Curren$y

Thursday:
>> As one of the late-1980’s leading R&B men, Alexander O’Neal lent the vocals to what became known as the “Minneapolis Sound”. The “Sunshine” singer will be at the Howard Theatre for the night. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 8 p.m.

>> The British soul vocalist Alice Russell is stateside for her tour and a show at Liv. 9 p.m. Tickets $18.

Friday:
>> The venerable DMC DJ Battle holds its Washington regional at U Street Music Hall. Tickets $10. 5 p.m.

>> The Violet Rocker falls on the heavier end of the hip-hop band spectrum. They’ll be headlining a show at the Black Cat that will also feature Nappy Riddem with Asheru, Lyriciss and Awthentik and the Fif. 9 p.m. Tickets $20.

Saturday:
>> The D.C. Love Festival will features local artists such as Raheem DeVaughn and Black Alley and favorites like Marsha Ambrosious. The show takes place at the Washington Convention Center. 7 p.m. Tickets $50-$65.

>> The New Orleans rapper Curren$y‘s Jet Life touches down in D.C. for a show at the Howard Theatre. 8 p.m. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door.

>> Kendrick Lamar released what was widely hailed by music critics as 2012’s best hip-hop album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City. Following his set at the Sweetlife Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion, the Compton, Calif.-based MC will be at Fur. 10 p.m. Tickets $25 in advance.

Sunday:
>> Featuring sounds provided by Jahsonic, Underdog, Jet Chandon, John Bowen, Mate Masie and Earth1ne, “Flow 2.0” takes over Garfield Park for a celebration of D.C.’s creative community. Noon. Free admission.

>> Oscar Award-winning rapper Juicy J has made strip club-ready jams like “Bandz A Make Her Dance” his forte. He’ll be at the Howard Theatre for the evening along with A$AP Ferg. 10 p.m. Tickets $23 in advance, $27 at the door.