Is there a blog or article about D.C. based rapper Tabi Bonney that doesn’t include some type of play on the phrase “put me in the pocket”? The answer is, apparently, no.

After establishing his charismatic, indie rap style via two albums and a recent mixtape, Bonney’s residence in both our pockets and our iPods has been secured–and tonight, he’ll be performing at Rock & Roll Hotel with local rap newbie Phil Adé and DJ Heat from WPGC 95.5.

“He’s a spectacular artist coming up, and it’s a pleasure to share the stage with him,” Bonney said about Adé, the 21-year-old Silver Spring native who has already been recognized by Vibe magazine and MTV Jams; a dream come true for an up-and-comer in the DMV’s burgeoning hip-hop scene.

Bonney says he will be performing “a little bit of everything,” from hits of “The Pocket” era, to songs from his May released mixtape A Place Called Stardom, to new material.

On his quest to create timeless messages through his lyrics like his biggest musical influence Bob Marley, Bonney globe trots with his music while still remaining loyal to the city that gave him the proverbial playground swing push.

“When I first started, I was fortunate to get radio play in D.C.,” Bonney said. “But my stuff is nationwide, worldwide even. They’re even playing my videos on MTV Africa.”

Doors open at 9 p.m., tickets $12.

Photo: theglitinc.com