Armand Hammer

Armand Hammer — the acclaimed hip-hop duo of billy woods and ELUCID — brings their densely poetic, politically charged rap to Union Stage on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with support from Curly Castro. Known for sharp wit and soul-crushing narratives, the pair weave socio-political, historical, and philosophical themes through incisive critique, gallows humor, and vivid storytelling. The show arrives in the wake of their latest album *Mercy*, their first full-length since 2023’s *We Buy Diabetic Test Strips*, which earned praise from outlets including The Observer (UK) and The Line of Best Fit. Their 2021 collaborative album *Haram*, produced by The Alchemist, was hailed by Pitchfork for dragging postcolonial wounds onto the examination table, while Beats Per Minute called it a tremendous success.

The evening also follows standout solo runs for both members: billy woods released *GOLLIWOG* earlier in 2025, described by Rolling Stone as a densely poetic, masterful tour de force and by The FADER as one of the year’s truly essential albums. ELUCID’s 2024 record *REVELATOR* drew acclaim from MOJO and Pitchfork, with The New York Times naming it one of the best albums of 2024 for its dense, overdriven, fiercely abrasive sound. This free show at Union Stage offers a chance to see two of modern rap’s most vital voices in an intimate Washington, DC waterfront setting.

When: Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Venue: Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.

Price: Free.

Lineup: Armand Hammer (billy woods and ELUCID) with Curly Castro.

Background: Armand Hammer have been active as a duo for nearly a decade, with both members having longer solo careers. Their music blends incisive social and political commentary with philosophical depth and narrative flair.

Recent releases: *Mercy* is the duo’s latest album, following *We Buy Diabetic Test Strips* (2023) and their Alchemist-produced collaboration *Haram* (2021). Recent solo albums include billy woods’ *GOLLIWOG* (2025) and ELUCID’s *REVELATOR* (2024).

Note: Specific showtimes, age restrictions, run time, and accessibility details were not listed on the event page.