This has been the most challenging "Top" list yet. We could have easily made it top 50. This playlist are songs that embody the spirit of DC. No genres have been excluded but as you may imagine this list is Go-Go heavy, and may truly include some of the best known unknowns ever. Here We go:
1.) It don't Mean a Thing by Chuck Brown- Hey, what can I say, the Godfather is a beast. Dont even know if this is even considered a real song. But none the less this catchy tune just Oozes DC. Everybody knows someone that lives by the motto "If it aint from the City it aint right"
2.) Living for the City by Stevie Wonder- This theme song for the movie New Jack City epitomizes DC especially witht the cost of living the way it is....Just feels like you are Living just enough.
3.) Sardines by Junkyard Band- For anyone not from the area that went to college on the east coast after '85 this was more than likely their introduction to Go-Go. People from the city will tell you that this is an actual meal when times are tight.
4.) What's Going On by Marvin Gaye- A DC native, its as though Marvin was sitting in the park near 58th st named in his honor when he wrote this song. Could also be the theme song for the entire Black History Month.
5.) Rock Creek Park by The Gap Band- Anybody who had wheels @ 16 with limited funds knew about doing it in the Park, although the fun usually only lasted for a short period of time before you were chased off by those pesky Park Police.
6.) Lock It by R.E.- This timeless classic by the wickedest band is always a favorite. When this jam was new it was always interesting to see the peops "re-mixing" their own version of the Lock it.
7.) Water Dance by Northeast Groovers- This original groove screams DC. One of the very few Congo solos you could actually dance to "Smoke you all by yourself" was great. BTW was their an actual "water dance"?
8.) DA Butt by Experience Unlimited- This definitely may have been the second Go-Go song introduced to folks not from the area. Grammy award nominated but those not in the know do not even recognize this as Go-Go. It would take you only 20 minutes of walking around downtown DC shortly after the weather breaks and realize it is all about Da Butt in DC.
9.) Run Joe by Chuck Brown- If you are in your mid-30's then this was probably your first record, this and that Sugar Hill Gang joint. Everybody knew somebody that could qualify as Moe or Joe...This song could be the single most reason why everybody is called Joe.
10.) Ruff it Off by Junkyard Band- No summary needed here...If this aint the classic DC attitude I dont know what is. "Weak bamas lost, cuz we ruffed em off"
11.) Pusher Man by Curtis Mayfield- Ha! If you at one time or another enjoyed or partook in 'eh 'em the sticky then you know why this song is in the list. DC probably has more pusher men per capita than most major urban areas.
12.) Hustler by DC Scorpio- Hey the names says it all. As far as another song by Scorpio, I couldnt name one, but when it was good in the city it was good. When you was a youngin listenening to this song, you wanted everything he named in this song.
13.) Bustin Loose by Chuck Brown- Early Chuck, released nationwide and did well one of the first Go-Go songs where the horns were prominent. Thanks for all you do Godfather.
14.) Go Hard by Junkyard- HA! How many times have you gone to a friend for advice, on a given matter, and all they could come up with is look you in the eye and shrug their shoulders and simply say "Go Hard"....Only in DC.
15.) Work the Walls by Rare Essence- If you were coming up when this song was first dropped by R.E. you would sit in front of the t.v. all day watching the jukebox hoping someone would order it. This song makes you think of all those asses you walked up on in the Go-Go and freaked all night.
16.) Wind me Up Chuck/Funk- I guess you could credit this song to Chuck but I know the R.E. pundits would have something to say, so we give em both credit. Could you imagine going to N.Y. in Madison Square garden and having the entire audience chant "Wind me up Jay-Z"? I aint think so.
17.) 5 o'clock In The Morning by Nonchalant- Loved this song, again, couldnt name her follow-up single but all I know this joint cranked, especially those dudes that were on this joint with her. What was their group name again? Anyway, i'd rather be a one-hit-wonder than a no-hit-wonder.
18.) In the Pocket by Tabey Boney- A relative newcomer out of northeast DC is getting national play on a bunch of outlets with this release. Love the video btw. I saw something else from Tabey briefly then it went away. But anybody who loves Go-Go can appreciate a good pocket.
19.) Welcome to DC by Mambo Sauce- Hey, they were playing this song at the Nationals stadium, you know that gets love. Video is decent, but for as good a song this is the band has got to do more for it to get more notariety.
20.) The District by Dark Alley- If you dont know about these boys you better ask somebody. Scour your underground outlets and find a copy of this single, it just screams DC.
