It's a match OKCupid would probably never make. On the surface hip hop and theater seem far apart from each other. But scratch a little deeper and you'll see two excellent things that have more in common than you and your last 10 blind dates. (Although to be fair, I think I've had more in common with a boxing kangaroo than every blind date I've ever been on combined...)

OK, so seeing as our analogies will never be nearly accurate enough, suffice it say the 11th Annual DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival is worth checking out. Here's some of our top picks coming up in this two-week fest:

Monday, July 9, 6:30 p.m. till later
Festival Reception + Kick-Off
Blackbyrd Warehouse
2005 14th St., NW
Get there early to take advantage of the Smirnoff-sponsored open bar till 8, but stick around to hear and see the works of DJ Stylus, Sam "The Man" Burns and Jahsonic (who you can follow over the patio at Marvin).
RSVP Required: Reception@lilsoso.com



Wednesday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. till later
Performance: Say You Heard My Echo
BloomBars
3222 11th St., NW
This spoken word performance is about the impact of 9/11 on three fictional Asian American Women. Sure, it's heavy, but it's equally as moving. Donations of $10 are encouraged.
More info on the artists



Saturday, July 14, 10 p.m. till later
The 7th Annual DC Luvs Dilla Benefit Concert
The Fillmore
8656 Colesville Rd.
We've already discovered the greatness of adding hip hop to theater. Now, experience it's mind-blowingness (it's a word...) when you add the phrase "for a good cause" to the equation. Be prepared to party. Hard.
Tix are $27