When we first saw that Roc Nations’s Rapsody and Rhymesayers Entertainment’s much talked about signee Sa-Roc were going on a US run together for Rap’s A Black Woman Created This tour, we were hype. Both artists have earned critical acclaim and respect from fans and piers alike, and it’s dope to see them join forces. We caught the Portland stop of the northwest leg of the tour at the charming Star Theater in the heart of the city.
North Carolina’s own duo of MC’s Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, better known collectively as Little Brother, have built a cult following over the last 15 years and have achieved underground legend status in the process. They just might be your favorite rapper’s favorite rappers…literally, if you don’t believe me, just ask Drake. They’ve been on somewhat of a hiatus since their split with famed producer 9th Wonder, but this fall they returned with a bangin’ full length album May The Lord Watch, and they’ve been on the road for the last few months promoting it. We were lucky enough to catch their stop at the intimate Peter’s Room, directly underneath the famous Roseland Theater in Portland.
Singer and songwriter Jamila Woods has been paying dues in the music industry for quite a while now, and she’s finally getting some much deserved spotlight with her sophomore album LEGACY! LEGACY!, a soul kissed modern masterpiece which dropped last month. In addition to the chart spots and critical acclaim the album is recieving, Woods has been on the road for weeks serenading adoring fans at packed and sold out nights across the country. We caught one of the closing nights of the tour at the historic Star Theatre in downtown Portland, Oregon. With tour openers Nitty Scott and one-woman-show Duendita (who was incredible) to set things off, everyone was more than ready when Jamily finally floated onto the stage with her excellent band. Playing most of the material from LEGACY! LEGACY!, Jamila displayed some serious star power with a pitch perfect and energetic performance. Glowing with a huge smile between each song, it was evident that Jamila she hasn’t quite gotten used to seeing sold out crowds singing every word along with her. Check out the photo recap courtesy of Robb Perry and be sure to check out Jamila Woods’ LEGACY! LEGACY! out now!
Rapper A$AP Ferg will continue to strive in 2018. The 29-year-old emcee has announced the initial dates on his 2018 Mad Man tour, which sees him trekking across the U.S. and Canada this spring. 31 dates are scheduled along the tour leg between February and April. View the complete list of tour dates below.
Gramatik has been making a name for himself for nearly a decade with his unique take on electronic music. As fellow stoners we love his laid back hip hop vibes, and his live shows are always a great time. He’s on tour now in support of his new Re:Coil Part 1 EP, which is somewhat of a departure from his classic sound. If you’re in the Northwest be sure to catch Gramatik at the Roseland Theatre in downtown Portland this February to see what he has in store.
A$AP Ferg has proven that he’s here to stay as he continues dropping consistent quality music and keeps a rigorous tour schedule. He’s just announced his latest, the ‘Mad Man’ tour, set to hit more than 30 cities including a stop at The Roseland Theater in Portland on March 22nd. Joined by popular artists IDK, and Denzel Curry, it’s sure to be a dope show!
Project Pabst offers a unique experience, incorporating music, art, hands-on experiences, as well as food and beer at reasonable “non-festival” prices. Aside from great bands, festival goers will be entertained with the PBRcade (an old school arcade), PBR Vandalism which is an interactive art experience utilizing a van as a canvas, and PBR Wax, which is a mobile studio where people can record their own demo of music and take away the recording on a vinyl 45. Additionally, a local artist from each city will be highlighted on a limited edition Project Pabst 16 oz. can.
Don’t miss this unique music festival in Portland August 26th & 27th! Check out the lineup below including Nas, Die Antwood, Beck and more!
Goldlink is one of our favorite artists to come up in the past few years. With his super smooth flow and impeccable independent hustle he recently earned himself a gold record for his single “Crew,” off his latest album At What Cost. Link is now out touring the album around the country. Check out the tour dates below and don’t miss Goldlink in your city!
After watching his 13th album 4:44 go platinum, JAY-Z will bring his newly-crowned opus on the road as part of his 4:44 Tour. Slated to launch Oct. 27 in Anaheim, CA., JAY-Z will embark on a 31-city trek nationwide. Hov’s journey will find him in our favorite cities including Denver, Portland, and of course, his hometown, Brooklyn. Then, he’ll wrap things up right before the holidays with a Dec. 21 gig at The Forum in Los Angeles.
Portland, Oregon is quickly becoming the new hot spot for weed tourists from around the country and world, and for good reason. They have great herb, microbrews, and an impressive concert scene that’s really been picking up on the hip hop side of things. We got the chance to check out the city’s largest 420 party, the first annual Cloud City music and cannabis exibit featuring headliner Lupe Fiasco, hosted at the Roseland Theater in downtown Portland. Photos by Sam Slater.