This week, a video surfaced of Illmaculate tearing things up under the St. John’s bridge here in Portland. The video is a preview from a documentary that Casey Parks is working on about the Portland hip hop artist. Illmaculate has been recognized on a National level as one of the greatest names in battle rap, but always stays true to his home in Portland. Hometown pride is evident in everything he does, and when asked how he feels the hip hop scene in Portland is currently doing, he responded, “I feel like the scene’s getting more and more attention. I hate to beat a dead horse but there’s so much talent, it’s becoming hard to ignore.” What are the strengths of the Portland hip hop community? “Talent”. Weakness? “Resources.” I couldn’t agree more.
In the video, posted below, Illmac says, “give me spitter of the year, I used to want it, now I’d rather see you give it to my peers.” I asked Illmaculate who he’s been especially impressed by from our region and he said, “I’ve been especially impressed by cats like V. [Vinnie] Dewayne, Cassow, Load_B, Stewart Villain, Austin Lawrence & Myke Bogan. There’s others killing it, but these cats have been making themselves factors lately.” “So, who should Portland keep an eye on?” “Keep an eye on Vinnie Dewayne. That kid’s got it.”
Upcoming releases from Illmaculate include a collaborative album with OnlyOne, produced by Chase Moore and Hippie Sabotage. “I also have another couple projects pretty much finished and just waiting in line, one of which being a solo project also produced by Chase Moore and Hippie Sabotage.”
Be sure and follow @Illmaculate on Twitter to keep up to date on what he’s working on, and watch his cypher under the St. John’s bridge below!
