahead and introduce yourself and let them know whats good!

A: Cool, names Chris Barz..the kid who graduated from dreamer to dream[catch]er

Q: So what have you been up to since your last project?

A: Since the last project, i’ve just been evolving..like with mad sickening amount of work ethic; Craftin’ some of the realest shit I can possibly create.

Q: Whats the response and energy you have been receiving from the release? What have you been hearing in the streets?

A:  Some people are calling “Classickz Out The Dark” an underground Hip-Hop masterpiece, they are too kind though.  I’m hearing a lot of things; some are saying its an amazing body of work, and thats nice to hear about anything you put your time and effort into.  Im still trying to get it heard but at the same time i’ve grown so much already.  I’m anxious for people to hear what I got next!

Q: Now that youv’e tasted a bit of fame with this mixtape with it getting alot of attention, exspecially outside of the DMV, what’s going to be your next power move?

A: If I tell you my next move, then its check…..mate. I’m just trying to be the best emcee and producer that I can be in order to heal the world with the universal language that is music.  Whether it’s songs you party to, vibe to, ride to, or fly to.

Q: Now we’ve caught wind that your next project will be entitled “Angels & Jets”.  Whats the story behind the title, it leaves so much to the imagination!

A: It’s a balance of earthly ambitions and spiritual ones.  It’s a soundtrack to some of the shit we can all relate to or feel.

Q: So what can we expect from “Angels & Jets” as far as features, the genre, etc?

A:  It’s going to set the ILLEST mood; whats ill about the features is that i’m working with some of the dopest musicians.  A combination of 808 bangers, live bangers, ill vibes, dope rhymes, raw lines and honest lyrics.

Q: Out of the DMV area, who do you think artistically, is on another level?

A:  Out of the DMV, as far as being artistic and out of this world, I like Rosetta Stoned.  I never heard anything like that ever, it’s dope!  The Five One band is really artistic.  Tabi Bonney is sick w/ a lot that he touches.  They are all VERY unique.

Q: What is your take on the DMV music scene?

A: I think we have alot of hidden treasures and best kept secrets with amazing talent….like..me! aha, but really we have some of the sickest producers to come from here.  Chucky Thompson (Biggie and Mary J), Rich Harrison (Beyonce), and Best  Kept Secret (Wale) and you can hear how music is influenced by the live music we grew up on.  That’s how Angels & Jets, it’s a mixture of live music and everything else. Really its a revolutionary sound!  I think there will always be an abundance of rappers but as long as everyone is doing them and bringing something fresh and new to the table, we will continue to rise.  My mind is on “Angels & Jets”

Q: Wow…lls, Any final words?!

A: Everyone wants to fit into a certain crowd or category, but the best artist and coolest ones were the ones who strived to be the best “them” as possible.  I want Kanye and Pharrell to hear my shit and go damn…WOW…who is this kid?!  And i know they will when the hear my shit.  So dream on yall, but make sure you dream catch.

Today is a new era, a new generation of artist are flooding the music industry attempting to prove their abilities on the mic, and the way I see it, saving hip-hop. This proves true exspecially in our beloved DMV. For many years now our metro area has been locked out of the secret confines of the music industry but I have a feeling that won’t be for long. Hailing from Northern Virginia is a young cat by the name of Mr.Make Moves who I believe might be one of the artist out of this area to get a golden ticket to the mystical Wonka Factory.. Ryan, Mr. Make Moves, the younger brother of Jason (Jay) Fresh Kicks (the super producer/emcee) is a recent graduate from Radford University who is now putting his knowledge to work. The C.E.O of Make Moves Entertainment is not only a young mogul as well as a emcee, but he also produces tracks and writes songs as well. Go In Season is his latest project to be released to the public as of a few weeks ago hosted by none other then…..US! And mixed by the infamous DJ Eskada. I just want to take this time to say that VERY FEW OF YOU ARTIST do a mixtape right. This Mixtape has the character of a winner; probably one of the few mixtapes that I could actually stand to listen all the way through. Im gonna go head and point out certain tracks that you NEED to listen to off of this tape.

1. Intro Track.
2. Movin’ Come & Get Me
3. Unstoppable
4. Goin’ In
5. Watch Me
6. Outta Here
7. Feelings Start to Reappear (Shouts to J Croz)

By no means does this mean to discredit the rest of the mixtape, this is just a list of OUR FAVES off the tape, but there something to love for urrrybody. (shit especially DJESKADA sexy ass voice, lls)

All in all this is a great tape. We give it a 3 out of 5

Make sure you click on the Album Artwork to download the mixtape, please pass it on and show your support for Ryan by commenting here and sharing with him what you thought of his tape.

Incase you missed the shindig, Prolific Entertainment Group alongside 2AM and Hollafame put together a Memorial day blow out.  Yall had to be there.  I was in the fuckin’ dessert doin’ what I do and I was depressed for a little bit for missing this event.  Im not gonna sit here and sice it up one bit more.  Just check out the snap shots taken by Chis “Blaqstar”

When it comes to the DMV, its DC, MD…. where the fuck is VA?! Well readers i’m here to tell you its official, we’re changing all of that. For a while now we’ve been running most of your fave artist’s careers in the background and now we’re taking over the music scene with unique artist from VA. Today I bring you the HOLLAday 2 from Hollafame, a boutique record label hailing from Woodbridge, No. Virginia. The HOLLAday 2 is a refreshing take on the first release some four years ago. The tape is solely produced by the mogul of Hollafame Music, Jay Fresh Kicks, a young super producer who has taken a hiatus from the lime light to put on for his area (exspecially Virginia). HOLLAday 2 features artist such as Hunit Grand, Nike Nando, Badio, RatheMC, a dope as female group called Where’s Leslie, amongst JFK. Tracks we think you should listen to:

1. Chillin’ Out ft. Badio
2. She’s Watchin’ ft. JFK
3. Coming To The Stage ft. RatheMC
4. Kiss the Sky ft. Badio (produced by Trak Girl)
5. Super Sexy ft. Hunit Grand, Jarvis
6. Band Practice ft. Nando
7. Make It ft. Where’s Leslie
8. Me V. Myself ft. JFK

This tape was incredible, but you shouldnt expect anything less then so from JFK. He is focused on what he’s trying to do thus good music comes from it. Make sure you download it by clicking the album artwork here. We give it a 4 out of 5 rating

Leave your comments to let us and Jay know what the fuck your thoughts are on this project.