Arts Desk » Lyriciss

Lyriciss Drops Money, Latest “Balance” Installment

Marcus J. Moore — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:27:54 +0000

Lyriciss is certainly keeping busy. Just two months ago, he released the first of his four scheduled EPs from "The Balance" series, Respect, on which the energetic New Carrollton, Md., MC assessed his place among his rap peers and chastised facades—immature dudes, materialistic women, etc.

Released today, The Balance EP: Money finds Lyriciss discussing all things monetary: the pursuit of cash, need for financial stability, and dangers of street life. "Obama got elected, I thought we came up/Then I watch the news and still see the same stuff," Lyriciss rhymes on the exceptional "Get It and Go," with its head-nodding drum kick and prominent flute loop.

DJ Booth has the EP here. Lyriciss' next EP, Heart, is scheduled to drop soon.

Marcus J. Moore’s Five Favorite DMV Albums of 2011

Marcus J. Moore — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:02:48 +0000

A lot of releases caught my ear this year, including projects from Kokayi, lowercase letters, DTMD, Jon Laine, and others. At the same time, the always-endless stream of mixtapes made it damn near impossible to catch everything.

For the second year in a row, I voted in WKYS's list of the hottest local rappers. (So far, Nos. 3-10 have been unveiled.) It's nice to see acts like Gods'Illa and X.O. get some shine, but I'm still trying to sort out how M.C.-producer Oddisee tied for10th (?!?!?) on the list.

In 2012, expect to hear new albums from Substantial, RDGLDGRN (formerly The Five One), and Lyriciss. Until then, here are the 2011 projects that kept my finger on the rewind button and my stereo volume at max level.

5. Soulful!, Mumbo Sauce & Drumbreaks

Hip-hop embracing the sounds of blaxploitation never sounded so good. Released in January, Soulful!'s expansive concept album combined brassy '70s compositions with finely-chopped cosmic grooves, resulting in an energetic opus driven by its layered production. On Mumbo Sauce, Soulful!'s music held its own; the guest MCs were pure frosting.

4. Maimouna Youssef, The Blooming

From the bayou blues stomp of "Black Magic Woman" to the volcanic unrest of "Wake Up," The Blooming was a dynamic debut album for the former Roots collaborator, as these songs—each one very different in scope and sound—blended together for a thoughtful look into love ("I Got A Man"), overseas romance ("O Encontro No Brasil"), and phony rappers ("You Ain't Hard"). Youssef has come a long way since singing background at Dave Chappelle's Block Party.

3. Oddisee—Rock Creek Park

We're still awaiting his proper solo debut and the follow-up to Diamond District's In The Ruff, but producer Oddisee released Rock Creek Park in September, a mostly instrumental project of nostalgic soul renderings that paid homage to the D.C. park and provided a glimpse into the composer's artistic trajectory. Rock Creek was lush and layered, and stood tall without vocals. Quite the feat for an instrumental project.

2. yU, The EARN

As if his debut album weren't great enough, yU's sophomore release exceeded 2010's Before Taxes and solidified yU's place as the "humble king" of the local rap scene. Hard work and self-actualization were the central themes of this electro-soul offering, as the Diamond District M.C. reflected upon his childhood ("Time Machine"), exorcised personal pain ("If U Down"), and chastised capitalist excess ("Money"). As a man, yU is low-key and relatively unassuming. As a rapper, he's the total opposite, controlling the microphone with remarkable maturity.

1. Gods'Illa, CPR: The Blend Tape

Simply put, Gods'Illa's Blend Tape changed the landscape for local mixtapes, making it unacceptable for DMV rappers to litter their projects with throwaway songs and radio singles. Instead, the Forestville trio proved that free music doesn't have to sound cheap, and that insightful lyrics don't need to be preachy. From beginning to end, the Blend Tape is chock-full of quotable one-liners and neck-breaking production, resulting in the same gritty feel as the aforementioned In The Ruff album. And while neo-soul superstar Erykah Badu hosted the Blend Tape, she eventually faded into the background as Gods'Illa's assertive wordplay took center stage. The group made major moves this year and show no signs of slowing down.

