I can’t help but grin whenever I come across the flick pictured to the left. It’s a shaky, unfocused shot I took in the wild midst of flailing arms, screaming mouths and furious, frantic head nods. Nasir Jones was performing in our humble city for the first time in his three decades of crafting some of the most timeless, classic rhymes known to hip-hop and the swollen, sweaty sold-out crowd was present, engaged. The photograph makes me proud—even though Portland has struggled over the years to create, maintain and grow a hip-hop community worthy of national press, the fledgling pool of MCs, rappers, DJs, VJs, bookers and promoters that we do house and protect are a damn fine group of seriously talented folk. We nurture this handful, we support our hometown heroes and when culture celebrities like Nas make it through time zones to rock the stage for us, we extend an exchange of energy. We buy tickets and stand in line, mouth along to lyrics that we’ve heard streaming through speakers for too many years and fan the air with open palms that speak measures of respect, excitement and anticipation.

To commemorate the end of 2008 and the fresh beginnings of 2009, my graceful WW music editors let me to reach out to a wide-ranging spectrum of our town’s hip-hop personalities—MCs, DJs and beat miners—with a survey. The answers are compiled below, along with the original set of questions. My own personal wish for the rapidly approaching new year is a hopeful vision that includes a continued growth of Portland’s hip-hop scene where bills offering local artist’s gigs see audience numbers that push back the walls of venues like the Roseland Theatre without needing big fancy headliners like Nas.

One what? One love.

1. What are your 2009 resolutions?
2. What was the best national album of 2008?
3. What was the best local hip-hop act of 2008?
4. What are your predictions for the Portland hip-hop scene in 2009?

Name: Rev. Shines
Hustle: Lifesavas / Shine Language / The Fix / Music Selector / Beat Maker / Crate Digger / Weight Gainer
myspace.com/shinelanguage
1. Get in better physical condition (for real). I know everyone says “I’m goin’ to the gym this year” but, I really am. My brother is a friggin’ physical specimen and I’m tainting the family image with my family guy psychique
2. Jake One’s White Van Music is my favorite release this year because I really like it. It’s the best release because the overall sonic quality is not to be fucked with and he got amazing performances out of the MC’s he chose to work with. That just shows how much those artists were feeling his beats.
3.The best local hip-hop act of ‘08 would have to go to Cool Nutz. He had an album (which was one of his best to date) and at least one mixtape that did really well. Also, he reinstated POH HOP and once again gave cats a chance to do their thing ON STAGE!
4. My prediction for the scene in ‘09 is that we’ll see the rise of Thrilla Music Group (what up, can I get y’all on a track for my record??).

Name: Cool Nutz
Hustle: Jus Family Records / Jus Family Sound Massive
jusfamilyrecords.com
1. To improve the branding of King Cool Nutz’s The Miracle album and artists Maniac Lok, Bosko and DJ Fatboy on a worldwide level, as well as the visuals of the Jus Family Sound Massive. 2009 is pivotal year for us with the release of the Young Obama album as the campaign trail continues.
2. E-40’s The Ball Street Journal
3. Mikey Vegaz
4. I think that Portland hip-hop is in a progressive state and there is a lot to look forward to in 2009. With new albums from the Lifesavas, Kenny Mack, Mikey Vegaz, Illmaculate, Only One and more there are plenty of major releases to keep the Portland hip-hop boat afloat.

Name: Tope of Living Proof
Hustle: Producer / MC
myspace. com/topemusic
1. Fight to end Auto-tune!!
2. Black Milk’s Tronic. I’m always impressed by producer/MCs and I definitely think Black Milk took it to a new level in both departments.
3. Alphabet Stew. Al One and Andy B. are always fun to watch on stage. Between the costumes, stage props, Andy beat boxing/playing guitar and Al just being the ultimate host these dudes hold it down and know how to put on a good show.
4. I would just predict continued growth from the scene in general. I think Thrilla Music Group making a big splash in the local scene and the continued success of Cool Nutz, Sandpeople and Braille on a national and worldwide level.

Name: Mic Crenshaw
Hustle: MC
myspace.com/miccrenshaw
1. To be kinder and gentler to hipsters. To not talk about race to people who can’t handle reality. An hour of meditation a day. Less casual sex after 10 pm, more before. European tour. Sell 30,000 CDs. Move up out dis bitch.
2. Thinking Out Loud [Crenshaw's own LP -Ed.]
3. Focused Noise Acts, Luck-One Conscious, Diezel P., Dain (Thrilla Music Group), Cool Nutz, At Daggers Drawn, Alphabet Stew.
4. Greater success stories for all those dedicated to the culture, more international exposure through touring, licensing, media exposure and online sales for recording artists. A deeper permeation of music industry on all levels by people with ties to this city.

