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The NW HipHop

Afilliated Presents: Local Legends

What started out as just another local hip hop show turned into an incredible display of music, love and family. Affiliated Entertainment Presents Local Legends; Zikki and Ill Defined.  Really that should tell you all you need to know.  Two artists I've known from the moment I dove into this crazy world of music and family.  Two artists I started as a fan of, respected and believed in.

The night started off with another brilliant preformance from QP. A set of hyper, feel good music delivered to an energetic crowd. Joining his set, ThreeSixty also put on a hell of a preformance. Never disappointing their fans, we were all left wanting more.

Krucial Barz who I had the pleasure of meeting and witnessing battle a few weeks prior, also took the stage. With a deep message to convey and a true love of music; Krucial delivered his lyrics unapologetically. 

"Pa-pa-patron! Pa-pa-patron!" could be heard throughout the building as Patron's fans chanted his name. I can not deny the Patron family credit where its due. They are always in attendance.  Whether its his brother as his hype man or his mom and dad in the crowd, you cant miss the love this family shares for each other and the music. Patron is a beast on the mic; from his own music to his battles.

Miz also blessed us with a preformance of his music.  There is a message in his words and a way in which he delivers that always takes me to another place.  I find myself lost in the stories he tells. I'm taken away and never quite ready to return back to the moment as he steps off stage. 

Due to a slight technical malfunction, Steez's set was turned into a chypher. With DJ Pasquan on the 1s and 2s, a few dope beats and several respected MCs, I had to record as much as I could.  The cypher included; Steez, J. Sav, Heretic, Ang P, SOS, and surprise guest Louis. Each artists came with a unique take on the beats and kept the crowd thoroughly entertained. If you've never seen a cypher put together on the fly, I highly suggest you add that to your bucket list.

The headliners; Zikki Carr and Ill Defined surprised the audience with guest preformances from Lit Sims and Louis Morreno. Having only seen Louis preform once (over a year ago) I was ecstatic to see him on stage. It was as though he'd be there all along. If I had to describe their whole set in one word....FIRE! Every song hits hard and has its own message.  There is a song for every mood; from a need to dance to a need to just rock with them. 

I started as a Breathe Eazy fan over two years ago. Zikki, Ill Defined and their producer Bruce Waine made me feel right at home at every show I attended.  "I started as a fan and now I have a family." I've followed them from MIDAS, to the Play Pen/Beau Legs to Le Voyeur and The Northern.  Im ecstatic to say I'll be following them to Colorado in June. 

I have never been left disappointed when these two hit the stage.  They leave me in a feel good mood and unaware of the troubles life may bring.  I'm lost in their world, If only for a few moments. 

No matter what mood you're in or want to be in, there is a hip hop song for that moment.  I guarantee whether you've loved hip hop since the 3rd grade, are a new fan or contemplating taking a listen for the first time; there is a hip hop song made just for you.  That's what local legends do.

#iBelieveInHipHop

NW Hip Hop

What starts  out as a typical stormy February night in Washington, turned into a hip hop event that I wont soon forget. Rain pouring sideways with huge gusts of wind have everyone running for cover to the inside of the Northern. Nights like this I am thankful we discovered the two small space heaters.  They adorn opposite corners of the big garage-like building; putting out just enough heat to keep us from hypothermia.

Dj Pasquan once again on deck, is spinning local music to get everyone turned up. Looking around, everyone is feeling it on some level. From dancing to rapping along, everyone can feel the vibe Paquan is putting out.  With the energy high, I'm able to make my rounds, say hello to those I know and introduce myself to those I dont. With Patron as the host, we get things going.  There are several acts on this bill I haven't yet become familiar with.

The first artist to preform is a man I had not yet met in person, who goes by StressFreeWorldWide.  Born in the Virgin Islands, he has moved frequently, living up the name "world wide". He now hails from the Olympia/Lacey area. I'm impressed with his performance; his energy is high and his delivery is crisp. Visit StressFreeWorldWide to hear his music.

