This may be We Out Here Magazine’s 11th #TheTHESIS, but it’s the first for our new partners at XRAY.FM. Needless to say, we’re very excited about this new transition and we’ve put together one hell of a show to celebrate!
After his last Portland performance at the now (in)famous Fly-By-Night boat show in April, Tope vacated the very green pastures of Oregon in search of greener tender, transplanting himself to the city of Oakland. 6 months later, Tope has returned to the great state of Oregon on tour, and will have his first homecoming performance back here in PDX, where he’ll re-group with his longtime DJ – and the official DJ of TheTHESIS – Verbz. The heavily blogged Portland-bred artist is currently pushing his new beat tape Free Lemonade 2, and has hinted that he might drop a single off of his upcoming project with Stewart Villain as early as this week. His last album, Broke Boy Syndrome, was a breakout success for the prototype cool kid who continues to push hard for the Northwest music scene.
The line-up for this special edition of TheTHESIS will also include a rare performance from Portland-area rapper Dre C. Also a veteran of our event – he rocked in February with Cool Nutz & DJ Fatboy – the laid back yet lyrically gifted emcee is fresh off the release of his rather impressive EP, For The Art. Well known for his introspective storytelling style, clean videos and flawless in-studio delivery, Dre C looks to translate his success in person. We’re looking at this as his unofficial album release party, so be sure to wear your turn-up shoes.
Hailing from the city’s most underground rap crew, Renaissance Coalition, Zoo? is a humble vet and powerful MC. I first saw Zoo? perform in Summer 2013 when he opened at The Lifesavas / TxE show at Doug Fir. Towering above his peers and fans, Zoo? looked more like an NFL tight-end than a rapper, but his bars were smooth, thoughtful and grabbed my attention. Soon after, he put out a barrage of material, working with authentic PDX artists such as Maze Koroma, Mat Randol and PDXtrafly. Despite a lack of new material in 2015, Zoo? remains an enigmatic figure in Portland’s underground scene, commanding respect for his lyrical ability and his influence on the local culture. You won’t want to miss his debut performance at TheThesis, so come early.
With another strong line-up in play, we’re expecting yet another great crowd in attendance this Thursday. TheTHESIS is becoming THE destination for Portland rap, but don’t just take my word for it… I’ll leave you with the words of The Portland Mercury’s Ryan Feigh:
“The Thesis is a monthly showcase that has grown over the last year to become the premier hip-hop event in town. The affordable door price combined with eclectic booking creates a welcoming environment to hear good local music and the opportunity to network with local rappers, DJs, photographers, writers, and artists.”
In other words, be there or be square. We Out Here.
TheTHESIS | Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington St | Doors at 9 | $5 | RSVP