Macklemore is humbly standing front row center in the hip-hop community right now. The love that he has earned in the hearts of Seattleites will not prove to be fickle; each fan that he has amassed will be a fan for life.
Macklemore is at the top of my list for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the quality of his lyrics. I’m not talking about, “And We Danced,” although that song is clever in it’s own right, I’m talking about songs like “Otherside” and “The Town” or even when he’s featured in the remix of “Something New” by Fresh Espresso. Macklemore never shirks an opportunity to speak from his heart, and what comes out is some of the most poetically moving material to be heard across all genres. Macklemore is touching, honest, spiritual, and humble. Through hard work, good support, and being one of the most driven artists in 2009, everything he has touched, turned to gold.
Another reason why Macklemore is at the top of my list is the quality of his shows. From drinking tea and Odwalla super-food before his sets, to having wigs and costume changes on standby, Macklemore puts everything that he has into his shows—every show, every venue, every time. He has a gaggle of support waiting in the trenches. Champagne Champagne, Grynch, and Xperience, usually frequent his shows as guest performers. He also has a big community investment in making his shows all ages whenever possible.
Macklemore is just an all-around good guy. He has what it takes, and he doesn’t take it for granted.
Grynch held it down in 2009. What do The Seattle Times, Seattle Weekly, The Stranger, and Billboard magazine have in common? I’m sure a bunch of things, but for the sake of this blurb, they were all lovin’ up on Grynch in 2009. He has earned every bit of their admiration. Grynch is one of the sickest rappers in Seattle right now. His combination of street and party rap is on point. His style has him in the company of rappers that cater more towards the old school, street style of hip-hop, and his lyrics and charming flavor keep the kids who just want to dance extremely happy.
We’ve all heard Grynch’s hit “My Volvo,” and have loved it. I look forward to seeing how far Grynch breaks out in 2010, and what good things he’ll keep on reserve for the locals.
Blue Scholars got Oofy in 2009! Being one of the pillars in Seattle hip-hop, all these guys have to do is step out of the house to be named favorites on everyone’s yearly lists. That being said, Blue Scholars did tear it up this year in more ways than one. They represented Seattle well at SXSW, they were heavily involved in the community with workshops at schools and secret shows for charities, and they tore it up when they released their most recent E.P. OOF! Showing community love, Blue Scholars played free shows at local venues that weren’t even designed for live music such as Caffe Vita, and Ohana’s. That’s pretty cool considering that they sell out three night events at $20 a ticket. Geologic is also very invested in others within the hip-hop community. He has shown his support but hosting shows on numerous occasions throughout the year.
D.Black is the bomb. This young rapper stands for strength, growth, love, honor, the community, and the children. D.Black took a stand this year that people who have voices need to be accountable for what comes out of their mouths. Many people think, “I wouldn’t want my kid listening to that!” but they don’t do anything about it. D. Black did something about it. He created an entire album, Ali’yah, in dedication to spirituality, growth, and family. He spoke out about his beliefs to anyone who showed that they were interested. Fortunately, people who showed interest were outlets like KUBE 93 and King 5, as well as all the local, independent support he has received. His shows were amazing, and with the help of his family at Sportin’ Life, D.Black made his mark in indelible ink in 2009.
I couldn’t complete the top 5 2009 list of hip-hop without including Mad Rad. This has been the band that only grew stronger with opposition. The more trouble they got into in the top half of the year, the more people were paying attention. Things quickly calmed down as far as their infamous ruckus was concerned, but Seattleites were far from finished with Mad Rad.
Mad Rad’s show at Sasquatch 2009 was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. P Smoov came out with his arms flexed, smiling, as if he were on top of the world. They roused the crowd to dance and scream their overheated heads off. Buffalo Madona, in his never-ending attempts to outdo his own tom-foolery, climbed on top of the freaking Yeti stage roof. He had to have been at least 75 feet in the air. “He’s going to kill himself!” someone in the audience screamed. Buffalo Madona singing “Quest Que Cest,” was pretty freaking epic. He stood atop of the Yeti stage, lurching, looking into the crowd with an avid warning on his lips as he sang, “We are sheep among wolves. All flesh is grass today. Be weary where you lay. Be strategic where you stray. This warning is for you. You can not look away. You see I leave a trail of blood. I’m talking to your DNA… Run away, run away, RUN away, RUN AWAY…” It was legendary.
Mad Rad also created the hip-hop community’s showcase GO Machine. I could go on and on about Mad Rad’s triumph over 2009, but I’ll just leave it at: They killed it.
