Pioneer is a not a title to be used lightly and tossed about like a Nerf ball, but those who earn the distinction should be recognized and respected for their accolades.  Steve "O" Brown is one such pioneer. Specifically, Brown has been a major player in the Northwest music industry, from his years working with powerhouse label Nastymix Records to the launch of his own label, Ocean Records, in the ‘90s. As if that wasn't enough, Brown's resume also includes opening a retail, independent record store and promoting major concerts. 

Since the ‘80s - recognize him or not - Brown has experienced the good times, survived the bad and is still kickin'.

I pulled up off of Bridgeport and Pacific Highway at the Ocean Records store just outside the heart of Lakewood to visit with the local boss - who like most Northwest hip-hop legends experiences more neglect and disrespect than the opposite. Brown is a boss and has been one; he doesn't have to say it or verbalize it in raps.  He's had a reputable career, guiding Ocean Records to relationships and releases from artists like Criminal Nation, Azarel, Funk Daddy and his newest artist, Bredwinna, out of New York.

And when running a label successfully wasn't scratching his itch quite enough, Brown expanded, opening a retail music store, providing a vital service which is slowly but surely disappearing from the scene - the independent record store.  Initially opening a store in Tillicum and receiving heavy traffic from soldiers, Brown then opened a store in Redmond, Ore. of all places. 

"Oregon kids love hip-hop. There's nothing for them to do there," says Brown.  

Brown eventually closed that joint in ‘08 and refreshed his Pierce County shop, moving it to Lakewood, his hometown. 

"I missed the GIs. I really can count on them to support the shop, because we offer music that no other store does in the entire region besides ARS Records in Seattle," says Brown.

"I wanted to diversify [from recording music]. I researched stores to see what they offered, and I researched the market.  Lakewood, Fort Lewis, McChord has a lot of military from down south and the East Coast, so I carry a lot of that material." 

What about Northwest artists? 

"I would carry Northwest titles, but people for one do not support the Northwest artists out here," he says.

The presence of Ocean Records is important for the 25360 hip-hop scene and hip-hop - in general - to support, because it's a surviving entity, wherein legendary shops like Lakewood's Penny Lane dropped off the scene and even major stores like Tower are closing.  Like Olympia's Rainy Day Records, Ocean fills a void that is invaluable to DJs, MCs, producers and the average consumer who likes their music fresh off the press.  One can't help but wonder how long a person will be able to make a trip to the record store instead of simply push-button-purchases from home.

Ocean Records

11916 Pacific Hwy. SW #E, Lakewood
253.584.0575