Here we go again!!! Respect My Region is back with the second installment of “Northwest Rising”. Back in February we visited the Washington State capitol of Olympia and looked at 5 of the top emcees coming out of the small Northwest town. This time we head about 2 hours south on Interstate 5 to the city of Portland, Oregon.
The city of roses is most well-known for The Trailblazers, Portlandia and Voodoo Donuts, but people that know Portland understand that there has always been a strong indie music scene in the city. In recent years there has been a lot of tension between the city of Portland (including the police and fire departments) and the local hip-hop scene in particular. The results being hip-hop shows getting shut down for various reasons and venues being less willing to host hip-hop or rap shows. Regardless of the situations, the hip-hop community in Portland is kicking out some major talent. Last year we even saw Amine release a major hit with his single and accompanying video, “Caroline”.
In this edition of Northwest Rising, we selected 5 artists from PDX that have been putting in the necessary work to become breakout successes.
Portland’s Hottest Hip-Hop Artists
The Last Artful, Dodgr
The Last Artful, Dodgr is an MC signed to former NBA player Martell Webster’s indie label, EYRST Records. Armed with one of the most unique flows I have ever heard and a strong team behind her, The Last Artful, Dodgr is poised for stardom. This past year was a big one for the upcoming rapper seeing her grace the stage of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and an appearance on Shade 45’s “Sway In The Morning”. Her record and video for the track, “Squadron” in 2016 also help further the buzz of her young career. 2017 has already started off fast with the release of, “Bone Music”, a track that was produced by Neill Von Tally. Keep an ear out for The Last Artful, Dodgr, a star in the making.
The Last Artful, Dodgr: “Squadron” (Official Video)
Myke Bogan
Myke Bogan, like The Last Artful, Dodgr is also signed to EYRST Records. Myke Bogan is a name you will hear every time Portland hip-hop is brought up. Last year, I happened to catch him on tour during a stop in Olympia, WA and he was easily the best act on a show that featured many talented musicians. Myke is always dropping new music and performing all over the Northwest sharing his sounds. Recently, he released the video for his track, “My Own” with LIKE from PACDIV. The video debuted on Pigeons and Planes and should further grow the buzz building for the Portland MC.
Myke Bogan: “My Own” ft. LIKE (Official Video)
Vinnie Dewayne
Vinnie Dewayne may very well be the best rapper in Portland right now. Right up until its release in January, his most recent effort, The Dt. John’s Scholar, was possibly the most anticipated release coming out of the Portland music scene. In addition to this stellar project, he also released one of the most creative songs and videos I’ve seen in a while with “Sleep Paralysis” from his Duality EP. The creativity in his music and visuals have even drawn comparisons to Kendrick Lamar. Now having moved back to the city of Chicago where he attended college, Vinnie looks to open up a new phase in his career.
Vinnie Dewayne: “Sleep Paralysis” (Official Video):
Mic Capes
Over the last couple years one of the hardest working, most consistent rappers in The PDX, has hands down been Mic Capes. In 2016, Mic dropped his album, Concrete Dreams, which was one the most critically acclaimed albums to come out of Portland that entire year. In addition to the release of the full-length LP, Mic Capes has also been featured in such publications as Thisis50, HipHopDX, and Ambrosia For Heads, as well as being named by Willamette Weekly as the top album of 2016 out of Portland.
So far this year the Portland rhymer is off to a blazing start having just released the video for his single, “Chains” and also appearing in Team Backpack’s PDX cypher alongside Portland battle rap legend, Illmaculate. Mic Capes is the definition of an MC on the rise.
Mic Capes: “Chains” (Official Video):
IAME
IAME who also goes by the moniker, Wool See, is a recording artist for indie mainstay Heaven Noise Recordings. I have had the pleasure of seeing this guy perform multiple times and it is always an amazing performance. You also never know what you’re going to get. IAME happens to be a part of legendary Portland crew, The Sandpeople. If that wasn’t enough, he is also a member of the NW juggernaut that is Oldominion.
IAME is constantly putting out new music, at one point even putting out an average of a song per week during the course of an entire year. The Rose City rhymer is consistently touring around the country spreading his message while also being covered by some of the top hip-hop media outlets in the world. If you haven’t had a chance, check him out and stay tuned. I guarantee he has something new coming out very soon… he always does.
Wool See: “Departures” (Official Video):
As always, we would love to know your thoughts about the artists featured on our list. Let us know if you think we left anyone out or show some love with a share.
Salute to all the hard working artists we cover and to the ones we don’t, keep on grinding and we’ll give you your shot here soon enough.
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