What’s good, RMR people! PNW Rising is back in action to show off the unquestionable talent of the Pacific Northwest’s rap and hip-hop scene. We’ve got creativity, and we’ve got raw emotion. You really can’t expect anything less from these gifted artists of the PNW. Get excited because we got some real lit ones for you this week, and be sure to check all these tracks out and more on our Highway Fire Playlist on RMR Spotify.
Whois_JG “Sending Shots (feat. Alex J)”
As the piano sets the stage, classic hip-hop beats come through for this urban serenade. Wenatchee bred Whois_JG comes in quick with emotionally charged bars in this melodic rap that has definitely earned a spot on this week’s PWN Rising. Then we’ve got Alex J popping in the last half, spitting verses that keep it to the point about knowing that the ones in his circle are there for him through it all. The music video from The Valley Flows, directed by Itsmaddawg, has such clean visuals and gives humble vibes with its barber shop setting.
EMB FLAME “Let Them Know”
As the beat kicks in, a delicate xylophone-like instrument joins the mix on this track giving a dope ass contrast with the deep piano and lines coming from another Wenatchee native, EMB FLAME. There’s one thing he wants to make clear, and that is EMB FLAME’s art comes from the heart and material things aren’t what motivate or inspire him. That’s a message that embodies what hip-hop and music in general should be all about: the craft. This is the kind of artistic integrity we unfortunately don’t see everyone have and I give mad props for EMB FLAME pointing that out.
Ali Ferrari & Cartezian “FLASHBKS”
Seattle’s Ali Ferrari & Cartezian join forces to collab on a track about reminiscing and missing an old flame. Even as time goes by, there’s sometimes that one that got away. This song talks about jumping right back to where you left off if you ever get the chance. While there isn’t an official music video for this release, this Insta post with the song played over clips of Attack On Titan is still such a fire move if you were to ask this anime fan over here.
L$P “Ridin’ On Hope”
This spoken word bop by one of the hottest artists in Seattle is on our PNW Rising because it’s flooded with words of wisdom, so give this one a really good listen. At the end of the day, we gotta do what’s right even if it doesn’t please the masses. It’s important to remember though that even though you don’t want to be a sheep, wolves still have to have a pack to survive. Know your people, and make sure they’re the right people. Keep doing you, and those that are true to you will be there, so don’t ever change yourself for the worst just to fit in. Play this lo fi banger louder for the sheep in the back.
Lroc “Every Kind Of Way (HEmix)”
This remix of “Every Kind Of Way” by H.E.R. is a much raunchier version from a male perspective. With the same kind of soulful delivery, “Every Kind Of Way (HEmix)” gets bold and provocative about the undeniable pull of someone you’re not supposed to have but still want to spend all night with doing the dirty. Sometimes that taboo-like situation is exactly what makes you want the person that much more, and that’s exactly the point Lroc makes, and the message is loud and clear.
Its PZ “Like You Used 2”
Seattle native Its PZ drops something real crazy with this one. This track is anything but basic or subtle with the way this rapper drops his bars with total confidence. This dude is not shy about letting a girl know that he is the smoothest in the game, and there’s no one that she can get with that matches his flow. There’s something you got to respect about putting what’s on his mind out there unapologetically, and how he puts his heart on his sleeve but in the hardest way.
Xavier Weeks “TAKE YOU THERE”
Probably the most unique selection this week is “TAKE YOU THERE.” Immediately kicking off with some funky electronic beats, this fusion of dance and hip hop is the top choice for hitting up the club. With his signature melodic vocals, Xavier Weeks gives us a simple and sweet tune has the lyrics of a ballad, but the bounce of a dance floor groove. Not gonna lie, I don’t hate the nod to Justin Bieber’s “Beauty and a Beat” on this lay either.
Oblé Reed “PUSHEM. FREESTYLE”
In Oblé Reed’s freshest release, this Seattle artist straight spits fire in an anthem-type style that goes hard as hell. The pulse of it all immediately grabs your attention the moment you press play. I also gotta take a second to point out the cinematography on the IG video Reed released for the track because it goes just as crazy as the actual song itself. Can you imagine what this is gonna sound like live? I have no doubt this is the kind of fire that’ll get the crowd going fucking wild.
DMANN Sorry 4 The Wait
Alright, y’all, we’re wrapping up PNW Rising with DMANN‘s latest EP. Sorry 4 The Wait has haunting and gritty sounds with clean ass hip-hop beats backing up verses that can get dark but also so real. The Seattle rapper doesn’t play when it comes to speaking the truth, and even though he’s not perfect, he acknowledges that and doesn’t try to be anything that he’s not. DMANN likes what he likes, and he’s here to let us know he goes for what he wants.