Name: M64 (Ragen Fykes & Ohmega Watts)
Hustle: Ragen Fykes: Mother / Singer / Superhero
Ohmega Watts: Lightheaded / Producer / MC / DJ
myspace.com/ragenfykes
myspace.com/ohmegawatts
1. Ragen: Ummm to have our project done and…ummm….to have our project done.
Ohmega: I honestly never make resolutions but a goal of mine has always been to work more and focus on the things that matter most, and not just being BUSY with everything. A little goes a long way.
2. Ragen: I am gonna have to say Trisha Yearwood…I mean…I just…yeah *sigh* Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love. Her and Kanye West need to do like a whole remix
album…If freaking Nelly and Tim McGraw can do it…so can Trisha Yearwood and Kanye West. They should even come up with a nickname, Trish Yeezy! “WHERE ARE YOU TRISH YEEZY?!?!” Right Ohmega?!?! LOL! *sigh* Okay I am SO LYING right now…I’ve never heard Trisha Yearwoods album….ever.
Ohmega: Okay Ragen, not sure what you’re on, it’s a hard toss up for me… but I’ll give it to
Jazzanova’s Of All the Things. It’s a great album, filled with big band-ish elements plus heart and soul. Great music.
3. Ragen: I’m gonna have to say Braille. Not just because I know him and I’m featured on THE IV *cough* Tracks 1, 2, 6, and 14 LOL…No seriously, I think what’s dope about him is that this man has toured with James Brown…I think he even knew 9th Wonder before he was like 9TH WONDER, ETC., ETC., ETC. His list is long…but he always makes sure he brings it back home. He has NO problem repping Portland. Just the caliber of things he has been blessed to do and is still able to be his super humble self is freaking amazing. THE MAN FREESTYLES LIKE NOTHING I’VE EVER SEEN BEFORE!! AND HE DOES IT ON ONE FOOT SOMETIMES!!!! That’s pretty close to spectacular.
Ohmega: I still give it to the Lifesavas. They don’t do a ton of shows in Portland, and don’t have to, but it goes back to a little goes a long way, when they perform at their shows, Vursatyl and Jumbo control the crowd effortlessly with Rev. Shines behind the Turntables, and when they’re all in sync with a LIVE band, even more powerful. Great shows all the way around.
4. Ragen: Ummmmmm…..SHAKE & BAKE!!!!!
Ohmega: I’d just hope that the scene builds a tighter community where people are inspired by each other and sharpen each others skills. Band’s back in the day from rock, to soul or funk all gained inspiration from sources in their city or other cities, but within their hometown, it was good to be respectful of others even if your style is different, and to help build the CITY and not just self. So, I predict a tighter community minus the ‘LOVE’ haters!

Name: Matt Nelkin
Hustle: DJ / High School Teacher / Hip-Hop Fan
myspace.com/theliquidbeat
1. As always, be slicker next year.
2. Q-Tip’s The Renaissance.
3. Even though they didn’t release an album, Lifesavas maintain the crown.
4. The continued rise and importance of DJ culture as a vital and central part of Portland’s hip-hop fabric.

Name: Deena B.
Hustle: The Soundbox radio show on KBOO / Urban Maven
myspace.com/soundboxpdx
1. To keep it pimpin’ pimpin’. To quit making out with my ex-boyfriend’s girlfriends for revenge. To wild out more backstage sans the laminate.
2. Factor: Chandelier, Pat Mc Groin Abangatang (local), Zion I EP, Erykah Badu’s New Amerykah Pt. 1, John Robinson’s Who Is This Man?, Daedelus’ Whithered Friends.
3. Nutz the godfather is really at it, Luck One-Conscious is the truth, Santotzin is a rebel, but Mic Crenshaw is the best.
4. The scene will get fed after midnight which is a no no, and break into little sectors, oh wait, that happened. Those sectors will flavor this year.

