Before the new year begins, we got some local hip-hop artists crafting narratives that resonate with the essence of the Pacific Northwest for our Respect My Region people. Through the beats and rhymes of some of the most compelling storytellers in the PNW, we’re going to set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and promising new year in 2024. Sit back and let these masters inspire and entertain you with RMR’s last PNW Rising of 2023!
TKO TOE Cityscape Sessions
This Seattle queen makes dropping bars look so easy. TKO TOE comes out with a sesh previewing her upcoming drop, and she’s bringing some major heat. Her vibe comes off just as relaxed as her delivery, and she doesn’t rap just for the sake of rapping. She’s got important shit to say and uses her art to do it.
KEVY “Precious Time”
We got another chill one for you here by KEVY. He has said this is somewhat an end of an era for him as this is his last release before he takes a hiatus. While it may not be a permanent goodbye from rapping, take a moment to appreciate “Precious Time” because as the name suggests, life’s moments are fleeting and we don’t know when we’ll get another banger from KEVY.
Topp “DO IT AGAIN Feat. Karma Knows & Shayhan”
Completely shot from a first person perspective, the music video for “DO IT AGAIN” gives a unique perspective on a night in the life of Topp as he and his crew decide to get real trippy. This is such a dope way to share a psychedelic experience as the visuals shift from realistic to otherworldly. The music itself also documents the journey and powering through its most intense moments.
Isaacjacuzzi “Black Hearts Face Tatts”
Hip-hop artist from Seattle, Isaacjacuzzi is making his craft for the brokenhearted. His latest music video shows memorials and is a memorial in itself for those lost and also a heart wrenching anthem for those suffering loss. Isaacjacuzzi has gone on to show he and his world may have turned upside down, but he’s going to run with it and make creations that come straight from the heart and nothing else.
2oopaid TK “I like you”
Even if she already got a man, the heart wants what the heart wants according to 2oopaid TK. He’s confident in himself to let this girl he’s got his sights on know that he can treat her better than whoever she’s with, and it’s about time to give him a chance. Set in a roller rink arcade with black lights and an arcade, the music video also gives hella nostalgic vibes.
Capital P “00$ (feat. Interstate Smoke)”
Capital P and Interstate Smoke are all about extravagance in their latest joint project. The tempo stays like a steady heartbeat throughout the song with a bassline that maintains a classic hip-hop beat. The lyrics give off wealth with a video to match, showing off stacks on stacks and bottles of champagne.
EMI “Outside”
While dropping hard ass bars, EMI provides an urban fusion with dashes of pop and electric beats. The autotune effects on her vocals also give the tune a more modernized tone, and she assures you that she knows who she is: a damn boss that’s here for a good time. The music video goes from grainy to high-def visuals of Seattle, house parties, and EMI turning up with her girls; it’s enough to get me craving a lit night out.
Bryce Bowden “Baby I’m Home”
Bowden may hustle hard, but at the end of the day, he still doesn’t want to lose sight of what he considers home. The leisurely guitar riffs give this tune an extra homey feel along with the soulful vocal runs that you can hear in the background throughout the whole melody. Personally, I’m also a big fan of the Forrest Gump inspiration in the video.
MIKEJACK3200 – “CROSSROADS (Poem)”
We’re going to wrap up our end of the year PNW Rising with something a little different, a poem. Sometimes you got a strip down the wordplay bare to make sure the point of your message is getting across to your listeners, and that’s exactly what MIKEJACK3200 did. Much like a phoenix, this hip-hop poet addresses rising up from adversity to continue striving for the best and continuing to be better than the day before. To me, this is the perfect way for us to reflect on the final days of 2023 and the person we strive to be in the new year.