Just Out of the Mix:
DC Lottery Commercial by Chuck Brown- Ha! Its only a commercial but if you dont realize this joint crank then you are a bama. This just shows why the Godfather is the Godfather!
Welcome to DC by Tree Gotti- I know you are saying, Who? But doing a little research found them on youtube, figured it was worth a mention. Go see for yourself then report back to DLR.
Thats it....Thats the list...Let DLR know what you have in your "DC Soundtrack" playlist. And maybe you can take the title of "The Ipod King"
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Top 5 Annual Outdoor Events in the DMV
DLR Likes to get out and about around town. If you are new to the area or just dont get out that much let this be your guide to whats going down in the DMV. Most of the events are free, and the entertainment is great!
1.) Howard Homecoming- One of the premier annual events in the fall on the east coast. Granted many will argue the late night parties are where its at during this event, where up and coming artists along side established veterans in the game can be seen out on the town enjoying the festivities as well as hitting the stage and performing their latest hits. You can enjoy yourself at Howard Homecoming around campus before and after the game....You definitely will encounter future DLR furniture saleswomen at this event.
2.) Stone Soul Picnic- This event held in RFK parking lot (former home of the mighty mighty Redskins) always has great acts, you can usually expect Chuck Brown to be in the spot...This free event attracts young and old alike. Great for the family and of course the eye candy is plentiful.
3.) Unifest- Held in the heart of Anacostia is also a free event, good acts. Think I saw BYB one year, generally Unifest will have an up and coming band which is always good too. And the SE ass is all over the place Good LAWD! (Sorry ladies but this will be a recurring theme).
4.) Georgia Ave Day- How could it be so free? More of a parade than anything, which is cool if you like that sort of thing. GA ave day usually has bands at Banneker, marred by violence some years ago, I still would have no problem attending. You will Definitely encounter future candidates to be featured in the Red Beans and Rice Pic of the week.
5.) SKINS/COWGIRLS Tailgating- Especially if its a Primetime game. Although I cant stand them Cowgirl fans, its still a good time to get with all the other Skins fans and re-live the glory years (Geez!).......Come on Skins!
There it is....So in the words of the baddest most talented favorite rap group "You need to get up get out and get something...."
1.) Howard Homecoming- One of the premier annual events in the fall on the east coast. Granted many will argue the late night parties are where its at during this event, where up and coming artists along side established veterans in the game can be seen out on the town enjoying the festivities as well as hitting the stage and performing their latest hits. You can enjoy yourself at Howard Homecoming around campus before and after the game....You definitely will encounter future DLR furniture saleswomen at this event.
2.) Stone Soul Picnic- This event held in RFK parking lot (former home of the mighty mighty Redskins) always has great acts, you can usually expect Chuck Brown to be in the spot...This free event attracts young and old alike. Great for the family and of course the eye candy is plentiful.
3.) Unifest- Held in the heart of Anacostia is also a free event, good acts. Think I saw BYB one year, generally Unifest will have an up and coming band which is always good too. And the SE ass is all over the place Good LAWD! (Sorry ladies but this will be a recurring theme).
4.) Georgia Ave Day- How could it be so free? More of a parade than anything, which is cool if you like that sort of thing. GA ave day usually has bands at Banneker, marred by violence some years ago, I still would have no problem attending. You will Definitely encounter future candidates to be featured in the Red Beans and Rice Pic of the week.
5.) SKINS/COWGIRLS Tailgating- Especially if its a Primetime game. Although I cant stand them Cowgirl fans, its still a good time to get with all the other Skins fans and re-live the glory years (Geez!).......Come on Skins!
There it is....So in the words of the baddest most talented favorite rap group "You need to get up get out and get something...."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Top 10 DMV Clothing Lines All Time
Da Locker Room is delving into the world of fasion. Here is our list of the 5 top clothing lines in the DMV. Mr. Blackwell, eat your heart out.
1.) Madness Connection/Universal Madness- Going back to the hats that put them on the map in the 80's and providing the consumer the ability to put their unique stamp on their gear with letters and numbers, Madness has kept the DMV laced for almost 25 years.
2.) HOBO - Helping Our Brothers Out - HOBO keeps the big guy lookin sharp. Or just a guy that likes big boy clothes. Here too you could put your own "uniqueness" on your gear.
3.) We R One- Seen as an "uptown" thing by most We R One marketed their sun symbol (some say it resembles versace) to the DMV while at the same time keeping high profile athletes laced in the newest and latest "One" gear. Big G aka Slim Charles stayed laced in his "One" during his first season on The Wire. (remember when Backyard only wore madness?) Not having a store in DC may hurt their presence.....Come back to DC!