Lyriciss Is Looking for Balance

Marcus J. Moore — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:00:10 +0000

In recent months, Lyriciss has made great strides in his young career, growing from an underdog MC with minimal national exposure to an impressive MC with multiple blog placements to his credit: He's become a regular on go-to sites like DJ Booth and Okayplayer.

On Monday, Lyriciss dropped an eight-song EP, The Balance: Respect, on which the New Carrollton native is no longer the underdog. His soundtrack, courtesy of Grussle, J-Scrilla, and Chop-La-Rok, is equally distinctive and subdued, which plays well against Lyriciss' charismatic flow. "Super Bad," with its prevalent squeaks and horns, feels like a theme song to a 1970s crime saga. Conversely, "Stop Scheming," and its hilarious Ray J rant, sounds overtly West Coast.

Respect is the first of four EPs from Lyriciss. Go here to download it. The next project, Money, is scheduled to drop early next year. Below is the official video for "#TheBalance."

For Pro’Verb, The Wait is Over

Marcus J. Moore — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:29:49 +0000

After months of delays, DMV emcee Pro'Verb today released his While You're Waiting... mixtape, his first full-length project since 2008. The tape, a 14-track collection of mostly original work, also finds the young MC flexing his lyrical dexterity on "Exhibit P," a remake of Jay Electronica's monstrous "Exhibit C" from two years ago.

Elsewhere, he and RAtheMC address their haters on "Can't Forget About You." On "County," Pro and Don Juan show love to Prince George's County over a methodical, Kokayi-produced beat.

We've foreshadowed Pro'Verb's new project a couple times on Arts Desk: once when he dropped the reflective "Too Hip-Hop," featuring Diamond District member yU, and when he released the energetic "Write Brothers," featuring Lyriciss, an MC with whom he frequently collaborates.

DJ Booth has the full mixtape.

DMV Filter: Pro’Verb, Javier Starks, Bilal Salaam

Marcus J. Moore — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:15:30 +0000

The last time we heard from Pro'Verb, he released the autobiographical "Too Hip-Hop," which found the young DMV MC assessing his career path over soothing drums and light strings. On Friday, Pro'Verb dropped off "Write Brothers," the hyperactive new single from his forthcoming While You're Waiting mixtape, scheduled for a Sept. 2 release. The song features two rapid-fire verses—one from Pro, the other from Lyriciss, his long-time partner-in-rhyme. ("I earn stripes/My life is Adidas design," Lyriciss raps.) DJ Booth has the single.

We last mentioned Javier Starks in the spring when we stamped the Up and Up Open Mic as the best in the city. On Monday, Starks released the video for "Alright Now," a jazzy, reflective single from his forthcoming Faces of Change mixtape. The song, with prominent flute and saxophone solos, is about staying the course and keeping positive. Here, Javier raps, "I'm livin' life on the edge, you said it was troublesome/Only a glutton for punishment would understand where I'm coming from."

While this isn't a hip-hop song, its calm quirkiness definitely warrants attention. DMV/Brooklyn hybrid Bilal Salaam recently released his video for "Heart Alarm," an airy single from his Pedagogia do Oprimido EP. The video, shot at various subway stations in New York City, is pieced together by still shots and random computer keyboards. While the song is definitely an acquired taste, it's still easy enough to be appreciated by soul music fans.

J-Scrilla Releases Capitol Punishment

Marcus J. Moore — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:46:03 +0000

DJ J-Scrilla is no stranger to the mixtape concept, whether he's releasing his own compilations or promoting those from his peers. From the late '90s to the early aughts, Scrilla's tapes paired veteran MCs with lesser-known talent. "I want my tapes to be more like 'digs' for the listener, rather than a rack of joints they know," Scrilla writes in an email. "This particular series will do that, just with a DMV twist to it."

