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 jose@devastatorgroup.com
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There's a dope show at The Artesian Park & Commons Friday night. Afrok and guests will drop lyrics as part of the Oly Park Days series. This week features some live singing and performances mostly from amateur artists, but included in the lineup of talent will be the aforementioned, award-winning
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One way to get some sun and stay cool with the hip-hop club closures in the Olympia-area is to participate in the Park Daze Concert Series at The Artesian Well Park in Downtown Olympia - series sponsored by the city of Olympia, Barb's Famous BBQ, Hip-Hop 4 The Homeless, KAOS
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South Sound club owners are closing their doors or having their doors closed upon them for a variety of reasons. One club that is NOT closing its doors, and is in fact celebrating a three-year anniversary of successful reggae/dancehall-themed events, is Champions. Amusingly, some people have described Champions as a "hood spot,"
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It is always a treat to be part of a movement - to catch an artist during their incline rather than having to vomit your way through a decline (see: Ja Rule, that was a hard one to sit through). Saturday, you may see a young, up-and-coming rapper before he
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Grab a date; Saturday's show at Jezebels will be historic. Early 1990s R&B harmonizers Shai rolls into Olympia. Not only does this show mark a significant visit from the platinum-selling crooners, but also a going-away party of sorts, as Jezebels - formerly The Mint and Barcode - will be shutting
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For the past couple of years, Olympia has doubled its role as a capitol, not only housing the state's government affairs, but also the capitol of hip-hop battles. From The Go Hard Or Go Home series, to the We Out Here Showcases and, in the past year, For MCs By
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From the legendary Juice Crew in New York City, Masta Ace & eMC (Stricklin, Punchline and Wordsworth) make their first ever visit to the state of Washington with stops in Seattle, Bellingham and Friday night at Jezebels, with Afrok, Heretic The Heathen, Kings Records (out of Fresno) and VintageDOPE warming
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The first annual Northwest Freedom Fest is upon us this weekend. Not the big hoopla along Tacoma's waterfront, but rather an Olympia festival of music, food and fun, founded by Heidi Rosetta, a behind-the-scenes musician and self-described music lover. With the goal to raise awareness for female survivors of traumatic events such
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The Pacific Northwest underground hip-hop scene has continued to develop and grow with a myriad of different styles, trends and characters. Landon Wordswell is one such character with a unique style. Hailing from The Rose City, Wordswell combines enthusiasm with sharp craft and delivery on the microphone. Billed as Landon Wordswell's "Return
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Flexin' Fridays, hosted by Block Mogul Entertainment, features four performances and DJ Strawberry to play sets and shut the party down when it's time to get yo boogie on. With L Roc, Young Soda, Jack Mov and L Hammond scheduled to perform; you'll be introduced (if you don't already know) to
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Lena May, founder of The NW Hip Hop website and #iBelieveInHipHop, celebrates her birthday at Sampan Saturday night. The celebration will also act as a benefit to raise money for her medical costs. Open to the public, May's party will feature musical performers Miz, Zikki, Ill Defined and others, as
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Saturday, you might want to "slide, slide, slippity slide" to Sixth Avenue as hip-hop luminary Coolio makes the party go sideways. "New booties" will call him a one-hit wonder, which is false and, as Chris Rock would say, "IGNINT." Coolio's hip-hop heritage is rooted in authentic LA hip-hop with the likes of
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Legendary is a status reserved for the few. Some earn this status with a career as an artist, an indelible act or having been part of a movement or moment. Some, who know his tale and trials and tribulations, call Rappin' 4-Tay a legend. Hailing from the Bay Area, you can't deny
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A bevy of vinylists will descend upon The O to dig through the crates and study album covers, remixes and the oh-so-sought-after UK 12-inch Mix - you know the one, with the 2:27 length intro using sounds that never made it into the original track. With dealers and buyers from
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This type of ish DOESN'T happen everyday, to modify Slick Rick's famous phrase from his classic duet with Doug E. Fresh, "Lodi Dodi." Encore Boutique Nightclub smack dab in downtown Tacoma hosts Hef's girls. Yup, Alana Campos (September 2012 Playmate from Brazil) and the well-rounded Jessa Hinton (July 2011 Playmate from
Viva South Sound
The South Sound has had a few talented jokesters emerge and stay relevant over the years - namely Ralph Porter (Tacoma) and Nate Jackson (Lacey). Hopefully, the area can add another to the list. The Sampan's Laughs & Lyrics series launches Wednesday, presenting host/DJ Backpack Chris and other DJs spinning
Viva South Sound
The 502 Downtown in Tacoma offers a fresh, night away from the raucous hormonally challenged roughians. The downtown lounge hosts DJs Saturday nights, aimed at a 25 and older crowd - although age is certainly not the only factor with meat-heads who like to ruin a good time. This Saturday, the
Viva South Sound
Thursday nights have been an adventure in Olympia's Westside. First, The Westside El Serape was the place to be with DJ Travisty and DJ Kemyst. Then Kemyst jumped ship to start his own gig with Tony Garcia at Trago Mexican Kitchen in the Capital Mall. Recently, Pints & Quarts, about 500
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I spend most of my 25360 time in the region's more metro scenes. Saturday, I'm hitting the pre-420 party at Sabra's Place in ... Chehalis. And the weather looks to be cloudy with a chance of green with Easter the next morning. Nice combo, huh? The club will host Mr.
Viva South Sound
Led by Olympia-all-purpose-player/promoter Sean Coleman and DJs Travisty and DJ Drastic, the theme for the Westside El Serape's ladies night is "party" - a party that hasn't been seen in a "club" atmosphere since the infancy of the recently deceased Royal Lounge. Combining the Westside swank,
