HIP HOP & RAP




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Photos | Heart of Winter Fest

An unseasonably warm Friday afternoon set the tone for Day 2 of Heart of Winter at The Canal Club, a strange but welcome contrast to the bleak, frostbitten sounds pouring out of the venue. Despite the mild weather, the atmosphere inside was anything but soft. Black...

A Look Back at United Blood 2025

Editor’s Note: This article reflects on United Blood’s return back in April 2025 and is a preview of what is in store for 2026. Words and photos by Cristian Espinoza The sleeping giant walks the earth again. After a five-year hiatus, United Blood returned to Richmond,...

From Hibernation to Hellfire: Heart Of Winter Returns to Richmond

After more than a decade in hibernation, one of Richmond’s most revered underground metal gatherings is clawing its way back to life. Heart Of Winter, the black metal and doom-heavy festival that helped define an era of the city’s DIY extreme metal scene, is...

Richmond New Year’s Eve 2025-2026! The Ultimate Rundown

Richmond has its own way of ringing in the New Year. A little backward glance, a little chaos, and just enough polish to feel intentional. You can lean into loud live shows, dress up for something splashy, or keep it simple with a solid drink and good company. However...

‘Solar Music’ Shines Bright with Butcher Brown on NPR Tiny Desk

For those who've been following the mag coming out of the pandemic, it's no secret that we've got respect for Butcher Brown. This crew embodies much of what makes us love our city — authenticity coupled with a DIY spirit, and an unwavering love for Richmond, VA. A city known for birthing legends such as D'Angelo, Lonnie Liston Smith, Lamb of God,...

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Butcher Brown Tiny Desk 2024_RVA Magazine

Tennishu, Booby Bash 3 & Prabir Trio: Sound Check

I'm so excited by what's happening in the city these days it's hard for me to pay attention to anything else. I've got more all local for you on this week's edition of SOUND CHECK. Friday Booby Bash 3 comes to Gallery 5 to raise money to benefit the queer community, then come Monday Tennishu hops into The Camel bringing along two very unlikely...

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Tennishu by Dani Barbieri Sound Check RVA Mag 2024

Ant The Symbol, Chandler & Lucid Evolution: Sound Check

It's all local all the time this week, so get ready for an onslaught of local talent from all ends of the spectrum. With two options for how to spend your all too rare leap day, it's a packed week. Ant The Symbol and friends take on Richmond Music Hall, while just down the street Chandler Matkins celebrates his 7th birthday with a show at RVA...

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Ant The Symbol RVA Mag 2024

From Richmond to the Grammys: DJ Harrison Is Reppin’

Kick back and check out the conversation with Devonne Harris aka DJ Harrison, a down-to-earth local with some serious skills. He started Jellowstone Records from his living room, signed to the legendary Stone’s Throw label, put out several great albums, solo and with Butcher Brown, got a Grammy nod along the way, collabed with Polo and is right...

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DJ Harrison interview by R. Anthony Harris 2024

Deep in the Cut with Hip Hop Henry & Billy Crystal Fingers

In this laid-back interview, I caught up with Richmond party scene vets Hip Hop Henry and Billy Crystal Fingers about their weekly Wednesday night event, Acid's Groove at Get Tight Lounge. They discuss the origins of the name, their love for acid jazz and rare grooves, and for making the party happen whenever they team up.  ed. note: Before...

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Hip Hop Henry_Billy Crystal Interview at Get Tight Lounge by R. Anthony Harris 2024-2

You Voted And Here We Go! the Richmond Music of Right Now in 2024

Thank you to everyone who participated in our voting this year. It's our first time compiling such a catalog, and it's truly been great to see the enthusiastic response with so many votes and shares. Also, we can't help but admire the incredible talent in our community. Musicians and artists are not only showcasing their own work but are also...

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The Richmond Music of Right Now 2024, photo by Duncan Shaffer

Rah Scrilla, Tajahmad & Bucky Malone: Yo! Hip Hop RVA

This week’s edition of YO! HIP HOP RVA features three gifted MCs, two of which hail from cities outside of Richmond. Tajahmad and Bucky Malone, hailing from South Hill and Northern Virginia respectively, are on opposite sides of the spectrum sonically, but both get busy. We've also got music by Richmond’s Rah Scrilla who distinctly paints the...

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Rah Scrilla Yo! Hip Hop RVA 2024

M.Y.L.O.: a Richmond Artistic Trailblazer Crafting Unique Narratives

8:00PMUndisclosed location near Black Rock Mountain59FPlaylist: Fathoms on Spotify The following is from Penrose Projex by Mike Avery. Check it out HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AGHk-0UPiA Sundown was in full effect through the natural corridor of Rockfish Valley. While higher ground enjoyed a few glimmers of dying light,  the...

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M.Y.L.O. No Time video by Mike Avey 2023