We’re dedicated to continuing our work but we can’t do it alone. Please consider supporting our mission to cover critical issues in the Pacific Northwest from the street level.

Donate
 

 BLOG

 
Back2Besa, Converge Music Mead Gill Back2Besa, Converge Music Mead Gill

Keith Tucker's Vision: Hip Hop is Green's Impact on Culture and Environment

Last month, the organization Hip Hop is Green took over Cherry Street for a festival showcasing local artists and their unapologetic mission in teaching environmentalism through the culture. Keith Tucker, executive director and founder of Hip Hop is Green, proudly declared his operation as the greatest plant-based hip-hop organization in the world.

Read More

PHOTOS: DJ Diesel at the Tacoma Dome Through the Lens of Marvin Patterson

DJ Diesel, aka Shaq, lit up the Tacoma Dome on Friday night in support of REZZ, the first female electronic DJ to headline the Dome with his intense and ferocious take on EDM. The fan-proclaimed “Dubstep Dad” and ambassador in the EDM scene, Diesel brought the energy up to 10 and had the crowd in mosh pits and circle pits throughout the entire one-hour set. All photos by Marvin Patterson (@i_shotcha)

Read More

Lady A Talks "Road to One Seattle Soul" Upcoming Performance on Saturday

"The Day with Trae" recently featured Lady A, a renowned producer, singer, and songwriter, for an inspiring conversation about music and unity. Host Trae Holiday welcomed Lady A, immediately praising her  campaign titled "Road to One Seattle Soul," an initiative explicitly designed to unite the community through the power of music and address pressing social issues.

Read More
Converge Music, Photography, Marvin Patterson Omari Salisbury Converge Music, Photography, Marvin Patterson Omari Salisbury

PHOTOS: Ludacris at The Fair Through the Lens of Marvin Patterson

The Washington State Fair stage exploded with energy as Ludacris delivered a show-stopping performance that had the entire crowd on its feet. The multi-talented rapper and actor blazed through his extensive catalog of hits with a charismatic stage presence and his signature rapid-fire flow.

Read More
Converge Music, Converge Portland Mead Gill Converge Music, Converge Portland Mead Gill

PHOTOS: Portland Hip Hop Week 2025 through the lens of Dean Bechard

What a night! The 10th Annual PDX Hip Hop Week Star Awards set the Reser Center for the Arts on fire with culture, creativity, and community. Hosted by “Welcome to the Neighborhood, Radio Personality, DJ Klyph and produced by Co-Founder of PDX Hip Hop Week / Celebrity DJ, O.G.ONE, this wasn’t just a show — it was a movement.

Read More
Converge PDX, Converge Portland, Converge Music Omari Salisbury Converge PDX, Converge Portland, Converge Music Omari Salisbury

A Decade of Culture: The 10th Annual Portland Hip-Hop Week!

Portland's vibrant hip-hop scene is gearing up for a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Portland Hip-Hop Week. From August 20-26, 2025, the city will be buzzing with an extensive lineup of events celebrating the culture that has united communities and elevated local talent. This year promises to be the biggest and most comprehensive celebration yet.

Read More
Converge Music Mead Gill Converge Music Mead Gill

Vic Daggs II: Building Momentum Inside Seattle and Outside the Box

The multi-faceted creative powerhouse Vic Daggs II has spent close to a decade making waves in music and fashion in Seattle and beyond. From momentous collaborations with Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Ghanian rapper M.anifest to the sultry conscious soul on his 2024 EP “Mental Hugs,” the 27-year-old artist has cemented himself as a mainstay in the miscellaneous sound of Pacific Northwest hip hop. 

Read More
Back2Besa, Converge Music Besa Gordon Back2Besa, Converge Music Besa Gordon

From Staten Island to Thailand: Starda Talks Legacy, Music, and Starting a Party on Back2Besa

When artist and entrepreneur Starda pulled up to The Black Media Matters Studio and Back2Besa last May, it was his first time in Seattle—and what better way to make a debut than while in town for the Lil Wayne & Friends Tour. Fresh off the release of his project Start A Party with legendary producer Ron Browz, Starda sat down with Besa Gordon to talk about his journey from Staten Island cafeterias to international stages.

Read More

Vitamin D and Let Them Create Seattle: Empowering the Next Generation of Artists

Derrick Brown, known to many as Vitamin D, recently shared his extensive music industry experience in an interview on "The Day With Trae" with guest host Deaunte Damper. With nearly 30 years in the Seattle music scene, Derrick discussed his journey from b-boying to becoming a renowned record producer, DJ, and audio engineer. He has made significant contributions to the music world, collaborating with artists such as Macklemore, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Snoop Dogg, and creating the iconic "Big Rich Town" theme song for the TV series Power.

Read More
Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg

Navigating Music, Identity, and Authenticity: A Conversation with Amelia Day

Amelia Day, a queer folk rock powerhouse carving out her own space alongside legends like Brandi Carlile, has been chasing music since the days she banged on pots and pans as a toddler. Even back then, Day had a knack for making noise that turned heads (or at least caught her parents’ attention). By the time she was five, her fascination with the family’s upright piano blossomed into formal lessons, thanks to her parents, who were casual piano players themselves. Watching them play always lit a fire in her, and she was determined to create that same magic.

Read More
Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg

TS the Solution: Spokane's Bridge-Builder and Dream-Chaser

Meet Devonte Pearson, better known in Spokane’s music scene as T.S the Solution—a name that embodies his journey and his vision. Born in Long Beach and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Pearson’s story is one of resilience, dreams, and a beat that never quits. He’s not just a hip-hop artist or an audio engineer; he’s a builder of bridges, a catalyst for collaboration, and the mentor he once wished for in his younger days.

Read More