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Rawston George. Photo by Leon Laing.

On Dec. 26, two rap collectives brought the house down during a local artist showcase. These leaders of the new school performed at a jam-packed PM Bistro & Lounge in Harrisburg.

The groups, The Nosebleeds (founded by Mazon) and Maschine Life Empire (founded by Rawston George and Keyz Da Don), are based in the Burg. The Nosebleeds’ Cordell and Mazon are passionate rappers, name-dropping their hometown in some of their songs. Cordell performed more than Mazon did, spittin’ bars for songs ranging from “Downtown” to “The Anthem.”

The MLE members were up next. Drew Tyrell’s muted music blurs the line between trap and R&B. Dise Lord Ra delivers a diverse sound. While on stage, George performed songs such as “Back At It” and did the Dab, channeling his inner Migos. John Born, an eccentric rapper/painter, does performance art similar to Demont Peekaso. (Peekaso has painted canvases on stage during sets for national recording artist Raheem DeVaughn.)

Born painted on a half nude model while rapping. The artist has done artwork for celebrities including Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Floyd Mayweather. MLE affiliate Barack Ostafa got the venue lit during “Boyz in the Hood.” According to George, this was the first time Ostafa (founder of Elite Lifestyle Clothing) performed.

In between performances, DJ Abino spun bangers including Yo Gotti’s “Down in the DM” and Post Malone’s “Too Young.” Keyz was the music director for the show.

Cordell. Photo by Leon Laing.