Support Our Cause

BEST Kids is a nonprofit mentoring organization that empowers youth in foster care to build better futures, one child at a time. Our mission is accomplished by recruiting, vetting, training, and supporting volunteer mentors who are committed to being a caring and consistent adult to help youth to identify and achieve goals for themselves and to live happier and more successful lives. One-on-one mentoring is not only is fun, it also gives youth an adult they can count on for support, guidance, and encouragement. This can make all the difference in the world, especially for youth in foster care who experience high levels of trauma and transition. 

The Lineup

We are proud that DC is our hometown and we wanted to show off some of DC area's most talented musical performers*: 
October 7, 2020
Joezy - 6:00pm
Future Band - 6:45pm
Echelon Knoxx - 7:30pm
O-Slice - 8:15pm
Mario Bonds & Family - 8:45pm
Maya Milan - 9:15pm
Kingpen Slim - 10:00pm
October 8, 2020
Dan'Talisha Nicole - 6:00pm
Mario Bonds & Family - 6:45pm
Junkyard Band- 7:30pm
76 Degrees West Band ft Ms Kim & Scooby/ Sugar Bear - 8:30pm
​Raheem DeVaughn - 9:45pm
The REMIX was hosted by Kyle on the Mic and Dan'Talisha Nicole. We also be featured some of the talents of our mentees and their families on both nights including MK the Poet. 
*As a celebration of the arts, we encourage performers to share their art with us as is for this event. There may be some adult language and themes expressed so parental guidance is advised. The opinions and views expressed during this show from the artists and performers should not be considered those of BEST Kids, event sponsors, or any other affiliated parties.
Raheem DeVaughn
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Although some have compared his smooth vocals to the likes of music legends such as D’Angelo and Donny Hathaway, all while having the swag of a modern day Marvin Gaye, Raheem Devaughn has carved out his own place amongst R&B royalty as the “Love King” of the Neo-Soul universe. Raheem’s impressive career has been a living testimony to the benefits of dedication and commitment. Now entering his third decade at the top of the industry, Raheem’s raw talent has led his loyal fan base on an incredible musical journey ever since his soulful voice found the ears of the masses on his debut album, The Love Experience in 2005.

So much for a sophomore slump - DeVaughn followed up the initial success of his debut album by topping it with his  second  project,  Love  Behind  the  Melodyin  2008.  The  album,  which  featured  classic  hits  such  as  the  Grammy  nominated  “Woman”  and  “Customer”  was  one  of  the  most  critically  acclaimed  albums  of  the  year  and  launched  Raheem into superstardom – reaching number one on the Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart and peaking at number 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart. In addition to the amazing response, Love Behind The Melody yielded two BET Award wins and two Grammy nominations.

Since then, the self-proclaimed “R&B hippie neo soul rockstar” has produced other gold standard albums, including the critically acclaimed release titled The Love & War Masterpiece in 2010, which earned a Grammy Nomination for Best R&B Album in 2011.   
Following  the  release,  Raheem  decided  to  become  an  independent  artist.  In  2013,  he  released,  A  Place  Called  Loveland,that garnered notable singles, “Love Connection” and “Maker Of Love” in collaboration with Boney James. 

In 2015, Raheem returned with the well received Love Sex Passion album. The album featured fan favorites and chart topping singles such as “Queen,” “Temperatures Rising,” and “All I Know (My Heart).”

Still going stronger than ever, the gifted singer/songwriter has been in high demand – releasing his sixth and seventh studio albums, respectively, Decade of a Love King, in October 2018 and The Love Reunion, nine months later – each featuring their own smash Billboard hit singles “Don’t Come Easy” and “Just Right,” (Top 5 and Top 10, respectively). Both records gave Raheem’s fans more of his vintage, smooth sound, while providing a new collection of timeless, sexy bedroom anthems for couples everywhere.

In addition, due to the triumphs of the albums and their smash hit singles, Raheem DeVaughn landed at #7 on the Top  10  Most  Played  Urban  AC  Artists  for  2019,  ranking  as  the  #1  male  Independent  Urban  AC  Artist  Of  The  Year,  according to Mediabase. He also was recently nominated for Outstanding Male Artist at the NAACP Image Awards in March 2019. In 2020 The Love King of R&B, Raheem DeVaughn joined SRG/ILS Group as the new Director of A&R.

