>> R. Kelly is at Constitution Hall for shows tonight and tomorrow. Insert Kellz joke here. $65-$85, 8 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday.
>> R. Kelly is at Constitution Hall for shows tonight and tomorrow. Insert Kellz joke here. $65-$85, 8 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday.
>> One of the most important groups in hip-hop history, Public Enemy, will be at GW's Lisner Auditorium. In the effort to support the night's cause of fighting youth homelessness, attendees who bring a new or lightly used coat will be upgraded to VIP. $25, 7 p.m.
>> Even though MF Doom is about as likely to show up to the listening party as he is to one of his own shows, this album release party should be worth checking. Hosted by Three Stars alum Flex Mathews, Lounge of 3 (1013 U Street NW) will play host to a listening party for Doom's Unexpected Guest album. Joining him to supply the sounds will be DJ Underdog and NIck Da 1nda. Free, 6 p.m.
>> DJ Stylus continues his weekly exploration into new music with "Refuge." As usual, it'll be at Tabaq. Free, 9 p.m.
>> Quickly becoming a favorite spot for DJs, Litlle Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar (1104 H Street NE) will be the venue for Adrian Loving and DJ Stylus as they host a pre-Halloween party, "A Funky Space Halloween." Space funk-themed costumes are highly encouraged. Free, 9 p.m.
>> Yacht Rockers Supreme, Daryl Hall & John Oates, will be at the 9:30 Club. $55, 7:30 p.m.
>> Belgian group Zap Mama (pictured) brings European, American and African rhythms together for their unique sound. They'll be at the Black Cat. $25, 8 p.m.
>> Vocalist/bassist Meshell Ndegeocello comes back home for a performance at the Black Cat. The show will celebrate the release this week of her latest album, Devil's Halo. $25 in advance/$28 at the door, 8 p.m.
Off the bat, this DCist writer has to make a full disclosure statement: I've known Jamall Bufford for some years now, dating back to my time in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Back then, he was Buff1 of the Athletic Mic League. Now, he's still affiliated with the League, but he's also a bona fide solo act with two albums, Pure and There's Only One, under his belt. This new chapter in his career has led Buff1 to work with the likes of Grammy-nominated producer (and Eminem confidant) Mr. Porter, Waajeed and Three Stars alum Zo!.
>> Resident N'digo Rose will be joined by DJ Jahsonic and special guest Lady Alma at "Soul Overdose" at Station 9. $10, 8 p.m.
>> Gordon Chambers wrote hits for folks like Brownstone, Whitney Houston and Anita Baker, but he's an artist in his own right. He's slated for two shows tonight at Blues Alley. $35+$2.50 per person, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
>> Local DJ crew the Soul Controllers are celebrating 18 years of existence at Tabaq. Joining them will be Philly's Illvibe Collective and L.A. vocalist Joy Jones. $5, 8 p.m.
>> Singer Amel Larrieux first came to public notice in the early 1990s with her group, Groove Theory. Since then, she's had a successful solo career. Larrieux and opening act, V. Rich, will spend two nights in a row at the Birchmere. $45, 7:30 p.m.
>> Legendary band Living Colour will be at the Birchmere performing from their catalog, which of course includes "Cult of Personality." $35, 7 p.m.
>> Sound of the City has a new day of residency but the same format of improvised hip-hop instrumentals at Bohemian Caverns. Free before 8 p.m./$5 after 8 p.m., 6 p.m.
>> Her latest album drops today and to celebrate, Bay Area-based vocalist Ledisi will be performing at National Harbor Plaza and signing copies of her release, Turn Me Loose. Free, 7 p.m.
>> When MTV featured D.C.'s hip-hop scene a few months back, they focused a lot of attention on Tabi Bonney. Material from his latest album, Dope, will be front and center during his performance at The Library (3514 12th Street NE). Free, 6 p.m.
>> DJs Obeyah and Baronhawk Poitier will be celebrating urban dance culture at Rock & Roll Hotel's Hotel Bar during "The Breakdown." Free, 8:30 p.m.
>> Local rapper Kingpen Slim is throwing a CD release party for his new album, The Beam Up, at Eyebar. Free, 10 p.m.
>> Phil Ade will be releasing his mixtape, Starting on JV, at Eye Bar. Free, 9 p.m.
>> With two shows at Bohemian Caverns, locally-based artist Fatso will be performing along with Jesse Boykins III, LB and W. Ellington Felton. $10 in advance, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Another year, and another "Rock The Bells" went off at Merriweather Post Pavilion over the weekend.
Last night Liv played host to some of D.C.'s hip-hop luminaries as they paid homage to producer/rapper James "J Dilla" Yancey, in what's become an annual event, and raise awareness about the condition that cut his life short. The Detroit native died in 2006 from complications of Lupus.
>> French sister act Les Nubians made a name for themselves several years ago with songs like "Makeda" and "Temperature's Rising" will be at the Birchmere. $29.50, 7:30 p.m.
>> XO has been having a good year on the D.C. hip-hop scene, especially with his work on the Diamond District release. This listening party for "Monumental" will be at Reef. Free, 10 p.m.
>> Superstar extraordinaire Beyonce will be at the Verizon Center. $20.75-$200.75, 6:30 p.m.
>> Laura Izibor has been getting a lot of positive press lately as the next R&B sensation due to her single, "From My Heart to Yours." The Dublin-born singer will be celebrating the release of her debut album, Let the Truth Be Told, in D.C. with two shows. At 6 p.m., she'll be at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage for free and at The Scene at 9 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.) for $10 in advance.
>> Earth, Wind and Fire have been together for 40 years and seem to keep pressing on. They'll be at Merriweather Post Pavilion with Chicago. $35-$75, 7:30 p.m.
The answer is no. No you cannot.
>> Chaka Khan has been on the scene since the 1970s and made a name for herself with songs like "I'm Every Woman" and "Sweet Thing." She'll be performing at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza (weather permitting) to kick off the "Live! on Woodrow Wilson Plaza" lunchtime concert series. Free, 12 p.m.