Music
There was a time when MC battles were a huge part of determining how good of an overall rapper you were. That time has passed, but not completely. Although battles may not be as popular as they once were, Olympia rapper Heretic the Heathen still continues to grow - both
Music
Once upon a time in the early 2000's there was a backpacking/skateboard/delinquent hip-hop crew in Olympia called Hostalion that reigned supreme in the South Sound. For many years they were untouchable, whether it was battling poor fools that had no idea what they were getting themselves into or consistently releasing
Music
When you think of hip-hop DJs in Olympia one of the first names that should come to mind is DJ Slimrock. Holding down the scene since 1998, Slimrock has DJ'ed any type of event you can think of -- from backyard skateboard parties to private events at the top of
Music
Kimya Dawson is (and has been) an icon in the Olympia music scene since the mid-1990s. Although Dawson has come and gone, she has now been back in Olympia for about five years and says she's here to stay. The folk singer, who gained notoriety with the Moldy Peaches and
Music
"I started rapping when I decided I wanted to make a rap album for my cat," Hollywood Kill Krew (HKK) frontman Doc Hollywood tells me. "I didn't know anybody that rapped, so I would just do it by myself for my cat, Mr. Cool." Although Hollywood says he didn't know anybody
Music
Subdivision Studios is quite possibly the best thing ever to hit Olympia for up-and-coming hip-hop artists - at least when it comes to finding a legitimate place to record music or finding top-of-the-line production. On April 1, Smoke of Oldominion (Matt Smokovich), Booz E Collinz (Rolando Guajardo) and Chonie Diego
We Recommend
On Tuesday Olympia's legendary K Records released its first hip-hop album in over a decade. Saturday, April 30, Olympians will get the chance to check out Eprhyme, the hip-hop artist Calvin Johnson and K decided would be a good fit for their popular indie record label. Eprhyme, now living in New
Music
On Tuesday Olympia's legendary K Records released its first hip-hop album in over a decade. Saturday, April 30, Olympians will get a chance to check out Eprhyme, the hip-hop artist Calvin Johnson and K decided would be a good fit for their popular indie record label. Eprhyme, now living in New
We Recommend
SP, aka Slo Poke, has organized a show consisting of the Weekly Volcano Best of Olympia hip-hop award winners. On Friday, April 15, Xperience ("Artist of the Year" and "Album of the Year") and Never Sleep ("Best Live Performance") will hit the stage together at The Vault in downtown Olympia.
We Recommend
Thursday at the Royal Lounge some of Oly and Tacoma's best hip-hop acts will come together to play a benefit show for disaster victims in Japan. Hosted by Q Dot and featuring performances by the Weekly Volcano's own Josh Rizeberg, Thought Crime Collective, Collective Love Unlimited and Hollywood Kill Krew,
Music
SP, aka Slo Poke, has been a pillar in the Olympia hip-hop community for the past 15 years. He was featured as The Source magazine's "Unsigned Hype" a few years back and continues to drive Olympia as an incredible artist and promoter. One might assume that once you get such
We Recommend
Recently SP, aka Slo Poke, thought up an idea for younger artists who are struggling to get shows. He calls it the "We Out Here Hip-Hop Showcase." Not only do these young-and-hungry rappers get a stage and crowd to be in front of, but SP also gives
Music
Last week I had the chance to sit down with Norman Beats, one of Olympia's most slept-on producers, who admits he avoids the spotlight purposely. Beats talked about his past, future and life as a local hip-hop producer. On Feb. 24 Beats was in the audience of the sold out Macklemore
We Recommend
South Bend, Indiana's Double B and Seattle, Washington's Dan Fajans - the forces behind Never Sleep - both moved to Olympia in the fall of 2009 to enroll at The Evergreen State College. In addition to providing a college education, Evergreen has served as a launch pad for the duo
We Recommend
Friday night at the Midnight Sun in Olympia, the DNTSTP! crew will bring Olympia the best local hip-hop show of the year. You can count on this one to be packed from front to back the entire night thanks to DNTSTP! and some of Olympia's most exciting and popular
Music
South Bend, Indiana's Double B and Seattle, Washington's Dan Fajans - the forces behind Never Sleep - both moved to Olympia in the fall of 2009 to enroll at The Evergreen State College. In addition to providing a college education, Evergreen has served as a launch pad for the duo
Guides
I don't think there's anyone more deserving of this award than Xperience. During 2010 he was by far the most active hip-hop artist in the 360. From people begging him to play with them in Portland and Seattle to being flown out to the Midwest, Xperience has really helped establish
We Recommend
Macklemore makes incredible music that represents our area well - that much is obvious. But this guy is a true class act. Ever heard about a baby being saved from getting hit by a car or train? It was Macklemore that came to the rescue. True story.
Music
Ladies, it's time to break out that sexy piece of clothing you've had sitting in your closet for a very special occasion, because Justin Bieber - I mean Macklemore - is coming to The Royal Lounge in Olympia Thursday, Feb. 24 - fulfilling every 16-year-old girl's dreams. If you've been
We Recommend
The Bay Area's E-40 should be the mayor of Oakland by now - or at least on City Council or something. From the release of Mr. Flamboyant in 1990 to 2010's Revenue Retrievin' E-40 has continued to solidify his legendary status on both coasts. And he isn't done yet