The current state of civil and social unrest during the middle of a global pandemic has inspired Raheem to respond. He  has  always  shared  the  sentiment  that  music  must  reflect  the  times.  Therefore,  he  has  collaborated  with  the  notable producer collective known as The Colleagues to present his 8th Studio Release titled, What A Time To Be In Love. The lead single titled, “Marvin Used To Say,” honors the vision of one of his musical influence and those fighting for social equality. 

Raheem is a man of action and of the people. He recognizes the need to reflect the change he wants to see. Raheem has  become  world  renown  for  his  philanthropy  efforts  as  much  as  his  work  behind  the  mic.  While  today’s  social  climate has just now begun to influence some to get involved with promoting change, Raheem’s charity work has been serving as an instrument of hope and empowerment for years. In 2011, the District Of Columbia recognized and awarded Raheem DeVaughn the Key To The City for his commitment to service. In 2014, he founded The LoveLife Foundation  –  a  foundation  dedicated  to  improving  lives  through  social,  educational  and  wellness  development.  Within, as well as outside of LoveLife, Raheem believes in and fights for causes dealing with issues related to women’s rights, domestic violence prevention, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) among others. Raheem and The LoveLife Foundation sprang into action during the global COVID-19 pandemic by feeding first responders throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In addition, he collaborated with legendary rappers, Darryl McDaniels aka DMC of Run DMC and Doug E. Fresh on a song appropriately titled, “Behind The Mask” as part of the Hip Hop Public Health initiative to encourage the use of masks to stop the spread of the pandemic. 

​Undeniable  talent.  Selfless  Service.  Unconditional  Love.  Like  love,  Raheem  believes  that  music  is  a  vibration  to  elevate the consciousness of the listener. As he operates from a place of authenticity, Raheem is and will continue to be an inspiration to people across the globe.
Maya
Milan
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THE URBAN GIRL NEXT DOOR Maya Milan, known for her eclectic sound and strong commanding vocals, is taking the industry by storm by recapturing and reviving the authentic R&B sound, while simultaneously giving it a new urban feel. Maya Milan, born Maya Russell on September 10, 1993 in Boston, Massachusetts, was raised in Maryland starting at a young age. Though Maya began singing at the age of three, her talents were brought to the forefront in the 4th grade after performing "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys at her school talent show. When Maya speaks about her biggest influences, she likes to recognize Mary J. Blige as an inspiration for her vulnerability, Beyoncé for her approach to capturing audiences through iconic performances, and the late and great Whitney Houston because of her powerhouse vocal ability. Representing the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) and self-described as "The Urban Girl Next Door," Maya's music genuinely and soulfully chronicles life from the perspective of a maturing young women who is unafraid to be transparent about her journey. In 2014, Maya Milan released her first official single titled "So Whatsup," that brought attention to her fresh nostalgic approach to music. This was followed by her single "Another One," released in 2016 from her debut EP entitled "11:11," showcasing her smooth, yet dynamic, timeless appeal. Maya has performed for audiences worldwide, including opening up for notable artists such as K.Michelle, Rick Ross, Fabolous, and J.Cole. In May of 2017, Maya began performing in Las Vegas with Keith Sweat and taking on the role as an official tour vocalist with him and Teddy Riley. She has also had the pleasure of recording with Mali Music, singing live for both Timbaland and Ginuwine, and attending a master songwriters session with James Fauntleroy. Endorsed by Angie Stone, Maya Milan is a fresh and eager artist who is ready to redefine R&B. Currently as an independent artist, she is looking forward to continuing to globalize her sound and solidify her place in the music industry. She topped among the two finalists of BETʼs “Next Big Thing” and is finishing her next project, including a duet with the R&B male artist Neyo!
Junkyard
Band
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Junkyard band began in 1980 as a group of kids playing in a lot with plastic buckets, soda cans and other found objects, emulating the sounds of some of their favorite go-go bands who performed in their Southeast, DC neighborhood Barry Farms also known as "the projects". The band began to play talent shows and street performances throughout DC, taking audiences by storm - playing from the grounds of the Smithsonian and Washington Monument, to the streets of Georgetown. 

The band became a novelty act across the District, Maryland and Virginia areas (DMV). Their popularity led to a TV commercial with one of the area's most popular retailers - Cavaliers Men’s Clothing Store. Shortly thereafter in 1983, the band landed an appearance in the movie "D.C. Cab" because it had quickly become a tourist attraction and Washington, DC institution. 