In a climate of Independent hip-hop where subject matter is often kept to the flagrant, ostentatious, and vulgar, it is refreshing to have another Seattle spokesman who is using his candid life experiences to make a difference in others lives. Have you heard the groundbreaking song “Otherside“ off of the VS. EP from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis? Download “Otherside”, and if you want give it a listen while you read, please do.
In this song “Otherside,” Macklemore gets in deep about social drug use. Many people do it for fun without considering the long-term effects, or worse, the possible short-term effect—death. Macklemore takes a second person look at someone who didn’t think he had a problem with drugs. His girlfriend ended up finding him dead due to a mistaken overdose. Sobering thoughts followed by the words “We live on the cusp of death thinking that it won’t be us.”
Macklemore sang this song live for the first time at Bumbershoot 2009 in front of thousands of people. As he started the song, he held his head high and announced, “I celebrating one year of sobriety.” Whether the individual members of the audience were winning the same fight, still making the choice if they wanted to fight, or just respectfully looking on, everyone was touched, moved, and inspired. Macklemore might not ever know how many people’s lives, and the lives of their families, he’s effected by having the courage to use his own failures and triumphs as a beacon of hope so that others can do the same.
Ryan Lewis is not to be overlooked as the producer and other half of Macklemore’s most recent project. Ryan Lewis is the visionary when it comes to the music behind Macklemore’s words. Lewis is decisive about what direction they are going to go in, and he creates an immaculate product for Macklemore to rap to. If it weren’t for Lewis’ dedication to perfect production, Macklemore might be just another rapper with a GarageBand demo and an immense amount of potential.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are having an album release party on November 27th, and they are doing it in grand style. They are performing an all ages show, doors at 5:30 pm, and a 21+ show, doors at 10pm. The early show will feature Hella Dope, The Next Door Neighbors, Kung Foo Grip, DJ Sabzi, and will be hosted by Grynch, “the King of Ballard.” The late show will feature The Physics, Symmetry, Xperience, The Next Door Neighbors, DJ Terry Radjaw, and will be hosted by El Mizell, Seattle’s resident S**t talker.
Please enjoy the interview below with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis where they talk about the flavor of their new EP VS., and about the experience they had making it. After you’ve enjoyed that, please enjoy the extra special video of the second half of “Otherside” performed A Cappella, recorded and produced by Ryan Lewis.
After Fresh Espresso warms the crowd up at 3:30, Grynch is going to move in. Did someone order a Red Carpet? It’s fairly curtain that Gynch, our resident gonorrhea survivor, will be rolling in as the undisputed, self-proclaimed King of Ballard. Grynch, your royal highness, we’re glad to see that you are in good health.
Here are some things that SSG has posted on Grynch in the past:
With the recent release of his Chemisty EP, Grynch has been tearing down the city brick by brick. The response has been overly positive and Grynch has literally exploded onto the main stage of Seattle hip-hop. Grynch all by himself is an interesting specimen; while his rhymes are filled with punchlines and quick whit, they cut with precision and boom with authority.
Grynch was on point the whole set. He bounced around, constantly moving to connect with every eye that was fixed on him. He never left the avid show-goers feeling like they missed out on anything. He always interacted with the crowd, and they ate up every second of it. (07/15/2009)
Being one of many who has seen Grynch perform multiple times, I can attest that his performance quality is unswerving, and is always worth the time and energy to see him. Here is a little video sample of the good things to come. See you at REVERB!
The Sportin’ Life record release party for D.Black was the culmination of D.Black’s life’s work, so it seems a bit odd to critique it because it was love on display. The audience was full of friends, family, and fans that came far and wide to celebrate the release of Ali’Yah.D.Black has been fundamental to the Seattle hip-hop community for the past decade, and being in his early twenties, that is quite a feat.
D.Black’s appeal stems from him being an organic person. He puts his heart into what he does without holding anything back. Right now, his heart is about up-rise. Enveloping himself, his family, and his music in spirituality, D.Black is stepping up to make a difference with his music. The underlying tone of Ali’Yah is that it’s time for the community to clean up the content we’re giving our kids. What a powerful message.
D.Black came to the stage guns blazing. He knew that the people in attendance were just as invested in this show as he was, and he gave it his all. His musicality was on point with his vocals and dancing. He and the music were one.
Being a family affair, he brought out the contributors to the album one by one; Spaceman,Grynch,Fatal Lucciauno, Marissa, and more. Each artist performed their contribution on the album. Being driven to make this show an evening where the crowd was stimulated throughout, D.Black assessed the everyone’s energy while performing. If he didn’t feel that the crowd was 100% into the song, he cut it and started a new one. “Are you with me?” he asked. “YEEEAAAH!” the crowd roared back.