4.) Solbiato- Relatively new to the scene Solbiato has become a hot item. Being a pricey propostion may be half the allure, but if you want to impress that new shorty, it may be worth the trip to Georgetown.
5.)All Daz- From a small store front in the heart of DC, All Daz has been at the front of the clothing circuit in style and quality gear. All Daz has also been on the national scene, lacing boxer Paul Williams in its duds. Good Look All Daz.
6.) DDTP- Designer Discounters Trading Post- This line was hot hot hot in the early 90's then poof - like a blunt around Lil Wayne -they were gone.
7.) Shooters- Classic DC style. Shooters been around for a minute but somtimes one has to wonder if they could do more...DLR will be on the lookout for hot shooters gear this summer.
8.) Planet Chocolate City- The name says it all. Originally located near 8th & H NE, then moving uptown on Georgia Ave. near Madness, now closed. This line would get you looking right. The selection was most times slim but if you hit them on the right day you could definitely find something good and they also had the option of adding your own swag. Everywhere I go I get compliments on the Chocolate City gear I have.
9.) Squares- Shout out to Uptown they definitely have an edge when it comes to the gear. Squares like Shooters you definitely wondered if they could do more. Squares does have staying power, looking for more from them in the future also.
10.)Mchunu-
10.) YOU- Thats right the whole DMV- if you have ever sat at home and cut up a pair of jeans, a shirt, made a hat out of a shirt or out of a pair a jeans, used fabric to make an item of clothing that a normal person with less of an imagination would have never thought of. This goes out to you. Keep your Swag on a 100 DMV.
DMV definitely have a style all their own. You could almost spot a cat from DC anywhere in the world from their gear alone. Keep doing it DMV and support your local businesses.
Honorable Mention: Abstracts, Ghetto Hills
1.) Madness Connection/Universal Madness- Going back to the hats that put them on the map in the 80's and providing the consumer the ability to put their unique stamp on their gear with letters and numbers, Madness has kept the DMV laced for almost 25 years.
2.) HOBO - Helping Our Brothers Out - HOBO keeps the big guy lookin sharp. Or just a guy that likes big boy clothes. Here too you could put your own "uniqueness" on your gear.
3.) We R One- Seen as an "uptown" thing by most We R One marketed their sun symbol (some say it resembles versace) to the DMV while at the same time keeping high profile athletes laced in the newest and latest "One" gear. Big G aka Slim Charles stayed laced in his "One" during his first season on The Wire. (remember when Backyard only wore madness?) Not having a store in DC may hurt their presence.....Come back to DC!
4.) Solbiato- Relatively new to the scene Solbiato has become a hot item. Being a pricey propostion may be half the allure, but if you want to impress that new shorty, it may be worth the trip to Georgetown.
5.)All Daz- From a small store front in the heart of DC, All Daz has been at the front of the clothing circuit in style and quality gear. All Daz has also been on the national scene, lacing boxer Paul Williams in its duds. Good Look All Daz.
6.) DDTP- Designer Discounters Trading Post- This line was hot hot hot in the early 90's then poof - like a blunt around Lil Wayne -they were gone.
7.) Shooters- Classic DC style. Shooters been around for a minute but somtimes one has to wonder if they could do more...DLR will be on the lookout for hot shooters gear this summer.
8.) Planet Chocolate City- The name says it all. Originally located near 8th & H NE, then moving uptown on Georgia Ave. near Madness, now closed. This line would get you looking right. The selection was most times slim but if you hit them on the right day you could definitely find something good and they also had the option of adding your own swag. Everywhere I go I get compliments on the Chocolate City gear I have.
9.) Squares- Shout out to Uptown they definitely have an edge when it comes to the gear. Squares like Shooters you definitely wondered if they could do more. Squares does have staying power, looking for more from them in the future also.
10.)Mchunu-
10.) YOU- Thats right the whole DMV- if you have ever sat at home and cut up a pair of jeans, a shirt, made a hat out of a shirt or out of a pair a jeans, used fabric to make an item of clothing that a normal person with less of an imagination would have never thought of. This goes out to you. Keep your Swag on a 100 DMV.
DMV definitely have a style all their own. You could almost spot a cat from DC anywhere in the world from their gear alone. Keep doing it DMV and support your local businesses.
Honorable Mention: Abstracts, Ghetto Hills
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Top 10 DMV Hood Games
Da Locker Room was debating, what were/is the most played and most fun games growing up in the hood....Even though we still play a lot of these games as adults (video games excluded). After much discussion, this is what we came up with.
