Our List: (Some of) The Best of 2012

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Parent Category: Onstage

Any list of music that purports to compile the “best of” a specific genre should always come with a disclaimer that identifies it as subjective. For example, in Hip Hop/Rap the field is so full of artists and releases and styles that no single reviewer, no matter how dedicated, could ever be exposed to everything. Even when the focus is on a particular geographical area, the same principal applies. There’s simply too much, not that that’s a bad thing. It’s just that, as DJ Boom pointed out in our “10 Questions 4…” interview with him, as a result of the sheer numbers of artists and entertainers… there’s a lot going on.

So we approach our own ”Best of 2012” list of DC (or DMV as folks from MD and VA like to refer to it) area Hip Hop/Rap videos by narrowing our criteria down to only those we’ve featured in the OnStage Video Showcase and stating upfront that it’s purely subjective. In fact, next week we’ll be back with a completely different list, but this one is our conversation starter. Your responses and comments will guide our follow-up list. Maybe at the end of the exercise we’ll reach a consensus on (Some of) The Best of 2012.

Here’s our first six, in no particular ranking order:

“Fall Back” - Javier Starks, RAtheMC and Phil Ade, edited by House Studios

“Errybody” – Uptown XO produced by AB the Pro, edited by Benji

“The Agenda” – Lyriciss, edited by Chop N Shoot Films

“Secrets” – Young Sir, from I.A.M. Music Group

“Real Live” – GV, Five Star Studios

“Mary Jane” – Boobe ft Violet Says 5, Paul Wall

Everyone who remembers the Marcus J. Moore MTV Hive article listing “The Five Best underground Rappers in DC Right Now” from August 2012 will notice that 4 of his 5 are on our list as well (if you count 2 on the same video). Honestly, there’s not much of an argument to be made with his list. Phil Ade, RAtheMC, Uptown XO, Lyriciss, and Kingpen Slim are 5 very good underground rappers, so there you go. We didn’t showcase the Phil Ade video he posted in his article because it didn’t strike us as a top effort, but we did showcase the RAtheMC video and liked it a lot. We just liked “Fall Back” even more. As OnStage music critic Khari Gzifa noted in his review of The Grace Jones Experiment where the track first appeared, “Phil Ade really brings a lot to “Fall Back” with great lyricism (how many listeners even know what an estuary is) and energy and Javier Starks comes through with terrific flow bouncing between double time and standard with ease.”

With “Errybody” viewers get an opportunity to imagine themselves in the mad energy and excitement of SXSW with Uptown XO and a rowdy crew filming the video. The track is from the critically acclaimed “The Color Gray” mixtape which both Marcus J. Moore and Kevin Nottingham rated highly. “Errybody this, errybody that, we erryday people, so errybody clap.”

The 3 minutes and 40 seconds it takes to listen to “The Agenda” from Lyriciss is so well worth the time. Anybody that calls himself Lyriciss better come with the lyrics and the man just never disappoints. A really nice touch is that throughout the video he strategically throws in text and images just in case anyone is missing the message. It’s a beautiful video, with a DC backdrop. “The Agenda” is from The Balance EP: Money and that entire four part project is so mature and smooth that if you missed it for any reason, but you love Hip Hop, you can’t go wrong investing a few minutes to download and listen to it.

When we reviewed his mixtape, N.E.M. (Nothing Else Matters), the video for “Secrets” hadn’t even begun shooting yet but we said then that the song was our personal favorite. “The heat flow like I came up out the oven…” Indeed. The striking thing about Young Sir is that his potential is unlimited. He’s an inventive lyricist with an easy delivery and is backed by the knowledgeable folks at I.A.M. Music Group.

GV… that’s our folks! We continue to believe you can’t find a rap trio in this area that puts in as much work giving high energy live performances. They go all in on the stage. There is a performance video of Real Live as well, but you get the idea from watching the official video which was filmed on their home turf of Columbia Road. With the geyser of mixtape releases in our area alone it’s not surprising that their mixtape, 3 Da Hard Way, didn’t get as much recognition as it deserved, but for those who missed it it’s definitely worth a download and a listen.

