December 15th, 2009 – Sitting inside Alero, located at the corner of 13th and U Streets NW in Washington, DC, are Likeblood members MBea Da 1, Yung E, and Dre Strong surrounded by a slew of friends and family members; many of whom play an integral part in the group’s career.

In a Likeblood interview with WPGC TV, the group explained how nearly everyone on their team is a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts – tonight is no different. Sitting at a separate table along with the media team is fellow Duke Ellington alum, Lindsey Christian who is also the director, screenwriter, and producer of the go-go inspired film Jazz in the Diamond District. Tonight, she sees that all interviews are completed and that the group is on schedule to open for Wu-Tang Clan member and solo artist, Raekwon, at 9:30 Club located on 8th and V Streets NW Washington, DC. Tonight, Lindsey is the general manager of the Likeblood movement.

Dre mentions that he is a Cowboys fan. E and MBea both rep the Redskins and as much as they all love sports, not even that can come in between the unit. Likeblood means “like family” and they have the type of family where everyone expects them to always be together and that’s how they plan to keep it. Likeblood recognizes the path that earlier rappers from the DC area have paved for them. They cite Section 8 Mob, Circle Boys, Oy Boyz, and Chocolate City records as some of the rap groups that influenced them to pursue rap on behalf of the DMV.

The choice to become performers has granted Likeblood many opportunities, most recently traveling across the country as the opening act for the Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II Tour. During this time, they are getting nationwide exposure while honing their stage performance skills. Exercises prior to a show usually include, battling each other to fine tune their delivery and drinking Grey Goose along with a Halls, to keep their throats clear. Once the mind, body, and spirit are balanced the group hits the stage, to put in work.

Queen Yonasda set the tone with performances from God, Love & Music, her full length CD available on Rhapsody, iTunes and other online music retailers. Around 9:30, Likeblood took the stage, starting their set off with “iPod”. Donned in shades, MBea jumps into rock-star mode and performs from a speaker, while E manages the mic from center stage, and Dre raps his vocals to fans in the stands…the club’s balcony that is.

At the end of their first song, a blend of college-like and street-like fans shape their fingers into L’s, showing support of Likeblood. The stage lights change from red beams to a rotation of blue and yellow beams. Likeblood begins to throw “Money Over Here” shirts and “DaBiness” towels into the crowd. The crowd reached for and kept the goods, once again showing support for the movement. Likeblood completed their set with performances of “Roller Coaster”, “202 Boy”, “Money Over Here”, and “Drop”.

When the group leaves the stage, they are greeted by audience members who are likely unaware of a DMV music movement. MBea explained that there have been times where audience members ask that he stand by and watch as they purchase Likeblood music from iTunes.

Dre said, “There was once a time where local artists were okay with being hood stars”. He is glad that DMV artists are now setting their sights on international success. E explained that Likeblood’s goal is to make timeless music. Hopefully, Likeblood’s commitment to making quality music and delivering this music to hip-hop fans across the nation, will lead to many doors being opened for them and other DMV music artists.