GV – Live Performance of “Full Time Grind”
For a website like OnStage which is actually focused on live performances it’s always nice to feature a live performance video and even better when the video is from our favorite rappers, Gangsta Villains. This was shot at Ras Lounge which is fast becoming the sound stage for emerging artists in the DMV. As with smaller venues, there is a challenge for video shooters of tightness, lighting, and sound quality. But typically for GV they just get onstage and go. “Full Time Grind” displays the stage presence and gritty high energy they are known for and that we think will keep them lighting up venues for quite a while. You can check out more videos from the group in the OnStage Video Showcase, and at GV’s YouTube channel. Follow them on Twitter @Real_GV for info on upcoming shows.
HOP DA Great – “Life of the Music”
Somebody on Twitter said that posting links to videos would never help an artist get a recording contract. Maybe so, but if you are an artist posting links to really good videos you definitely aren’t harming your chances of getting noticed. We checked out a link to a video by HOP DA GREAT and if he doesn’t have, or doesn’t end up with, a recording contract then good luck to the thousands of hopeful hip hop artists who are nowhere near as good as he is. “Life of the Music" is a solid song and video that preceded another really good “themed” video “Motivation PT 2”. Both showcase his musical dexterity and are extremely well produced. We’re looking forward to see what the future brings for HOP DA GREAT. You can look forward to seeing more of his videos in the OnStage Video Showcase.
Lefty Gunna – “I’m Still Here”
The best Rap lyrics paint story lines that listeners can relate to, and old school narratives still do this a lot better than most of what we hear from so many younger MC’s these days. Hard times, grinding, 40’s, and disappointing our mothers are part of the reality of the urban landscape. Lamborghinis, $40,000 chains, moving “tons” of cocaine and dropping bodies, all while never going to prison or having ever traveled more than 50 miles from the neighborhood you grew up in, is that BMF wannabe fantasy BS we keep hearing though. That’s why “Block Boss” Lefty Gunna and his old school video “I’m Still Here” is so poignant and impressive for us. It skips the pretentiousness and keeps the beats even, the flow raw, and the visual backdrop recognizable. DC is the home of swagger so yes there’s bravado, and even more in his newer video “Money on My Mind” but it rings truer coming from the Block Boss.
Young Roach – “Girls Wanna Party”
A basic prerequisite for a Hip Hop video is that it should either make you think, or make you dance. When it does neither
it’s a waste of time. In “Girls Wanna Party” Pittsburg MC Young Roach strikes gold with the “… make you dance” rule, delivering up a bouncy tune full of catchy phrases. The story line is hilarious. Add to that the video is well shot with subtle transitions and effortlessly slides in product placement for Clique Vodka, and you’ve got a winner. We’re lining up an interview with Young Roach so won’t say much more here except check out “Girls Wanna Party” and take a look at his other videos on YouTube. He’s having fun and why not? There’s a lot of artistry and potential there. And oh yeah, Shout Out to the Honey Badgers!
Nu-Era – “I Speak”
R&B aficionados checking out this very well done video staring Nu-Era are probably comparing them to names they recollect from a storied list of great DC bands. One name that came to mind the first time we saw “I Speak” was the legendary DC group, the Unifics. If you know that Nu-Era and sibling group Trilogy III are the musical progeny of the great Osiris Marsh, the comparison is not a stretch by any means. With a career trajectory skillfully stewarded by manager Holly Howse, Nu-Era has deftly transitioned from cover songs of many of the great acts of the 60’s and 70’s to leveraging their collaboration with Trilogy III on songs like “Wassup” and “From BMore 2 DC”. It was just a matter of time before we were treated to a full blown original classic. Straight up traditional singing is a rare commodity in music today. Nu-Era is carving out a place beside the great DC groups that have gone before them.