Re-Cap: BYT’s DMV Emerging Artists Super Sampler, Vol. 1
Photo courtesy of Brightest Young Things/Dakota Fine
Saturday night was a proud night for the DMV’s burgeoning music scene. Twelve of the area’s best and brightest acts shared the stage at the Hamilton and the result was a resounding display of the diverse talent that resides in the D.C. area.
Earlier this year, Brightest Young Things released its list of “Top 25 DMV Artists to Watch In 2013.” The article generated such positive feedback that BYT decided to go ahead and make it into a live mixtape of sorts.
Highlights of the night:
- Hip-hop acts with live instruments! Track, RA the MC, Locke Kaushal and Incwell were all accompanied by live bands. This is a trend we really hope will catch on. Nothing against the traditional rapper-and-DJ setup, but the live band really adds something to show.
- The bill was decidedly skewed toward hip-hop acts, but it was refreshing to see the local hip-hop scene has some variety beyond Wale and Fat Trel.
- RA the MC, with a surprisingly early set, really set the tone for the rest of the evening. Her set was a lot of fun and paid homage to 90s era hip-hop, specifically female emcees like Lauryn Hill and MC Lyte.
- Jesus, Kid Named Breezy is tall as shit. Breezy is really committed to the theme of his “93” mixtape: Dude looks like the Fresh Prince and his music has that same lighthearted vibe to it.
- Get familiar with Beyond Modern now. These kids are a more talented, creative version of LMFAO. Their self-described Steezewave style is a more refined blend of hip-hop and EDM that has potential to be huge.
- Hands down, our favorite moment of the night: Shark Week’s Dan Newhouser grabs the mic as the band takes the stage, “How many of y’all love that real hip-hop shit?” The crowd applauds. “Well, then you’re gonna hate this.” Newhouser replied. Despite seeming like a fish-out-of-water (no pun) on this bill the band turned in a brief, but effective set that seemed to win over most of the crowd.
- Our favorite local rapper of the moment, Uno Hype, hit the stage with a DJ wearing a Dallas Cowboys hat (-10 points). Much like the other sets, Uno Hype was plagued by shitty sound levels, but that kind of thing happens when 12 artists share one stage. The 19 year-old has not had a ton of on-stage experience to this point, but he held his own despite seeming a bit uncomfortable.
- We will admit that prior to Saturday we were not at all familiar with Incwell. Halfway into the band’s set, we were sold. Forgive the hyperbole/obvious comparison, but these guys could be D.C.’s answer to the Roots. The band closed its set with a reggae cover of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” that blew the whole venue away.
- Reesa Renee is another artists we were shamefully unfamiliar with. It had been a really long night, and we were ready to tap out, but her Badu-esque brand of funk/neo-soul gave everyone a second wind.
- Finally, shout out to the seven-year-old kid who got on stage with Beyond Modern and Incwell. We did not catch his name, but the kid was poppin’ and lockin’ like champ!
EDIT: The young man’s name is Eric, son of @TwinKDrumZ –Thanks, Incwell!
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