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PHOTOS: Ludacris at The Fair Through the Lens of Marvin Patterson
The Washington State Fair stage exploded with energy as Ludacris delivered a show-stopping performance that had the entire crowd on its feet. The multi-talented rapper and actor blazed through his extensive catalog of hits with a charismatic stage presence and his signature rapid-fire flow.
PHOTOS: Slick Rick at The Fair Through the Lens of Marvin Patterson
The Washington State Fair got a dose of hip-hop royalty on Saturday! Slick Rick, the undisputed "Ruler," graced the stage and took us on a trip through some of his legendary hits.
PHOTOS: Portland Hip Hop Week 2025 through the lens of Dean Bechard
What a night! The 10th Annual PDX Hip Hop Week Star Awards set the Reser Center for the Arts on fire with culture, creativity, and community. Hosted by “Welcome to the Neighborhood, Radio Personality, DJ Klyph and produced by Co-Founder of PDX Hip Hop Week / Celebrity DJ, O.G.ONE, this wasn’t just a show — it was a movement.
A Decade of Culture: The 10th Annual Portland Hip-Hop Week!
Portland's vibrant hip-hop scene is gearing up for a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Portland Hip-Hop Week. From August 20-26, 2025, the city will be buzzing with an extensive lineup of events celebrating the culture that has united communities and elevated local talent. This year promises to be the biggest and most comprehensive celebration yet.
Mr. Phat: The Man Behind the Melodies
Trey Holiday sat down with the enigmatic Mr. Phat, the producer behind the iconic "Cupid Shuffle" and a long-time collaborator with Cupid. The conversation delved into Mr. Phat's journey in music, his creative process, and his unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Vic Daggs II: Building Momentum Inside Seattle and Outside the Box
The multi-faceted creative powerhouse Vic Daggs II has spent close to a decade making waves in music and fashion in Seattle and beyond. From momentous collaborations with Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Ghanian rapper M.anifest to the sultry conscious soul on his 2024 EP “Mental Hugs,” the 27-year-old artist has cemented himself as a mainstay in the miscellaneous sound of Pacific Northwest hip hop.
Akeem Ali Brings the Energy to Tacoma with Innovative Change Makers
The South Sound was lit as rising star Akeem Ali brought his signature blend of smooth lyrics and vibrant stage presence to Jazzbones in Tacoma. Presented by the Innovative Change Makers (ICM), the event wasn’t just another night out—it was a celebration of community, connection, and pure joy.
From Valentino to Vulnerability: 24kGoldn Talks Growth, Gratitude, and the Power of Letting Go on Back2Besa
When 24kGoldn sat down with Besa Gordon at the Black Media Matters Studio, it felt like a full-circle moment—five years after their first interview, the chart-topping artist returned with new music, fresh insight, and a more grounded outlook on life and artistry.
From Staten Island to Thailand: Starda Talks Legacy, Music, and Starting a Party on Back2Besa
When artist and entrepreneur Starda pulled up to The Black Media Matters Studio and Back2Besa last May, it was his first time in Seattle—and what better way to make a debut than while in town for the Lil Wayne & Friends Tour. Fresh off the release of his project Start A Party with legendary producer Ron Browz, Starda sat down with Besa Gordon to talk about his journey from Staten Island cafeterias to international stages.
Vitamin D and Let Them Create Seattle: Empowering the Next Generation of Artists
Derrick Brown, known to many as Vitamin D, recently shared his extensive music industry experience in an interview on "The Day With Trae" with guest host Deaunte Damper. With nearly 30 years in the Seattle music scene, Derrick discussed his journey from b-boying to becoming a renowned record producer, DJ, and audio engineer. He has made significant contributions to the music world, collaborating with artists such as Macklemore, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Snoop Dogg, and creating the iconic "Big Rich Town" theme song for the TV series Power.
Erik Kalligraphy to Lead Converge Music, Culture, & Lifestyle
We are pleased to announce that Converge Media Co-Founder Erik Kalligraphy will be taking the helm as the head of our newly formed Music, Culture, & Lifestyle division and the Converge Music platform.
Navigating Music, Identity, and Authenticity: A Conversation with Amelia Day
Amelia Day, a queer folk rock powerhouse carving out her own space alongside legends like Brandi Carlile, has been chasing music since the days she banged on pots and pans as a toddler. Even back then, Day had a knack for making noise that turned heads (or at least caught her parents’ attention). By the time she was five, her fascination with the family’s upright piano blossomed into formal lessons, thanks to her parents, who were casual piano players themselves. Watching them play always lit a fire in her, and she was determined to create that same magic.
PHOTOS: BigXthaPlug Hits Seattle’s Neumos Stage
BigXthaPlug came to Seattle and hit the Neumos stage on December 8th. See photos from his performance below through the lens of Marvin Patterson.
TS the Solution: Spokane's Bridge-Builder and Dream-Chaser
Meet Devonte Pearson, better known in Spokane’s music scene as T.S the Solution—a name that embodies his journey and his vision. Born in Long Beach and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Pearson’s story is one of resilience, dreams, and a beat that never quits. He’s not just a hip-hop artist or an audio engineer; he’s a builder of bridges, a catalyst for collaboration, and the mentor he once wished for in his younger days.
Jesse James: From Small-Town Roots to Seattle's Blues Scene
Jesse James talks about his journey from small-town blues enthusiast to Seattle’s music scene, sharing how his self-taught roots shaped his sound and what to expect from his long-awaited album Checkin the Mic.
Landon Spencer: Weaving Myth, Music, and the Heart of the Pacific Northwest
Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, ancient mythologies are resurfacing—and Landon Spencer might just be at the heart of it. Converge Music caught up with Spencer about his musical journey and the mythological influences shaping his lyrics.
Julie-C: From Hip-Hop Prodigy to Activist and Community Builder in Seattle’s Creative Scene
At just 16 years old, Julie Chang Schulman, aka Julie-C, released her first professional project, “Welcome to my World” with the label Immaculate Flave, a bold entrance into Seattle’s Hip-Hop scene that hinted at her future as both an artist and an activist. But her journey didn’t start in the studio—it began at home, where music was more than a pastime; it was a bridge. With a father who was a musician on the autism spectrum, Julie-C learned early that music could be a powerful way to connect, communicate, and create meaning.
The Rock Ballerina: Kimberly Nichole on Seattle Roots, New York Grit, and Finding Her Sound
Kimberly Nichole’s journey into rock music was a natural evolution. Early on, while collaborating with a producer who had a strong passion for rock, Nichole was introduced to iconic bands like The Doors, Green Day, and Foo Fighters. Although she had always enjoyed rock, especially being from Seattle, it was during this creative period that her love for the genre truly deepened. The producer also introduced her to blues records, broadening her musical palette.
Shyan Selah: Music, Mentorship, and a New Chapter with Forbes
Raised in a household that he refers to as a "black museum," Shyan Selah was surrounded by an abundance of records, books, art, vinyl, CDs, sports memorabilia, and articles, particularly those reflecting the history of Black culture. His musical journey began in a household deeply immersed in cultural and musical influence.
lostinlkwd!: From Past Projects to a Bold New Sound
In 2016, Brandon Phillips and Davon Revis first crossed paths on the set of a music video shoot. Davon had been brought in by a mutual contact to help with the production, a surprise to Brandon, as he hadn’t been informed. Despite the unexpected introduction, the two hit it off and quickly found common ground in their passion for music. Both artists were involved in separate music projects and groups at the time, but it wasn’t long before Davon joined Brandon’s team.