Name: Gen. Erik
Hustle: President of Focused Noise / MC / Producer / DJ for Animal Farm and Line of Fire
focusednoise.com
1. To start doing ’80s remixes exclusively. Maybe I’ll even wear bright neon colors, tight jeans and limited edition kicks. That should pretty much set me apart from everyone else, right?!
2. Little Brother’s Get Back. It came out at the end of 2007, but in my opinion it’s trumped everything else out this year.
3. Mic Crenshaw, hands down. I might be a “little” biased, but the fact that he keeps getting better should scare the rest of us.
4. To blow up like it was supposed to from 1994-2008.

Name: Robinson “Binny” Chan
Hustle: Thrilla Music Group Chief and Commander
myspace.com/thrillamusicgroup
1. My 2009 resolution is to grow up to the best of my abilities, enjoy life as it comes and to be happy in all aspects in my life. I hope everyone tries to do the same on top of their own resolutions for the new year.
2. The best national album of 2008 would have to be a 3-way tie between Illa J.’s Yancey Boys, Shawn Jackson’s First of All and Heltah Skeltah’s D.I.R.T. (Honorable mentions: Jake One’s White Van Music and Black Milk’s Tronic)
3. Not to be bias but either Thrilla Music Group, or Alphabet Stew would take the cake for the best local hip-hop act of 2008.
4. I hope people start to recognize the ever growing hip-hop scene the city currently has. With such a diverse city, anything and everything is possible. Happy New Year everybody.

Name: DJ Izm
Hustle: DJ Izm’s Friday Night East Infection at East Lounge
myspace.com/mosjeph
1. I’m resolving to use more vinyl than Serato and to start training for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, grrrr.
2. GZA’s Pro Tools.
3. I haven’t been keeping up on local hip-hop much but I like Rafael Vigilantics. I’ve been DJing for him. It’s unique, nice blend of hip-hop, emo, rock and songs about drinking and fist fighting.
4. As the years progress, the numbers of hip-hoppers grow, I think Portland will be flooded with lots of MCs and DJs, people and venues like The Fix, DJ Wicked, Berbati’s Pan and The Crown Room help keep the scene flourishing and cool, in different ways, each with something to bring to the table. I would like to see more unity between the sects in 2009.

Name: Lil’ Fats
Hustle: Hi Rollerz Records Owner and CEO / Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Series
lilfats.com
1. Our 2009 resolutions for Hi Rollerz Records and Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are to continue taking over the internet and becoming the voice of independent artists through mixtapes and online. We have a lot of new projects coming from our artists as well such as Illaj, Mikey Vegaz, T. Soprano and myself (Lil Fats).
2. In my opinion, the best national album of 2008 was T.I.’s Paper Trail because T.I. found a way to open up to his listeners and explain situations that he has been through from his perspective, instead of hearing them from outside media sources, etc.
3. The best local hip-hop act of 2008 in my opinion was none other than the founder of the Northwest hip-hop scene, Cool Nutz. Although many younger acts are now breaking out of the town and may take the cake for 2009, Cool Nutz managed to stay on top and most consistent throughout the whole year of 2008.
4. The Portland hip-hop scene is growing fast, from our artists on Hi Rollerz to Cool Nutz and the whole Jus Family camp, moves are being made on levels that have never been done before in local Portland hip-hop circles. Many of the artists in the town are starting to understand that it takes conistency, hard work, good music and most of all great marketing to become a force in today’s music industry. I just hope that more local musicians start to understand the importance of sticking together and working together as we head into the most important year for Portland hip-hop to date. There’s too much hate in the city, it’s a war out here in the industry and we have enough battles to fight without turning on each other and making it harder for the town to progress in the music industry.

Name: DJ Evil One
Hustle: DJ
myspace.com/djevil1
1. To shit in my pants less than I did in 2008. It’s hard getting older.
2.”I’ma Vote Obama Way” by Tisa.
3. Honestly I haven’t had the time to make it out to any shows in 2008 on a local level but my all-time favorite is still Lifesavas.
4. More unity. It’s going to take people realizing that in order to make things happen it takes the support and commitment of everybody to spread love.