Once again Q.P blesses the stage with his high energy and feverish delivery. He preforms a song with Lega'C Jones ... a duo I had not heard together.  It should come as no surprise the duo vibe well together and put on a preformance that has the ladies swooning and the men rockin. Check out this song from the two of them.  Also representing #Hk3 and preforming with Q.P, ThreeSixty took the stage. Having only met him a few weeks prior, I am still unfamiliar with his music. However, within minutes of his first verse, everything fades away and I'm left in hip hop serenity. Which leads me to Elena Palmas.  She recorded a song with Q.P called "Gotta", which is on my daily playlist. I was surprised to see her but I couldn't help but make a large amount of noise when she grabbed a microphone. Elena has such an angelic voice that I can't even sing along to a song I've memorized. Listen to it here.

I couldn't contain my excitement when I heard from Lega'C Jones, a week prior to the show, that he would be preforming as well.  I met Lega'C Jones two years ago (Club MIDAS) but had not seen him preform in close to a year.  I wasnt the only person excited, as people were pushing me out of the front row to get a better view. I had to fight to stay long enough to get a few decent pictures and then slowly migrated to the back.  As soon as I did, I instantly regretted it.  I suddenly remembered why these people were about to go crazy. Lega'C Jones doesn't just rap, he sings. And as a soulful sound eminates from him, I'm once again lost in the art of hip hop.

Also on the bill this evening was Black Magic Noize who came down from Seattle. Unfamiliar with this group, I find myself excited to hear something new. And new is just what I got. 4 men address the crowd. They couldn't be more different from each other but they make it work and quite effortlessly.  Check out their facebook page here.

Throughout the evening there are three battles. Not only were artists representing Olympia's For Mcs By Mcs, but also Tacoma's ABL (Alliance Battle League). The first battle of the night brought us Basics (repping the ABL) vs Oly's Krucial Barz. It proved to be an entertaining battle that left me begging to hear more from the winner, Krucial Barz. Next was a battle of wit in two different styles. A.D vs The Truth had the crowd listening intently with many "ooohs" and "oh shit"s erupting.  A.D had plenty of jokes and personal jabs while The Truth had bars of wit that had me on my toes. The Truth took the win on this battle.  The final battle and preformance of the night was Steez vs Hype. Possibly a close battle; with plenty of personal burns, word play and bars on both sides, Steez took the win. 

Once again Heretic and Remex put together an amazing event. I had the chance to listen and socialize with my friends, family and new (to me) artists.

Much love and respect to all

#iBelieveInHipHop

Divine Mental Thought

It's Thursday night and I find myself enjoying the cool breeze and Seattle air on my face as I sit upon the rooftop of a gorgeous hotel overlooking the waterfront.  The Seattle ferris wheel lit with blue and green lights, the bustling pike place market and the busy streets below me. The beauty of it is not lost upon me as I listen to the man in front of me talk on about hip hop.

DMT turned just 22 years old the day before and in celebration I found myself at Le Voyeur in Olympia, WA.  I'd been looking over the flyer for a couple of weeks, unable to contain my excitement.  It contained a few points of information that made me believe it would blow my mind.  First and most importantly, there are only 4 acts that night.  Meaning, I could truly focus on the few that were about to take stage. Second, the Dj. Dj Justincase never disappoints when he spins. Unlike any other Dj I've met, Justincase spins a mix of local music. I heard Akeem's voice through the speakers of the venue and couldn't help but feel relief and excitement. A Dj that knows he has the power to make a difference: brilliant.  And finally, Cauze N Efekt were on this bill.

Just over a year ago, I heard a song that resonated so deep within me that I now listen to it every day.  "Hermit" came from Cauze N Efekt and features DMT. There is a line, "you know I deserve it cause I been through hell." This line sums up the entirety of the song.  DMT raps about living with self hatred and trying to find himself in a time of self discovery. "I battle through adversity, cause you know that it's worth it." Although "Hermit" hits home for me,  DMT tells me that he wrote it in a pivotal moment in his life and had no idea the impact it could make on the listener.  He's nothing but humble when I send him my praise.

