Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer and producer. A graduate from Washington State University, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of OZONE Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio every Friday at 3pm on jose@devastatorgroup.com
Columns
"It's more important than Joell Ortiz coming to Hell's Kitchen; it's more important than my album dropping; it's more important than City Hall's album dropping," says Tacoma-based veteran MC, Josh Rizeberg. "El Potrero (on Tacoma's Eastside at 4314 East Portland Ave.) is the only venue in Tacoma right now where
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This is a big one... big. For one, Nicatine and his Homeland Security team are bringing LuckyIAm of The Living Legends/Mystik Journeymen, Mestizo, Rollin' Rockers, Cadalack Ron, Afrok and your own El Goonie (contributor with the Weekly Volcano and DJ extraordinaire) to Olympia Thursday Oct 14. But it doesn't stop
Columns
This is a big one... big. For one, Nicatine and his Homeland Security team are bringing LuckyIAm of The Living Legends/Mystik Journeymen, Mestizo, Rollin' Rockers, Cadalack Ron, Afrok and your own El Goonie (contributor with the Weekly Volcano and DJ extraordinaire) to Olympia Thursday Oct 14. But it doesn't stop
Columns
The 253 has been deep with MCs and hip-hoppers since the ‘80s, and this humble paper does its best to re-introduce the pioneers you need to know if you rep the 253. However, one legend we haven't mentioned yet, one of the bosses - E-Dawg - is on deck with
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There is such a thing as a once-in-a-lifetime concert, packed with show-stopping artists. If ever one of these shows has hit the Puget Sound area - Soul Fest is it. Hailing from the early- and mid-1990s (what I would argue was the last era of soul music),
Columns
There is such a thing as a once-in-a-lifetime concert, packed with show-stopping artists. If ever one of these shows has hit the Puget Sound area - Soul Fest is it. Hailing from the early- and mid-1990s (what I would argue was the last era of soul music), several R&B crooners
Columns
The plight of the female MC may never be overcome in a society that objectifies women as "less than males," sex objects and non-players MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, Yo-Yo and others have set the bar high undeniably, but let me introduce another powerful MC who happens to be
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The legend of immortalized hip-hop revolutionaries Dead Prez spans more than a decade. Voices of vision, afro-centricity, revolution and healthy eating, Dead Prez has always been just under the radar in terms of popular success. Even today, they're synonymous with power, motivation, empowerment and forward thinking
Columns
The legend of immortalized hip-hop revolutionaries Dead Prez spans more than a decade. Voices of vision, afro-centricity, revolution and healthy eating, Dead Prez has always been just under the radar in terms of popular success. Even today, they're synonymous with power, motivation, empowerment and forward thinking (revolutionary but gangsta,
Columns
"I'm a crazy person," says DJ Hush Cut. "(He's) the craziest DJ!" adds Nicatine. I'd simply asked, "Who are you guys?" Thus begins a Sunday afternoon conversation in the heart of West Olympia's mall district, where Nicatine, DJ Hush Cut and I chill outside I.talia Pizzeria enjoying the sun. We gather to discuss
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For the second time in two weeks, the South Sound will be graced by a legendary MC when Houston's king of chronic - the sexual storyteller and overall original MC known as Devin The Dude - brings his distinct, nasalistic and smooth southern drawl to The Vault
Columns
For the second time in two weeks, the South Sound will be graced by a legendary MC when Houston's king of chronic - the sexual storyteller and overall original MC known as Devin The Dude - brings his distinct, nasalistic and smooth southern drawl to The Vault Nightclub in Olympia
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This Saturday a historic rally of 1,000 Black Men will take place at People's Park on Hilltop Tacoma. Inspired by a general void in consistent leadership, the need for empowerment and the general crisis of community apathy - the rally will include guest speakers and will be hosted by
Columns
Choices are some of the only real power individuals have in this small world. Choosing to win, lose, take risks, lay back; these choices determine our many different routes in the short lives we're offered. For Hill-B, aka Hillary Butler, a native of Lakewood by way California's Bay Area and a
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Fools are quick to throw around adjectives like "swag," "journalist," "playboy," "MC" and "legend." However, one of the few performers who embodies all of the adjectives and can simultaneously wear the adjectives as titles is one Sir Too $hort, also known as Todd Shaw. The Oakland by-way-of South Central Los
Columns
Fools are quick to throw around adjectives like "swag," "journalist," "playboy," "MC" and "legend." However, one of the few performers who embodies all of the adjectives and can simultaneously wear the adjectives as titles is one Sir Too $hort, also known as Todd Shaw. The Oakland by-way-of South Central Los Angeles MC
Guides
Recognition in the universe of hip-hop rarely comes easily, if at all — but following their 25360 Award for Best Video (“’90s Shit” directed by Erik Soderquist), the duo known as EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes have been christened once more by the South Sound hip-hop community as Tacoma’s Best Hip-Hop
Columns
I can remember my very first mixtape. It was the summer of 1986 and my cousin went back to Harlem to visit his family. He returned with a cassette tape that would forever change my sister's and my life. It was a live radio mix from WBLS 107.5 FM's legendary
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Legendary producer and MC Warren G will grace Tacoma this weekend, headlining a dope show for any hip-hop head to consume. Joining the legend on stage will be Tacoma's own Fice, Island Trybe, and EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes with DJ Slimrock - known collectively as City Hall. One Warren Griffin III,
Features
Legendary producer and MC Warren G will grace Tacoma this weekend, headlining a dope show for any hip-hop head to consume. Joining the legend on stage will be Tacoma's own Fice, Island Trybe, and EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes with DJ Slimrock - known collectively as City Hall. One Warren Griffin III,
