This Week in Hip-Hop

Diamond District

Tuesday:
>> For the last time before it goes on hiatus, DJs 2-Tone Jones and Marshall Law will be hosting a "Vs." featuring the works of Kanye and Snoop at Almaz. $5, 9 p.m.

Wednesday:
>> N’digo Rose and Cornel West Theory will be funking up Asylum as a part of the "Tip the Band" series. Free, 8 p.m.

>> Rodriguez's story of going from forgotten '70s psychedelic folk-soul artist to the toast of tastemakers in 2008 is pretty remarkable. Even more so, the 66 year-old Detroiter is hitting the road like he's 26. He'll be at Rock and Roll Hotel. $15, 8 p.m.

Thursday:
>> The connection between hip-hop and anime has been well documented, such as with Afro Samurai. Celebrating that will be "Ninja Beat," an exhibit of anime visuals and hip-hop music downstairs at Saint Ex. Free, 10 p.m.

Friday:
>> Last year, we spoke to the guys from Tortured Soul, and they'll be back in town with a new album, Did You Miss Me, to promote. The Black Cat will play host and TS will be joined by house diva, Lisa Shaw. $17, 9 p.m.

>> If you haven't heard of Diamond District (pictured), please get familiar. The trio (Oddisee, Y.U., and X.O.) released their album, In The Ruff, for free on their blog last month and it's been in heavy rotation for a lot of hip-hop heads in the area. They'll be performing as a part of Inner Loop Records' "Beatdown: Diamond District Edition" at Almaz. $10, 9 p.m.

>> Chris Burns will be doing the music at Eyebar along with Jesse Bishop. Free with RSVP, 10 p.m.

Saturday:
>> Hip Hop Cinema Cafe returns with the film, Deep Crates, which examines the hobby and livelihood of hip-hop enthusiasts and producers who obsess over finding the samples used to make their favorite songs. The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local beat makers. Everything will go down at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.. Free, 2 p.m.

>> Minneapolis rappers Atmosphere will be at the 9:30 Club with Brother Ali and Attracted to Gods. $25, 7 p.m.

>> Sure, he was a star of the second coming of the "Degrassi" series, but Drake has become a hip-hop artist who's been rumored to be Lil' Wayne's ghostwriter. Not to mention, he's related to Larry Graham and his dad wrote for Al Green. He'll be performing at Love. $20, 9 p.m.

Sunday:
>> Mixing music with poetry, "The Sunday Salon" will bring respected local acts Ne'a Posey and the Soul Controllers together with poets Bassey Ikpi and Derrick Weston Brown. Sankofa Video and Books will be the venue. Free, but donations accepted, 5 p.m.