What started as a quick interview turned into over 3 hours of line for line conversation.  I find myself not having to ask many questions as he's open to sharing his life story. I'm attentive to his willingness to talk to me. He shares that everyone deals with their own struggles and although everyone goes through different situations, the struggle is still the same.  After all, he's a 22 year old white rapper who grew up on a llama farm. Not your stereotypical artist by any means.  He tells me about the support he has received from his parents. His mom, who struggles with a chronic pain I can relate to, put that aside for the night of his show to support him. His father was also in attendance and I had the pleasure of meeting him. Parental support is an amazing thing to witness, especially in something as unreliable as the music industry.

Along with his parents support, the entire show had an abundance of energy. MC Eyeone (who started rapping with DMT in their early high school days) opened the show. DMT mentions that the two of them together helped mold and shape each other.  They bounced ideas off each other and freestyled on walks to the store after school.

MC Swamptiger went next, commanding everyone's attention. A style all his own, he's undeniably a great MC. He even graced the stage with some break dancing upon a fans request. 

Cauze N Efekt went third, not once disappointing the crowd; smooth and lyrical hip hop in every verse.  Then DMT hit the stage. A true preformer, vibing off the fans. He even changed the energy of his song, "And the heart beats" screaming "RISE!" which is a more mellow lyric in the recording. 

I had not yet heard "and the heat beats" but was overcome with several emotions as DMT spit it a capella on the Seattle hotel rooftop. From his strong delivery to the message in the lyrics, this song tells a story. Again, the inspiration for these lyrics comes from a dark place in DMT's life that he has overcome.  Although I still can not relate to this part of him, I can feel the lyrics he has spoken. From an out of body experience to being in economical slavery,  there is a powerful message in the words that have been laid over a dramatic musical beat.

To end our evening we find ourselves in front of a laptop sharing songs that have inspired and moved us. I introduce him to a few of my favorites and he returns the favor; introducing me to Eyedea & Abilities, Apathy and the like. I see where DMT's inspiration comes from, though he has a style all his own. Lost in the moments of true hip hop, we realize over 3 hours have passed and I must go.

I'm left feeling refreshed. This is the new face if true hip hop. This is why I am involved and This is what saved my life. Divine. Mental. Thought. DMT  IS Hip Hop.

Feel Good Music

That feel good moment when a song changes your entire mood and outlook on life. Maybe you are driving in the car when you hear it. It will bring that cheesy smile to your face as you crank the volume. Maybe you hear it in a store while grocery shopping or on a TV commercial. It doesn't matter where you are, that song will resonate deep within you and change your entire day.

For me, there are thousands of songs that wash this particular feeling over me.  Music is my way of life; every day songs continue to push into my head. I'm constantly reminded of that feel good music. What's even better is that a good chunk of these songs come from people I know. Maybe I met them one time or maybe I consider them family. It does not matter, they have successfully made music that has impacted someone's life: Mine. Making moves like that, I can't help but share with the world.

What is your feel good music?

Fam-OLY, FAN-ily, Family

I started as a FAN of local hip hop over two years ago.  I went to shows at Club MIDAS (Chehalis, WA) and Sucka Free Sundays at the Play Pen/Beau Legs Lounge (Olympia, WA). I did not stray from those two venues; they were comfortable and friendly.  I knew what to expect and I felt secure attending the events solo.  Although, awkward at first, I managed to be a fan 1000%. From promoting events to photographing them, I defined myself as a true fan.

In no time at all I made connections.  Artists were friendly and welcomed me into their world.  I started as a fan and now I have a family. I couldn't be more blessed. I've found myself exploring venues such as Le Voyeur,  The Northern, The Royal (Olympia, WA) and El Potrero (Tacoma, WA). I would travel anywhere to watch a great hip hop show.

This week I found myself back in the middle of Olympia Hip Hop. Wednesday night at the Northern kicked things off.  This venue I can only describe as a large garage type building. It has a concrete floor and walls but it brings back a feeling of when hip hop was on the streets. Though there is a sound system, there's nothing fancy or flashy.  I can't help but imagine Common or Mos Def rocking the same idea back in their day.

