Tuesday:
>> 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.

Wednesday:
>> K’Jon toiled as an indie artist but recently released his major label debut, I Get Around. The Detroit singer will be at the Birchmere, along with German-born, Rwandan raised and Canada-based singer Corneille, who will perform from his repertoire of French and English songs. $25, 7 p.m.

Thursday:
>> Almost a year removed from having his prison sentence commuted by President George W. Bush, Fugee associate John Forté is back performing. The emcee will be at Liv. $12 in advance/$15, 8 p.m.

>> The 2nd Annual Bootleg Festival‘s concert series begins tonight with a special “Cakes and Kisses” party at the Expo Lounge. Taking part will be the Five One and DJ Earth 1ne, along with Jason Reynolds, Lauren Schreiber and Cool Cee Brown. $5 (or buy a $40 all-access festival pass), 9 p.m.

Friday:
>> He served as MC for the house band, U.C.B., during the VMAs this past weekend and now Wale is back home for Kia’s “The Soul Collective Tour.” Joining him at the Warehouse (3330 New York Ave. NE) are DJs Stereofaith, Reed Rothchild and Chris Burns. Free, 12-8 p.m.

>> HomeGrown: HipLife in Ghana will be shown in conjunction with the Bootleg Festival at the True Reformer Building (1200 U Street NW). $5, 5:30 p.m.

>> DJ Rekha brings her Bhangra beats to the Black Cat with DJ Dredd. $13-$15, 9 p.m.

>> DJ 2-Tone Jones and DJ Roddy Rod continue their “Vs.” series during the Bootleg Festival with a “Soundtracks vs. Mixtapes” theme at Almaz. $5 ($40 all access festival pass), 9 p.m.

>> House of Soul will be performing upstairs at Bossa. $5, 10 p.m.