WEDNESDAY:
>> It’s been over a decade since Erykah Badu burst onto the scene with her nasally ode to the nature of the universe, “On & On“. She’ll be at Constitution Hall for two nights in support of her latest album, New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War. Joining her will be America’s foremost hip-hop band, The Roots. Last month they released Rising Down, which features guest vocals from D.C.’s own Wale on the go-go influenced track, “Rising Up“. The Wednesday show is sold out but Craigslist has a few sellers. $51-76, 7:30 p.m.
>> Local vocalist Bilal Salaam put out his debut album, Blah, not too long ago and has been garnering attention on the indie soul scene. He’ll be at Bohemian Caverns for two shows this night as a part of the Rhythm & Soul series. $10, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.
>> The Beat Grinder Championship is back at Liv and will feature 10 of the area’s best producers in a fight to declare who has the best beats. Grap Luva of I.N.I. fame will play host while yU and Insight will share MC duties with DJs Damu and Underdog on the 1s and 2s. $7, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY:
>> Erykah Badu and The Roots, $51-76, 7:30 p.m.
>> As is customary every time they come to town, The Roots’ drummer, Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, will be doing a post show DJ gig at Liv featuring some of the best music from his vast collection. Joining him will be The Roots’ lead MC, Black Thought. $10 with RSVP, 9 p.m.
>> The Blacklight dance party returns to DC9. For this session, the musical selections will focus on the go-go and junkyard sounds of D.C. with the help of three DJs. $5, 9:30 p.m.
SUNDAY:
>> Buzz around D.C.-raised singer Alice Smith (pictured) reached a fevered pitch when her debut album, For Lovers, Dreamers and Me, was nominated for a Grammy in 2007. Along with her for the 9:30 Club show will be Philly-born soul rocker Res. Res recently collaborated with Talib Kweli to form a group called Idle Warship. $18, 8 p.m.
>> When Jaheim broke on the scene he threw a curveball at a lot of people. With the look of what could be a hardcore East Coast MC, he actually was cut more from the cloth of Teddy Pendergrass. Late last year he released his fourth album, The Makings of a Man. Joining him for his show at Constitution Hall will be Baltimore’s Sisqo with Dru Hill. In case you missed it, there’s a reason for that name. $60, 8 p.m.
>> Not your run of the mill female rap group, Tampa-based Yo Majesty has made a name for themselves by pushing the notion of what women in hip-hop can and cannot do. They’ll be at DC9. $12, 9 p.m.
Photo taken from artist’s Myspace page.
