For years the rap trio of Uptown XO, yU and Oddisee promised us another Diamond District album after 2009’s landmark In The Ruff, but with Oddisee’s move to New York, would it really happen? Turns out these MCs keep their promises, and the first single from their sophomore album March on Washington, “First Step”, whet our appetites for the deft lyrics and Oddisee’s notoriously ecstatic production. Video director Jay Brown crafts this slick reintroduction to DC’s rap Voltron, showing XO rapping in Meridian Hill Park before meeting yU on a Metro train, and then joining Oddisee at his home in Brooklyn. DC rap has always hustled hard, but these three make it look easy to conquer.
Hometown Sounds
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Category Archives: video
Anthony Pirog – Threshold video
Today I’m shamelessly jumping on the Anthony Pirog lovefest train. Yesterday the fine folks at DC Music Download premiered this new music video for Threshold, an angular, dissonant rock track from Pirog’s breakout album Palo Colorado Dream on Cuneiform Records. Sunday the masters of DC jazz at Capital Bop host a traveling edition of their Jazz Loft series at the Fridge, featuring Pirog’s trio and support from excellent saxophonist Brian Settles. Grab your $10 advance tix now.
Trus Real – Take Me Away video
Silver Spring rapper Trus Real‘s new EP Acceleration doesn’t drop until next year, but his new video for “Take Me Away” came out yesterday. On this narrative song, TR eschews boom baps for an acoustic guitar loop and soft vocals from Amanda Lee as he narrates short profiles of various characters whose problems make them want to lose themselves in music. If you’ve never been to the regular Sunday afternoon event where their paths all cross, you’re missing out on a crucial element of life in this town.
SOJA – Easier video
Laid back reggae heavyweights SOJA follow their nomination for Best Reggae Album in the 2015 Grammy Awards with the first video from that album Amid the Noise and Haste yesterday via Facebook. “Easier”, featuring vocal turns by J Boog and Anuhea, bring a calm vibe to this stressful holiday season, and the visuals shot in Hawaii has me mentally planning a tropical vacation. Best of luck to one of the finest bunch of musicians in DC!
Marian McLaughlin – Your Bower video
The push is on to realize Marian McLaughlin‘s dreams to independently produce her second album Spirit House. The classical guitarist and experimental folk pioneer has 8 days left on her Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to record, mix, master and distribute her new collection of songs with string arrangements by longtime collaborator Ethan Foote. 2014 was a breakout year for Marian, with a gorgeous music video for “Before You Leave” and the prestige of a Tiny Desk Concert. With the help of her generous fans, even more success is possible in 2015.
On today’s episode 94 of the Chunky Glasses podcast, our good friend Kevin sat down for an illuminating talk with Marian. Hometown Sounds gets in on the Marian McLaughlin action today by showing you this intimate live performance of new song “Your Bower”, captured by ATV Beats, a video collective at American University. Use the Kickstarter to pre-order the album or help patronize the arts by contributing more!
The 1978ers – Without A Clue video
Liv, the popular club space above Bohemian Caverns, serves as the backdrop for director Jay Brown’s visuals for “Without A Clue”, the second single from yU and Slimkat’s team-up The 1978ers. It’s totally appropriate for this jazzy, thoughtful track featuring live trumpet, trombone and clever use of the vocal sample providing the title of the song. Grab The 1978ers’ debut full length album People Of Today on the Mello Music Group label for more goodness.
Philip Lassiter – Strut video
If today’s video doesn’t get you in the mood to boogie, you should seek medical attention promptly. Big brassy funk has always had a big following in DC, from See-I and Black Masala to Chopteeth and The Funk Ark. But did you know that the man in charge of horns for Prince & The New Power Generation now lives in DC? Philip Lassiter is his name and his prolific work ethic led to the impressive release of two full length albums in 2014. His debut music video, the adorably silly dancing showcase “Strut” comes from the latter album, DreamZzz, and if you liked that then prepare to pony up for his re-released debut album Philthy and fill your life with sweet sweet funk.
The Cornel West Theory – I’ll Die For This Shit video
Hype for the new full length Coming From The Bottom by hip-hop thought leaders The Cornel West Theory keeps on building. Yesterday they dropped a new video for “I’ll Die For This Shit” featuring Queen Helene AKA Golden Athena of Les Nubians on vocals. The video, directed by drummer Sam Lavine, involves both lyrics and badass visuals of Queen Helene, Rashad Dobbins and Tim Hicks. And if you really want to follow along, they helpfully put all the lyrics in the details section of the YouTube page. Don’t miss your next chance to see the Theory live at the Ceremonies of Dark Men multimedia live performance event as part of the 5×5 Project along with poet Major Jackson and sounds from King Britt at the Hillyer Arts Space on Friday December 12th. Admission is FREE so RSVP now at http://www.the5x5project.com/event/codm-in-multimedia/.
Diamond District – A Part Of It All video
The excitement for hip hop trio Diamond District’s long awaited sophomore album March On Washington hasn’t died down since its release in October. Today Mello Music Group announced an official remix album March On Washington Redux featuring mixes from Oh No, Apollo Brown, L’Orange and lots more, teasing the December 16th release with a stream of Black Milk remixing “Ain’t Over”. Oddisee, Uptown XO and yU also recently dropped this visually appealing video for “A Part Of It All”, each talented MC taking a verse while laser light streams past at about the speed of their verbal gymnastics.
Asheru – No Matter Where You Go video
Hip-hop MC Asheru continues his worldwide DC ambassadorship with this new music video “No Matter Where You Go”. Ethiopian-American singer Wayna adds smooth flavor to Ash’s calm and assured delivery on this thoughtful and positive track from the 2013 album Sleepless In Soweto. The lush, colorful visuals come from Asheru’s tour stops in Costa Rica back in August, shot by Federico Peixoto of Gafeto TV Producciones.
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