Word Around the Sound is… Oblé Reed has been blazing a trail through the city all year since he released his debut project LINDENAVE! Since its release, one of the standout tracks, “HOMETOWNHERO.” has garnered over 1.5 million streams across all platforms. Now Oblé is giving us the visuals for the song, which takes us on a trip around the city seeing iconic Seattle landmarks while he talks about the dynamic between him and his hometown.
Over this year, I’ve written about Oblé many times and have described his talent in many ways. For this video, the one word I’d use to describe it has to be iconic- considering this motherfucker out here rocking his pants backwards like he’s part of Kris Kross or something. Jokes aside, he doesn’t just rap his lyrics to the camera, but rather delivers another stellar performance that showcases brilliantly what he brings to the table as an artist.
What really stands out about this video, above all else, is the collaboration with his team and, in particular, his director Nash Pearson. Oblé and Nash work symbiotically together to consistently produce incredible work, with “HOMETOWNHERO.” being yet another example in their portfolio. Nash’s eye for framing a shot, the way he clips and edits the scenes together to emphasize the dynamics of the song, and the value of the shots that he’s getting all contribute to the high quality of this release.
One time for all of the people who came together to make the “HOMETOWNHERO.” music video.
Rounding out his live performances for the year, Oblé will be closing out the Sunset Tavern stage for Freakout Fest on Saturday, November 4. He’ll also be headlining at the High Dive on Wednesday, November 22. Lakewood’s own R&B sensation, LIVt, and soulful, funky hip-hop band SUS will also be taking the stage that night for a magical moment in Fremont. The show is part of the citywide Cloudbreak Music Festival taking place from November 1-22 featuring a variety of different acts and venues across Seattle.
Oblé Reed “HOMETOWNHERO.” Music Video
Porsche – Porsche for President
Next election season, I want to see everybody’s ballot reading Porsche for President. This cute four-track EP is a compelling bid from this Puget Sound poet. Porsche opened herself up for her debut project and had the courage right from the beginning to give us her most vulnerable self.
“The Vibe” set from the beginning is immaculate, with the first track commenting on the chokehold that social media has on society and how it plays into interpersonal relationships. The title track paints a portrait of a brave, confident, and open soul; “share my voice for the little kid that lives inside of me… I’ve recognized my power that resides in this body.” After “coming back full circle,” with a “full transition like [she’s] Urkle,” Porsche closes out her bid for presidency with a final “Note To Self:” that is filled with sweet personal affirmations spoken over a soothing acoustic guitar riff subdued in the background.
La and Jester – Elevated Game
La finally dropped his latest album Elevated Game and he clarifies that him and producer Jester “don’t compete, come close, or compare” to anybody else in the rap game. The whole album reeks of Lemon Cherry Gelato as he casually sparks blunt bars verse after verse.
Never letting off the gas, La goes full throttle through the whole album. He represents what it really means to rap, crafting rhymes that stack witty wordplay with stories focused on his own life. Meanwhile, he continuously backs up his often-cocky approach with intelligent lyrics that make keen observations on the lack of effort in hip-hop today. Every track on the project shows us that La and Jester are playing an Elevated Game and other rappers need to step up their own.
Kassa Overall – “2 Sentimental”
“They say get up, get out and get something. If you broke, they gonna treat you like you nothing,” Kassa Overall laments in his latest track “2 Sentimental.” With equal parts hip-hop flow and jazzy tones, Kassa gives us a beautifully raw track to relate to going into the long, dark and dreary season coming up.
Campana with Kembe X – “WOODS”
Campana is luring his audience into the “WOODS” in this haunting new single featuring the incomparable Kembe X. The entire track has an infectious bounce to it that pairs well with the breezy, leaf rustling flows that Campana and Kembe deliver. The quick and catchy tune is bound to dominate playlists for months to come.
Shabazz Palaces – Robed in Rareness
Shabazz Palaces finally released their highly anticipated album, Robed in Rareness, which I highlighted in a previous Word Around the Sound. Building off of the initial singles, the album continues to be a floaty, effervescent vibe with the weight of the lyrics keeping everything grounded. We’d already seen plenty of incredible features but with the full project, we’re seeing a full range of talented artists- including Porter Ray, Lavarr the Starr, and Geechi Suede, who all fit effortlessly into the Shabazz universe.
Anthony Danza Collection Plate
The Collection Plate is being passed around to gather donations in exchange for Anthony Danza’s latest album. Although, really Danza is the one giving us the offerings this time around with a collection of songs that are absolutely bangin’ as per usual.
To match the energy of the colder weather, Collection Plate takes a more subdued approach than some of Danza’s previous releases. His signature flow is still there, and there is no shortage of danceable grooves, however, this album is much easier to kick back, blow a few, and casually bop your head to while you listen through the project.
OG Mambo – Pacific North Fresh
In OG Mambo’s latest album, Pacific North Fresh, it’s obvious that the Seattle-based Zimbabwean rapper is having a good fucking time. I can quite literally hear the smile on his face while listening to the album. Like the ultimate host would, Mambo takes you through many vibes from the softer more romantic songs, like “Date,” “Learn 2 Stay” featuring Mal Holladay, and “Whatever You Say” to the hard-hitting bangers like “Chop The Top,” “Dayne Morisaki,” and “Askin 4” featuring longtime collaborator WebbWavvy. With every run through, I pick up more and more of his witty bars making this an easy album to replay often while still staying fresh to your ears.
New Track City – “DAWG”
New Track City been back with a vengeance this year. Their latest track “DAWG” showcases the distinct difference in flows that both Bem and Chi.Stone bring to the table. Being brothers, their familial roots run deep in the subject matter of every song, speaking on all aspects of their personal life. “10 toes down, bitch believe that. I’ve always done me as you can see that. This isn’t a role; I really mean that. Keep your criticism, we’ll take feedback.”
Upcoming Events Around the Sound
Friday, November 3: DMNT Visions presents Dante Riverz with Josiah Mekhi and Mozaia at the Clock-Out Lounge in Beacon Hill. The show is 21+ with doors opening at 8pm and the show starting at 9pm. Tickets are $15.
Wednesday, November 8: Weedmaps Wednesdays featuring: The Rhetorician, CHRVNS, Knowsee, Yonny, Blksknn and Bryce Bowden at Nectar Lounge in Fremont. The show is 21+ and either $5 or it’s FREE.99 if you RSVP here, then download the Weedmaps app and present it at the door.
November 1-22: Cloudbreak Music Fest is celebrating Seattle with a variety of concerts in different venues across the city. More details on the shows can be found at their website.
Wednesday, November 22: Cloudbreak presents Oblé Reed with LIVt and SUS at the High Dive. Tickets are $10 in advance for folks 21+ and the doors will open at 8pm.