 In 1985, Junkyard caught the attention of Def Jam Records and was signed that same year to a multi-year recording deal. The band worked closely with producer Rick Rubin, recording and releasing the national hit "Sardines" and an underground favorite "The WORD". After release of the songs, Junkyard began to tour in the United States and played major venues such as Capital Centre, Richmond Coliseum and the Apollo Theater. The tour included dates with a variety of groups such as Slayer, Fishbone and the Beastie Boys. Following that, in 1986 Junkyard appeared in the Def Jam produced movie "Tougher Than Leather" alongside Run-DMC. 

 Because of the unique beginnings of the band, it has performed on all types of stages, in all types of situations from street corners, to clubs, to weddings, to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The band has opened for and performed with/backed-up numerous artists such as Tupac, Ice Cube, Salt-N-Pepa, Doug E. Fresh, Lauryn Hill, Chuck Brown and so many others. As the band started when the members were pre-teens, Junkyard has been going strong for more than three decades. 
Kingpen
​Slim
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Born to West Indian parents in DC, this first generation American has been involved with music from his inception. Nephew to King Ellie Matt, the legendary Calypsonian from St Kitts who still holds the record for being crowned Soca Monarch at the country's Carnival 14 times, excellence is in his bloodline.

Hearing dancehall in the house, go go in the streets while simultaneously growing up in the hip hop era gave him a multitude of influences that  you can still hear in his own music today. His mother, who came to DC to attend Howard University all the way from Kingston Jamaica, also  played legendary American artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston and Anita Baker religiously exposing him to greatness in  music at a young age. Alas it was his family who also influenced him in  the ways of the streets as his two uncles on his mother's side were cocaine "Dons" taking advantage of the abundance of narcotics imported  from Jamaica to the U.S. in the 80's and 90's, one of whom is now deceased while the other has since been long deported after a length federal prison sentence for conspiracy. 

Having already worked with such hip hop mainstays as The Clipse, Wale, Jim Jones and Styles P his unique blend of wordplay and authenticity have him poised to be one of the greats. Known for his fashion sense in the DMV area this artist also doubles as a writer for some of the industry's elite. Now armed with a new collection of creatives by his side, affectionately  referred to as New Wxve he plans on bringing a new energy and movement to the culture. Expect his contributions to the game to have an  impact for years to come.
Sugar
​Bear
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Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliot, lead singer/bassist for the group Experience Unlimited (also known as simply E.U.), a Washington, D.C.-based go-go/funk band. The band's biggest hit was 1988's "Da Butt" which charted at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the Spike Lee soundtrack success the band signed a deal with Virgin Records and scored two additional Top Billboard Hits, "Buck Wild" and "Taste of Your Love," the band's last Billboard top-ten hit. The song "Da Butt" and the actual band were featured in the movie School Daze, was ranked #489 on Blender Magazine's "500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born" and #61 on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 80s
76 Degrees
​West Band
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That's the longitude for the East Coast in the Western Hemisphere-precisely, Washington, D.C.*2019 & 2020 Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Awards*2019 AVMA Battle of The Band Champions.

This Rising band has played behind numerous national acts such as Mike Phillips, Tom Browne, “Sax Man” Jimmy Sommers, Grammy Award-Winner Gordon Chambers, Eric Darius, Allyson Williams, and Angela Johnson. The Jazz/Funk band has been lighting up stages across the U.S. since 2001. This band is swiftly evolving into one of the most memorable sounding bands hitting the industry.

The Band members include: Leon Rawlings-Founder/Band Director, Bassist/Trombonist; Eugene Chapman.-Saxophonist; Derek "Redfootz"Freeman-Drums; Kym Clarke-Trumpet; Jamal Orr-Keyboards; Stanley Cooper-Guitarist; - Ronald Payton, Jr.-Vocals; Krislynn Perry; Vocals; Frank "Scooby" Marshall;Vocals, Kevin Walker, Bassist.

Based out of the DMV, the jazz-funk band has been lighting up stages across the U.S. for years. The group has worked with numerous national acts such as 
"Jamaica Funk" Tom Brown, Sax Man Jimmy Sommers, Grammy Award-Winner Gordon Chambers, Eric Darius, Allyson Williams, Rahsaan Patterson, and Raheem De Vaughn. Grammy Nominee Ledisi, Maysa, Grammy Nominee Victor Duplaix, Lynne Fiddmont, and Mike Phillips. The band's 1st single was an instrumental remake of AWB's "School Boy Crush" which made it into Billboard's Bubbling Under chart and was a radio request worldwide. When deciding on a name, the band drew inspiration by the longitude in the Western Hemisphere that covers the Washington D.C. area.

