The release of Gabriel Teodros’s Lovework marks the opening of Seattle’s hiphop season. Dropped by Massline, recorded at Buttermilk Studios, and featuring productions from Amos Miller, DJ Sabzi, and Specs One—the entire CD is locally made but has the internationalist perspective of the East African—American rapper Teodros. Lovework is progressive from top to bottom: no hos, no homophobia, no gun clapping, just lots of love for those who are “in the struggle.” Peace. (Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison St, 324-8000. 8 pm, $10, all ages.)

Charles Mudede—who writes about film, books, music, and his life in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, the USA, and the UK for The Stranger—was born near a steel plant in Kwe Kwe, Zimbabwe. He has no memory...