Domani, the Atlanta-born rapper, has carved a unique path in the hip-hop landscape, drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and upbringing in the spotlight as the son of renowned rapper T.I. From his debut mixtape "The Constellation" to his latest EP "Dear Jane," Domani has consistently showcased his lyrical prowess and introspective storytelling. His music reflects a blend of raw honesty and social commentary, capturing the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and the pressures of growing up under the public eye.

With each release, Domani has demonstrated his growth as an artist, refining his sound and expanding his creative boundaries. His 2020 EP "Time Will Tell" marked a significant milestone in his career, earning praise for its emotional depth and innovative production. However, it was "Dear Jane" that truly solidified Domani's place as a rising star in the rap scene. Named in honor of his late grandmother, the EP serves as a touching tribute to her memory, showcasing Domani's ability to weave personal narratives into compelling musical compositions.

"Dear Jane" received widespread acclaim for its poignant lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and soulful production. Tracks like "Time Will Heal" and "Grandma's Porch" resonate with listeners on a profound level, offering a glimpse into Domani's inner world and the emotions that drive his artistry. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Domani's authenticity and depth set him apart, positioning him as one of the most promising talents in hip-hop today. With his latest EP, he has proven himself to be not just a rapper, but a storyteller whose voice resonates far beyond the confines of the music industry.

Show Love is our intimate concert series focused on highlighting talent that deserves the LOVE. The formula is simple: intimate venues, passionate fans, one of a kind experiences. This month’s featured artist include:

Basic the Bassist

Basic the Bassist, born and raised in indianapolis, indiana, is a multitalented 27-year-old artist who has been making waves in the music scene for over a decade. Known for his profound musical abilities, Basic is not just a bassist but also a skilled guitarist and proficient in various other instruments. His diverse musical talent is showcased through his ability to sing, rap, and compose original music across a broad spectrum of genres, ranging from funk, jazz, and soul to hip-hop and R&B. His recent album, "Bae Bi Blue," is a testament to his creativity and artistic vision, showcasing his growth as a musician and songwriter.

Music | Instagram

Jade Jacobs

Singer/Songwriter, musician, and R&B artist, Jade J (@itsjadej_), a DMV native, has always had a passion for creating music that feels good. Jade’s musical influences that helped form her original sound are artists like Brandy, H.E.R., and Stevie Wonder. And, to experience that sound, she has her first EP “U Wanna Hear How I Feel” on all streaming platforms!

Music | Instagram

Kay Q

The talented creator KayQ respectfully made names for himself over the years from owning stages state to state, city to city , releasing quality music , winning awards & establishing a huge following with a consistent support system who's front and center. He be decided to create one big family "The Committee " you can expect nothing short of awesome with what these guy's have planned.

Music | Instagram

Paxxiøn

Briena Brinay, known by her music alias PAXXIØN, seamlessly transitioned from a seasoned dancer and choreographer to an independent multi-medium artist. After years of contributing to the dance world through choreography, teaching, and production, she shifted her focus to music, releasing her debut EP, "The Gold Tape," with the highly anticipated "The Garnet Tape" on the horizon. PAXXIØN, deeply immersed in various sub-genres of Hip Hop/R&B, not only graces the stages of the DMV's prominent venues but also curates her distinct brand and visuals through her production company, Blissful Vxxisions.

Music | Instagram

Want to be a feature Show Love artist? Hit the button below to submit!

Fresh Produce, an open mic for producers, at The Pocket DC. The event is designed for producers to showcase their talent. Producers are allowed a 2 Beat set (5 min. max.) and have the option of letting a few MC's in the building flex their freestyle skills. Sign up starts at 6pm, producers will perform in chronological order.

The Pocket serves as the perfect backdrop for the event as attendees will able to grab drinks from the full bar, choose from a variety of fresh fruits to nourish, and check out the latest Open Gem Apparel.

Want to be a featured producer on a future Fresh Produce event? Click below for details.

Show Love is our intimate concert series focused on highlighting talent that deserves the LOVE. The formula is simple: intimate venues, passionate fans, one of a kind experiences. This month’s featured artist include:

Lena Traynham

Lena Traynham has long been a standout for her electrifying stage presence, wild flying hair and extraordinary vocal range, but as she prepares to debut her original music for the first time, she’s proving herself as a force to be reckoned with. With blending genre’s comparing her to artists like Stevie Nicks, Rachael Price and Rett Madison, her long awaited debut project is expected to drop with the first single, “Brick by Brick,” on February 16th, 2024!