Name: Epifany / J-Kron / Miss Jacque Dixon
Hustle: Hip-Hop Artist / Poet / Teacher
myspace.com/jkronic
j-kronic.com
1. Like Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” My New Year’s resolution in 09′ is simple: do the right thing. From friends and family, to the classroom, to the music biz…do the right thing. I like to fill the world and myself my world with positive energy…everything you do comes back. Loving one another is loving yourself.
2. Nas’ Untitled, hands down. I couldn’t stop rewinding this album when I got it. It’s one of the most powerful political and poetic statements to be made EVER. It’s beyond music, it’s social activism, education and an unforgettable piece of history.
3. Maaan! So many to choose from!I really have to say I’m feeling Braille. At PO-HOP 10 he was bursting with energy on stage and I dig the positivity in his lyrics. He doesn’t just sound great in the studio…he posesses that raw and uncut quality that leaves you hanging on his every word. Like too many rappers these days, Braille has not forgotten the importance of rockin a mic LIVE and working a crowd!
4. Not a month goes by without a new artist emerging on the scene. So many movements are on the way up and really just on the tip of success. I’m really proud to be part of the Portland hip-hop commmunity and I see a lot of potential for growth and U.N.I.T.Y. in the years to come. Opening up doors to NW radio and performances opportunties, vets like Cool Nutz have helped artists understand that when one of us is successful it opens up doors for many more…Each one reach one, each one teach one. Keep it up Portland!

Name: Terminill
Hustle: Producer / Engineer / Promoter
myspace.com/terminill
1. Terminill beats on at least one national artist’s album.
2. Ludacris’ Theatre of the Mind.
3. Cool Nutz.
4. Luck-One Conscious is going to get some serious recognition.

Name: Braille
Hustle: MC / Owner of Hiphop IS Music Records
braillehiphop.com
1. My hope is to focus more on impacting the younger generation with my music and life. I want to get all my daughter’s hospital bills paid off in full and hopefully drop a handful of new records (solo and with Lightheaded).
2. I have to go with The Renaissance by Q-Tip simply because Tribe was my favorite group growing up and listening to new music from Tip felt good. There were so many artists dropping great records in 2008. The surplus of good songs was immense but it’s always hard to find albums that are enjoyable from start to finish.
3. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Lifesavas. Any time I get to see them perform live is a complete honor. I was also really impressed with the new Alphabet Stew record. My good friend Theory Hazit also broke a lot of ground this year.
4. First of all I want to commend all the efforts of Cool Nutz to continue keeping people excited about Portland hip-hop. I assume Lifesavas will be dropping a new record in ‘09 so that will be exciting. I’m also pretty sure that the Sandpeople will have some new treats coming soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few acts from Portland catch the industry off guard and make some big noise in 2009.

Name: Soul P. / Easy McCoy
Hustle: MC
myspace.com/soulp
1. To go harder than I did in ‘08 and present the world with everything I prepared in 2008 in a timly fashion with the right direction. Hit every target I aim for.
2. That is hard because there are a lot of records and I don’t have a favorite but I listened to Nas’ Untitled record a whole lot this year.
3. Hmmm, I don’t know. I believe it’s about who’s willing to get out here and get it. That’s who’s the best is and if you got what you wanted to accomplish you are the best.
4. I don’t know what anybody else is going to do. But I believe I am going to be successful in what I do. I predict a great year for the Portland hip-hop scene.

Name: Luck-One Conscious
Hustle: MC / Chief Executive Genius of Architect Entertainment
myspace.com/logikdivine
1. My 2009 resolutions are just to try and better my community (both musically and socially) by taking every day by storm, living to the fullest and remembering that none of the comforts in which I casually partake every day are guaranteed.
2. If I had to pick a best national album in ‘08 it would have to be Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool. His ability to hit his target dead center on the head is… humbling.
3. Best local hip-hop act in ‘08 to me was the same one as in ‘07: Cool Nutz. His dedication to not only making genuine northwest hip-hop, but also, and more importantly, to doing what he can to try and uplift all of the other artists on the scene is unparalleled and has no precedent.
4. In ‘09, my prediction is that before we ring in the new year for 2010, someone, at least one act, from the city will have broken through on a national level. Portland hip-hop is about to blow.

Name: Serge Severe
Hustle: MC
myspace. com/sergesevere
1. Keep spreading my music as far as humanly possible.
2. Johnson & Jonson, the album from MC Blu and producer Mainframe. Dope production mixed with Blu’s disgusting flow.
3. Braille. Continually impresses with performances and solid albums.
4. More rappers trying to get on, waiting for the magical hip-hop fairy to appear and put them on.