Now, the leader of the D.C.-based InnerLoop record label has released Capitol Punishment, an ambitious 31-song, 80-minute collection of Scrilla's favorite DMV hip-hop songs from the past year, complete with scratches and shout-outs from the rappers he includes on the project. There are also some exclusives on here, including X.O. and AB The Pro's "How Could You," and 431's "Mona Lisa."

Released today, Punishment mostly dusts off some familiar bangers, like "Blasphemy," an exceptional posse cut featuring Pro'Verb, K-BETA, yU, Lyriciss and RAtheMC, and "Wreck," featuring Kane Mayfield. And the project is properly sequenced: Street-heavy lyrics from Fat Trel and Whitefolkz are paired up, while brainier songs—Oddisee's "I'm From P.G." and Gods'Illa's "Sal's Pizzeria"—are coupled.

Download Capitol Punishment for free on DatPiff.

Far Out vs. Hot Dang, Vol. 29

Joe Warminsky — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:01:37 +0000

What you really wanna do is click around on this shit. But if you don't wanna click around on that shit, then click around on Far Out vs. Hot Dang, because your cultural relevancy depends on this shit, too:


"pure aesthetic, with little to no detail paid to songcraft, stage presence or anything else that defines a band"	"I guess I thought if I played Bo Diddley or NWA for my daughter she would like whatever I liked."
"through the practical magic of gayness"	"Brown's take-down of 'pro-gay' forces is so well-researched and mild-mannered that it threatens to dismantle the gay lobby once and for all!"
Catherine Lewis: "Seriously, don't laugh at me for being a nerd and then tell me you've been unsuccessfully trying to figure this out for months. Not sexy."	TCB's video: Too sexy, or not sexy enough?
Many, many pictures of Panjabi MC in the general proximity of yuppie cupcakes	Maximum India Festival: Not Quite India-Approved!
“It was not just one thing. It was a stew of contradictions pulsing back and forth in private.”	"We—the “emerging” playwrights—are fucking lazy."
MAN SMOKING	"Dude's big. Also, dude's sweaty."
"Unless I do something incredibly dumb, I'm not out of a job anytime soon."	"People try to fuck you over less."
"I thought, 'Can we show that on TV?'"	Lyriciss: "is it wrong that there's 2 white families on 'Family Feud' so i'm automatically not that interested in this episode?"

Download: PHZ-Sicks’ “Your Way”

Marcus J. Moore — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:10:58 +0000

In August, PHZ-Sicks released "SumHer Everlasting," whose relaxed, downtempo vibe paid homage to the heat and cherished a passing summer fling. This time, the Woodbridge MC brings fellow rapper Seanny Greggs and D.C. songstress Ihsan Bilal along for "Your Way," the edgy second single from the upcoming The Laws of PHZ-Sicks mixtape, slated for a December release.

While PHZ-Sicks' previous single was a greasy ode to summery themes, "Your Way" finds the Drexel University student strutting with a boastfulness that would make Lil' Wayne blush. "Stacking paper, green mile, original wit style/You need an idea of fresh, then I guess I'm the poster child," PHZ-Sicks raps.

And it sounds like someone really pissed him off. His second stanza, after a rapid-fire verse from Greggs, references "haters" who can summersault off his, uh, private region. The beat, crafted by Mev of The Renegades, also boasts the shattering bass and trunk-rattling gloss that typifies recent hip-hop songs.

This track ultimately slid off my back. Luckily, you can go here and listen yourself. PHZ-Sicks performs with RA The MC, Lyriciss, Devin White, and others at 8 p.m. Saturday at Everlasting Life Cafe. The cafe is located at 2928 Georgia Ave. NW. Admission is $5.

Devin White Talks Debut Album, Making Pop Music in D.C.

Marcus J. Moore — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:39:57 +0000

I often write about Washington, D.C., as a saturated rap region, where everyone born after 1985 seems to rap or make beats for their friends.

And that's not to knock aspiring MCs and producers; in fact, that stubborn zeal makes the city tick. Strangely, though I'll come across the occasional pop artist, it's rare to find an aspiring pop star.

