It’s a Hip Hop Celebration! Black Alley and Lord Finesse Performing Together Live!

“You never thought that Hip-Hop would take it this far…”

~Christopher Wallace a.k.a “Biggie Smalls” 

Well, “this far” is a half century of the music, culture and lifestyle as 2023 marks Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. It began as a subculture but now heavily dictates society worldwide. And DC is no exception. Go-Go is the District’s home grown music with a huge Hip-Hop influence and that is why Lord Finesse and Black Alley are kicking off the celebratory year in DC with Hip-Hop’s 50th Birthday Celebration at Howard Theatre on Friday, Feb 17, 2023.

Coming together for a legendary show to pay homage to Hip Hop for its 50th birthday, in their first performance together, Black Alley will bring their unique genre-bending musical sound and perform on stage with Hip Hop legends Lord Finesse (D.I.T.C.), Pharoahe Monch (Organized Konfusion & th1rt3en), and Grand Puba (Brand Nubian).

Hosted by Talent The Comedian | Opening DJ set featuring Miss H.E.R.

Doors open at 8pm. Performance starts at 9pm.

About Lord Finesse

Stepping on the scene in 1989, Finesse and his former partner DJ Mike Smooth signed to Wild Pitch Records. In 1990, the duo released their debut album “The Funky Technician”. The album featured production from future star beat-makers DJ Premier, Diamond D and Showbiz. 

Soon after, the popular New York underground crew D.I.T.C., an acronym for ‘Diggin In The Crates’ was formed, together with Showbiz & AG and Diamond D. Future members included Fat Joe, O.C., and Buckwild. Finesse was responsible for discovering the late great Harlem rapper Big L. Big L became his protege and one of the most memorable members of D.I.T.C.

Finesse returned as a solo artist in 1992 with his second effort, “Return of the Funky Man”. Beginning his career as a much-respected Hip Hop producer, Return of the Funky Man also included songs that were produced by Finesse himself.

In ‘94, Finesse stepped into the big leagues and made a production appearance on The Notorious B.I.G.’s classic 5x Platinum debut Ready to Die, on the track “Suicidal Thoughts”.

Over the course of his career the rapper, turned producer, has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop like O.C., KRS-One, MC Lyte, Akinyele, Showbiz and A.G., Diamond D and Kid Capri, Sadat X, Grand Puba, Large Professor, Dr. Dre, and British musician Fatboy Slim.

Today, Finesse continues to rock the mic and the turntables as one of the most respected staples in hip-hop, constantly touring internationally as an Iconic Artist, Producer & World Renowned DJ. Raps biggest names still seek him for everything from production to music business consultation.

About Black Alley

BLACK ALLEY has been pushing the art of music to its rhythmic limits for some time now. Determined to create a unique musical elixir, Black Alley has taken the finest ingredients of trap, rock and go-go to create their own genre-bending sound called “Hood Rock”.

With endorsements from national recording artists such as Raheem DeVaughn and Jill Scott; hip-hop standouts Common, Big KRIT, & Wale; producers Tone P and Chucky Thompson; super engineer Young Guru; and legendary musicians Doug E. Fresh and Sheila E, Black Alley is striving to rock harder and put on for the culture.

In September 2017, BLACK ALLEY won Musicology’s first-ever Paisley Park Battle of the Bands in Minneapolis, MN. The contest, held at the estate of the late great Prince, was judged by some of Prince’s former band members who worked closely with the legend. Even before the national recognition that came along with winning the Battle at Paisley Park, Black Alley was, and continues to be, one of the most followed, trend-setting and sought-after music groups hailing from the nation’s capital.

Black Alley was also hand-selected to perform at the inaugural South By South Lawn Festival (SXSL) held at the White House and spearheaded by former President Barack Obama.