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 deemed appropriate by the author.
TUESDAY:
>> If this decade has a diva, she is Jill Scott. Scott came to a lot of people’s attention as The Roots’ background singer and has become a phenomenal solo artist. She’ll be at D.A.R. Constitution Hall Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with help from opening act and D.C.’s own Raheem DeVaughn. Tickets are sold out but if you’re willing to pay a premium, you can get in. 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY:
>> The weekly poetry, dance, and comedy showcase, Amateurs & Prose, takes place at the Artmosphere Cafe in Mt. Rainier with its host, Bomani.
THURSDAY:
>> DJ Nitecrawler takes his funk, Caribbean, Afrobeat, disco, and soul mixes to Saint-Ex. 10 p.m.
>> Jazzy soul singer Lizz Wright will bring her talents to the Birchmere for one night. 7:30 p.m., $35.
FRIDAY:
>> Legendary DJ, producer, and global electronica icon Cheb i Sabbah ends his long absence from the District by throwing his Devotion CD Release party at Bohemian Caverns. He’ll be joined by San Francisco DJ Janaka Selekta and locals V:shal Kanwar, Mr. Darko and Julez and proceeds from the event will benefit Race Against Domestic Violence. 21+. 9 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
>> The name is a little deceptive, but the groove is undeniable. The Average White Band gained noteriety in the 1970s for songs like “Pick Up The Pieces“. They’ll have two shows, Friday and Saturday, at the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m., $29.50.
SATURDAY:
>> Fat Joe‘s career has evolved from his days as a tough rhyming Bronx emcee to a more polished, radio-friendly rapper. The transformation is evident with his latest single, which features D.C. crooner J. Holiday. He’ll be at Love for a show/appearance. 9 p.m., $20.
>> Fans of Lovers Rock reggae will be glad to hear that Gregory Issacs is performing at Zanzibar. Without a doubt, you’ll hear his classic tune, “Night Nurse“. 9 p.m., $28 in advance/$30 at the door.
SUNDAY:
>> Mark Ronson helped hip the world to D.C.’s Wale (pictured) and he’s now back on his home turf along with Kokayi and SPP (Storm tha Unpredictable, Priest Da Nomad, and Po-emcees) for a 9:30 Club appearance. 7:30 p.m., $15.
>> Ashford & Simpson were one of the most prolific songwriting tandems during the 1960s through the 1980s, and even wrote for Amy Winehouse on her Grammy-nominated album, Back to Black. They were were also highly regarded as a singing duo. They’ll forever be remembered for their ’80s hit, “Solid“, and will be at the Birchmere. 7:30 p.m., $65.
