Montgomery County isn't known for its hip-hop scene, but shows like Saturday's "Stop the Violence" fundraiser concert in Gaithersburg could help change that. The event, a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, is being organized by a local promoter who goes by the name S.U.G.E (Simply Use God Everyday). Hip-hop fans may know headliner Freeway from his days on Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records and his two "Philadelphia Freeway" albums.

Although Freeway may be the top draw, the evening will serve as a showcase for the up-and-coming local rappers on S.U.G.E.'S American East Entertainment roster. The collective's anchor is Swagg City CEO, a 25-year-old emcee from Gaithersburg. His club-ready single "I Do What I Want," has started racking up hits on YouTube. With healthy doses of Auto-Tune, the song isn't unique compared to other bottle-popping anthems. Still, the infectious hook and Swagg's sing-song flow is infectious. His next single, "Gone Wild," is a step up. It features a verse by Mike Jones.

"We're creating a buzz and steady base that we can start from," Swagg explains. "In the next year, I want to be invited to the MTV Awards and the BET Awards—just break the surface as a rising artist. I kind of want to be where Nicki Minaj was at the beginning of this year."

Acting as a counter to Swagg's party-boy image is Creepshow. At 32, he's a bit more seasoned and perhaps more jaded. He is happy with the growth of the Washington area music scene, but isn't satisfied that only a handful of acts, including Wale and Diamond District, have earned national recognition.

"I remember five or six years ago when there wasn't much going on," he says. "I've seen the progression over the years. Does that mean labels are looking for us? Not really. There is talent out there, but the DMV [D.C.-Maryland-Virginia] has always been put in a box, unfortunately."

And even aligning with a major record label doesn't always translate into radio play.

"As quickly as you're signed, you can be dropped or put on the shelf," Creepshow explains.

American East's greatest ambassador might be George Amoako, who performs under the name Young Coogi Mane. His interest in nonprofit work is almost as intense as his desire to make it big in the rap game. He also enjoys video production, having edited the clip for "I Do What I Like." Music, the Silver Spring native says, opens doors to community involvement. One of Amoako's missions is to expose problems in Montgomery County that some overlook.

"We live in one of the richest areas of the country, but we still see poverty in the streets," he remarks.

Even if only a few fans of each performer show up, the turnout should be strong. No fewer than seven rappers are on the bill, including Knowledge, Explicit and Get It Right. The Boys & Girls Clubs should have a big night. Besides the more charitable reasons for putting on the show, Amoako points out a bigger goal. The event could act as a platform for future concerts and alliances in the DMV.

"This is usually known as a hater tri-state area," he says. "We're trying to create unity."