I usually do not write about Olympia hip-hop. I like to let my man Nick Leonard cover Oly. That said, I can't let Hip-Hop 4 the Homeless go by without giving it some props. This is by far my favorite Olympia hip-hop event of the year. The whole scene comes together for one purpose, and that is to help Olympia's homeless population. It is a weekend long extravaganza of music, poetry and social work. Olympia's homeless population is invited to come get clothes, toiletries, haircuts, food and other social services. While at the event, they are given one of the best hip-hop shows in Washington state.  This year you can catch Afrok and The Movement, Xperience, Motamouth Jones, Free Ya Mind, 206-Zulu, Heretic and others, plus the 25360 Awards Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Olympia Ballroom.

DJ Luvva J is the motion behind the movement. He definitely deserves some respect for his dedication and commitment to the cause.

OLYMPIA BALLROOM, HIP-HOP 4 THE HOMELESS, SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 6 P.M., $5, 116 LEGION WAY, OLYMPIA