Music

The Hiphop Tip

When thinking back on 2003, the one thing that struck me the most is that the hiphop game is flooded with new style. As even more subgenres get spawned within the culture, this upcoming year shouldn't be any different. It becomes increasingly difficult to anticipate the hot new releases when there's a big release damn near every week. To help narrow down the list of what to look out for this year, I asked some heads from the local hiphop community what they're looking forward to in 2004.

Vitamin D "I'm definitely looking forward to Byrdie's album finally being done, as well as new material from Boom Bap Project and the Field Generals. The sleepers are C-Note, from Narcotik's solo album, and Maniak's album. Darrius and I are working on a project on the neo-soul tip that's looking to be real crazy on some Quincy Jones shit. Nationally, you know, [I'm looking forward to new] Ghostface, Redman and Cee-Lo, and of course I'm curious to see the response to this Gift of Gab record coming in March."

DJ B-Mello "[I'm interested in] seeing how Byrdie, Boom Bap Project, Block Burners, and Knockout Kingz live up to the hype as far as local acts go, and seeing who the next cat is nationally to really blow up--like Stat Quo, TJ Hooker, Jakk Frost, or Game. I'm [also interested in] what will happen for vets like Mobb Deep and rather new artists like Jean Grae and Kanye West, and I'm curious as to what Talib Kweli will come up with and whether or not 50 Cent and G-Unit, Lil Jon, and Chingy will still make noise."

Steven Severin, Booking Agent, Chop Suey "A new Norman record and seeing Lifesavas a million times more. Doing more shows and keeping people interested in what we're bringing. Nationally, just having more quality records coming out. A new Jurassic 5 and more Atmosphere are always a good thing. The continuation of pushing more positive elements in hiphop. We've come a long way in the last 10 years and I truly hope that it continues. No need for violence. At all."

Cool Nutz "I am looking forward to something positive happening for the Northwest scene on a major level. It's time for the region and the artists who are deserving to receive the proper spotlight. Nationally, I'm setting my sights high on winning a Grammy. The only album that I am waiting to come out on a national level hiphop-wise is a new Black Star album from Talib Kweli and Mos Def."

Wordsayer (Source of Labor) "The continuing growth and emergence of the Northwest scene and working with people whom I admire and respect."

Twixx (Massive Monkees) "I want to see more involvement in the scene [from the general population] and people getting educated to the entire culture. Representing an art form that isn't corporate or marketed. I'd also like to see more things represented in a positive manner, using hiphop in an influential way. Where people get to see the true essence of what hiphop and all the elements, besides the music element, are all about."

hiphop@thestranger.com

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