Let’s be honest: most local summer music guides read like they were written by someone who’s never been to a show. A few safe headliners. Maybe a festival or two. So we made our own and put it all in one place for easy reference. This is RVA Magazine’s...
Five years ago, unknown artist Nu3ra Ness performed at The National, the sold-out venue’s crowd were in awe of the up and coming hip hop performer, loving every bar from him. At least that is what Nu3ra Ness (pronounced New Era) thought until he turned around and saw Future standing behind him and realized that’s who the crowd was really cheering...
Charlottesville hip hop author Brian Kayser has built up quite the name for himself in the community with his books, interviewing some of the greatest players in the hip hop game. The graphic designer / illustrator working with Kayser, and longtime friend of RVA Mag, Jeff Smack, recently sat down with the author to discuss the new release of his...
The last time RVAMag spoke with Peter $un was late last year and the young hip hop artist was blowing up the local scene with his album, Paradise is A Day Away, a packed touring schedule, and sold out shows. And he hasn’t slowed down since. The Richmond native recently released a new album and has since made a big move to Los Angeles. “I have...
“My spirit is rattled inside” - No Malice Prison. The idea is so embedded in the American consciousness that it is hard to conceive of an America without it. This thought remained with me as I drove towards the penitentiary in Chesapeake, Virginia. Even more so, since I was accompanying a musician who famously inaugurated an entire sub-genre of...
Last night, Richmond was hit with the news that Brian “The Honorable Sleaze” Davis, Sr., a staple of the local hip hop scene, died suddenly following complications during surgery. Co-producer of the now-defunct Just Plain Sounds netlabel, Sleaze was known for his work as a skilled producer and artist. His most recent album, Heavenly/Devilish II:...
The National’s summer schedule is chock-full of Hip Hop stars, ranging from Method Man to Playboi Carti. This past Sunday kicked off that summer high energy with a headlining tour-stop from PnB Rock, a new voice in the music industry that is doing well on the airwaves. The Freshpack Tour, brought to Richmond via G & G Entertainment, was...
For Ricky Dreamer (above), running a boutique record label means helping local artists reach their own dreams. “I want to help them get their message out,” Dreamer said. “With the artists I work with, there’s a synergy there, and an understanding that I want to use my craft for them.” Dreamer operates Dream for Purpose Vibes in Richmond alongside...
Precise sampling, smooth jazzy interludes and effervescent beats meet in the intelligent and harmonious way that has come to be expected from Satellite Syndicate’s BSTFRND in his fourth album, Neuromelanin. Pioneered by producer, multi-media and hip hop artist Jefferson Harris, the 12-track album’s cerebral themes begin at the title, which refers...
From collaborations in Richmond, to signing joint record deals, rising DC hip hop artist Chaz French is the next artist to watch. He first came on to the scene with his mixtape Happy Belated in 2014 and has been gaining popularity ever since with collaborations with local artists like RVA rapper Dr. Millionaire, to bigger names like Wale. Most...
