Originally from Iowa and with a musical background on both sides of his family, DJ Sean Malik moved to Seattle at the age of 12. Upon his arrival in the Pacific Northwest, he instantly found his love for hip-hop. It was perfect timing, considering he was at the school age when students were allowed to carry instruments. DJ Sean has stuck with the craft from grade school to the present day.

As you descend into the underbelly of Madame Lou’s at the Crocodile, a painting of Madame Lou herself seems to watch your every step. The floors vibrate, and the blues, reds, and purples of the stage lights melt into your skin as they reflect off the disco ball spinning overhead.

Since starting her career, Seattle-born, San Diego-raised Soul artist Choklate has established herself as a prominent figure in the local music scene.

This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon catches up with Seattle R&B singer Choklate, whom Besa first interviewed at just 21 years old. During the interview, they discuss Choklate’s journey over the years, from her evolving music to becoming a yoga instructor, moving to L.A., touring with Moby, her upcoming album, and more.

Infinite—endless in space, extent, or size, impossible to measure or calculate—lives true to his name. His music catalog and career remain strong to this day. Encouraged by his mother, who wanted him and his sister involved in music, Infinite grew up in Seattle's Central District and started his musical journey in elementary school, playing the trumpet and saxophone.

In Seattle, there is no one more influential on the local hip-hop scene than Vitamin D. A long-awaited and much-needed interview, Vitamin D has touched the lives of nearly every young hip-hop artist in the '90s and continues to do so today.

Born on the military base Fort Lewis, Priest Mastersson understands the level of discipline it takes to be good at anything but as easy as it sounds, was not as smooth as it went. Growing up and dealing with bullying in elementary school and being in the foster care system, Mastersson always was infatuated and connected to music, with that he found his calling when he was gifted hundreds of tapes whether it was Run DMC, Beethoven, or Metallica the list goes on.

Over the weekend, Irish artist Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known best as Hozier, returned to Washington, pouring his blues, soul, and indie rock into the wild embrace of the Gorge amphitheater.

From his roots in hip hop to his exploration of electronic genres like jungle and drum and bass in the early 2000s, Shomari Shanks, aka DJ Sho Nuph is a dynamic DJ.

At the crossroads of lo-fi and R&B, Kailyn Baccetti, also known as Kenshi Killzzz, crafts a sound that’s as fresh as it is evocative. Her music videos are visual poetry, blending traditional Indian attire with edgy streetwear, while her vlogs and photography account offer a behind-the-scenes look at her creative world.

AFROPUNK is coming to Seattle for the first time this weekend.

Set against the backdrop of Pier 62 at Seattle’s new Waterfront Park on September 7, 2024, this all-ages event promises a dynamic celebration of Black culture and music. KEXP’s Eva Walker, known for her role as the host of The Black Tones and a passionate advocate for the local music scene, will be hosting.

For those who have followed Tribal Legacy from the beginning, Jimaine Miller, better known as Def Chef, is a name that resonates deeply. As one half of the Stahi Brothas, alongside Vitamin D, Miller helped shape the local hip-hop scene during the formative years of the Ghetto Children. Back in the '90s, Miller was not only cooking up beats but also literally cooking, a passion that has only grown stronger over time.

Of the funk and bass institutions in Seattle, Jamal Robinson a.k.a. Roc Phizzle continues to hold on tight to his place. Originally from Southern California, he moved to Seattle at a young age, with his family, driven by his deep-rooted connection to funk and bass.

Earning the name ‘RC The Trackaholiq,’ Ryan “RC” Croone, Seattle’s very own music producer and DJ, is a huge staple in the Northwest music scene's growth and development. Throughout his career, he’s managed to DJ up and down the West Coast, leaving crowds in awe of his tremendous ability to blend and transition between song selections.

Jerry ‘Peg’ Pegues, also known as DJ Peg, represents what Northwest music is all about. More than just a DJ, DJ Peg is a staple in Seattle’s hip-hop scene, hosting and having hosted major events at monumental venues. This has gained him support from local artists whose music is featured on his mixtapes. As the FAM Northwest 2014 DJ of the Year, Seattle Sound Music Awards 2015 Mixtape of the Year winner, and Seattle Sound Music Awards 2019 DJ of the Year, DJ Peg has earned ultimate respect throughout the community. 

Chris Gambol, also known as Note Work, has navigated the worlds of music and digital media with remarkable passion and adaptability. Starting in the late 1980s during hip-hop's Golden Era, Gambol began writing rhymes and honing his skills, influenced by the legendary artists of the time. His dedication led to the formation of the group Narcotik, under the umbrella of Tribal Productions, a collective that significantly impacted Seattle's music scene.

From his first performance at a church camp to building a treehouse studio and ultimately creating his debut album, Reed's journey has been relentless growth. With the release of his 2024 EP, Retrovision, in June, his rise has been nothing short of meteoric, firmly establishing him as a force in the Pacific Northwest's hip-hop scene and beyond. Converge Music recently spoke with the Shoreline-raised musician about his latest work, the creative process behind his biggest hits, and the next step in his journey.

At just four years old, Zaina the Phenom answered music’s call, and the world took notice. Now seven, she continues to captivate audiences with her infectious enthusiasm and heartfelt lyrics.

Arietta Ward is poised to captivate audiences once again with her forthcoming album, a continuation of her debut work Arieta. Known for her eclectic and genre-fluid style, Ward's music transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together elements of rock, funk, blues, gospel, country, and jazz into a rich and dynamic tapestry.

In the sultry realms of the music industry, where innovation and tradition waltz in a delicate ballet, Rocky Sandoval stands as a virtuoso who bridges genres with the finesse of a seasoned R&B musician. Picture him on stage, conjuring melodies that speak of passion, perseverance, and a unique artistic journey—one that has been anything but conventional.