Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks, the artist otherwise known as JPEGMAFIA
Barrington DeVaughn Hendricks, the artist otherwise known as JPEGMAFIA Courtesy of CHBP

The Stranger's critics have put together a list of 20 must-see artists playing at this weekend's 23rd annual Capitol Hill Block Party. The full list will hit the streets (and our website) this Wednesday. Until then, we're giving you a sneak peek of select CHBP picks...

The rare youngish American rapper to get featured in highbrow British magazine the Wire, JPEGMAFIA (aka Jamaican American MC Barrington Hendricks) has used his experience of racism in Alabama and travels in the air force to shape his lyrical outlook and sonic approach—both of which are among the most galvanizing in modern hip-hop. Hendricks’s military service has likely conferred a rugged discipline to his MCing and production skills—as well as a biting cynicism and darkness that are exhilarating. His latest album, 2018’s Veteran, is a wild ride through rhythmic and verbal extremism.

JPEGMAFIA’s set is destined to be a Capitol Hill Block Party 2019 highlight. It happens early Friday, 5-5:45 pm on the Main Stage. Choice media below.