Big Daddy Kane Tuesday:
>> The “Lo End Theory” show is not only a nice homage to an important hip-hop album but more so a nod to Ralph Lauren Polo, a staple in many hip-hoppers’ closets in the early 1990s. Accordingly, an era-appropriate lineup will be on the bill at the Howard Theatre. Headlining will be Sean Price along with Roc Marciano, Buckshot, Meyhem Lauren, Thirstin Howl the 3rd & the Lo Lifes, Rack-Lo and Timeless Truth. $19.67 in advance / $25 at the door. 7 p.m.
Wednesday:
>> “AfroFuturistic” celebrates the musical connectivity between Africa and its Diaspora. Leading the sonic journey from Tropicalia will be DJs Jahsonic, Stylus and Senyo along with Maimouna Youssef. $5. 8 p.m.
Thursday:
>> Singer José James has made a good name for himself on the indie soul scene. He’ll be at the Howard Theatre. $25 in advance / $28 at the door. 8 p.m.
>> Roy Ayers is a jazz legend and responsible for a number of hip-hop samples. The vibraphonist will be at Blues Alley tonight through Sunday with two shows each day. $35. 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Friday:
>> When it comes to the player character in hip-hop, Big Daddy Kane is one of the originators and possibly the best to ever do it. With tracks like “Warm It Up, Kane” and “Ain’t No Half Steppin'”, Kane ruled the late ’80s and early ’90s. He’ll be performing his hits with a live band at the Howard Theatre. $20 in advance / $25 at the door. 8 p.m.
>> The son of Afrobeat king Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has become an Afrobeat artist of note on his own right. He and his band, Positive Force, will be at the 9:30 Club for the night. $35. 8 p.m.
>> The “Red Bull THRE3STYLE” event is a contest between DJs to see who’s best at rocking the crowd with their skills and music selection with the prize being getting a step closer to being crowned the world’s best party DJ. Competing tonight at Rock and Roll Hotel will be Trayze, DJ Heat, DJ K-Meta, Spinser Tracy and Mista Selecta. Free but ticket doesn’t guarantee entry. 10 p.m.
Saturday:
>> It’s hard to believe but the “Axel F.” party is now two years old. Marking the special occasion will be an appearance by the Sexual Chocolate Revue (consisting of Navasha Daya, Tamara Wellons, Lady Alma and music director Dre King) along with DJs Jahsonic, Stylus and Adrian Loving on the turntables. As usual, the lazer boogie and jheri curl funk extravaganza takes place at Liv. $TBA. 10 p.m.