Music | Instagram

PaydaiOTW

“PaydaiOTW (pronounced Paydai on the way) is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. This new artist hails from the DMV and is a clear one-of-a-kind talent. Whether you’re looking for clever & humorous wordplay, intricate flows, a unique sound, or stellar creativity all around - she has it all. Not only is she a talented musician, but PaydaiOTW also thrives within many other modes of creation. She’s has an excellent eye for fashion as she designs and crochets her own outfits, as well as for capturing beautiful portraits as a photographer. There’s simply nothing she can’t do.”

Music | Instagram

Whitney Chantel

Whitney Chantél born and raised in Washington DC , is a Pop and R&B artist  who uses her love for dance and theatre training to command and captivate the stage. Whitney stepped away from music for two years to be a mother and now she’s back and excited to share space with you all. Whitney Chantèls music is a mix of fun sexy Pop, Reggae/ Afrobeat and sultry R&B that seduces and activates anyone’s sensual side. Her ability to story tell through her performances is what makes her stand out.  A word to describe her stage performances- Exhilarating

Music | Instagram

June Marie

June Marie is a rising R&B/ Pop Singer/Song-Writer. Growing up just south of Boston, MA, this MA native brings her smooth tonality to the DMV. Her lyricism derives from the personal experiences, misfortunes, and complexities in love and in the life of being an artist. Currently, she just released a Valentine’s Day single titled “Potential” with a video on the way. Some of her influences include Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Jhene Aiko, and Chris Brown. June Marie has more in store as she prepares to drop more bodies of work in 2024 following her freshman EP entrance in 2020 with “Handle With Care” which is also available on all digital streaming platforms. 

Music | Instagram

Want to be a featured artist on Show Love? Hit the link below.

Fresh Produce, an open mic for producers, at The Pocket DC. The event is designed for producers to showcase their talent. Producers are allowed a 2 Beat set (5 min. max.) and have the option of letting a few MC's in the building flex their freestyle skills. Sign up starts at 6pm, producers will perform in chronological order.

The Pocket serves as the perfect backdrop for the event as attendees will able to grab drinks from the full bar, choose from a variety of fresh fruits to nourish, and check out the latest Open Gem Apparel.

Want to be a featured producer on a future Fresh Produce event? Click below for details.

Show Love is our intimate concert series focused on highlighting talent that deserves the LOVE. The formula is simple: intimate venues, passionate fans, one of a kind experiences. This month’s featured artist include:

Eddie Lee

Hailing out of Woodbridge, Virginia, Eddie Lee, aka “Mr. 2 Sides,” is a rapper and songwriter who takes an eccentric approach to blend multiple personalities, genres, and melodic pockets into one unique sound. His most recent EP, Noir, peaked at number 6 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap chart

Music | Instagram

Jalen The ViRGO

A young black man hailing from PG County, Maryland shining as a multifaceted individual of music and arts, Jalen has been singing been since the age of 3 years old, has played drums for almost 20 yrs and now presses on as a singer/songwriter artist under the alias, “Jalen The ViRGO”. From the basics of church choirs and drama productions, to the precision of marching band as a member of Bowie State University’s Symphony of Soul, he has stayed in the performing arts. Gaining more insight to better construct his own style of music presentation. After being 2 years active in his artistry, he’s gone on to perform at consecutive shows and events all across the DMV as well as in Stockholm, Sweden. The journey continues as the year begins with shows and collaborations in the works.

Music | Instagram

Tasia Jae

Tasia Jae is an emerging R&B sensation hailing from Bowie, Maryland. With soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, rising songstress Tasia Jae is bringing back raw emotion and passion to the R&B music scene. Through stories of love and self discovery, the 26 year-old DMV native
bears it all for a truly timeless listening experience.

