Hill-B readies for EP release

Massive Monkees join MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew

The Pacific Northwest is known for many sights, sounds and features in this rich and green pasture of the United States. However, the entire nation will soon bear witness to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prized gifts when the Massive Monkees attack the floor on America’s Best Dance Crew when it airs each Sunday on MTV.

America’s Best Dance Crew is the brainchild of American Idol judge and music industry veteran, Randy “I lost a gang of weight” Jackson. Jackson’s show enters its fourth season this summer and surprisingly the world renowned Massive Monkees are only making their first appearance. The Massive Monkees have ripped competition and showcased their talents at exhibits all over the world.

The Seattle natives will compete against eight other teams of dancers for a cash prize, promotions and the title of America’s Best Dance Crew. One of the Massive Monkees was remarkably born with a movement disability that he has summarily conquered to the tune of being an acrobatically outstanding performer.

So, although much of Pacific Northwest hip-hop is still awaiting its place on the national entertainment and arts scene, the B-Boys and B-Girls are representing in the brightest spotlight.

“We need to vote for the Monkees,” Tweeted Seattle-based music industry veteran, Gene Dexter.

Many others feel the same way and during the Season 4 premier, the Monkees proved they belong.

America’s Best Dance Crew airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on MTV.

Lakewood representative and former University of Washington Husky National Champion and NFL linebacker Hillary Butler has had a turbulent and trial-laden life and he is ready to share his story on the record. Seriously, like on vinyl, CD and tape.

Hillary Butler aka Hill-B has lived his life going fast in all the lanes. The former U-Dub Husky national champion was born in San Francisco and moved to Washington at a young age. Immersed in the culture of hip-hop, Hill-B began to find his identity and some proud about himself and on his forthcoming EP (as yet untitled) he is going to give a glimpse in the life of the star athlete turned drug smuggler turned inmate and now finally, free man.

Unlike so many others who play sports and rap for the fun and rewards of it (supposedly girls, money and clout), Hill-B actually group up with hip-hop before sports. He was a renowned graffiti artist, B-Boy and later picked up rapping.

“This is a project that I have been waiting to complete for a long time,” says Hill-B.

In late 2008, Hill-B was released from federal detention for a crime involving drugs and he has taken time to reflect on his decisions and missteps that led him on this path. He plans to share the glitz, glamour and grime of the life. With help from Seattle-based music and media industry executive, Kitty Wu of Devastator Management and Communications, they plan to craft a quality re-introduction to society from someone who played in the fast lane and lived to tell the tale.

“Hill has an important tale to share and we plan on delivering a thorough hip-hop album that displays his swagger and some self-reflection,” said Wu from her Seattle office.

It is a refreshing concept that an artist is willing to examine the decision-making process along with the excesses and excitements of illegal/outlaw life, because there is a consequence and that is what Hill-B has an opportunity to deliver.

General Wojack will drop two albums on same day

August is a hot month and that is precisely why Tacoma’s Wojack of Criminal Nation intends to turn the heat up a bit more with two electricity-charged, politically-laced albums dropping on the same day.

On Aug. 25, General Wojack will drop I Am Mark Womack and War Musik on the same day. The Pacific Northwest Hip-Hop pioneer has been patiently waiting to deliver these two albums for almost two years and says that they are his best works.

I Am Mark Womack and War Musik will be available online and in-stores August 25, 2009.

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 / Comcast Ch. 982 / TCTV Ch. 22) in Olympia.