There’s an earworm on Forte’s new record called “IT TAKES 2,” but onstage at Rockwood Music Hall, it takes at least five. Tonight (October 25) the Somerville artist fetes the release of his Reggie Hue collaboration DA NATIVE TONGUE, welcoming a crew of creatives to honor past and present trailblazers from the East Coast. The lineup consists of King Fiya, Takiyah, and album contributors Terry Borderline and Najee Janey — all artists who speak the same groove-laden language of the “WILD WILD EAST,” much like the record’s main influences.
“The title [of DA NATIVE TONGUE] pays homage to the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and other greats that helped form the Native Tongues collective,” Forte explains on Instagram. “’Da Native Tongue,’ embodies a spirit of Afrocentrism and the diaspora across the world, positivity, and dynamic yet familiar sounds that will almost give you a type new nostalgic feeling.”
Hear the collaboration-heavy blend of gold-school hip-hop and modern New England melodies below and pick up some phrases from DA NATIVE TONGUE before the show.
FORTE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW :: Rockwood Music Hall, 88 Van Ness St., Boston, MA :: 6:30 p.m., 21-plus, $18 :: Advance tickets :: Facebook event page