7
FRIDAY
From its meager South Bronx beginnings, hiphop has exploded globally, so that some of rap’s most innovative practitioners can find more gracious audiences in Europe than here. Opus Akoben knows this well. Signed by BMG-France, Opus has carved out a hefty niche in Italy and France, but in the States the group is just faces on the cornerat least to those who don’t know. But those who do know will tell you that MCs Sub-Zero, Black Indian, and Kokai make for one the illest triplets on D.C.’s rap scene. Combining snappy one-liners and amped utterances, they are certified house-rockers. At 8 p.m. at State of the Union, 1357 U St. NW. $7. (202) 588-8810. (Ta-Nehisi Coates)