Upon my arrival, there are artists free styling some pretty hot bars outside. Though the weather is cold, the lyrics are fire.  The energy feels great, even between Big Pork and Script. Though these two are about to go head to head in a pre written battle,  they shake hands and wish each other luck. 

With DJ Pasquan on the 1s and 2s, I know it's bound to be an epic show. Acts such as Cauze N Efekt, Double B, Cyrus, J Sav and Forsaken Takeover kept the place rockin. I had the pleasure of watching Smoke preform; something I hope to see again soon. I had only heard of him as a producer until now, but I had a goofy smile on my face as I heard his voice echo throughout the place.

Headlining the show was Mostafa, C Legz, Tim Hoke and Landon Wordswell.  I had the honor of meeting all four gentleman before they hit the stage.  They were more than willing to converse with me and I tell you, I can not wait to see them again.  Their chemistry, even preforming,  is a force to be reckoned with. 

I was smart (or maybe not so) and stood front and center so I could fully experience their set. Rather than standing still to deliver his music, Landon Wordswell got into the crowd.  He commanded everyone's attention in the room.  His bass guitar player, Tim Hoke has to be mentioned again, because I have never in my life seen someone play the way he does: breathtakingly. These men made a fan out of me for life.  I encourage you to take advantage of the next time they are in town, a must experience for a true hip hop lover.

The final event was the battle between King HushHush and Patron. Now, I've seen Patron battle and he always delivers.  I had no idea what to expect from HushHush, who upon a coin flip, went first. He came in hard and left it all on that stage. However, Patron came a bit harder. In return HushHush delivered again! The battle stayed close, bar for bar until the very end, in which Patron took it home and won. I stuck around after the show, waiting in the cold outside. The boys were not done, they continued to freestyle outside for quite sometime. True Hip Hop style.

As friday rolled around, I found myself at Le Voyeur.  An event titled "Fam-OLY", hosted by Ang P who headlined with Miz representing Real Lyfe Click, which celebrated Olympia as a family.  Again with DJ Pasquan I had to be excited.  He never disappoints and keeps the crowd feeling great.  The lineup of this even included; MC Swamptiger, The Truth, QP, Cauze N Efekt,  Double B and DL Murray.

With QP on stage, I drained 50% of my phone battery while taking pictures and videos.  I was so hyped I just keep clicking away.  His demeanor on stage is not to be messed with and when he decided to spit a song a capella, he had everyone's fun attention.

I can't help but lay in wait for Cauze N Efekt to hit the stage.  Drumatic has a sound unlike any other.  It is a more mellow type of music that once again brings me back to what I really know about hip hop from the days of Musiq Soulchild and similar artists. I've listened to enough music from Drumatic, that not one ong goes by that I don't know and thoroughly enjoy. 

Thankfully Ang P introduced himself to me before the show, so I was able to put the face and voice to the Facebook picture.  I must admit I had only heard (and seen) his song/video "Chronic and Patron", so I didn't know what to expect. I was extremely taken with his presence on stage.  The set consisted of him and Miz doing songs alone and together, neither of which trumped the other.  I had to wave off my feeling of disappointment when they were done, I had not had enough of either. Both men are incredible lyricists and I enjoyed the stories they had to tell.

I am thankful for a great week of hip hop. Although enduring the cold and standing for long hours, I can say I am still a fan of those I met two years ago and a new fan of those I met last week. 

I started as a fan and now I have a family.

Much love and respect to all involved.

Irv Da Phenom

"Phe-Nom, Phe-Nom, Phe-Nom!" His voice echoes through the sound system, but as I scan the club I can not see the Kansas City legend.  As his DJ yells "PHE" the crowd anxiously yells, "NOM!"  "PHE" "NOM!" "PHE" "NOM!"  The crowd, though smaller than what the club can hold, is ecstatic.  Every one; from the staff, fans and local artists that opened the stage for him, is ready for the show that is about to take place.  An eruption of applause brings my attention to the side stage where I get my first look at him, hyped and ready to go.

