You can not discuss Seattle hip-hop royalty with out discussing Common Market. Before Macklemore exploded into international spotlight and became the biggest commercial success our hip-hop community has ever seen, there was Sir Mix-A-Lot and a lot of identity crisis. That was until Seattle finally found a sound they could identify with. The sound came from a game changing producer and two of the illest MC’s the Pacific Northwest has ever produced.
A Brief Insight Into Seattle Hip-Hop
Forever linked through their history, Common Market and Blue Scholars became the Seattle sound. Common Market’s frontman, Ra Scion, and Blue Scholars front man, Geo, were notorious for spitting complex bars. Musically, telling stories that pay homage to the history of hip-hop and at times, foretelling the trends that would become its future. Both MC’s were blessed with Sabzi’s infectious production.
More than ten years have passed since they released any new music. Fans have long since accepted that era of Seattle hip-hop ended in the pursuit of being “next up” after Macklemore’s massive success.
In the vacuum that followed there has been a lot growing pains. With that came a lot of great artists, and honestly a lot of bad ones. Whether trying to stand out with gimmicks or follow trends from other regions was the problem, we can’t say for sure. These days, Travis Thompson and Dave B are capitalizing on their hit song with Macklemore. We got Raz Simone doubling down on his independence and community building. Plus, MC’s such as Lil Mosey, Macntaj, Karma Knows, Nobi, and quite a few other great artists are beginning to define the new generation’s sound and spirit, we can say hip-hop feels alive in the city again.
Studio Session with Common Market
The Comeback of Common Market
Inspired to tap into the youth and share his wisdom and love for the game Ra Scion realized he was the face of the Common Market sound and brand. He had inspired a generation of artists to want to feel the “Swell” on stage and in their expression of themselves. A modest and humble man from the farms of Kentucky, he landed in Seattle by way of Zambia. Now, Ra Scion is finally ready to tell the stories of yesteryear, writing a new chapter in the Common Market history book.
I was going to try and pack all the cool details about Macklemore, Geo, and the whole Massline crew into this written story. But to be real, the interview was so much fun and Ra was so open about it all that it’s really best to hear it from him. He details the history of Ra and Sabzi’s relationship. Shares how health issues ultimately served as a roadblock to greater success. Plus, he spoke on new upcoming shows and even a Tobacco Road live album potentially in the works.
Taane TV Interviews Common Market For Respect My Region
In the second video, courtesy of Taane TV, you can watch Common Market in the studio for the first time in a long time. The duo was working on the beginnings of the new Tobacco Road album over live instrumentation.
