Tonight, D.Black performs a free, all-ages set at Easy Street, and this is truly one for the whole family: if you’re not familiar with D.Black’s spiritually-attuned and musically uplifting release, Ali’yah, you really should be. I attended his album release party at the Crocodile in September and was blown away not only by the maturation of his music but also his enthusiastic stage performance, where he didn’t sacrifice an ounce of vocal clarity or quality as he bounded and swung around the stage. His is music that stays true to the tradition of hip-hop music and to his own convictions…I wish I could take my mom to this show. Despite my best efforts, I’ve never been able to fully convince her of the musicality, diversity and mindfulness of hip-hop, as she is shrouded in mainstream misconceptions that push a static image of thuggery and irresponsibility associated with rap artists and I could never really drag her along to a nightclub. This kind of performance opportunity– accessible to all ages and people, and in the evening– is the type I know would transform her warped and distanced notion of hip-hop to something genuine and relatable. Additionally, if I had children, I would take them to this show: the lyrics are clean and the energy is positive, and as kids are inundated with garbage earlier than we could ever predict, it’s showcases like this that can establish healthy associations with hip-hop music–originality, self-love, progress– before they have to unlearn the nasty and oppressive depictions that flood the airwaves.