DDm (Dapper Dan Midas) is a singer, raptivist and social media personality based in Baltimore, Maryland. DDm was born and raised in Baltimore, and participated in the local rap circuit beginning in the mid-2000s before starting his hip hop duo Bond St. District. As a solo artist, DDm has recorded albums including Beautiful Gowns (2019) and The Ballad of Omar (2020), inspired by Michael K. Williams’s portrayal of Omar, an openly gay man raised in West Baltimore, in the series The Wire. DDm has released multiple music videos including “Come Thru,” “He Say She Say,” and “Pull Up.” In addition to rapping at ciphers around Baltimore, he has performed at venues such the Baltimore Soundstage and the LGBTQ mega-party Bent: Back with a Bang. He has performed alongside musicians such as Dan Deacon and collaborated with Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner on her project Dungeonesse. Beyond music, DDm regularly presents social commentary videos under the moniker Secretary of Shade.
Interviewed by Tamar Sella, 10/06/2020.

Miss Kam, born Kamaria Alexis, is a West Baltimore emcee. Miss Kam’s work moves between viral appeal on social media, freestyle series, and prolific collaborative efforts in and out of her community. Miss Kam has collaborated with multiple artists in the DMV region, including Chris Cassius, Baby Kahlo, and Kam’s collective group People Like Us Global. She has gained placements on The Demo Tape’s 2018 playlist and performed with renown acts like JPEGMAFIA. Her performances include cyphers, The Boiler Room, and Red Bull Miss Kam. Beyond live shows, Miss Kam has released multiple singles, including a number produced by producer Doowy Lloh. Her debut EP Birthday Pack was released in 2020. Miss Kam’s music videos, such as “We Are The World, ft. Zadia” seek to feature strong visuals of Baltimore in order to capture the city’s essence.
Interviewed by Tamar Sella, 10/08/2020.

Originally from the D.C. area and residing in Frederick, Maryland, singer/guitarist Sulaiman Rahman is the front man for the D.C.-based original rock band Marshall Fuzz producing a sound that is inspired by the blues rock tradition of classic rock bands like Black Sabbath, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. Some critics have described them as a mashup of Black Sabbath and Muddy Waters. Alongside Vince Vezzi on bass and Nick Rodousakis on drums, they have gigged continuously since they formed the band in 2014.
Interviewed by Holly Hobbs, 09/29/2020.

Brandon Woody is a trumpet player, composer, and curator based in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up in East Baltimore, Woody is an alumnus of the Baltimore School for the Arts, and participated in programs such as the Berklee jazz workshop and Grammy Camp. Woody has studied with Cecile Bridgewater, Ambrose Akinmusire and Theljon Allen. He has performed with musicians including Quincy Phillips, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Tarus Mateen, and has appeared on the projects of several different rappers and singers including Miranda Curtis, Sophie Marks, and Neptune. Woody is also a member of the band of singer Solange. Woody has performed at venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center Appel Room, the Lyric Opera House, the Kimmel Center, Monterey Jazz Festival, MoMA PS1, and Harlem Stage. After attending the Brubeck Institute on a full scholarship, he moved back to his hometown of Baltimore. In 2015, Woody founded his band UPENDO, which has toured nationally and internationally.
Interviewed by Tamar Sella, 09/16/2020.