Music & Venues

Acclaimed poet Dominique Christina makes her musical debut in LAWLESS: A Love Story, a collaboration with her partner, local hip-hop artist and promoter DNA Picasso, who also created the new Colorado Music Industry Alliance. The album, which dropped in October 2024, is a potent declaration of authentic love. On the closing song, “First Poem She Wrote,” we hear Christina recite a poem she wrote for DNA, her silky voice moving mellifluously over a hypnotic beat. The album stands out for its storytelling across each track: The two share their own weighty reflections on “Motherless Child,” while joyous moments are translated on such songs as “Luv U Always.” The album underscores this duo’s bond as aspirational and inspirational for all who listen.

Denver rapper RO$$AY’s 2024 album, Mo’ Green Less Blues?, mixes appealing jazz beats courtesy of producer Burroughs with lyrics that don’t lull listeners into thinking the songs are just for fun (even though they’re fun to listen to). Instead, every track on the album builds on a theme questioning the role of money, drugs and race in the world. RO$$AY executes the vision perfectly, helping people consider their own answers to those questions. After his spectacular Underground Music Showcase set in 2024, we highly recommend experiencing RO$$AY’s existential jazzy rap in a live setting.

Nelo joined forces with beatmaker/producer Siah Rain’n to debut a collaborative album, Born Yesterday, which was released in October 2024. It’s a masterpiece comprising nine songs that each highlight facets and vulnerabilities of the human experience and our society, intricately crafted both lyrically and sonically. Featured artists include some of the best from the scene: HOME, Rebecca Hartt, Triiip, Wayne Watts and Jordan Burgett. For starters, check out the music video for “EXAMPLE,” one of our favorite tracks on the album. Nelo and Rain’n are in perfect harmony here, with the rapper’s bars well bolstered by jazzy, unique beats.

Dzirae Gold has been a staple in the local jazz and soul scene, and in May 2024 she dropped her debut full-length, Right on Time. It’s one of those classic albums you’ll listen to over and over again. Gold’s vocals are as decadent as a gilded chocolate cake, so pristine and powerful that you’re likely to book a ticket to see her live as soon as you finish listening to the first song. We’re just grateful that we now can listen to this preeminent songstress any time, with the album showcasing a cohesive balance of sultry, slow songs and jazzy, energetic ones — and all of them dripping with soul.