by Marcus K. Dowling
—–

DMV hip-hop is a woefully disorganized mess of “never wills,” “almost dids,” “maybe I shoulds” and diabolical haters. The negative attitudes of a city where MC’s in the veteran class have consistently been largely overlooked for major label recognition certainly allowed for Wale’s career rise. Eventually, by steering himself almost entirely away from the stigma of performers seemingly hamstrung by their own negative attitudes, he had the easiest of roads to mainstream success. If you think the words that I have just written are a bunch of bulls***, then it’s time for you to take a serious look at injecting a sense of heightened purpose into DC area open mic culture, ensuring that in future generations, these stereotypes will be laid to rest.

Open microphone events are a staple of any local musical scene. Largely they are the the domain of independent artists struggling to locate the blend of talent and entertainment that will allow them to become full-time or otherwise well compensated musicians. The lure for the attendee? A love of the music, or, for the amateur futurist, a chance to find a performer who has the intangible “it factor” that guarantees them a perpetual chance at instantaneous stardom. In a quickly rising entertainment capital like Washington, DC, it stands to reason that the stakes at an open mic event could be high. Continue Reading…