Name: Jamilah
Hustle: Guess Who’s Coming To Radio??!! show on KBOO / Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder Fanatic Extraordinaire
myspace.com/jumbulaya
1. I don’t make resolutions…I take things by the second, by the day. I hope to always be the best person I can be.
2. The Q-Tip album (The Renaissance) is amazing this year, and Carlos Nino and Lil’ Sci’s (John Robinson) What’s The Science album…
3. Mic Crenshaw, because he constantly opens himself up to new experiences, which ultimately makes him more than a hip-hop artist. He is also a pro-active person and does a lot of positive things in the community.
4. I don’t really have any. It will probably continue to mesh with other genres. People will continue to find ways to be creative and produce things independently. People will continue to use networking sites to gain notoriety.

Name: Terry Harris / MC Commenter-E
Hustle: MC / Writer / Musician / Revolutionary Thinker
myspace.com/commentere
1. My new years resolution is, well, I have no resolutions. Just life (I mean that in a positive way).
2. Best national album of 08′ I have to say is Kanye West’s 808’s and Heartbreak.
It’s time to be more creative people! Music is forever evolving, don’t be foolish.
3.The best local hip-hop act of 08′ is, I have to say AP stepped it up a lot this year. Theory Hazit is local and killing it now. And Luck-One Conscious is back and HUNGRY. Last but not least, Dain is ill with his ideas! (Watch out.)
4. My predictions for the Portland hip hop scene in 2009 are, well, that’s a very hard thing for me to answer. I can only say, I know what I’M doing. Y’all need to figure out the same…

Name: Rapper E.
Hustle: Lyricist / MC / Producer
myspace. com/rapperemusicc
1. To be the best father and best MC of 2009!
2. T.I.’s Paper Trail.
3. Rapper E.
4. More exposure, more big events and all talented artists being heard by hip-hop heads.

Name: Connie Wohn
Hustle: Stylus 503 / Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls / The Fix
stylus503.com
1. Travel somewhere I have never been before.
2. Santogold’s Santogold.
3. Ragen Fykes and Ohmega Watts.
4. Hopefully bigger and better. More support and attention on the NW talent. More people getting up, more quality artists, more collabos, more of the good things for the right reasons.

Name: Pricy
Hustle: MC
myspace.com/51463319
1. To let my little head think for my big head more often.
2. Prodigy’s H.N.I.C. 2
3. Pricy.
4. Hip-hop as we know it is dying but have no fear I’ll take it somewhere fresh this year.

Name: Dundiggy
Hustle: DJ / Graphic Designer / The Fix / Rockbox / Party Promoter
myspace.com/dun1
1. Buy more records! Find a pair of non-perscription glasses.
2. Tie between Q-Tip’s The Renaissance and Flying Lotus’ LA
3. Ragen Fykes, she got really real opening for Blu.
4. In the year 2009, the smoking ban will be lifted from bars after non-smoking patrons report impatience, irritability, restlessness, a decreased heart rate and a depressed mood from the symptoms of second-hand smoke withdrawals.

Name: Fogatron
Hustle: Beatboxer
myspace.com/fogatron
1. To be with my family more.
2. II Trill by Bun B
3. Paulie Think.
4. People will keep moving to Portland in swarms and the scene will keep changing in interesting ways. I think beats will sound more and more futuristic with rap music blending into electronic and less samples. Huge and Loser will come back in full effect on every rooftop downtown with massive rollers. DJ Void will market the “Trash Mobile” as hip-hop’s answer to the crashing economy.

Name: DJ Sneakers
Hustle: DJ / Guap Collector
myspace.com/djsneakers
1. Be more health conscious. Pay off all parking tickets. Thizz dance on Maury after winning a paternity dispute.
2. Shawn Jackson’s First Of All.
3. Soul P.
4. The White Rapper Show will return. Roughly half of the contestants on The White Rapper Show will be from either Portland or Vancouver. The finale of this season’s White Rapper Show will feature two members of Sandpeople squaring off in a rap battle. I’ll be rooting for Sapient, but Ethic will be crowned as the ultimate white emcee because he’s really tall.

Name: Kenny Fresh
Hustle: Bling 47 Group and Fresh Selects music tastemaker
freshselects.net
1. Same thing we do every year, Pinky… try and take over the world.
2. Tie between Coultrain’s The Adventures Of Seymour Liberty (Juju Dust Music) and Invincinble’s Shape Shifters (EMERGENCE).
3. Thrilla Music Group with honorable mentions to Luck One-Conscious and Illmaculate.
4. Someone’s finally gonna spill the beans on the nation’s best kept secret. I’m just trying to build up my megaphone.

Photo by Sara Mokovitz

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