Our heads are spinning... This year, hip hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary. While most associate the early musical movement with cities like Los Angeles and New York City, Seattle was influential during the genre’s early days, too.
Seattle’s hip-hop roots
One of the most prominent PNW hip-hop pioneers was Sir Mix-a-Lot — who was born in Auburn, but grew up in Seattle’s Central District.
In the early 1980s, Sir Mix-a-Lot started out by playing show at local Boys & Girls Clubs.
Not long after, the West Coast got its first hip-hop radio show, “FreshTracks” on KKFX, which dedicated Sunday nights exclusively to it. Sir Mix-a-Lot was one of the most requested artists on the station, and helped get him exposure. In 1988 and 1989, the rapper’s albums “Swass” and “Seminar” went platinum — and his single “Baby Got Back” became a megahit a few years later.
“It sent a message to people outside of New York and L.A. who were struggling with legitimacy conflicts,” said historian Daudi Abe in an interview with the University of Washington Magazine.
Noteworthy players
From there, the scene continued to grow with other prominent names.
Emerald Street Boys | Known as Seattle’s first rap group, they played Bumbershoot and other major events often during the 80s.
Blue Scholars | A local favorite duo that began in 2002 and continues to create new music (Band member Prometheus Brown also co-owns Hood Famous Bakeshop now).
Gifted Gab | A current, local artist beginning to make some serious waves.
Where to learn more
- Abe, who is also a professor at Seattle Central College, wrote a book on Seattle’s hip-hop history “Emerald Street” that weaves history with current events.
- MoPOP is still running its “Contact High” exhibit, which looks at hip-hop’s past and its effect on American culture.