Music | Instagram

Tearz Naboo

Born in DC, Raised in Prince Georges County, Maryland, Tearz naboo is a multi-faceted hip-Hop/R&B Artist. Witty bars, versatile flows, harmonies and melodies are imbedded all throughout the sound she has been working to define. Musically inclined since a child, she got her start in music playing the keyboard synthesizer in a band (Arctic Thunder) at her after school program. She then began writing poems in middle school as a way to express her feelings with things she was going through at the time. These poems became songs and from 2012 to 2014 she self-recorded and released 7 projects. In 2021, TearZ made the leap to showcasing her own production in her music with her first studio Ep, “BITS and Pieces”. The project tells a story of a time in her life where she realized that she was giving too much to other people/things that she should have been giving to herself. The production on this project features many synth sounds coupled with hints of instruments she grew up playing.

Music | Instagram

Fresh Produce, an open mic for producers, at The Pocket DC. The event is designed for producers to showcase their talent. Producers are allowed a 2 Beat set (5 min. max.) and have the option of letting a few MC's in the building flex their freestyle skills. Sign up starts at 6pm, producers will perform in chronological order.

The Pocket serves as the perfect backdrop for the event as attendees will able to grab drinks from the full bar, choose from a variety of fresh fruits to nourish, and check out the latest Open Gem Apparel.

Want to be a featured producer on a future Fresh Produce event? Click below for details.

Sneaky Link is a special night of music curated by Earfuxk x Open Gem USA. Featuring the dynamic talents of Swiezo, Miss Trinnie, and 84 Faces.

Swiezo, known for his explosive energy known as the Rare Lord by most his adrenaline-fueled performance shift the energy in any room.

Miss Trinnie, celebrated for her soulful and captivating voice, will take the audience on a journey through emotions with her heartfelt melodies and powerful vocal prowess. Her performance promises to be a soul-stirring experience that resonates with fans.

Adding a unique flavor to the lineup, 84 Faces, a dynamic duo, recently earned recognition by being featured on an album executive produced by none other than the legendary Snoop Dogg. With their innovative sound and impressive collaborations, 84 Faces is always a fan favorite.

Join us at Songbyrd DC for an unforgettable evening filled with energy, emotion, and innovation as Sneaky Link presents Swiezo, Miss Trinnie, and 84 Faces along with special performances from J. Savage and Loso Baby.

Nia Sultana

A combination of Neo-Soul, Alt-R&B, and flecks of synth-Pop, Nia is choosy in her songwriting, crafting love songs of female empowerment over solely emotions-driven ballads. “I want to be a role model for younger girls who were like me, in situations that weren’t the most ideal,” she explains. “I was listening to songs telling me to stay with guys who didn’t treat me the best. It was a theme. It’s actually more challenging to write about love from the perspective of respecting yourself.” Nia’s songs on Bigger Dreams all carry that theme of self-respect, mixed with a sound that will surely take her further as she prepares her debut album. “I want to develop my own sound and not only make music based on what’s in style,” she says of her goal in music. “I want to feel like I’m pushing boundaries and creating a sound that only I can create.”

Blaxian

Known for his R&B/Soul style that has continuously alternated between heart centered and care-free lyrical elements, Blaxian is a singer, songwriter, producer and creative director. Growing up in Uptown, Washington, D.C., he learned how to play piano, drums and bass guitar with the guidance and teachings of his musically inclined family tree. In particular, his father is an immense influence to his musical career due to his own multi-talented abilities within the musical world as well. Blaxian started much of his self-taught musical career at 14 years old, and is committed to growing and evolving within his lifelong passion and only life purpose — music.

Amber Marie

Amber Marie is a rising R&B artist from Hagerstown MD, with a passion for creating feel-good music that resonates with her listeners. Through her music, she aims to connect with people on a deeper level, using her sweet vocals and poetic yet straightforward lyrics to convey her messages. In recent years, Amber has discovered her love for songwriting, and she plans to continue crafting stories through her songs that can help listeners of all kinds! Whether she's performing live or recording in the studio, Amber's energy and passion for music shine through in every note she sings. With a bright future ahead of her, Amber is poised to become one of the most exciting new voices in R&B music.

Music | Instagram

T.P.

The Name is T.P. I’m from PG County MD and I love music and every form and just wanna be apart of it through my words.

Music | Instagram

Nae Danielle

Janae Madric, known as “Nae Danielle,” is a versatile R&B/Rap & Pop artist from the DMV area. Growing up across the east coast, she discovered her passion for music and performing at a young age, starting with ballet in Fayetteville, NC, and later joining her church's youth choir in Stafford, VA. Over the years, she's excelled in competitive dance, sung at various churches and events, and pursued a degree in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications from Howard University. With her background in assisting local artists and her diverse experiences, she's eager to make a mark in her own music career, aiming to create tunes that move people just like her favorite artists have inspired her.

