Seattle hip-hop has always been vital, maybe even underrated, but these day's it's undeniable. As we saw at Upstream this year, it's poised for an overdue breakout. The only issue at this point is being overwhelmed with the sheer volume of artists to parse through. For those ready to fully immerse themselves in this electric, bold, and beautiful wave of music, this weekend you'll have a chance to take it all in in one place.
Block Party at The Station is a FREE annual festival celebrating South Seattle's music and arts community, returning on June 17 from 12-8 PM at The Station coffee shop in Beacon Hill. This year's lineup is brimming over with some of Seattle's reigning talent and vital voices. One of Seattle hip-hop's greatest assets has been it's lack of homogeneity, with each artist forging their own sound and approach. It's a lineup that boosts up longtime favorites rappers like Dave B alongside young upstarts like Koga Shabazz. B-boy crew Massive Monkees will unite with the world/soul-fusion band Big World Breaks for a headlining performance. Poet-turned-mayoral candidate KO Nikkita (a.k.a. Nikkita Oliver) will grace the stage in the evening for what's sure to be a rousing performance.DoNormaal, a seemingly omnipresent force in the city, will headline a showcase that's stacked with buzzed about talent. She'll helm the stage alongside Guayaba, Taylar Elizza Beth, Falon Sierra, Raven Matthews, Golden Alchemy, Astro King Phoenix, and DJ/Women.Weed.WiFi creative director J-Nasty. Throughout the day there will also be a live beatmaking tent, featuring a comprehensive sample of Seattle's boldest producers.
Aside from music, there will be plenty of art across various other mediums to absorb as well. There will be live paintings, galleries, a performances by Northwest Tap Connection, and even the martial arts with a performance by Seattle Capoeira Center. Check out the full lineup and a video roundup of some of the artists below.
Dave B | Massive Monkees | DoNormaal | Big World Breaks | KO Nikkita | Guayaba | Northwest Tap Connection | ParisAlexa | Astro King Phoenix | Rell Be Free | Essam | Taylar Elizza Beth | Koga Shabazz | Da Qween | orbé orbé | Golden Alchemy | Malicious Allure | Falon Sierra | Peace & Red Velvet | Carlarans | Raven Matthews | Jade Dynasty | Randy Ford | Kara Phoebe | FemBoy | Fab 5 | Purple Lemonade | Leija Farr | Seattle Capoeira Center | Ce At Tonalli | Au Collective | Blu The Baqi | Matt Remle | J Mase III | WD4D | Seabefore | J-Nasty | DJ Toya B
Live Beatmaking Tent
Diogenes | OK | Akira Gautama | JD Flow | Third Eye Bling | Vaughn | Thad Wenatchee | Andrew Savoie | Nice Nate
UPDATE: Light in the Attic write "due to circumstances out of our control, the listening party has been re-scheduled for Sunday, June 25th at Noon." More info here.
Every week, KEXP features a new local artist with an interview and suggested tracks for where to start. This week, we are featuring artists performing during Block Party at The Station, this Saturday, June 17 in Beacon Hill.
Every week, KEXP features a new local artist with an interview and suggested tracks for where to start. This week, we are featuring artists performing during Block Party at The Station, this Saturday, June 17, in Beacon Hill.
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