Word Around the Sound is… that we lost a legendary part of Seattle hip-hop with the passing of Steezie NASA. Coming up the hard way, Steez made a big impact on the city as part of the Moor Gang collective. Nacho Picasso and Jarv Dee took him under their wing to create the BadAssYellowBoyz. Their album Ziploc Hip-Hop will forever be a classic Seattle hip-hop record. King of the awkward pause, NASA had his own approach to rhyming and just like in real life he remained unapologetically himself with everything he did.
There are so many highlights throughout Steezie NASA’s discography. His 2011 album release Hella Proper featured the iconic triple play, “Steezattle,” “Sex, Drugs & Rock N Roll,” and “Maintain,” shutting down any concern the listener may have about his talent. My favorite of his releases, Moor Militia features an incredible lineup of featured artists and producers. I recommend running through the album top to bottom, but if you need a catchy jumping off point check out “All Day.” Other stand out tracks from NASA include “Who I Am,” off of his 2014 release Lucky 7, and “Suicide Drill” off of his 2015 release Trap Alien.
We’re sending love to the family of Steezie NASA, the Moor Gang family, and the entire community that surrounded him.
LONG LIVE STEEZIE NASA!
D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way
Recently, the block along Union Street from 21st to 22nd in the Central District was renamed in honor of D’Vonne Pickett Jr., who was fatally shot last October. Pickett, along with his wife Keanna, ran a shipping and mailing business called “The Postman” less than a half mile away. Their presence made a positive impact on not just their community, but the city as a whole. We lost an influential leader in our community due to senseless gun violence. His legacy will continue to live on through his family, their business, and now the block which held such a special place in his heart.
Nicky Chappell shares a hug under the new street sign honoring her son, D’Vonne Pickett Jr., who was fatally shot last October near his business in Seattle’s Central District. | Credit to Gustavo Sagrero Alvarez
Recent Album Releases
Grieves & Mouse Powell, Why Not?
Grieves’ latest album is a collaborative project with Arizona’s Mouse Powell titled Why Not? Love is a central theme throughout, along with the ups and downs that come along with any relationship. Both Grieves and Mouse Powell exude this luscious air of confidence that presents itself in sharp, witty rhymes, fluid cadences that interact with the beat, and a light-hearted playful tone that makes it seem like the two artists were genuinely having fun in the studio together.
In support of the album, Grieves and Mouse Powell are throwing a release party at Madame Lou’s on Thursday, March 9th. Oranj Goodman will be joining them on the bill. The show is all ages, tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, and doors will open at 7:30 PM.
Grady, Everything Happens So Fast
Everything Happens So Fast is the second audio film that Grady has released so far this year. A great producer is also a great storyteller. Nowadays, a majority of producers don’t take the time to even write a story; they just plug and play whatever the latest drum kit is with the hottest sample pack on the production marketplace and send it off to some wannabe rapper to spit some recycled bars over. With Everything Happens So Fast, Grady has written a seven-part love story without the need for any lyrics at all.
The beauty of albums like this, is you can let the song title be the main narrative but then let your imagination run wild alongside the beat to visualize the story that you feel the song is telling. Listening to Grady’s production is basically like a guided meditation session that is meant to provoke inspiring thoughts. Simultaneously, it’s a blissful retreat to help decompress from the chaotic energy of the world and constant bombardment of information through our phone. Check out both of his audio films on Bandcamp.
Anthony Danza, We Got Plays 2 Make
At this point, I really shouldn’t have to explain how much I love Anthony Danza’s music; we don’t have the luxury of time for that, We Got Plays 2 Make, baby. His latest album has been in daily rotation since it dropped. As much as the West Coast is ingrained in his sound, Danza got some real Miami in the 80s type vibes. Overall, the album sounds like I should be wearing linen with a cigar in my mouth. Stand out tracks for me are, “The Finer Things,” “Gilligan,” and “Time Goes By.”
AJ Suede & Televangel, Parthian Shots
AJ Suede is one of those artists who is constantly releasing music. This gives his audience the best chance at finding a sound that appeals to them. Although at his core, Suede has an incredibly recognizable and distinct sound, within his discography he explores many different sounds and lets his daily experiences in the world influence how his tone changes with each release. AJ also tends to bounce around between different producers (including using his own production) for each project which keeps things fresh considering how quickly he releases new music.
Most recently, Suede partnered up with frequent collaborator Televangel to produce an exceptional album titled Parthian Shots. It’s not quite spring yet, but this project definitely has a fresh in bloom feeling to it. There are too many standouts on this album for me to even suggest a few songs to start with, so I recommend setting aside 45 minutes and listening to the entire thing.
Nobi “Flowers” Music Video
Nobi recently dropped a song and music video titled “Flowers.” The film noir was shot and edited by James Gerde (Gerde Got It) who incorporates stunning AI visual effects within his original shots. The cinematography is wonderful with gorgeous shots of contrasting light; from the glow of a static-filled TV to the streetlights highlighting different spots of concrete as Nobi walks through the city. Truly blown away by how beautiful this video is.
Sessions in Place with Don Grey, Zodic, and Don Dishes
In case you missed it, Sessions in Place hosted Don Grey, Zodic, and Don Dishes at Emerald City Trapeze Arts back on February 25th. All three performances are now available to watch on the Sessions in Place YouTube channel. Highly recommend checking it out and subscribing.
TrueIIForm at Madame Lou’s on March 14th
TrueIIForm, the powerhouse duo of RA Scion and Gifted Youngstaz are headlining at Madame Lou’s on March 14th to celebrate the release of their album Genuflexion. Khingz, Sendai Era, and J. Miller will be joining them on stage. Tickets are $19 in advance; the show is 21+ and doors will open at 7:30 PM.
Bad Idea Party at No Bad Days
Bad Idea parties were started by DJ Calico as a way to spice up the night life in Seattle. He’s created a vibrant dance party that encourages everyone to come out and express themselves to the fullest. If you’re looking for a good time, and maybe some Bad Ideas, head out to the No Bad Days space in Capitol Hill on Saturday, March 11th. Lace Cadence, Calico, SHESGUCCI, and NAMI will be setting the vibes all night. Tickets are just $11 in advance and the party starts at 9:30 PM for all those 21 and up.
Capitol Hill Block Party Announces 2023 Lineup
One of Seattle’s favorite summertime traditions, Capitol Hill Block Party, just announced their lineup for the 2023 season. Sofi Tukker, Denzel Curry, and Louis the Child take the headlining slots with an eclectic lineup set for the weekend of July 21-23. The early bird tickets are sadly all gone, but none-the-less, there are still plenty of worms to snatch up for all you late risers. As per usual, I’ll be taking a deep dive into the lineup but from first glance, I’m happy to see Samurai Del, I///U, Taylar Elizza Beth, Daizha, Talaya., Fluencie, and Karma Rivera on the bill.