Music | Instagram

DFG Ju

They say that great talent knows no boundaries, and this is certainly true of DFG Ju, whose passion for rap knows no bounds. Collaborating with producers and DJs such as Jake One, Ceez beats, and Statik Selektah, Ju's debut project Straight Off The Bench received high praise from fans and critics alike. With shows for Roc Nation and Atlantic Records under his belt, as well as opening for Conway the Machine, Dave East, Sauce Walka, and others, Ju's star continues to rise in the DMV and rap industry. With an EP entitled Just Working and a leading single called Playa Shit, fans are eagerly anticipating what this rising star has in store next.

Music | Instagram

Want to be a featured act on Show Love? Click the button below

Want to be a featured producer on Fresh Produce? Click the button below.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Nature Boi’s critically acclaimed album "Godfawva" it seemed only right to bring the anniversary concert home to the DMV. This album has taken Nature Boi and his message across the U.S. and the U.K. alongside legends like GZA, AZ, 38 Spesh and more. Now the Godfawva experience will take over The Pocket DC for one night only to celebrate a certified classic album. Plus we have a few Special Guest and limited edition merch to add to the night. Grab your tickets asap and we’ll see you Dec 18th at The Pocket.

Fresh Produce, an open mic for producers, makes it's return at The Pocket DC. The event is designed for producers to showcase their talent. Producers are allowed a 2 Beat set (5 min. max.) and have the option of letting a few MC's in the building flex their freestyle skills. Sign up starts at 6pm, producers will perform in chronological order.

The Pocket serves as the perfect backdrop for the event as attendees will able to grab drinks from the full bar, choose from a variety of fresh fruits to nourish, and check out the latest Open Gem Apparel.

RSVP Required for entry. Last month we we’re over capacity make sure you lock in your RSVP asap!

Show Love is our intimate concert series focused on highlighting talent that deserves the LOVE. The formula is simple: intimate venues, passionate fans, one of a kind experiences. This month’s featured artist include:

Casualidy

A creator for the culture, human of the century, here for the memories, & ca$ual with whoever.

Music x Instagram

Lean

 Hey you guys!! It’s your girl L.E.A.N which stands for Love Eliminates All Negativity! I’m a DMV native and have been doing music for 8-9 years now with performing as well, and just want to continue to share my passion with the world. Be sure to check out my music, also featured on POWER and MIKE on HULU & my latest project SUNKISSED on all platforms! All Love & can’t wait to ROCK OUT!

Music x Instagram

SugaRiot

 Hailing from a small enclave outside of the Nation’s Capital; Waldorf, MD, SugaRiot nurtured his funky mix of neo-soul hip-hop into a force within the DMV. SugaRiot is on a quest to shatter the chains of self-doubt and self-minimization through his sultry melodies and eclectic style.

Every show is an opportunity to transport into the world of SugaRiot. He has taken the stage at notable venues such as Songbyrd DC and Howard Theater to electrify crowds and been a featured artist with OpenGem USA and Creative House productions.

Join the movement and let the funky rhythms and soulful vibes of SugaRiot sweep you off your feet.

Music x Instagram

Danjalé

Danjalé is taking the music industry by storm with action-packed banger after banger! Her pen, flow and style have surely proven that she she can live up to the nickname “Punchline Princess”. Stay tuned for new releases, and PRE SAVE “The Big Kahuna” 10/17 !

Music x Instagram

OG Bri

Dedicated to the local and underground music scene in the DMV, DJ Bri Mafia is an open format DJ of 8 years who strives to break barriers with her eclectic style of djing. Her brands 4theDMV and ON MUVAS have garnered a loyal and respective following, elevating her through and by community.

Music x Instagram

Fresh Produce, an open mic for producers, makes it's return at The Pocket DC. The event is designed for producers to showcase their talent. Producers are allowed a 2 Beat set (5 min. max.) and have the option of letting a few MC's in the building flex their freestyle skills. Sign up starts at 6pm, producers will perform in chronological order.

