Lupe Fiasco Urges He "Does Not Give a F*** but Gives a F***" at the Same Time

I am going to go on record of saying that I have been aimlessly awaiting to attend a Lupe Show since at least 2005! I have been a fan since first introduced to him via Mr. West aka Kanye on his "Touch the Sky" Collabo with Lu.

However, the decision to attend the concert was on part curiosity and part whim, as I had only recently heard about the concert date.  Therefore, I was on yet another solo dolo mission *strikes a pose*

Wedge Sneaks for Comfort

Lupe Fiasco had only recently released part two of most famed LP Food & Liquor (which I love).  DMV radio powerhouse WPGC heavily promoted this event at the Fillmore Silver Spring where Lupe graciously performed just about every cut off the latest album.

Being the true fan that I am, I loved his sincerity and honesty as he not only entertained but educated and enlightened.  If you are unaware, Lupe was recently "invited off stage" during an Inaugural event due to some controversial political comments made.  He slightly reminded the Fillmore audience of this while declaring his freedom expression.

Lupe was nothing less than a ball of energy throughout his set.  However, I was a little disappointed being a Lupe Concert virgin that he only did 2 cuts from his previous albums.  But as Jay-Z would say: "Wanna hear my old shit? Buy my old albums." *Le sigh*

Concert highlights are below.  Glad I decided to attend :) Enjoy!


 

Solange, the Sol-Angel Graces DC's Black Cat

After high anticipation, countless research missions, and much prayer (LOL), I am happy to say that I finally got to experience the soulfulness that is Solange Knowles.

Just this past November, Solange released her second album entitled True and I have to say that I love every bit of it! More than her brash yet sophisticated interpretation of retro swag, I loved the fact that her songs have great production, lyrical content, and strong relevance. I have been listening to her since her Sol-Angel and the Haley St. Dreams album so it was only natural that I see her perform live.

The show was on February 21, 2013 at the Black Cat in Northwest DC. She opened on time, had a great opening act by the name of Kelela, and Solange looked fierce as always. All in all, I must say the best part of her performance was the dancing and her ability to sway the crowd.

Concert hightlights are below. Enjoy!

Yes it got a little ratchet at Black Cat! All in good fun! 

Songgg List (Oprah Voice) 

Indie Queens Emeli Sande' and Emily King crown DC!

Picture a crowd by the hundreds, all pouring into the double doors of the infamous Howard Theatre in Washington DC on a cold wintery Monday evening. As I am anxiously awaiting to enter into the venue to witness the awesomeness that is the Emeli and Emily show, I can't help but to think "Wow, these people are listening to them as much as I do?" How comforting to know!

The show began slightly later than scheduled but well worth the wait.  Both ladies sound exactly like their albums; no variation whatsoever! I thought that was the best thing about seeing them perform as their voices were mirrored to perfection.

The energy was most compelling as onlookers raved at the sight of both musicians. What a great experience to have had.

For more information on their music, click the links below:

Emeli Sande
Emily King

Enjoy the video of highlights from the show!

Dwele Live at Birchmere

So as I’m exploring on yet another Ticketmaster quest to find an upcoming show in the DMV, that eccentric brain of mine just happens to continue the umpteenth mission to find a Dwele Show. Luckily, there was one coming up the following week live at the Birchmere in Alexandria. So like any other loyal fanatic of live music and neo-Soul gentlemen would do, I scurried across the room to find my credit card and quickly obliged my best friend to join me!

Ok. Enough of the narratives.  I had the pleasure of experiencing the iconic musical stylings of Dwele. Yes, you may have heard of him. He’s been featured on some of rap’s biggest singles to date:

Slum Village – Tainted

Kanye West – Power

Big Sean – Celebrity

However, Dwele has quite a discography outside of his collaborative efforts. I had been listening to him for about 10 years or so and was so amped to finally see him perform!

All in all, a great show! His sultry voice wooed the crowd plenty and he is even finer in person.

Below are a few highlights from the show.

Aloe Blacc with Sub-Radio Standard 8/10

Aloe Blacc

I had the pleasure of visiting 9:30 Club in D.C. this past weekend to experience the soulful greatness of artist Aloe Blacc. To be honest, this was my first real interaction with his music since I only had been aware of his biggest single "I Need a Dollar" through a popular TV commercial. 

Everything from the stage performance, song transitions, as well as crowd interaction were beautifully unscripted and an extreme delight to my ears and eyes. Aloe you have me sold! *purchases Good Things EP*

Sub-Radio Standard

An Sterling, Virginia band opened for Aloe Blacc by the name of Sub-Radio Standard. They caught me off guard because just from initial appearance, they look as if they all were so innocent. However after hearing a few of their songs, I will be purchasing their upcoming album on iTunes. This rock experience was unparalled. They definitely got the crowd ready like a true opening act does and I am excited to see where their artistry takes them.

Below are a few of the performances as well as highlights of the night! 

My concert buddy aka cousin Kelly showing the tour bus some love!

We took this off the poster wall at 9:30! Haha :)

Elle Varner is Perfectly Imperfect

 Upon the release of this highly anticipated album, I had already expected Elle Varner to do great things. Her voice has such a brash delivery complemented with a touch of sultry seductivism. But quiet as kept, I think what draws me in as a listener is the fact that it has an "underdog swag" which exudes so much confidence in her lyrics and song material.

Elle touches on an array of subjects in her debut that address everything from self-image ("So Fly) to love ("Damn Good Friends").

However, what is so intriguing is her storytelling ability to tackle certain subjects which tend to challenge all people, especially women.

Of course everyone was introduced to EV's music through her personification of a refill likened to a great first meeting with a guy ("Refill") as well as her latching onto a beau much like falling in love with a new pair of heels ("Only Wanna Give It to You). But the ultimate musical moment for me was the track that describes what most women won't admit goes on in their minds about making the first move in dating ("Not Tonight"). You cant ask for more realism and to me it doesn't get any deeper than that!

All in all, great R&B breath of fresh of air. Don't hesitate to purchase. Your ears will thank you.

Happy Easter

Love this song so much! Rest in Peace Whitney !