Music
I want to start off by telling all my readers that NWCZradio.com is a great place to hear local music. For some, listening to the radio on your computer might seem a little strange. What's strange to me is the lack of local music on the AM/FM radio. Why not
Music
There are many talented producers in our area. We are lucky to have such true beat wizards to help us get through our dreary, rainy, grayness - and to help us celebrate when the sun shines on us. One of the notable hip-hop producers in our city is Todd Sykes.
Music
It is getting close to the end of the year. So, I inevitably ponder what the album of the year was from Tacoma. There are still a couple of more months to drop something and make your impact on 2012. Right now I would say the top contender for album
Music
Wreckless Offensive Leaders of the Free World, or W.O.L.F. Gang, is a new group consisting of MC Coo Beanz and Joey Moody. These two are close friends who released a four-track EP this May at coobeanz.bandcamp.com/album/w-o-l-f. It is only $2 and it is well worth it. With the semi break-up
Music
I have been getting lots of messages in my inbox from the team that represents L. Hammond. I honestly have never heard of this cat. I have never seen him on a local bill. I have also never heard anyone or any other artists talking about him. I do not
Music
Blue Nose Music is one of the last true local labels left in the Tac'. Before everyone had the ability to grind musically on their own - local artists almost needed a little label help. Now someone can record on their own, find beats on their own, pay for their
Music
Q-Dot might be the mayor of 253 hip-hop. His name rings bells in Seattle. He often has good quality shows up north. In Tacoma, he teaches a hip-hop class at the Tacoma Public Library. He plans Grit City. He is often the go-to guy when an organization or event needs
Music
I'm never quite sure if hip-hop artists from Federal Way and Kent are in the Tacoma scene or in the Seattle scene. They're definitely in the middle, and their presence argues for a more unified Washington state outlook on hip-hop. Artists who live in the middle region in between King
Music
A few months back when I had a squaresville job at a bookstore, I ran into none other than mixmaster Lok Skywalker, the triple OG from the Eastside. He's an MC, producer, audio engineer, graphic designer, family man and a straight-up "G." Lok was just wearing a regular fit. He
Music
Tacoma doesn't have the strongest hip-hop scene. It's often overshadowed by what's going on in Seattle. The one thing Tacoma hip-hop does get credit for is having authentic street MCs who make hardcore hip-hop. The Seattle scene is known for Macklemore, Blue Scholars and other good hip-hop in that vein.
Music
Tom Hutch is only 22 years old and he makes the type of music you'd expect a 22 year old to make: heavy on the radio copy-cat tip. He's still freaking the auto-tune and trying to hit Drake-like melodies. What makes Hutch a standout is the amount of music he
Music
Leezy Soprano, the M.C. from 45th and perhaps the most popular MC from Tacoma right now, just released an official album titled "All Due Respect." It's a pretty clear message. Soprano feels he's the best doing it in Tacoma and he's out to get his props. Leezy is locally big
Music
It's pretty annoying when I hear people say, "I'm gonna put Tacoma on the map" when I know about all this awesome stuff Tacoma hip-hop artists are doing right now. Do people that say this know that a Tacoma producer just produced a track on Raekwon's "Unexpected Victory" album? Do
Music
Tacoma is a hotbed of talent. I've shown in this column before how even though T-Town doesn't get all the credit, we are often making big moves right under the surface (check out my columns on Erik Blood, OC Notes and Thee Satisfaction). Another huge player behind the scenes is
Music
A-Hyp's show "Hip-Hop Is Alive Part 3" is back this Saturday night. This is almost a monthly show Hyp plans, books, and promotes himself at the Taproom Underground. The venue has good food and drink and it has a smaller more chill-vibe than most spots in Tacoma. It's got a college
Music
The New Century Justice Network is a local, newly formed social justice organization, formed after the murder of Trayvon Martin. It is a group of concerned citizens of Tacoma who came together to fight for change in the community by educating, connecting, and working together. Working with the NCJN is
Music
Q-Dot, a true 253 hip-hop statesmen, has been getting active lately. Not to say that he was ever sleeping. Last year he damn near single handedly gave Tacoma the second Grit City. Planning an event like that is a full-time job. He stacked the city full of some of the
Music
A few columns back I brought to your attention the video from Dip of The Nuggz, "I'm a G." Now it's time to school ya on The Nuggz. Not only is that a great name for a hip-hop group, it does actually stand for something, Never Underestimate God's Gift. Now
Music
It looks like Friday is the night to see the best in 253 Hip-Hop. The Prince of the 509, Shao Sosa, is having a Birthday Show at Stonegate Pizza. The show is sponsored by Razor Tongue Radio and it's a who's who of local underground Hip-Hop with a few heavy-hitters
Music
Hip-hop's history is living - it is still being made. The innovators and originators are still around to tell their story. Our musical story is alive because they are alive to still tell it. They are still making it to this day. Enter Miztah Zelle. Zelle was born in Tacoma and