The Pocket serves as the perfect backdrop for the event as attendees will able to grab drinks from the full bar, choose from a variety of fresh fruits to nourish, and check out the latest Open Gem Apparel.

RSVP Required for entry. Last month we we’re over capacity make sure you lock in your RSVP asap!

Show Love is our intimate concert series focused on highlighting talent that deserves the LOVE. The formula is simple: intimate venues, passionate fans, one of a kind experiences. This month we’re proud to present Mona Soul x Kill-Her Kam x Philo.

To celebrate 6 Years of Open Gem we’re linking back up with Tiona Deniece who blessed the stage during our “Herstory in the Making” event for Women’s History Month and we couldn’t help but want to see more. 

Tiona Deniece hails from Buffalo, NY and is a frequent collaborator with the Griselda camp. She additionally dropped a cult class joint project with Flee Lord entitled “Mask & Glove”. Outside of music Tiona is a sneaker titan, as she is the host the successful  “Nike’s SNKR Heating Up” Youtube Series.   Tiona also host “Test Run” where she interviews WNBA players about their sneaker collections and has frequent speaking engagement repping for Black women in sneaker culture.

Shoe Love, a twist on our monthly Show Love curation, combines the passions of Tiona for a special night at Songbyrd. Exclusive Sneaker Culture Q&A session, Live performances, and giveaways from Footage Society x Nichole Verdejo.

Supporting women in the Arts has always been a core mission for Open Gem. This year has brought the opportunity to curate more women headlined shows than ever before. This show is taking that thought process to higher heights.

The premiere open mic experience makes it’s Richmond debut, Sunday, July 23 at RVA Boombox!

Dashira Zahnaya

Dashira Zahnaya is a young Singer/Songwriter who fell in love with music. She has a Niche for Jazz/Blues music and has studied this genre along with others since the age of 7 years old. Music has always been her way of expressing herself throughout her good and tough times. Dashira hopes to spread love and light through music and art.

Music | Instagram

Summer Dennis

Rising R&B songstress Summer Dennis is bringing back the 90's essence to R&B. The Maryland-raised singer and songwriter invites listeners to exhale from the trials, and tribulations spawn from the tumultuous nature of love. As the story goes, Summer, like many women, has wasted time rotating through meaningless relationships. Summer Dennis is dedicated to giving her fans music that displays power, independence and femininity.

Brought up in a Christian household, Summer initially found her love of music through her mother and the church's praise and worship team. However, her studies of classical music at TAG and magnet school is where she learned classical music and developed a passion for a variety of musical genres. Today Summer credits trailblazing music icons Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Lauren Hill among others, for her rich musical influence.

Summer Dennis has found her place in the music space and is a fresh new voice in R&B. After introducing herself with the release of her breakout single “Everything”, last year, which hit the Billboard charts, the R&B Phenomenon is gearing up to take over 2023. Summer Dennis will use her music as a unique way of expressing universal truths.

Music | Instagram

A. Ryze

A. Ryze, formally known as Sh’Von Ryze is a multi-talented star that was born in Washington, DC on February 2nd, 1984 but mainly raised in Prince George’s County, MD.

She discovered her talent at a very young age. At the age of 4 years old, she was told by family, friends and peers that she was going to be a star. At age 4 she began taking dance lessons, as well as gymnastics, tennis, basketball, golf, and many other sports. In her spare time she would draw, paint, write stories and poetry, and play with her family and friends. But most of all, in her spare time, she would sing and listen to music so much that her mother and father bought her a portable tape player and keyboard. In which A. Ryze took with her everywhere. Growing up she also dabbled a little with playing the drums, saxophone, clarinet, and congas, and took vocal lessons and sang in the choir. Her musical influences growing up was her grandmother, uncle, father, mother, and musical legends that played on her radio daily. With many years of experience in music, a couple of her all time favorite performances was at the Congressional Black Caucus and also at the historical Howard Theatre. Her hit single Feed Me was also played on WPGC 95.5 and she was interviewed by the late and great Tony Redz. Now at age 39, with her own art business Evelyn & Evelyn and a dream, amongst many other dreams, of starting her own record label, she knows exactly what she wants and exactly how to obtain it. With a style and sound of her very own, be ready for your ears, mind, body and soul to be uplifted, eased and fulfilled.

Faith Forward!

Music | Instagram