Rashad Brockington, better known on the 1s and 2s as DJ Wise B, is gearing up to remaster the latest EP off his record label, called I.F.O. Inspiration For Others. DJ Wise B prides himself on spinning an energy packed set, go-go style. “It’s interactive, a call and repeat with the people in the crowd,” describes the DMV native. The 22-year old turntablist and hip-hop producer started DJ-ing thanks to his pops challenging him to a rap battle- winner gets to pursue a rap career. Brockington lost the battle, but was gifted with a set of turntables instead. “My dad said everybody needs a DJ.” Daddy knows best! Brockington now runs the music label CAMP 421 and has acquired the rapper Supreme Elite, but is looking to reach others outside of the hip-hop persuasion. “I want street artists and opera singers all kinds of artists” envisions Brockington. Supreme Elite and DJ Wise B will release their two-point-oh version of the I.F.O. EP in early November on Spotify, Pandora, and iTunes. Until then, take a listen to the heavy bass and driving trap beats of the original I.F.O EP below. –Sade A. Spence

In an entertainment world that seeks to promote one version of the type of music that rap artists are creating today, I still believe in pure hip-hop and creativity. I still believe in the hip-hop artist's ability to deliver a message in the music. When I first saw Rahiem Supreme's video for "JL2M," my beliefs became validated. Bringing the focus back to smooth lyrical ability dancing over boom-bap beat, Rahiem Supreme delivers what I'll call an artistic masterpiece in a sea of artists who are unable to break free of the hold that "trap rap" seems to have on our culture. Captivating visuals full of "real life" moments such as chillin' in the crib, and conversations with the homies allows Rahiem Supreme to bare his artistic soul in this video. Straying away from cookie-cutter visuals, "JL2M" comes hard with it's gritty filters, dark lighting, and impeccable transitions between scenes.

Hip-hop thanks you, Rahiem Supreme. I thank you for renewing my faith in music that I love. --Opal Rose

Sultry singer-songwriter, Dannie has found her way into my Soundcloud playlist with her debut single. Smooth vocals coupled with a down tempo feel track prove that Girls Time is reminiscent of feel good R&B seemingly from an era past. The track features a strong Hip-Hop collaboration by D.u.b.b., and together Dannie and D.u.b.b. bring the art of story telling in music to the forefront. Vocal melodies similar to 702 and Aaliyah draw the listener in to experience a new brand of R&B that is unafraid to stay true to the roots of the genre. In a time where pure R&B (in my opinion) is virtually non-existent on the airwaves, this singer-songwriter delivers a fresh perspective. She gained a fan out of me, and I look forward to watching her evolve as an artist.

Want to hear more? On September 16, the singer-songwriter plans to drop a new single entitled "Wait 4 It."    

Catch Dannie live on September 5th at 9:30pm at Box Seats Sports Bar & Grill in Fredericksburg, VA. --Opal Rose

Noleac Yahsin’s recently released music video, “Back In Five”, utilizes simplistic yet clever videography directed by Devyn Young and Alvin Daughtrey to complement Noleac Yahson's incredibly diverse sound. Beautiful vocals compliment the beat as she manages to blend rock, hip hop, R&B, trance and pop into a tightly wound electronica brand package.

You can find Noleac Yahsin on Facebook and YouTube. --Hannah Brady

Bills like this don’t come around too often. Curated by true hip hop heads, featuring some of the baddest talent pulsing through the veins of the underground, this event that could go down in history as the one you were lucky enough to be at - like when the Beasties toured with RUN-DMC or Wu-Tang with Rage Against the Machine. Homeboy Sandman, YC the Cynic (pictured), I Am Many, and Tone Tank round out the New York sets like a style sampler. Also featured is LA via Chicago’s Open Mike Eagle’s smoked-out psychedelia rap. Each performer is a genius in his own right; it would be stupid to miss this show. - BrokeMc