Def Metal Gospel's own, Irv Da Phenom did not cease to disappoint throughout his entire set.  The energy stayed high and the crowd was feeling every lyric he spoke.  I couldn't help but become ecstatic myself, especially during his song, "Phenom Pt. 3", when he pointed at me during the line "but not you baby, you can stay." Being front and center has it's perks. I could feel the breeze of his DJ's dreads as he went in on stage.  In May, Phenom (Born Mitchell Irving) will be just 25 years old.  To look at him and speak with him, I had assumed he was older than I.  However, when I asked him about his demeanor, he humbly replies, "I guess it comes from always hanging out with the older folks in church and in the community."  Aside from spending time in church, Irv started making music when he was 11 years old.  He mentions recording on his mother's old windows computer until he was about 14 when he hit a "real" studio.

Irv says back in the day he was a "bit of a hustla"; selling drawings, candy, juice boxes, and everything else throughout school.  Phenom grew up watching his father run his own tire shop until he was old enough to work in it himself.  Due to this way of life, he always had the "be your own boss" mentality.  The tire shop proved to be difficult work; from negative degree weather to over one hundred degree heat.  He did what he had to do until he could do what he loves to do, make music.

At the show where I met Irv, I mentioned we had a sorta smaller crowd. (The size of a crowd most local artists are used to; with about 30-40 people tops)  However, it does not phase this rapper.  He preformed as if there were thousands of people listening. So I have to ask him what goes through his mind when he sees a "less than desired" sized crowd.  His response is gracious, it doesn't matter if there's ten or ten thousand, he's just happy there is one person who respects what he does enough to come out and watch him.  Phenom also mentions his good friend Tech N9ne, with whom he's done music with, who preformed back in the day for a crowd of 7! (Including the staff of the venue)  Phenom says, "So far, I've been blessed to always have at least twenty on the worst night."  Knowing that he is just paying his dues and griding every step, "it's the process" he says.

Although collaborating with Tech N9ne may have helped speed up this process, Phenom has his own label; Def Metal Gospel or DMG.  I asked him to break it down for me and this is what I got: Def = Dope, Metal = Raw, Gospel = Truth. "That soul connection to music. The honesty I strive to live my life by and keep in my music," he tells me. Dope Raw Music.  I laugh as he tells me that he's also a Gemini and Def Metal Gospel can often be misconstrued as Death Metal - Gospel, two words that he had never heard put together before.  Yet he says, "They describe me and other geminis so well." I have to agree with him, being a Gemini myself, "I can be thinking with two different minds simultaneously," a fact that Phenom embraces.  

One of my favorite things about Irv Da Phenom is that he creates what he calls "Human Music".  In other words, it's music that comes from the things we experience as humans in our day to day world.  He says, "Everything that happens to me has an effect on the art I create and how I present it to the world."  Phenom's goal with his music is simple; to live a life of happiness and fulfill his constant need to manifest what goes on inside of his head.  He believes that making music is just one of his many purposes in life.  He hopes his fans find "healing, motivation and anything else that helps them get through their day to day." I fully believe him when he speaks, much like his lyrics, there is power behind his words.  Take his song "Hate Your Family" off his album Who The F#@K Is Irv Da Phenom.  The song is pretty self explanatory in its lyrics. If you haven't heard it, I beg you to click the link and take a look.  Take in the lyrics, breathe them and let them manifest. 

Irv Da Phenom is a man of many talents; he is more than a rapper, singer or philosopher.  He's a phenomenon if you will, hence his name.  He has a dream and is hustlin hard to get there.  Phenom is down to earth, easy to talk to and a powerful lyricist.  I couldn't help myself but I had to ask him if we could expect any future collaborations with Strange Music, in which he vaguely responds about a "certain CoatHanga Strangala".  If you don't know what that means, go bone up on Brotha Lynch Hung.  And if you haven't already, go get yourself a copy of the newest Phenom album, Los Kangalas ft Jarren Benton and Dizzy Wright. 

I'll leave you with words of wisdom from the Kansas City Phenomenon himself, Keep it 3H (Honesty, Hunger and Humility) and "DREAM BIG AND HUSTLE HARD." - Phenom