At the finale, D.Black brought out the entire Sportin’ Life family including the label producers. Standing in the back of the audience at this point with Geologic of Blue Scholars, Geo stated, “This is beautiful. The entire family is up there. This is beautiful.” If I had to sum up the event in one statement, it would be the aforementioned. It was beautiful. The entire family was up there. It was beautiful.
That link I just posted made me angry. People are pathetic. It’s truly sad to see that racism still exists on that level in the world today. Sure what Kanye did was wrong but wow. To turn it into a race thing is all bad. I mean it was inevitable but it’s just depressing to see people take it to a level of ignorance that high. I’ve known a few racist individuals in my life thus far, and the one thing I can say about all of them is that they simply don’t know any better. I pity them because it’s their loss to be stuck in those ways. [T]hey usually don’t want to change. Ah well. What can you do? As someone who knows a thing or two about history, it just sucks that this kind of crap is still going on today.
A lot of people ask me why I love doing music. I love to put it out and have an impact on the lives of others. But the one thing that I truly feel has been the most valuable thing I’ve gained doing this shit, is getting to know people from all walks of life. I interact with folks from every which background on any given day, and it’s a beautiful thing. I feel bad that not everyone gets experience that; many due to their own stubborn state of mind. But like I said – ah well. What can you do? Just keep on keepin’ on, and hope that each day is better than the last. I’m done ranting now. That article got me kinda hot. Good night y’all! Zzz…
(Ratings omitted as the reviewed artists only played 10 minute sets.)
The Sneaker Pimps show was as crazy as a mother [SHUT-YO-MOUTH!] Censor much? Well, SSG isn’t the only outlet keeping it clean; the Sneaker Pimps crew also put the kibosh on the cussing September 10, 2009. Problem? Not usually, but Grynch, the first local artist, wasn’t told about the clean language clause until midway through his set — FAIL! Adding insult to injury, the Sneaker Pimps crew didn’t bother telling the following acts that they needed to keep their language clean. The same awkward scenario of the the screaming stage hand and the confused artist played out multiple times.
Another winning idea from the Sneaker Pimps crew was to give the local acts 10 minute sets. Two thumbs up there, Sneaker Pimps!!! We really enjoyed you luring Seattleites out to hear some of their favorite hip-hop acts, only to hear the host talk about your lovely sponsor, Verizon Wireless, for longer segments of time than the local artists were allowed to perform.
The last bit of winning Sneaker Pimp-ness that I stuck around for was to hear the host announce Thee Satisfaction as “Thee Sacrifice.” Sneaker Pimps, if Seattleites didn’t know the extent of love you have for local music, we do now. Even though the way this event was set up sucked, our home town favorites held it down — at least for their allotted ten minute sets.
Grynch is blowing up. That would be because he’s the bomb. Not only does he “sound hella … hella big and black,” (Quote from Grynch in a previous SSG interview) he also knows how to spit a verse. His beats continue to rock the house on a regular basis. The audience was demanding him back to the stage after he left, but unfortunately, he could not fulfill their request, as per Sneaker Pimp planning.
Please enjoy a clip from Grynch’s set, and a Gryncherview™.
Thee Satisfaction took the stage directly after Grynch. It is a shame that these ladies aren’t going to be staying in Seattle; they are magnificent. Here’s the set up: One beautiful black female has short hair, feminine features, but dresses and looks more boyish. The second beautiful black woman has an illustrious afro. She looks much more feminine and rocks it in a natural way. You guessed it, these ladies are in a relationship — with each other. This tidbit wouldn’t necessarily be relevant, but their sexuality is a main focus in their music.
There is zero awkwardness around the fact that they are lesbians, rather, Thee Satisfaction use their sexuality in a jovial, alluring way. In one of their raps, they joke about taking a straight girl and coercing said female into switching teams. In another rap, they sing about how they have sexy girlfriends — each other. The boys especially liked that one!
Recently, Thee Satisfaction collaborated with Seattle’s big cats, Champagne Champagne, to create the anthem-worthy, ultra-hot song, “Magnetic Blackness.” More, more, more, hot, hot, hot! The energy that comes off the stage when the song is performed is ferocious. Seeing the ladies of Thee Satisfaction, Thomas Gray, Pearl Dragon, and Mark Gajadhar up on stage performing this song made everyone in the room stand up — even if they weren’t black.
Enough of my banter. Here are some clips of Thee Satisfaction!
Seeing Macklermore was the perfect way to start off Bumbershoot day #3. The rain was pouring down, but not a single person at the outdoor Fisher Green Stage was complaining.
Macklemore started off his set by relating to the audience with stories of thrift shopping. Then, he did a roll call on the 80’s and 90’s babies. Upon seeing that the majority of his screaming fans in attendance were under the age of 19, he let out a “DAMN!” and started the show.
