I first became aware of Virginia based artist Dannie in August of this year with her first single, Girls Time. Dannie is a strong vocalist, one of the few singers that are still breathing life into what I'll label pure R&B. Her second single, Wait 4 It was released on October 14th and has been doing well since that date with over 80,000 plays on Soundcloud. This sexy track highlights strong harmonies interlaced with smooth melodies that are sure to be caught in your head after first the listen. Wait 4 It tells the story of a playful seductress keeping her potential lover on his toes to the point of full desire. The track used properly accompanies the concept of this song and reminds me of what a slow jam is supposed to sound like. Emotion is clearly felt within the vocals of this track as Dannie flirtatiously explores her full range and leaves the listener yearning for more by the time they realize that the song has ended. --Opal Rose

Snippets of red ballons, party-goers, and a cosmic sky splice the images of a sullen girl singing “… she just wanna party” in Noleac Yasin’s latest music video for “Par.T.” DJ and producer, Devyn Symone, says Noleac Yahsin is a joint effort between her and singer/songwriter Caelon Reed. “When I’m creating beats, whatever flows out of [Reed’s] mouth, goes on the track. Whatever we both like.” That’s why the pair choose not categorize themselves into any particular genre. Influenced by Timbaland, James Blake, and Amy Winehouse, the duo create neyo-soul rhythms, interposed by driving trap lines, all under alluring, relaxed vocals in the latest single. “Par.T” tells the story of Reed in the aftermath of a break-up, looking to find peace in others, and finally finding it in herself. “Par.T” can be heard on Noleac Yahsin’s forthcoming mixtape, Maktub, to be released November 11th. For now, get hooked on the indie-esque music video for “Par.T” below. –Sade A. Spence

Rashad Brockington, better known on the 1s and 2s as DJ Wise B, is gearing up to remaster the latest EP off his record label, called I.F.O. Inspiration For Others. DJ Wise B prides himself on spinning an energy packed set, go-go style. “It’s interactive, a call and repeat with the people in the crowd,” describes the DMV native. The 22-year old turntablist and hip-hop producer started DJ-ing thanks to his pops challenging him to a rap battle- winner gets to pursue a rap career. Brockington lost the battle, but was gifted with a set of turntables instead. “My dad said everybody needs a DJ.” Daddy knows best! Brockington now runs the music label CAMP 421 and has acquired the rapper Supreme Elite, but is looking to reach others outside of the hip-hop persuasion. “I want street artists and opera singers all kinds of artists” envisions Brockington. Supreme Elite and DJ Wise B will release their two-point-oh version of the I.F.O. EP in early November on Spotify, Pandora, and iTunes. Until then, take a listen to the heavy bass and driving trap beats of the original I.F.O EP below. –Sade A. Spence

“It’s heavier on guitar and there are few synthesizers” says Chang Won Chang about his newest project, Perihelion. “It’s like a caveman diet.” Chang, known on stage as Dr Neanderthal, says his creative process is much like the prehistoric nature of the paelo diet- heavy on the proteins and light on the carbs.

Chang’s five- track album is audibly dark and primitive, influenced by the ambient sounds of Brian Eno and 90's drum & bass. Chang doesn’t sing, but rather howls and echoes his lines. Lyrically, the album is based on the theme of perihelion - the point in orbit in which the Earth is closest to the sun. “Life is a cycle, and sometimes it can be really intense,” explains Chang. “And that intensity is different for different people.” So in his songs, the subject matters are left up to the interpretations of his listeners. “The songs can be about love or even your job.”

The D.C. based musician is currently working on a brighter, "poppier" album he is hoping to release next year. For now, take a listen to the unique sounds of Dr Neanderthal’s Perihelion below. -- Sade A. Spence

Black Bananas, the alternative rock band lead by the fur-adorned, aviator-wearing, erstwhile DC heroine Jennifer Herrema, has released the music video for "Creeping The Line" on September 11th. The band formerly known for their rock roots as RTX, garnishes laid-back auto-tuned melodies sung over an electric guitar. The Jess Holzworth directed video is creatively intriguing- prepare your eyes for crazy pops of color, 1 gigantic teddy bear, 2 very-skilled pole dancers, and 3 chic-looking dogs! Be sure to check out the rest of the tracks off their summer album Electric Brick Wall, out now. And if you’re heading to Los Angeles, catch them October 23rd at Los Globos in Hollywood. – Sade A. Spence