This week I had the opportunity to hear a 25360 legend speak. This is a man who has put his passions before his purse, he put art ahead of business, and he has been and still is a
There is nothing more fun to me than being in position to “give it up” to noteworthy hustlers, players and go-getters. Johnson is one of these people and in my eyes it is unfortunate that heroes and hustlers like him go unsung so often — he would most likely shrug his shoulders. However, to give some perspective about Johnson’s and K Records’ impact on the
On a less inspirational note,
I’ve been receiving questions about famed San Francisco MC and Bay Area Legend, Andre Nickatina. He is currently on his Coke White Tour with Mike P, Smoov-E (on some dates) and OG super-producer, Nick Peace. He does have a new album out with Mac Dre, but is prepping to release, Khanthology 2, the second installment of his personally selected tracks from his first album in 1992 through his most recent releases of 2008. I don’t know if he is coming to Tacoma/Olympia anytime soon though. No word.
On another note, look — or should I say listen for Tacoma OG, Mr. 6ix’s new single about to rattle your trunk. I met with him by the Tacoma Mall outside of Red Robin’s, and he didn’t try to hype it, he didn’t talk it up, he didn’t try to convince me of how dope it is based on who produced it … he said, “Jose, the music will speak for itself!.” I had to listen and give it up for an OG. The Eastside Tacoma native is someone I’m rooting for to complete his project, because he has unarguable talent and has weathered storms and setbacks with numerous singles, EPs and album projects — like the original title, Tacomatose, which is still awaiting sunlight in stores and online. We’re waiting, 6ix.
Some new heat is set to hit the streets in about a millisecond … Look for bangers from the Ambassador of The Yay, E-40, 50 Cent has a new album too … this is a trip. 50 Cent’s expectations are so ridiculous that if he sales less than 4 million copies, his albums are considered FAILURES! Keep it original … Raekwon, Rakim and 2nd II None need to finally drop something!
Peace & Love
Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. is an editor, writer and producer. A graduate of Washington State University and student at The Evergreen State College, he writes and edits the Pacific Northwest section of OZONE Magazine and hosts and produces Live From I-5 Radio (since ‘89) every Friday at 3 p.m. on KAOS 89.3 FM (www.kaosradio.org) in Olympia. He writes a weekly hip-hop column in the music section on the Weekly Volcano’s Web site