"D.C. Drug Culture to Subculture"ΞΞΞMORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRU SKOOL SOUNDSTAGE 7/31 @ THE BLACK CATΞΞΞ

(Oddisee & Kev Brown) Photos by Tashir Lee

!§hout to sponsors and friends} @upsetthesetup @lunchboxtheory @couchsessions @DJ_Iran @DJHeatDC @sockets @frolab

| Written by Stone of Couch Sessions

Last Saturday, local hip-hop fans gathered at The Black Cat for The Tru Skool Soundstage, showcasing Diamond District, DJ Underdog, The Cornel West Theory, Damu The Fudgemunk rising rap crew DMTD. Although the night started off sparse, the crowd filled in as DTMD started the night with their throwback style of hip-hop, creating one of the more consistent live shows in the DC area.

(Grap Luva)

Next up were The Cornel West Theory, who’s through provoking mix of hip-hop, rock, and African vibes entertained the crowd during the 45 minute set.

(the Cornel West Theory)

(yUthe78er)

Headlining is the show was DC’s own Diamond District whose road tested set has been getting more than a few people in our hometown to take notice.

And speaking of the crowd, it was the most diverse assembly of people I’ve ever seen at a DC hip-hop event. Black, white, young, old, hood, hipster and Becky were all in attendance. This wasn’t the case for the DC scene even a few years ago and it shows that our city, even though still divided along race and class lines, is slowly coming together.

(Diamond District)

Featuring Diamond District, the Cornel West Theory, DJ Underdog, and DTMD.

❝Josh Cogan stopped by the Black Cat Saturday night to snap a bunch of photos of the Tru Skool Soundstage with Diamond District, the Cornel West Theory, DJ Underdog, and DTMD. As always, Josh captured the vibe of the night. Thank you to everybody who came out to catch one of of the best shows seen in a while❞.-- Sean of Sockets Records

Toine from DTMD

Grap Luva

Oddisee from Diamond District

Rashad from The Cornel West Theory

XO from Diamond District

DJ Underdog

All photos copyright by Josh Cogan