Besa Gordon - Do you know what's crazy? It took for me to go to Trap Kitchen Weekend in Portland, Oregon, to fall back in love with looking into new Hip-Hop artists, interviewing artists, and highlighting artists that I think are dope. Before becoming a radio host, I used to do that all the time. Back then, I had a different passion for getting the word out about new artists people should know about or even looking for artists I still needed to learn. Believe it or not, some of my favorite artists to this day are ones no one knew about until they blew up.

For example, Muni Long people don't realize when she first came out, she went by Priscilla Renea, and the first song of hers I fell in love with was called "Love Sick," which dropped in 2009. But I found her because I was on the hunt for new music, new artists, and music I could be passionate about sharing on my blog Naybesa.com. I remember going to local shows at Neumos, Barboza, and the Crocodile, researching the performing artists, and running up to them for a photo and interview once their set was over. And honestly, I haven't done anything like that in about seven years. At least until last Friday, when I went to Trap Kitchen Weekend 2022 in Portland with Proof and Curtis.

While at Trap Kitchen weekend, I saw performances by artists like Jay Worthy, G Perico, Azjah, Northside Tego, Savii, AAP Deno, Cool Nutz, and more. What I loved was that each artist brought something different to the stage, I loved the energy of the crowd in Portland, and I loved that the artists roamed the venue freely while enjoying each other's performances. It reminded me of back in 2010 when I first started reviewing concerts in Seattle. The vibe was different back then. It felt more like family than just a performance for strangers.

See below for a list of my favorite performers at rap Kitchen Weekend 2022, and their latest projects:

G Perico:

Azjah:

Northside Tego:

Savii 3rd:

There were 14 Hip-Hop artists that hit the stage, and there wasn't a single ounce of drama in the building. If there was any drama, I sure didn't see it. I mention that because I wish we could have something like Trap Kitchen Weekend here in Seattle. I don't know why it is so hard for us to have events where there are a good 7 to 10 fire Hip-Hop artists with huge followings and have a good time. I mean, we used to. Nowadays, many venues turn down Hip-Hop shows like this or cancel them at the last minute. There may be something coming down the pipeline that I don't know. But I haven't seen it yet, but I do want to.

In the meantime, in between time, I'll continue heading to PDX for more Hip Hop events. I can't wait until the next Trap Kitchen Weekend, and if you're ever in Portland, head over to Trap Kitchen and order the Baller Box, Garlic Noodles, a berry lemonade, and thank me later :)

Check out some photos taken by Proof at Trap Kitchen Weekend 2022 below: