We love everything about TheTHESIS. From its prominent location at one of Portland’s best venues to our resident DJ, the First Thursday hip-hop concert consistently continues to entertain fans and bring artists together from across the city’s varied rap community… and sometimes even beyond. Still, as we approach the 33rd consecutive month, it’s the energy of new guests and a new sponsor that have us excited for this August installment.
In case you haven’t heard, Bacardi has signed on as a sponsor for this month’s show. It’s always a goal of the TheTHESIS to continue to enhance the concert experience, and the new sponsor will be adding a second bar and unique drink specials for partygoers. We’re very happy to be partnering for this event, and look forward to building long-term benefits to both our artists and fans.
And if we’re talking about who’s new to TheTHESIS, we can’t ignore our headliner, Al One, who dropped a masterful project, Sharptongue, in June. The iconically chill Sandpeople alumnus has long been a renowned lyricist, and on his new project he holds his own (and then some) with town legends such as Illmac, Theory Hazit and Serge Severe. A creative performer, Al is a joy to watch, dripping with confidence and an accentuated bravado that’s long helped him to stand out. Though a founding member of two of my all-time favorite Portland groups, Pros & Cons and Alphabet Stew, I think that when it’s all said and done, Al’s progression into a solo artist may end up becoming the most exciting part of his storied career.
Daelonz isn’t exactly new to TheTHESIS’ stage, but safe to say it’s been a while. The soon-to-be 23 year old rapper wasn’t even 21 when he rocked the very first show with Fountaine and Load B, and literally had to wait upstairs for his set to come in and join the party. Since that time, the giftedly irreverent rapper has grown as a rapper and remains a key member the wildly talented NBG collective. With his usual partner in crime, Chance, Dae makes up half of a group known as the Naturally Grown Misfits and runs through hilarious tales that opine on the quirkier virtues and happenstances of young adulthood. Having him back is a homecoming of sorts, and I – for one – am excited to witness his growth.
Woody Beast will be a new name for many, but let’s be honest, that’s what TheTHESIS is all about! Months ago, I was put onto a Spotify link to his album Genesis and it grew on me. An intensely lyrical rapper, Woody combines his choppy style with trappy beats and dark imagery for a sound that you don’t find too much around the Portland area. Nevertheless, his lyrics seek to resonate on a higher level and focus on the virtues of seeking knowledge and intelligence. I’m excited to see him make his THESIS debut!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z_W86OtqNs
Special guest for the night will be new to the stage but not to the party. I can’t think of a month where rock-rapper Crame Broolay didn’t come through TheTHESIS, support and wild out. But this time, the show falls on his birthday and he’ll take the stage himself and give us a few songs!
On top of all that, Verbz will be on the boards, giving you the best mixes of local and national music; this in itself is worth the price of admission. We’ll also have Miss Lopez Media taking flicks, and Lord Burgundy will be filming for our second recap video, so come through and say hi to the cameras!
Big shouts to Vortex Magazine, The Portland Mercury, Casso Dinero, and XRAY.FM for all of their support. Come find us at Kelly’s Olympian, entry to the show is $5, but you can hang at the bar for free. RSVP by emailing JenniferKayMo@gmail.com. It’s going to be a good time.