What a time to begin the Weekly Volcano’s new hip-hop column Live From I-5: The 25360. The Hip-Hop nation is in a state of confusion and amnesia.  The state government has just passed an anti-gang bill that casts an incriminating umbrella upon a multitude of people — some likely NOT gang members.  The imperial art of “The DJ” is in peril.  Eeeeeverybody thinks they can rap, but few have anything original to say.  The roots of the culture of hip-hop are being neglected and disrespected and the future is a guess at best.



This is what “it” is about: the truth to power, the voice of the people – YOUR VOICE — through me of course.  LFI5: The 25360 reflects the joint area codes of the South Puget Sound’s common history and heritage of hip-hop, Entertainment, Community and “The Scene.”  I will think and write in the spirit of “edutainment” (a combination of education and entertainment as coined by the great, Blastmaster KRS-ONE).  And as a student of the ways of the great Edward R. Murrow and Ice Cube, I will do my best to listen, respond and deliver the freshest of the fresh.



The 25360 will focus on hip-hop from the epicenter of the Tacoma/Olympia connection and the surrounding areas (Lakewood, Lacey, Federal Way, Centralia, etc.)  This focus is key to highlight the often absent media coverage of overlooked community events, independent artists and alternative thought.



To honorably launch The 25360, I will first pay respects to those people who and entities that unquestionably paved the groundwork for hip-hop in the South Sound AND the entire Pacific Northwest.  So shots go out to: Nasty Nes, Cadillac, KFOX Radio, Penny Lane Records, Black Caesar, The TA (Total Action) Crew, Criminal Nation, Wojack, Mr. Network, Sir Mix-A-Lot, K-Swiss (RIP), La Fresh, Free Ya Mind, Stella Haioulani, Luvva J, Mr. D.O.G., 4 Real, Dahwud, High Performance, Donald Glaude, Slo Poke, Know Thyself Books, The Fish House Café, Tilson, Have Not, DCP (Def City Posse), JD & Squigg of Way Out, Black Anger, Steve O at Ocean Records, Seaspot.com, DJ Hawkskee, DJ Nancy G, DJ Crush (KGRG) and KAOS 89.3 FM in Olympia.



Also, to give shots to the newer names and faces in the game, The 25360 is about you, your scene and the true contributors to hip-pop’s advancement and the elevation of independent thought and hustle.  Shots go out to cats like: J Bars, Can-U, XP, DJ Phase, NW Urban Debate, Real Life Click, Twist, DJ Turtledove, DJ Slimrock, PJ Hughes, Josh Rizeberg, 253hiphop.com, Latest Records, Sash and Nu Sound (a dope producer).



Of course that is not everyone or everything and this is NOT a popularity contest — so don’t trip if you’re your name or project needs some run — hit me on the email.  The 25360 is a platform for our community of the South Sound to highlight our achievers, figures and hustlers in this short life — so keep it locked.



The 25360 is but one avenue to showcase the happenings and discuss the dopest, latest and freshest moves being made by the movers and shakers of the South Puget Sound.  From music and show reviews, to opinions and interviews — this is your pulse for data here in the stratosphere.  “The Scene” does not grow without a good gardener; I hope to add some literary and philosophical fertilizer and tend to this weekly piece in a way that inspires, informs and generally, pleases you.  There are multiple ways to the right solution — hopefully, The 25360 will serve its purpose as one of the ways.  Keep ridin’ — Live From I-5!



Peace and Luvv,



Jose S. Gutierrez Jr.



Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer and producer.  A graduate from Washington State University, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of OZONE Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio every Friday at 3pm on KAOS 89.3 FM in Olympia.