Substantial Wednesday:
>> “The Whale” party returns to U Street Music Hall where Andrew Morgan and Beautiful Swimmers for a night of ’80s and ’80s-esque electronic funk music. Free. 10 p.m.
Thursday:
>> Grammy-nominated singer Carolyn Malachi headlines the latest edition of “The Poetry of Hip Hop” at the Atlas. Using works by the likes of TS Eliot, “Poetry” opts to find connections between poetry of yesterday and contemporary hip-hop lyrics. Also participating will be D. Noble, Wisdom Speeks Band and DJ King 13. $12. 7:30 p.m.
>> The DMV has another rising underground hip-hop star in the form of Substantial. He’s on the verge of releasing Home Is Where The Art Is and will be at Liv for his album release party. Slated to also appear are Oddisee, yU, XO, Gods’illa, Javier Starks and DJ Jav. Grap Luva will hold down the hosting duties. $10. 7:30 p.m.
>> Juicy J, best known as being part of the Academy Award-winning duo Three 6 Mafia, will be at the Fillmore along with Chip Tha Ripper as a part of the “Smoker’s Club Tour.” $20. 8 p.m.
>> Raheem DeVaughn is a ubiquitous presence on the local music scene. Tonight, though, he’s the headliner of this Howard Theatre show that will also feature Black Alley. $35-$40. 8 p.m.
Friday:
>> Philly rapper Meek Mill has enjoyed high visibility as a part of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group. He’s headlining the show at the FIllmore with Alexandria’s Black Cobain. $35. 8 p.m.
Saturday:
>> Local artist Reesa Renee headlines her “Reelease” show at the Fillmore. She’ll be joined by the DMV’s own Tabi Bonney. $17. 8 p.m.
>> Ocean City, Md. rapper Cheyne has opened for the likes of Mac Miller and now has his own album, Firebreather, set to be released. He’ll be at DC9 with Born Infinite, Valleo and Ezko. $8. 9 p.m.
>> DJ 2-Tone Jones highlights the Motown sound with his “Welcome to Hitsville U.S.A.” set at Boundary Stone. Free. 10 p.m.
>> The “Axel F.” party is back for its August edition, “Glow.” The possibility of hearing the likes of Rick James and even a Michael Jackson tribute are high as DJs Jahsonic, Stylus and Adrian Loving serve up the sometimes slept on as well as the essential lazer funk and soul created between 1977 and 1987. Liv is the venue, as usual. $5 before midnight / $10 after midnight. 10 p.m.
Sunday:
>> Two stalwarts of ’90s R&B are on tour together. The D’Angelo‘s reemergence has been a welcome occurrence after over a decade without a new album from the crooner. He’ll be the opening act for the woman who’s been referred to as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. They’ll be at the Verizon Center for the night for the “Liberation” tour. $50.55-$171.05. 7 p.m.