So how about a pop artist with a stage show that includes 11 dancers and a choreographed dance routine? That can't happen in D.C., can it? Tell that to Devin White.

"I'm just big on theatrics," said White, 21, a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. "I feel like pop allows you to do that—to get that big sound and all of that big imagery. I try my best to create music in general that people will respond to."

Until now, White's electro-pop projects have garnered only modest support. Most recently, the Virginia Beach native released his debut album, iCRed, through his website. He also plans to release the album through iTunes, Amazon, and other digital outlets.

White said Wednesday that it's tough being a pop act in a hip-hop city. He'll earn more stripes on Nov. 6, as he performs at Everlasting Life Cafe with RA The MC, PHZ-Sicks, Lyriciss, and several others. Everlasting Life Cafe is located at 2928 Georgia Ave., NW. Admission is $5.

DMV Hip Hop Round-up

PJ Urquilla — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:10:20 +0000

New Wale Single, DC Graffiti, DMV Awards, Lyriciss and more!

Wale is kicking his 2009 project plan into lightspeed this week-launching what looks like the album release campaign. His mixtape with 9th Wonder drops tomorrow, the lead single Chillin drops on Friday, he'll be down at Winter Music Conference later this month and hitting the college circuit the whole time. Oh, and he just caught his first hockey game. All you aspiring rappers take note-Wale's interactive marketing strategy is sick. Don't think you're going to twitter your way into web 2.0 marketing synergy like that. Double bonus-you get major media press (XXL, The Source, Spin, Vibe, ETC) in the summer when you send out press-releases in the spring.

On Wednesday there will be a double feature of DC Graffiti Documentaries held by Words Beats and Life-a dope DC non-profit that does hip hop arts and education work. I heard both these flicks are hot-check em out!.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 9:30pm – 11:30pm
Words Beats & Life Headquarters (St. Stephen's Church)
1525 Newton St. N.W.

BORF! by Paris Bustillos – 9:45 p.m. (running time-26 min.)

CHOCOLATE CITY BURNING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF "DOT-COM" by Apoxy One 0:15 p.m. (running time-54 min.)

This event is free. Donations welcome.

DOUBLE BONUS: Asad ULTRA Walker has a dope post over at his blog about DC Go-Go Graffiti history!

The DMV Entertainment and Music Awards (warning – site with totally annoying autoplaying music) were recently announced – check the nominees here. Shoutouts to Sarah Godfrey for getting nominated for "Most Supportive Media Person." Bigups to all nominees and best of luck to everyone! IT'S AN HONOR TO BE NOMINATED. YOU COULD PUT IT ON YOUR MANTLE.

Overall, the award nominees where mostly what I expected: In general the usual suspects and a bunch of people I hadn't yet heard of. In the future I hope they can make these awards a little more representative of who is really making noise on the scene and who just has a good e-team voting for them to get an award...

Ra the MC will be performing at the DMV awards – check out this video including some of her performance at Jamming Java. And yeah, what do you know about her DJ Premier produced track? I mean, what other MC from DC has a Primo beat? Check her myspace for a stream of "Anything You Like".

Lyriciss has a new mixtape "The Day Job" (z-share link) and a new video for his single "Go Hard" featuring XO and Pro'Verb. The kid is nice and has been putting in mega-work overtime on his fast-rising career. I found myself in a deep head-nod while listening, smirking at his punchlines. Rookie of the year!

T.E.F.L.O.N sent me this exclusive freestyle over XO's Realmatic instrumental by BKS. It's dope. I love that beat and have been spitting over it the lil instrumental break at the end all week.

Whats good everyone, I know i'm late on a drop this month so I wanted to hit everyone with a quickie for right now... Here's a little something i did over a track off of an upcoming DC artist named X.O.'s album called "Realmatic". Go google it, download, support it, etc.. It's produced by Best Kept Secret. Hit me with some feedback, I got alot of shit in store for when it warms up outside.

"REALMATIC FREESTYLE"

http://www.zshare.net/audio/571392322033edbd/