DJ B-Mello no longer part of KEXP’s Street Sounds

Longtime host of the legendry Street Sounds radio show on KEXP FM-Seattle, DJ B-Mello has been unceremoniously let go from his position as host/producer. 

The hip-hop legend and pioneer known for his knack to mix records, rock parties and greet everyone who approaches with a smile was let go from his position as steward of Street Sounds last week and was not afforded the opportunity to host one last show or to inform listeners of the move. 

B-Mello inherited the program once called, Rap Attack, from another DJ legend, Tacoma and Seattle’s own Nasty Nes who now resides in Southern California.  Nes began the show in the ‘80s and with the baton being passed from Nes to DJ Kutfather, XTC, DJ Supreme and B-Mello the program was the longest-running, hip-hop radio show on the West Coast and one of the longest-running in the nation.

Street Sounds has garnered international acclaim with listeners on all seven continents and is known for delivering cutting edge music with the backdrop of B-Mello’s personable interviews with local and national acts. 

This is the kind of situation that I have a big problem with in terms of the hip-hop community and culture. DJ B-Mello’s status as an OG and legend is unquestionable and for a cat like that to be discarded and dishonored without even having the opportunity to host a finale show is the epitome of how hip-hop business is run in the Pacific Northwest. I feel that this is just one of the reasons why this region continues to be the final region in the United States where the hip-hop is untapped and relatively ignored. Treat your elders, founders and pioneers better Seattle!  Pacific Northwest! The unceremonious dismissal of DJ B-Mello is another of the many reasons you’re still slippin’ on the national hip-hop scene. 

Oh … I should NOT be the only voice speaking on this issue. People think calling artists/people out is ‘hating’ these days. I am from the era of crack cocaine and we called it “showing and proving.” 

Hip-Hop Seattle

This weekend is a huuuuge one for Pacific Northwest hip-hop culture as the Hip-Hop Congress hosts its national conference in Seattle in conjunction with Seattle’s newly legendary Dope Emporium Hip-Hop Festival, the lauded Zulu Nation Parade and the annual UmojaFest.

In addition to conference workshops, the scheduled appearances and performances make for a highly show. The stage at UmojaFest is sponsored by Dope Emporium, Hip-Hop Congress and UmojaFest.  Here is the schedule of performers. There will be cats from The 25360, The 206, The 425, The 510 and The 509 in the house:

UMOJAFEST HIP-HOP STAGE
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2:30-8 p.m.
DJs: TC Islam, Gumbeaux, Tecumseh & LUVVA J
Artists: Black Aries, Darkside, Lady Tasz, 80P, M-Famous, Raashan Ahmad of Crown City Rockers, Akil of Jurassic 5, Lioness of Canarysing JUSMoni, SK, Tap Tap, The Jacka, Glo Medina, Jerk Camp, P-Shot, Sellassi, Razpy and The Vigilantes, AfroK, SP, Mic Crenshaw, D. Labrie and Dee.aLe

Sunday, Aug. 2, 2:30-8 p.m.
Hosted by Black Stax
Artists: Quanstar, Bleev, Wyzdom of Verbal Venom, Rahman Jamaal, The Essence, Stress, Keno Sky & Skinny B, One Mic and Young Sim, Sic 1, YDMC feat. Kash, Wojack, Skurge of Righteous Movement, Ampfire, Y. Balance, Suntonio Bandanaz, Knox Family and The Dope Emporium Producer’s Challenge followed by an All-Star DJ Mix Set.

SP at The Royal in Olympia tonight

Just when you thought it was safe for MCs to rear their heads — here comes SP, aka Slo Poke, rounding out his street album release tour for, Ignorant Music.  The Source Unsigned Hype Alumnus will rock the microphone at The Royal Thursday, July 30 with LA Swagga, comedian Nate Jackson, Icky Spitz and Johnni Boy doin’ their thang-thangs as well. 

SP’s tour will be peppered with a Saturday evening performance at this weekend’s National Hip-Hop Conference hosted by Hip-Hop Congress in conjunction with the Dope Emporium Hip-Hop Festival, The Zulu Nation Annual Parade and UmojaFest at Judkins Park in Seattle.

The tour date in Olympia follows successful shows at Code Red in Centralia and The China Clipper in Olympia. 

[The Royal Lounge, SP, LA Swagga, Nate Jackson, Icky Spitz and Johnni Boy, Thursday, July 30, 9 p.m., $5, SP, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia, 360.705.0760]

Way Out Records to host Tacoma fun day

East Tacoma’s own Way Out Records invites children of all ages to join more youngsters for a day fun, food and good times at Portland Avenue Park on Aug. 8 for the 9th Annual Way Out Fun Day. 

CEO and owner of Way Out Records JD along with his brother and music producer, Big Squigg, host their 9th annual program to provide a place for young people to congregate and have a good, fun and safe time with children’s hero and fun-guy/mascot, Rodney Raccoon.  The event is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and run until the fun ends.

Way Out Records launched in the mid-‘90s as one of the premier hip-hop labels in Tacoma and the greater Northwest and stepped out publicly with their hit debut compilation, It’s Rainin’ Dope in 1996.

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

Peace & Love
 
Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer, producer, educator and consultant.  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 / Comcast Ch. 982 / TCTV Ch. 22) in Olympia.