Brightest Young Things

So yeah people, after a short 1 week vacation break BYT is back on the Couch. If you didn't know, I was in Montreal, Canada cavorting with hot French-Speaking women and in Philly cavorting with.....family. Good times tho, let's get it.

This Week on The Couch

• Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to cover the Montreal Jazz Festival and had the time of my life. Even though I was two days late from hanging out with Stevie Wonder (boo!) I got to see some amazing music including French techno group High Tone, my friends Thunderheist, and the amazing Femi Kuti. Even though I was detained at the airport (I think they caught me dissing hockey), I got nothing but love for Canada and the city of Montreal.

• DJ Phife Dawg is a member of the legendary crew A Tribe Called Quest and quite frankly, needs no introduction. Phife was in DC for the Hip-Hop and Health Care panel at the SEIU headquarters in Dupont Circle. Sonya of The Glass House DC sat down with Phife last week as he talked about working with J Dilla in the Studio, the importance of health care, and his future plans after ATCQ.

• Later that night, our photographer Danielle checked out the scene at Liv for the 4th annual DC Loves Dilla party, which featured Illa J and Ma Dukes from the Dilla family as well as local Hip-Hop sensation Phil Ade and Phife himself.

• We have been fan of Toronto's The Carps for a hot minute now and I'm glad to see that they are back int the studio for 2009. Until the next album drops, we are appeased with their latest remix to the track It's Raining in the Projects, but it's Sunny In Africa. Check it.

• Philly's Lushlife might not be a household name, but the beatmaker needs to be. His latest project Cassette City brings together some amazing left field beats supported by artists such as ... and Camp Lo. While floating under the surface, he's been able to create another sleeper album of the year.

This Weekend

• FRIDAY With over 30+ DJs and live performances by The Get 'Em Mami's AND The Clipse, My Crew Be Unruly is the place to be on Friday night. Baltimore's Pradox will be filled to the brim with all 3 rooms going until 5 AM. Add to that the FREE BEER and FREE HOT BREAKFAST to boot. this is bound to be the party of the year. Seriously, with so many DJs and more suprises to be announced, I wouldn't be surprised if your Grandma gets added to the bill. Get your tickets here. (Paradox, Baltimore - 1310 Russell St, Baltimore, MD)

• FRIDAY For those who aren't making the trip up to Baltimore, you should check out my homie DJ Stylus as he joins DJ Louis P and DJ Kimozaki at Gallery in Silver Spring (1115 East West Highway). They're bringing a completely different and laid back vibe back to the DC area. No velvet ropes or bottle service here. Check it.

• SATURDAY If you're still in Baltimore and recovering from Friday's My Crew event, then you should definitely check out Artscape, which bills itself as "America's Largest Free Arts Festival." In addition to the tons of art, there will be live performances on 3 stages and competitions. A very good look.

• SATURDAY Sneaker Pimps is one of the largest forums for buying and selling kicks in the world and the tour has finally made it to DC with the Clipse and Wale headlining a local bill which includes XO and Phil Ade. Tickets are only $15. (DC Star - 2135 Queens Chapel Rd)

• SUNDAY As you all know, the country of Sweden stays winning, and their latest export, the soulful, sultry Little Dragon is paying DC a rare visit. The show at Liv will be opened by local artist Yoko K. If you've never seen Little Dragon live, this is your rare opportunity.

Previously in Tangents:

• 12/28: Terrible Boyfriend/ Girlfriend Generator.
• 11/2: PHOTOS: TAXLO Halloween (feat. Chain Gang of 1974)
• 10/10: #OccupyWallStreet
• 8/10: PHOTOS: Lawn Mover Racing, Eastern Seaboard Regionals @ Bowles Farm
• 7/26: Special List: Things the BYGays Want Now That We Can Marry In DC (and NY!)
• 7/20: PHOTOS: Artscape
• 7/19: Miho Hatori's Guide to New York City
• 4/11: Cirque Du Soleil: Totem (A Review)
• 12/29: War, Reenacted
• 12/29: What in Hell is Slaughterama?!?