Ekundayo re-ups with ‘Ten Speed’

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Atlanta MC Ekundayo’s clear-headed rhymes are as spiritually at ease as they are cerebral with “Ten Speed,” a renewed take on one of his older numbers. Of course hip-hop is a vital part of what he does, but the Brooklyn-born Atlanta transplant possesses a rare ability to channel a West Indian spirit with his reggae and soul inflections, yet he molds them to serve a distinct musical hybrid that’s free from the clichés that come along with these musical stylings. Any sense of genre allegiance in his songs is purely what the listener brings to the table, and avoiding predictability is only part of what makes Ekundayo stand out. The dude’s got skills like no other, and no matter where you are, the moment you hear his songs pumping from the speakers, there’s no mistaking it for anyone else.

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Ekundayo and Erica Newell host the Reggae Legends Week party at 595 North (595 North Ave.) on Sat., Feb. 11. Other acts performing include Shinehead, Alive ‘n’ Well, Jazzmatic, Azjah, Stahhr, Jemere Morgan, Adams Morgan, Marian Mereba, and Lotus Love, along with DJs Mafioso, Lion of Judah, Jah Prince, and Abashaka. $10-$15. 9 p.m.