The Fresh Blends Finale …?

The cats from Fresh Blends officially ended their reign in Tacoma as the premier Hip-Hop/Rap show promoters with last night's final bang at Hell’s Kitchen.

This is a sad day for Hip-Hop in The 25360 as Fresh Blends and the Homeland Security (Olympia) based shows are two of the only consistently produced events that showcase the culture with quality and local and national talent. Last night’s lineup and event was a practical “who’s who” of The 25360 rap community with Island Trybe, XP, Junkyard Gang, Gran Rapids, Evergreen One, Dice and SP all taking the stage to do their thang-thang in tribute to the dope Hip-Hop program. Additionally, Fresh Blends hosted an art exhibition featuring the handiwork of Pubs, Creds, Motem Oner, Dead Monkey, Sumone, Hera and Zelot. This kind of show is a unique one that speaks to the necessity of Fresh Blends-type shows — shows that not only showcase the MC and DJ, but other aspects of Hip-Hop; in this case the Graffiti and visual arts.

Big ups to Tac-Town’s Fresh Blends … One of the dope showcases of Hip-Hop talent in the Pacific Northwest … What is Hell’s Kitchen’s loss will hopefully be another venue’s gain. I’ll keep you posted on where Fresh Blends will pop up next.

Fatal Luciano, XP, Spacemen, Qwestion & Luvva J to Rock The Royal

Hey, just because one dope spot is shutting down doesn’t mean they all are. The Royal still hosts dope shows here and there put on by Homeland Security, and here is another one as Seattleite Fatal Luciano makes his first foray into the 360 to take the stage with XP, Spaceman, Qwestion and yours truly, LUVVA J Thursday, June 18.

Known for voracious flows and “that swag,” there are rumors that Luciano has been blacklisted in some of the Seattle clubs (wack!). However, Tha O will kindly host the MC along with 2008’s 25360 MC of The Year XP, aka Xperience, Spaceman and Qwestion for another Homeland Security bash.

The night coincides with GuudLIFE Thursdays at The Royal, which consists of dope Reggae/Dancehall, Soul, Hip-Hop and Treasures (obscure/old-school/classic cuts) rocked by LUVVA J.

[The Royal Lounge, 9 p.m., $5, 311 Capital Way, Olympia]

DJ Quik & Kurpt drop Blaqkout

Somethin’ about this West Coast music, baby … Somethin’ about it! DJ Quik is one of the few artists who when he drops an album, it is a mandatory buy for me. Out of respect, honor and admiration of his craft — I gotta get it. This philosophy did not change with Quik’s latest release featuring longtime, unheralded but genius-MC, Kurupt. The Blood and Crip combination fits together very well — just like the peace treaty!

A can’t miss for West Coast/LA Hip-Hop lovers, the duo take listeners on an audio voyage of two OGs who are known for various styles but consistently associated with dope production, dope lyricism and entire albums that you can party, dance and barbecue to. Blaqkout achieves the party vibe as the gentlemanly MCs navigate a record that clowns wack MCs, puts so-called “producers” back in their place (the drawing board) and kicks some conversation that not everyone will be able to hear — but if you ain’t feelin’ it, you’re not touching it right!

New and upcoming releases

The Jacka, Tear Gas
Twista, Category F5
Al B. Sure! Honey, I’m Home
Maxwell,  BLACKsummernight
Teena Marie, Congo Square

Winners Train, Losers Complain… Do Yo’ Thang!!!

Peace & Love
 
Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer and producer. A graduate of Washington State University and student at The Evergreen State College, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of OZONE Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio (since ’89) every Friday at 3 p.m. on KAOS 89.3 FM (www.kaosradio.org) in Olympia.