The DMV Music Handbook
In D.C, Maryland, and Virginia, collectively known as the DMV, rappers Wale and Rye Rye represent the capital of cool.
Have you been to the DMV lately? Don’t worry this article is not about the Department of Motor Vehicles; but rather the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. The DMV has long been home to a melting pot of sounds including Baltimore Club and D.C. grown Go-Go music. Many famous musicians were born and bred in the DMV. For example, singers Ginuwine, and Mya hail from Washington, D.C. while R&B group Dru Hill as well as crooners Mario and Raheem Devaughn represent Maryland. Virginia is home to “First Lady of Song” Ella Fitzgerald and producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes.
The DMV has always produced music loved nationwide. Right now rappers Wale and Rye Rye are ready to represent the DMV on an international level. For those ready to take the DMV exam here’s a brief tutorial about these artists:
Wale:“My name’s Wale and I came to kill it”- Wale
Have you ever heard a song and had a feeling that whoever made that song is about to blow up and elevate to celebrity status? That seems to be the buzz around D.C. born rapper Wale. He’s been known around the DMV for some time now, but since becoming signed to Allido/Interscope records his fan base is about to multiply. Wale recently garnered national attention when he was featured on MTV during DC music week. By his sound alone you can definitely hear influences of D.C. Go-Go music in Wale’s songs. The strength in his flow comes from his use of wordplay and natural swagger. The first coming single on his upcoming album “Attention Deficit” is called “Chillin;” and features Lady Gaga.
“If you still don’t understand, I am a rapper’s rapper. I’m not doing this crunk stuff, I’m a young dude and people are going to have no choice but to understand it and give me a shot.”-Wale
Wale’s Music Cheat Sheet:
“Nike Boots”
“Dig Dug (Shake It)”
“Rising Up” with The Roots and Chrisette Michelle
“Welcome to DC(remix) with Mambo Sauce, Tabi Bonney and Big G
“Spectacular” with Raheem Devaughn
Rye Rye:
“Real girls shake, fake girls hate, but Rye Rye, I’m the one that’s great”- Rye Rye
Ryeisha “Rye Rye” Berrain is about to explode on your television screens straight from Baltimore, Maryland. As the first artist signed to M.I.A’s record label N.E.E.T. , the eighteen year old rapper has already worked with DJ Diplo, Afrikan Boy, and DJ Blaqstarr among others. She has already completed an international tour while working on her debut album set for later this year. Her most notable single to date, “Shake It to the Ground” has become one of the most remixed and exported Baltimore club bangers and has been played everywhere from Berlin to New York. Everything from Rye Rye’s playful flow to her neon bright apparel and club influenced break beats scream that this chick is ready to show the world how to “Shake It”.
“I want people to be able to go out and dance, just have a good time when they hear my music. It is about having fun and enjoying yourself and just being able to wild out.”- Rye Rye
Rye Rye Music Cheat Sheet:
“Shake It to the Ground” with DJ Blaqstarr
“Bang” featuring M.I.A.
“Hardcore Girls” with The Count and Sindon
“Paper Planes (remix) with M.I.A and Afrikan Boy
