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If you grew up here, you know all about Metro’s Blue Line, that seemingly endless route that took you from Prince George’s County to the Smithsonian to Pentagon City, then all the way out to Fairfax County. The Blue Line also unites members of the DMV rap community, many of whom live in the neighborhoods it runs through. That sense of unity is probably what organizers were thinking about when they planned the Blue Line Festival, a massive two-day showcase with more than 40 rappers on the bill. The lineup includes popular acts like Phil Ade, Shy Glizzy, Lyriciss (shown), and Kingpen Slim next to relative unknowns—and in a venue as intimate as Empire (formerly Jaxx), attendees might get a chance to feel like they’re part of that community, too. All that remains to be seen is just how many people will actually ride to the end of the Blue Line to catch the show.
The festival runs Dec. 29-30 at Empire, 6355 Rolling Road, Springfield. $15-20. bluelinefestival.splashthat.com.