by Jake Espinoza
“I might stage dive tonight,” Tope told me as we ate before TxE’s show with Macklemore last Friday at the Roseland. “I’m just worried they wouldn’t catch me,” he continued. It was hard for me to tell whether or not he was joking. There weren’t many serious moments before show.
Tope, Epp and Calvin Valentine are friends first. They feed off each other well on and off stage and share a very similar sense of humor; every obscure reference made by one member was immediately recognized by the other two
Both Tope and Epp are originally from Portland. Calvin Valentine moved from Eugene to Portland in 2009. They made a couple of songs together and recognized a special chemistry. In March 2010, TxE released The Rain in Cali EP before going on a West Coast Tour.
They are currently more active developing a young fan base in Portland than any other hip hop act in the city, and are also involved in one way or another with just about every project that has come out of Portland over the last two years. (Tope and Calvin Valentine rap and produce, and Epp raps and has become a popular resource for artists looking for catchy hooks.)
Whether they realize it or not, they are the leading voice of Portland’s local hip hop scene.
There isn’t a bigger gig for a hip hop artist in the Northwest than being on the same bill as Macklemore. In the same week Macklemore sold out the Key Arena in Seattle and the show that night at Roseland Theater in Portland.
“It’s remarkable to be able to do that from this area,” said Epp.
“And he goes to New York and does the same thing,” added Tope.
“Hopefully that will be us someday,” said Epp.
Portland hasn’t had a stand out group since Sandpeople slowed their progress after releasing their Long Story Short EP in 2009. Members of Sandpeople are now focusing on solo careers, or have decided to move on to traditional day jobs. (Side note: Sandpeople are rumored to be working on a new album.)
TxE is currently managed by Kenny Fresh of FreshSelects.net. For the last three years, Kenny’s site has established itself as a resource for artists looking to release free music online. Kenny is also a very well networked person and has been able to help TxE get exposure elsewhere throughout the Northwest. During shows, he stays active behind the scenes, making sure the group is where they need to be on time, and assisting in whatever other way possible.
The young audience at the Roseland came ready to party and support their local artists. This is a very different situation than previous shows they’ve done at the same venue. This change has a lot to do with TxE improving its live set, but it also has a lot to do with the way Macklemore has helped give northwest hip hop some creditability with the general population.
Being backstage at the show was inspirational. A rapper from the Northwest finally made it. Even those of us without a personal relationships with Macklemore couldn’t help but feeling proud. TxE’s self-perspective changed a bit after the show, and conversations became serious. There was a feeling that making it to the next level was actually possible, and the decisions they made for their careers were worth reexamining. For TxE, The Macklemore show could end up being looked at as a huge step for the group as they look to establish themselves on a larger scale, or it could end up being just another night to remember.
TxE’s Rain In Cali EP was well received by all who listened, but didn’t get them the same type of buzz their live performances have. Their upcoming album We Get It In True will be released via FreshSelects.net, but is still without a release date.
I have high expectations.
#OutHerePDX
Watch their EPK below.