In all of 2012, how many videos did you watch from a DMV artist that featured a mega-hit national artist? That’s why it’s baffling that hometown star Boobe didn’t generate more buzz from the really nice collaboration with Ethan Spaulding of Violet Says 5 and none other than Paul Wall. Their video, “Mary Jane” is a keeper, especially in an area known to celebrate the bud! It’s laid back, beat thumping pleasure throughout. It says something about how addicted DMV music lovers have become to checking out mediocre mid-level MMG wannabees on World Star that they missed this one when it debuted there.

Thoughtful Thursdays - The Elegance (Lyrics)

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Parent Category: Onstage

The Elegance

 This morning was heaven sent
Me and my cuzzos balled last night
I ain’t goin deny it
We was every one of us, dirty-eyed and bent

 
Loud pack gamblers and schemers
When we hit that club and saw you ladies
We singled out the dreamers
Said ain’t nothing but a drink and an
Introduction standing between us

These marble staircases were designed
With folks like us in mind
And you wasted a lot of money on
That Hermes bag if you ain’t
Riding home with a nigga with Hermes swag

Now when I wake up in the morning
And all you’re wearing is a sheet
I guess I’d have to guess
That last night was complete
And I’m not really sure if you happy now or not
But like J Cole said, “It cost me a lot.”

So when it’s all said and done
and the consequences have sprung
Remember I told you I don’t do this
for the relevance …
Nah, I do it for the elegance

Paying Tribute to Sylvia Traymore Morrison

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Parent Category: Onstage

She’s been onstage almost her entire life so it was no surprise to see a totally serene, confident, and comfortable Sylvia Traymore Morrison in the spotlight for a special event celebrating her 60^th birthday. The luminaries on hand included the legendary Dick Gregory, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Councilmember Vincent Orange who all paid tribute to a truly unique Washingtonian whose career has seen her rise from a precocious young girl growing up on 16^th and Corcoran Streets, NW to being acclaimed as the nation’s premier female impressionist.  Along the way, she’s experienced a life filled with special memories and has become a role model to entertainers of all stripes in this town.

As Congresswoman Norton said, “In this town, we take our homegrown talent very seriously.” And we should…

Sylvia represents so much more than her own accomplishments. On Saturday at what was her very first birthday party a number of people paid tribute to her for being a guide and a mentor in the world of entertainment, but also there were those who simply thanked her for being an exceptional friend when they needed someone to show them love and encouragement. And sprinkled throughout the lively crowd were quite a few of the folks she’s known practically her entire life. It was a particularly special moment for those childhood friends who’d grown up with Sylvia and have relished reliving those days when reading her wonderful memoir, “Almost There, Almost”.

We did an earlier piece on Sylvia about a year ago titled, “The Queen of Impressions.” If you read that, and also pay her the compliment she deserves by buying her book, you’ll see what all the accolades are about. Sylvia Traymore Morrison’s story is the story of every young person growing up in Washington DC. It’s a story of loyalty to family and friends, of appreciating the talent God bestows on each of us, of seizing opportunities when they are presented, and of staying humble and thankful. When you see Sylvia onstage, you know she belongs there.

Be sure to check out the video clip from the festivities. Follow Sylvia on Twitter @sylviatmorrison for info on upcoming shows.

10 Questions 4 DJ Boom

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Parent Category: Onstage

1. The Listen Vision location on Georgia Avenue has become a landmark for folks. People may not have actually been inside, but everyone seems to know where the studio is. How long have you been in this particular location and what makes it optimal for you?

-We have been in business for 14 years and on Georgia Ave for the last 9 years. It was the best decision I ever made, moving from the intersection of Florida and North Capitol to the entrance to Howard University. Dating back to the 1920’s, this corridor along with U Street have been synonymous for ground-breaking talent and entertainment, we are simply trying to continue the legacy.

