Cover photo by Sure Shot Fotografie
The last time Rakim came to town we were all over it, documenting his stops in both Portland and Seattle. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see him perform in my hometown again. Thankfully, I was wrong.
Rakim is back in town TOMORROW night at the Hawthorne Theater with a trio of dope Northwest openers in Prince Charmn, Mighty, and the electric Jon Belz (who has an album with Trox coming out soon). Where Runaway Productions nabbed some heavy hitting veterans to roll out the rug for the wintertime show last year, Way2Hott made it a point to put fresh, young, yet accomplished talent around the legend for the summer performance, all while maintaining the lyrical quality you’d expect from anyone daring to open for Ra. To round things out, DJ OG One will be on the decks and – yes, as the flyer says – yours truly will be hosting! Hope you’re ready for the Tuesday night turn up! Last year, I was on stage taking pictures, this year, I’m part the show. #Honored
If you missed him last year – heck, even if you didn’t – this is a show you must see. Rakim brings the heat, and if last year was any indication of things to come, the opening artists will be bringing their A-games. Dante’s proved too small a venue for the iconic rapper last year, packing out well beyond capacity by 10:45 (this was before the resurgence of the hip-hop fire marshal). The Hawthorne probably has close to double the capacity so no worries about getting shut down; still, it might make sense to get there early… just in case.
Or at least buy your tickets early. You can do that HERE. Hope to see you all tomorrow night!
