Brightest Young Things

Remembering Michael Jackson...

Its been a terrible couple of weeks in the news: The deadliest crash in Metro history, Iran in chaos, the Honduras coup not to mention, Ed, Farrah, and even the Oxy Clean guy passing on to the other side.

But out out of all of these tragedies, the death of Michael was the most devastating to me personally. Micheal Jackson's passing last Thursday took everybody by surprise, but it also gave us a chance to look back and reflect at the wonderful music that he has blessed us with in his 40 years of music. Over the past week, we took a look back at the songs that we will most remember Michael by:

• Gone Too Soon - This song, sang in remembrance of Ryan White, is so appropriate right now. Even though MJ was 50 years old, it seems like he was on the cusp of a resurgence, with 50 concert dates scheduled, and rumors that he was back in the studio on the horizon. Who knows what the future would hold?

• Stranger In Moscow - Written in what had to be Mike's most lonely period, where he was facing pain after his child molestation allegations and the withering of his legacy, Stranger In Moscow might be one of his most powerful songs ever.

• Remember The Time - For something more upbeat, check out envy's tribute to this track. Remember the time? Nah, remember the video?

In happier news...

• If you think that Sweden is all blond hair, blue eyes, and Ikea, then check out Adam Tensta. The Swedish MC, who was raised outside of Stockholm in government housing projects, tells the grittier side of the Scandinavian nation. Tensta has also worked in the studio with DC's own Wale and is prepping for a US release real soon. I had a chance to sit down with him in New York City a couple of weeks ago. Peep the interview.
• Our homegirl Senari interviewed The Rub (NYC)'s DJ Ayers yesterday. Ayres puts on one of the best parties in the NYC area and is a legend in many DJ circles. If you spend more than an hour on the internet, you most likely have seen a Ayers mix pop up on your iPod at one point or another. As a special bonus, Ayers breaks down his five best MJ tracks of all time, AND we reveal that he's been added to the My Crew Be Unruly Megaparty that's going down in Baltimore in July.
• And yet again, Sweden stays winning. Electro-R&B group Little Dragon dropped 2 new tracks off of their much anticipated new album. The group will be in DC on July 19th. Get on it!

• This week the lenses were out in full Force, covering the Red Stripe event with Johan Hugo and Terry Lynn, and the Peter Hadar/Black Spade/W. Ellington Felton event at Bohemian Caverns. Check it out.

This Weekend

So yes, it's Fourth of July Weekend, and my ass will be in Canada covering the Montreal Jazz Festival. Hopefully I don't get sent to Guantanamo for my lack of patriotism.

But for those staying in DC, there are no lack of events going on in the city.

• TONIGHT Commonwealth is dropping their Summer 2009 Collection and to celebrate, they're having an in-store event. We all know CMON's In-stores are fire, so do we need further description? Free Drinks, Free Food too! (1781 Florida Ave. NW)
• TONIGHT The first week of the month marks the return of Cakes and Kisses to Asylum. The party, which successfully combines impromptu hip-hop ciphers, live performances, and cake, has become a staple in the city. Tonight's party features the always dope Rosetta Stoned and MC K-Beta. Get there early, because the line goes out the door. FREE.
• FRIDAY If you don't know, my homie Will Eastman is throwing down at the 9:30 Club, for Blisspop, featuring Tittsworth, Nadastrom, Demerit, and SURPRISE GUESTS. It's Nada's Birthday so you know it's gonna go down!
• SATURDAY Are you feeling the urge to party for 12 hour straight? Then Day 'N Night, the ALL DAY event going down in Glover Park is for you. Yes, the $50 point of entry might be pricey, but it includes ALL food (served by local chefs) and beverages. DJ Alizay, Stereofaith, and DJ Jerome Baker lead the charge on the decks. This is going to be an INSANE party. I'm sorta mad I'm gonna miss it. Details here. (Wisconsin Overlook, 2136 Wisconsin Ave NW)
• TUESDAY - The Kennedy Center hosts a FREE event with Lupe Fiasco, Michael Ealy, and W. Ellington Felton called Voices Remix as a part of the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival. The program will discuss the history of the United States through the eyes of hip-hop artists and local musicians. This event is FREE but get there early to guarantee a seat. Details here.
• WEDNESDAY - Join "Ma Dukes" Yancey, Phife Dawg from A Tribe Called Quest, will be at Liv Nightclub for the annual DC Loves Dilla Fundraiser. The fourth annual fundraiser, sponsored by the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, benefits the Maureen Yancey Fund and the Lupus Foundation. Click here for details.