76 Degrees West Band released a new single in 2013 with soul star Raheem DeVaughn singing lead. It's the first single from the group's upcoming CD, and it has elements of Marvin and a great, funky underpinning. The hot song  "Something" from 76 Degrees West Band added a new flava of R&B.

The 76 Degrees West Band made a name for themselves over the years as the "go to" band for many singers and jazz musical stars. The band has swiftly evolved into one of the most memorable-sounding bands on the East Coast with musical influences such as Earth Wind & Fire, Mint Condition, Kool & The Gang, and others. Definitely a "must-see" live in concert!

​Visit the band for dates and news and info on all social  media outlets from the website: www.76degreeswestband.com.
Ms Kim &
​Scooby
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Scooby: ...Introducing FRANK SIRIUS (aka "Scooby")
Sure you are familiar with him – one of the lead singers for the famed trend-setting Go-Go band Lissen, penned the "godson of Go-Go", and the motivating factor of many of Lissen's sellout performances all over the east cost. His soulful, heart pounding melodies and his smooth vocal styles can not be denied. This amazing entertainer is soon to be re-discovered as he embarks on a break-out solo career. He has emerged from the lead of an award winning band to become the next hottest solo artist to mount out of the DC metropolitan area.

A combination of sounds from musical geniuses such as Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and George Benson, he is undoubtedly the next musical superstar, crossing over R&B/Soul, Pop, and HipHop genres, and giving life to the forgotten acoustic sound. "The brightest star in the night sky overflowing with intrinsic luminosity" – we introduce, FRANK SIRIUS.

Ms. Kim: The First Lady of GoGo, Kimberly “Ms Kim” Graham is definitely a trend setter for female GoGo artists. “Ms Kim” began gracing the world with her melodic voice since the tender age of 11. Born and raised in the DMV, she grew up with the influences of Gospel, R&B, and DC’s own genre GoGo. In 1995 she made her way onto the GoGo scene with the infamous Wickedest Band Alive, Rare Essence. “Ms Kim” performed with Rare Essence for years where she made her footprint in GoGo. During her run with RE she set the bar a new high for women in GoGo when she recorded Ashlee Simpson’s “Pieces of Me”. She later went on to perform with Backyard Band and ventured out to start her own band, The Kim Michelle Experience in which she gives you R&B, Neo-Soul then rounds it out with GoGo.

Over the years “Ms Kim” has performed with national recording artists, Ludacris, Angie Stone, Paula Campbell, Doug E Fresh, Wale, Biz Markie and many more. She also performed with the legendary Chuck Brown for over two years, and currently sits in with the Tribute Band as well. Additionally, she sang background for national recording artist Raheem DeVaughn.

In 2006 the DMV held its very first GoGo Awards hosted by Radio One’s 93.9 WKYS where she won the “Leading Lady of GoGo” Award. In the 2010 GoGo Awards, she secured awards for the “Best Female Vocalist” and her own band, The Kim Michelle Experience “Upcoming Band of the Year”.
Her beautiful distinctive voice combined with the GoGo front line “talk” style is a force to be reckoned with. “Ms Kim” joined Familiar Faces in 2011 and brought a special chemistry to the group until early 2017.

Celebrating over 20 years in the business, she continues to wow her fans with her unique style and artistry. Now claiming her stake in the ranks of “GoGo Legends”, expect more greatness to come from “Ms Kim”
O-Slice
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Pg county, Maryland. Ibadan, Nigeria. The color blue. 90s & 2000s television and cartoons. A lot of really good raps. A lot of songs that make you feel something. Uses words as a canvas. The show stealing bandit. O-Slice. ​
Future
​Band
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More than just a band, they are a movement. FutureBandDC has been thrilling audiences since 2013 with their tremendous energy and proven ability to entertain audiences of all ages. Heavily influenced by the Roots with a touch of Earth, Wind, & Fire, FutureBandDC has perfected the art of melding the essence of Hip-Hop, Soul, and Gogo. The band combines the very best of many genres of music, while entertaining and captivating audiences with their sincerity and power. 