1. Craps- Much like that scene on Roscoe Jenkins a friendly dice game usually ends with someone being upset or a flat out fight....Remember only gamble what you can afford to lose.
2. Tonk- Great card game if craps is too fast for you. In the DMV you learn this game the week after you learn UNO. A lot of guys either ate good or starved in high school because of this game.
3. Spades- One of the best social games there is. Can be played at the family cookout with Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie as well as at a cookout amongst friends, and when that fine shawty you have had your eye on asks the room for a partner it never hurts to step up but you better bring your A game if you plan on taking things further. (in other words dont get caught reniging)
4. 33 (21 for you suburban dudes)- Got an odd number of players on the b-ball court? Or no one wants to team up with the sorry dude. "33" was the game to play. "33" teaches young kids the importance of rebounding, foul shooting and boxing out. (O.K. maybe a stretch but still a fun game none the less.
5. Dominoes- Personally not a big fan of this game not really any good but a lot of guys in DLR like it so it made the list.
6. Slap Boxing/Going to the Body- Growing up if you backed down from a slap boxing or going to the body challenge could affect the way you are viewed quite possibly for the rest of your life amongst the fellas. This much like craps will usually end in someone feelings getting hurt or an all out fight.
7. Bidwhist (for the old heads)- Not too many in the DLR age range play this game mainly because of the popularity of Spades. Viewed by those who play as a more strategic game than spades thus requiring more skill to play and played by better card players. I like this game more than spades but scoring is more difficult than spades and not enogh people play.
8. Throw Back Tackle- An elementary school favorite. Too few or too many players for an organized game or not enough time this was the game. It literally is every man for himself. Cutthroat football. (rumor has it Barry Sanders was a star @ this game growing up)
9. _ on _ (insert your number) Street Football- Ususally impromptu. Only takes a football maybe some alcohol and a "You couldnt cover me in HS or now" comment and its on. (a "spotter" is recommended to warn of on coming cars you know how long the ER takes plus the one with no insurance usually gets hit so they will have that limp for the rest of their life)
10. Hide n Go Get it- I think this is the only MANDATORY CO-ED GAME on this list a derivitive of Hide n Go seek except if you found the person you were looking for it was all good. Usually played between the hours of "My parents are @ work")
1. Craps- Much like that scene on Roscoe Jenkins a friendly dice game usually ends with someone being upset or a flat out fight....Remember only gamble what you can afford to lose.
2. Tonk- Great card game if craps is too fast for you. In the DMV you learn this game the week after you learn UNO. A lot of guys either ate good or starved in high school because of this game.
3. Spades- One of the best social games there is. Can be played at the family cookout with Grandma, Grandpa and Auntie as well as at a cookout amongst friends, and when that fine shawty you have had your eye on asks the room for a partner it never hurts to step up but you better bring your A game if you plan on taking things further. (in other words dont get caught reniging)
4. 33 (21 for you suburban dudes)- Got an odd number of players on the b-ball court? Or no one wants to team up with the sorry dude. "33" was the game to play. "33" teaches young kids the importance of rebounding, foul shooting and boxing out. (O.K. maybe a stretch but still a fun game none the less.
5. Dominoes- Personally not a big fan of this game not really any good but a lot of guys in DLR like it so it made the list.
6. Slap Boxing/Going to the Body- Growing up if you backed down from a slap boxing or going to the body challenge could affect the way you are viewed quite possibly for the rest of your life amongst the fellas. This much like craps will usually end in someone feelings getting hurt or an all out fight.
7. Bidwhist (for the old heads)- Not too many in the DLR age range play this game mainly because of the popularity of Spades. Viewed by those who play as a more strategic game than spades thus requiring more skill to play and played by better card players. I like this game more than spades but scoring is more difficult than spades and not enogh people play.
8. Throw Back Tackle- An elementary school favorite. Too few or too many players for an organized game or not enough time this was the game. It literally is every man for himself. Cutthroat football. (rumor has it Barry Sanders was a star @ this game growing up)
9. _ on _ (insert your number) Street Football- Ususally impromptu. Only takes a football maybe some alcohol and a "You couldnt cover me in HS or now" comment and its on. (a "spotter" is recommended to warn of on coming cars you know how long the ER takes plus the one with no insurance usually gets hit so they will have that limp for the rest of their life)
10. Hide n Go Get it- I think this is the only MANDATORY CO-ED GAME on this list a derivitive of Hide n Go seek except if you found the person you were looking for it was all good. Usually played between the hours of "My parents are @ work")
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