Keeping the energy level high, he brought out Grynch and Xperience. Grynch, King of Ballard, was as entertaining as ever. Xperience charmed the crowd and added some soulful twists. Later he brought out Sir Tomas Gray and Pearl Dragon of Champagne Champagne; their masculinity was on fire.
As the rain poured down, Macklemore requested if the audience would mind if he shared something of himself on a more serious note – addiction. He stopped the music and told the audience how he was grateful to be performing at all, let alone at Bumbershoot. Only a year ago he was at the lowest point of his life. He played a new song telling about his rise out of the ashes to the sampled melody of How Long by Red Hot Chili Peppers. The mood that Macklemore created was so intense that it is difficult to put into words. The pouring rain felt like tears from the sky. We were all a bit teary eyed in celebration Macklemore’s victory over addiction.
Macklemore didn’t leave the crowed crying. He left the stage while another guest was performing to throw on one of his infamous costumes. He returned to the stage with a flashy shirt and wig on and gave us all a lesson in dance.
Being with Macklemore was incredible. Seattleites can hold their heads high with pride for one of our own.
With the recent release of his Chemisty EP, Grynch has been tearing down the city brick by brick. The response has been overly positive and Grynch has literally exploded onto the main stage of Seattle hip-hop. Grynch all by himself is an interesting specimen; while his rhymes are filled with punchlines and quick whit, they cut with precision and boom with authority. Recorded, most expect his stature to match his ferociousness on the mic, but standing at a little over 5′5″, the Caucasian rapping sensation surprises nearly everyone who sees him for the first time. Having grown up in the local scene, Grynch has a down-to-earth approach that contrasts his overall demeanor.
With multiple front page articles at SeattleTimes.com and promotion from local radio stations, the Ballard native had big shoes to fill at his Chemistry EP release party hosted by Geologic at Nectar Lounge on Sunday, July 12th.
Playing to an all-ages crowd, with multiple local music artists in attendance, Grynch was on point the whole set. On stage, Grynch is a little ball of energy; he bounced around and constantly moved to connect with every eye that was fixed on him. He never left the avid show-goers feeling like they missed out on anything, and he always interacted with the crowd who ate up every second of it. The biggest compliment to Grynch is that he sounds the same live as he does recorded. The tone of his deep raspy voice is exactly as you hear on the EP, and he doesn’t get off track by sounding winded. This brought the audience into the music even more and left them with a feeling of familiarity.
Grynch performed every song from the Chemistry EP along with a few select choices from his past releases. It is apparent that Grynch’s loyal fan base is growing. Quite a few times, fans were heard shouting out requests for “I’m a Dreamer”, a song from his November 2008 release Something MoreEP. Unprepared for such a response, Grynch wasn’t able to fulfill every request but did not disappoint as he rocked “Dear Grynch,” a classic tongue-in-cheek song, from My Second Wind, to which the crowd rapped along to. Grynch displayed his stage experience as Geologic, of Blue Scholars, and Tunji, of Inverse, joined him on stage for “Smoke & Mirrors.” When a minor lapse in lyric memorization occurred during the song, the trio of performing vets continued without any break in the energy; the crowd didn’t miss a beat.
The biggest response of the night came when Grynch performed “My Volvo,” a song about his 1984 Volvo. Joining him on stage were the “Grynchettes” (Tunji, Macklemore & Khingz wearing wigs), who added a bit of comedy relief that had everyone laughing. During the verses, the Grynchettes had a few synchronized steps that rivaled those of The Supremes. However, when the chorus hit, mayhem ensued as the Grynchettes jumped around on stage while making a wheel-turning motion, which the crowd emulated. “My Volvo” was such a success when performed live, that the crowd demanded an encore performance at the end of his set; to which Grynch obliged.
Grynch overall has a lot of tools in his rhyming repertoire. While his lyrics are thoughtful and rhythmically pleasing, he still lacks that irresistible club hit that you can’t stop dancing to. Despite this, Grynch’s performance and energy make it safe to say that not only did he fill the shoes but he outgrew them.
Before the show, I had the opportunity to sit down with Grynch and discuss his growth, haters, and the Chemistry EP. Sit back and learn a bit more about the “King Of Ballard.”
Seattle Show Gal is in hot pursuit of undiscovered talent! How many great bands are out there that are slipping through the cracks? Seattle is saturated with so much music, it would be nearly impossible to sift through it all to find the good stuff. The Seattle Show Gal staff is not so proud to think that we can bring you all of it, but we are actively pursuing all different types of acts to give you a pulse on what is going on--right here in Seattle! (See more in "About")
(Photo: zolo for SSG)
