Just a few months ago I asked D. Black what the future held. His response: “I don’t think there is a future for D. Black, at least not this one.” And while the Sportn’ Life artist doesn’t advocate hip-hop as the only means of salvation, it certainly explains the dramatic transformation from gangsta-steeped 2007 release The Cause and Effect to his uplifting 2009 follow-up Ali’Yahnot to mention an inability to put down the mic, despite his promises. Socially conscious with a razor-sharp edge, Blacks new materialthe occasion for the celebration, a free EP collaboration with producer B. Brown titled The Blackest Brownis all about living with a new mindset and making the world better for his little girl. Damian, threaten to quit all you want, but we wont let youand were glad you wont let yourself. With Cancer Rising, Jerm Eye, SK. NICK FELDMAN
Sun., Aug. 29, 9 p.m., 2010
