For our purposes, the definition of hip-hop will be broader than it’s typically constructed, and will include R&B, soul, certain electronic, or whatever else is deemed appropriate by the author.

It's shaping up to be a slow week in hip-hop. If you know of something else happening, please mention it in the comment section.

WEDNESDAY:
>> A free screening of Byron Hurt’s acclaimed Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes will happen at American University’s Wechsler Theatre (3rd Floor of the Mary Graydon Center). A post-viewing discussion will be led by Assistant Professor Scott Heath of Georgetown. 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY:
>> Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Anthony David (pictured) has penned hits for India.Aire and recently released his second album, Red Clay Chronicles. He'll be at the Birchmere with opening act, and D.C. native, Purple St. James, formerly known as YahZarah. PSJ/YahZarah made a name for herself singing on the Foreign Exchange album a few years back and providing back-up vocals for Erykah Badu. 7:30 p.m., $20.

>> It’s Black History Month, and the Blacklight party at DC9 comes just in time to provide a slightly different take on dance party nights. Expect to hear from an eclectic group of black artists, ranging from Bad Brains to Aalyiah. 9:30 p.m., $5.

FRIDAY:
>> Hip-hop is often thought of only in a musical context. An exhibition called RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture seeks to change that by featuring hip-hop's overlooked artistic side with its run starting today and lasting through October 26 at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibit will feature Kehinde Wiley’s portraits of hip-hop artists and work of D.C.-based graffiti artists. Free.

SATURDAY:
>> Staying on the artistic tip, the "Afro Funk" will be held at the Pacific Cafe & Grill's Red Door Gallery & Lounge. Yvette Crocker is the featured artist and sounds will be provided by i-Wah The BeatPriest. 10 p.m, Free but must RSVP.