FutureBandDC is currently touring and promoting the release of their latest project "Believer", which was released in November 2019 and has been met with rave reviews. The band was also recently nominated 2x for Best All Male Band.
Echelon Knoxx
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Echelon Knoxx didn’t have an easy upbringing. Partially due to the lack ofhis father’s presence in his life, the 26-year-old rapper turned to his native Washington, D.C. streets to fill that void and got involved with drugs - an association that ultimately led to his arrest as he tried to live up to the peer pressure that awaited him daily.

Prior to becoming “Echelon Knoxx,” he was well known as “Sonny Knoxx,”a rapper and ladies man who people were easily attracted to because of his various talents, style, rap skills, and charisma. And before the stage names,Lynwood Norris.

For Echelon, which means a higher rank, the shift in his stage name signified a shift in responsibility. He does not view himself as better than others, but rather,recognizes the great value he was created with.

It was 2013 when he gave his life to Christ. His best friend Cameron invited him to go to church, and after much opposition and various other influences,Echelon was fully convinced that Jesus Christ was real and had work for him to do; one year later he inked a deal to take on the Christian music ministry full-time.

Since signing with Dreams N Reach Management LLC as their first Christian rapper in January 2014, Echelon has been privileged to make an impact on youth and young adults alike throughout the D.C. metropolitan area, Baltimore, North Carolina, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Ghana, to name a few. His latest single,Water, ​which features his hit single, “Water,” is slowly but surely reaching the masses, thanks to the support of Radio One D.C.’s Praise 104.1 (WPRS-FM),The Willie Moore Jr. Show, 95.5 FM, and affiliate stations across the nation.

“I love being able to impact communities with this unique style of music,” he says. “I have to admit, it’s a lot of pressure, but when I consider why I truly do what I do, it makes it all worth it.”

​In addition to the wave of radio play, some of Echelon’s other recent successes include: Opening for Mali Music on his “Truth Come Out” tour, performing at Radio One’s Women’s Empowerment event at PNC Arena in North Carolina, and being featured on Interactive One’s national list of “22 Gospel Millennials You Should Be Following.”
Dan'Talisha
Nicole​
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Dan’Talisha Nicole is a Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, and Public Speaker. The sound of her voice is melodic and soothing. The message of her music is one of empowerment, authenticity, and encouragement. Dan’Talisha’s motto in life is to be impact-driven in all that she does. She aspires to uplift others with all of her gifts and talents, to include her new-found journey of being a voice actor. As a recording artist, Dan’Talisha has released various projects to include her album Breaking Free and recent single, Butterfly. She has graced many stages throughout the nation and has done shows with the likes of Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Jekalyn Carr, and Canton Jones.  Lastly, Dan’Talisha is unique in that she is not merely an artist, but on her professional journey she has worked as a researcher for higher education, served as a Presidential Management Fellow in the federal government, worked as a Management and Leadership Development Director for the White House under the Obama Administration and is now the Development Director at BEST Kids, Inc. She takes all of the experiences God has given her and uses them to uplift His name and empower those she has the opportunity to serve. To learn more about Dan’Talisha visit www.dantalishanicole.com. 
Joezy
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Joezy is an artist from PG County, Maryland. He was raised by his single mother, who is from Nigeria. He graduated from Morgan State University, and during his college days is when he was able to sharpen his artistry and performance skills. Joezy specializes in poetry, rap, and uses his soulful voice to intertwine the two. His music and poetry is not only a reflection of his life and experiences but it is also a conscious reflection of the streets and the communities he grew up in. Joezy's music is transparent, authentic, real and it has the flavor of his Nigerian roots and PG County upbringing all in one. ​
KyleOnTheMic
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Kyle L. Jones aka “KyleOnTheMic” is a multi-talented entertainment host and media personality from Maryland. He is a graduate of Bowie State University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Broadcast Journalism. Known for entertaining crowds of all ages with a spunky personality, he coined the name the Millennial Hype Man.  

Now at age 23, he works with Radio One and Monumental Sports. You can listen to him every Sunday night getting you HYPED on The Hype Man Show on 93.9 WKYS from 10-2am! Also you can find him pumping up a crowd as a host for the NBA G League Capital City Go-Go and The Washington Mystics, as well as a part of the Power Pack Hype Squad for the Washington Wizards. You may also see him working red carpets at several BET Award shows and he hosted the 2019 CIAA Basketball Tournament, which was held in Charlotte, NC.  

When KyleOnTheMic is not hyping up crowds and making his fans laugh, you can find him giving back to his community and serving as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He lives by the quote, “Why try to fit in, when you are born to stand out!” which encourages his daily grind every day. 

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