2. And Listen Vision is more than just a studio, right? What are all the services you offer?

-True! One of the best things about Listen Vision is that we are a one-stop-shop. We have 3 recording studios, 1 green-screen photography/video studio and an online broadcast station. We offer recording, mixing, mastering, music videos, graphic design, and the ability to have your own radio show broadcast globally.

3. You worked for XM Satellite Radio in the past and it seems you’ve kept the radio bug. With WLVS you’ve taken a leap of faith that online radio is going to continue evolving. Have you seen the growth you expected thus far?

-Online Radio, particularly WLVS, has far surpassed any and all expectations I had for it when we launched the station a little over a year ago. In 12 months we grew from just a couple shows to over 70 shows each week. A year ago we were heard in only a handful of countries and now we have over 100k viewers per month from over 120 countries. We never intended or expected to grow this fast, but we are thankful for what it has become.

4. The list of folks you’ve worked with is probably more impressive than any producer in our area; KRS-ONE, Jay-Z, Wynton Marsalis, Mobb Deep, T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, Ghostface & Cappadonna, Black Buddafly & Fabolous. Who was easiest to work with, and why?

-KRS-ONE is the easiest to work with. He is calm, creative and intelligent and loves to extemporaneously come-up with hooks and ideas, and freestyle verses. He is confident and clear on the mic, speaks honestly and directly, and works well with any beat you give him. He’ll make any beat his own, and communicate with me incorporating my ideas and advice into the final product. The guy is a genius.

5. When music fans listen to new music, what are the intangibles they should be listening for; is it lyrical competence, beats that have some sort of composition and scale? For you, what makes good music good?

-For me I listen first for originality and uniqueness. Creatively, what makes this song or artist different from others in its genre? Second, I listen for the sonic quality of the recording, the professionalism in sound that comes from proper mics, equipment, instrumentation, mixing and mastering. And lastly, I listen for specific genres of music that I know a lot about and am attracted to, which make me a more knowledgeable listener, and able to appreciate the music more.

6. The lineup of producers at Listen Vision is pretty impressive. Lot of talent, with strong personalities… When you have creative differences, how do you work through them?

-To be completely honest, I have never had any creative differences with the current line-up of producers at Listen Vision. We spent a lot of time and effort, specifically hiring mixologists that are experienced, vetted and have strengths in different areas. As a result, the responsibility is on our account managers to align each client with the engineer or producer that is best suited for their project. After that, we just let them do their thing and everyone ends-up happy in the end.

7. What’s the state of the District, Maryland, and Virginia Hip Hop scene? What are artists in this area doing right, and what are they missing?

-The state of the DMV music scene is stronger now than I’ve ever seen it. But that’s when it comes to the sheer number of artists and entertainers. As a result there’s a lot going on. But what the area seems to be missing is industry, i.e., record labels, management companies, booking agencies, and major corporations willing to work with or utilize the wealth of talent in this area. We have BET, Discovery, XM/Sirius, National Geographic, RIAA, Radio One and others; but their local community integration is limited.

8. Name one, or a couple, of local artists who you haven’t worked with that you think you could produce something game-changing for?

-Maybe folks who are reading this can make some suggestions(?)

9. What’s the best venue in DC to hear live music?

-Based on longevity and credibility, the 9:30 Club really seems to know what they are doing, and yes, they are right around the corner for Listen Vision;-)

10. DJ Boom is a brand now. What advice do you have for music producers just starting out who’d like to one day have a brand as strong as yours?

-Figure out what you are best at and then get really good at it, if you also happen to enjoy it then you are extra lucky. Then figure out how to monetize your skills, being able to expand your ideas or passion into a business model that succeeds from the quality of its product and the integrity and professionalism that come with it. Persistence is the key, and be willing to face your fear. Going outside your comfort zone is often necessary.