We are officially two weeks away from the Feezable The Germ x Respect My Region: Death By Stereo Seattle beat battle! This week at the Nectar Lounge in Fremont, we will be showcasing each individual act from the event in separate featured post. I would like to introduce our readers to one of the headlining producers of the evening, Brainstorm.
When Seattle’s hip-hop scene is discussed, the conversation often revolves around Macklemore or Sir Mix-A-Lot, perhaps Raz Simone or Moor Gang if you keep your ears open for noise in the Northwest.
However, the city has a plethora of untapped talent determined to break into the discussion; cue the introductions for Brainstorm, also known as Mike Celestine. With five projects released by his group, Dyme Def, and a third solo project in the works, the Seattle emcee (who is also one half of Errythang Gang/BlapGang) has certainly paid his dues.
The years of dedication and honing his craft has not gone unrecognized by mainstream media, as Brainstorm has been featured by countless respected publications, ranging from placements on HipHopDX, The Source’s coveted “Unsigned Hype,” and even Billboard’s “Hot Shot Debut.” He has also enjoyed regular write-ups from the wildly popular hip-hop blog, 2DopeBoyz and is a mainstay on Sermons Domain. However, the buzz that Brainstorm has accrued is far from unwarranted. In 2008, the Northwest rapper/producer was crowned the Redbull (Big Tune) Beat Battle Champion. In regards to high-profile performances, Brain has graced the stage at such events as Bumbershoot, Sasquatch, SXSW, and the Vitamin Water/Fader Magazine Uncapped Live Tour. Moreover, the the Seattle wordsmith toured nationally with underground mainstay Saigon in 2009.
Brainstorm’s undeniable presence in popular magazines and blogs, coupled with his dynamic live performances at relevant events, has ensured that the emcee has acquired an incredible degree of distribution for his music. Aside from the millions of Youtube views that he and Dyme Def have gathered over the years, Brain has also landed music placements on BET (Carmelo’s Way), and MTV’s website (for his music video “Timeless”). Moreover, Brainstorm has had numerous appearances on Clear Channel Radio as well as on the Seattle radio station Kube 93.
From a strictly musical standpoint, it’s abundantly clear as to how Brainstorm and his crew have garnered so much love over the years. With a penchant for crafting versatile and hard-hitting beats, Brain manages to wax braggadocio-based rhymes over his own slick production. While brag-raps are far from a new concept in the rap game, Brainstorm boasts a buttery flow and a delivery that presents believability in a way few other rappers can. Overall, between dope production, potent lyricism, and a knack for being humorous in his raps, the man also known as Mike Celestine is undoubtedly a pivotal albeit highly slept on facet of rap in the Northwest scene and beyond.
You can still win free tickets to this beat battle here!
Keep up to date with Brainstorm on his Twitter, Facebook, Soundcloud or website.
