Word Around the Sound is… Rell Be Free just dropped a project titled 6Pack. The six-track EP is the perfect refreshment for the spring season. Like crackin’ a cold one, the project goes down smooth and satisfies the palette like those sunny days in Seattle. He’ll be celebrating the release of the album with a little get-together at Paradice Avenue Souf on March 18.
The thing about Rell is, he has beats in his head, beats in his chest, beats when he flexes, and even beats when he’s stressed; he truly can’t turn it off. But that’s his craft. Noah Coinflip is the same way. Their relationship both artistically and interpersonally is inexplicable; it’s affirming to me that the unseen energies in this world are really driving our connections and when the energies match, such as with these two, the results can be incredible. The beats that Noah and Rell put together for this project are a combination of their creative energies blending together to produce something so effortlessly cohesive and undeniably cool.
Will Jordan (a.k.a. Billy) Releases “Control” featuring Guapdad 4000
Will Jordan, a.k.a. Billy recently released his single, “Control”, featuring Guapdad 4000 and production from E. Jones. The song tells a story of a love gone wrong. Overall, it’s giving an equal blend of drama and dance, for me. He’ll be bringing his Genesis Tour to Seattle on Thursday, March 30 at the High Dive. Also performing that night will be Talaya., and Deeanthony Marcell.
Tré Ross and Bryce Bowden Release Edibles 2
Tré Ross and Bryce Bowden are serving up the second installment of their album series as a duo titled, Edibles 2. The cannabis-infused project can satisfy even the most insatiable appetite for boom-bap hip-hop. The mix is incredible and really balances your attention between the absolutely FIRE beats and the hearty, raw bars that Bryce and Tré are spitting. Shout the fuck out to Poison Jams for helping bake this batch of Edibles to perfection. Not even Tony Hawk can grind like these guys. Also, I can totally see the track “Reign Storm” being used in an homage video to the Seattle Storm WNBA team.
Lewie Launches Cannabis Brand Exclusively Available at Zips
Lewie has been on a roll lately, releasing a well-received album and now dropping his own line of cannabis called KushHouse, that’s exclusively available at Zips Cannabis in the SODO neighborhood of Seattle. He’s also recently dropped a single titled “Stay Down” with Jay Park.
Seattle Black Film Festival
The Seattle Black Film Festival has been a tradition in Seattle for the past 20 years. It is returning this year for the first in-person screenings since the pandemic and their name change. From April 22-30, Langston Hughes Theater will be hosting the festival both in-person and virtually. For more information on what films will be shown and to purchase tickets, head over to their website.
Macklemore Throws Pop Up Show At Neumos To Celebrate Album Release
Macklemore recently released his album simply titled, Ben. He had a get-together at Easy Street Records in West Seattle to celebrate the release over the weekend then threw a pop-up show at Neumos the following Monday. The crowd that swarmed around the venue at the corner of 10th and Pike St. exuded a warm, loving, and proud energy that fueled Mack’s performance and made it quite a night to remember. Shoutout Lexscope for running around a packed out Neumos to get a super dope recap video.
NPR Tiny Desk Concert Submissions
At this point in pop culture, most music fans have become familiar with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series. They often do a submission contest for independent artists to potentially be featured. This year, I’ve seen quite a few dope submissions already and wanted to highlight a few that I’ve seen so far: Don Grey, dsrt flwr, Livt and Reposado.
Don Grey
dsrt flwr
LIVt
Reposado
MoPop Contact High Exhibit Extends Residency Through 2023
MoPop just announced that in honor of celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop culture, the museum has extended the length of time to see the Contact High exhibit through next January. So, if you haven’t gone to check out the installation yet, you have all year to go see it! The exhibit features legendary pieces of hip-hop history like MF DOOM’s mask, Grandmaster Flash’s turntables, and 100s of photos taken at some of the most iconic moments in hip-hop culture.
Upcoming Shows
Friday, March 17: Reposado will be jamming at Cafe Racer. Tickets are $15, doors open at 8pm, and the show is 21 and up.
Saturday, March 18: Rell Be Free 6-Pack Album Release Party at Paradice Avenue Souf. $10 at the door, get fly and bring your homies!
Saturday, March 25: The True Loves will be taking the stage at Nectar Lounge with support from King Youngblood. Doors will open at 8 PM, and tickets will go for $20 to anyone 21 and up.
Thursday, March 30: Will Jordan, Talaya, Deeanthony Marcell at the High Dive. Tickets are $10, doors open at 8 PM and the show is for folks over the age of 21.
Thursday, March 30: I///U will be at Neumos with Nathan Nzanga and The Absentees. Tickets are $10, ages 21 and over, with doors opening at 7 PM.
