Curated by One City One Sound, “The Pillars” concert was held at Rockwell Brewery last month. The event celebrated the past, present and future of the local hip-hop community by showcasing foundational voices in Frederick hip‐hop and the next generation joining the forefront. A night of energy, legacy and unity, the “Pillars” took the stage.
[READ: ‘The Pillars’ concert: Frederick hip-hop in the spotlight]
The Lineup: A Bridge Between Generations
The stage was filled with artists who’ve shaped Frederick’s sound and those carrying the torch forward. Retro/Ricole, Stitch Early, and Ahzay — long recognized as anchors in the city’s creative movement — brought veteran presence and introspection. Ahzay, returning after a hiatus, made what many called a musical statement, reclaiming space with passion and maturity.
Retro/Ricole is a Frederick-born artist who has been performing and releasing music for more than two decades, and is described as “a cornerstone of Frederick’s rap scene… breaking sonic boundaries with a bold fusion of hip hop, rock, and trip-hop.”
“21 years of performing and releasing music—both in my city and abroad—has all led to nights like this. I like to think I’m many things, but at the end of the day, I’m a rapper first. Everything else is complementary. I’m truly honored and humbled to share the stage with artists I’ve had the privilege of watching perfect their craft. I’m genuinely a fan of all these brothers on the bill.” – Retro Ricole
[READ: FAC After Hours: Ahzay + Retro/Ricole Tiny Desk – OUT40]
Stitch Early was born in Fayetteville, NC and raised in Frederick, MD. He has become a staple in his hometown music scene, described as “a creative powerhouse … who consistently reaches the masses with a unified message across music, visuals, and …”
“E P I C. Last weekend One City One Sound put on an amazing show at Rockwell Brewery with a (fire) lineup. I was honored to be one of the DOPE artist on the bill. I had an amazing time and was able to rock out with 2/5 of The Populatn who added life to the performance as usual. The night was filled with music, drinks, food, photos and fun. Definitely excited for future events in the city. Every performance was on point and DJ Baspy did a great job of keeping the flow throughout the evening. RESPECT THE SHOOTER. 📸 @marieroseshoots” – STITCH Early
[WATCH: Stitch Early’s WTSC Live at New Spires – OUT40]
Ahzay is an entertainer, actor, host and hip-hop artist born in North Carolina and raised in Frederick. He began rhyming in high school, eventually releasing projects like The Routine (2014) and later albums including At Some Point You Mature (2023) and forming his band “Ahzay & The Squad.”
[READ: WESTEND: Ahzay’s “At Some Point You Mature” – A Journey of Growth and Reflection – OUT40]
Emerging voices ANF and DaJohn represented the cusp, artists who started young but have already earned their stripes in the scene. Their sets showed hunger and polish, connecting with the crowd through fresh storytelling and sharp lyricism. Demetrius rounded out the lineup with a performance that reflected the raw potential of Frederick’s next wave.
ANF (Ain’t Never Fold) is a Frederick native whose social-media profile describes him as “far from a newcomer, but still leads the new school… embodies resilience.”
[WATCH: Anf ‘Who Am I’ Listening Party – OUT40]
DaJohn is a young phenom now residing in Frederick but having lived in California, Florida, Japan, Colorado and more. He released over 100 songs and multiple projects, with a versatile background as a “military brat” exposed to many genres and cultures.
“Forever grateful for everybody in attendance, any and everyone that shared the flyer, reposted, tried to make it but couldn’t…I appreciate every single one of y’all. I feel like lately…every song is growth, every show is growth, every move I make has been pushing me forward and elevating my craft. Stay tuned for the next one, I’ll see y’all soon!!” – Dajohn
Demetrius is a 40 ambassador of Frederick and debuted around 2020. His work like the track “Above The Law” shows his focus on community issues, lyricism, and authenticity.
[READ: FAC After Hours: Dajohn+ Demetrius Tiny Desk – OUT40]
[READ: Demetrius Takes Center Stage: First Headliner Performance at Rockwell – OUT40]
On the 1s and 2s, Baspy of Benefactor Events held things down, setting the tone with DJ support and ensuring “the vibe stays authentic and electric from start to finish.”
The event was described as “more than a concert — it’s a tribute to the foundation, legacy, and future of Frederick’s hip-hop community.”
The Pillars show offered an opportunity for Frederick’s hip-hop community to come together, bridging the established names who laid groundwork with those hungry to carry it forward. The event’s narrative was less about competition and more about unity — a night to honor the past, celebrate the now, and push into the future.
The emphasis on “foundation, legacy, and future” seemed to resonate: veterans like Retro/Ricole, Stitch Early, and Ahzay stood alongside ANF, Demetrius and DaJohn, demonstrating continuity in the scene.
Given the success of this edition, One City One Sound appears poised to continue elevating the local hip-hop culture in Frederick. The format of showcasing all-ages and mixing veterans and new voices offers a template for future events. October’s show spotlighted artists whose stories embody both foundation and forward motion in the local music scene.
For fans and artists alike, shows like this reaffirm that local scenes matter, and that community support can make a difference. To watch the recap, check it out here.
Photo Credit: Marie Rose Photography