"It's more important than Joell Ortiz coming to Hell's Kitchen; it's more important than my album dropping; it's more important than City Hall's album dropping," says Tacoma-based veteran MC, Josh Rizeberg. "El Potrero (on Tacoma's Eastside at 4314 East Portland Ave.) is the only venue in Tacoma right now where street hip-hop is showcased ... it's not the ‘chichi' Sixth Ave; hip-hop does not exist there. It's over here."
The previous paragraph is an adamant statement by one of Tacoma's hip-hop statesmen regarding a venue that has been likened to LA's Radiotron, NYC's Latin Quarter and Seattle's Art Bar - basically the rare, hard-to-find hip-hop spots where the streets and the beats connect. Rizeberg says El Potrero on Portland Avenue, a spot off the beaten path but firmly entrenched in Tacoma's Eastside, is just such a venue: "(T)here are so few hip-hop venues where legitimate street artists can be heard and make a name for themselves. El Potrero is just one, but it's the only one, because aside from Sixth Ave. the Tacoma clubs have shut down. Hilltop doesn't have any place for hip-hop artists to rock the mic."
What Rizeberg really wants to see is the Tacoma hip-hop community rally around what appears to be the only venue consistently serving as an outlet for Tacoma-based hip-hop artists. Of course, Hell's Kitchen is a legit venue, but a spot in the hood, showcasing artists from the hood, serves the hood. Straight up.
It's no secret that many a club owner and even patrons fear for their safety when confronted with hood elements. The never-addressed and underlying factor of racism-induced fear in these United States is a constant factor, especially in venues with "browner" patrons. Rizeberg asserts he has experienced nothing but love and respect during his time at El Potrero.
"Every Wednesday and Thursday we throw hip-hop shows and have been since the summer," says Easiah, the self-proclaimed Prince of The Eastside and manager of El Potrero. "We've had at least 100 artists in the last few months. I want to get every local artist possible to network and work with each other via El Potrero." He also boasts that El Potrero offers the cheapest drinks in the Puget Sound, with a laugh.
Formerly employed at a recreational center, working with youth right next to El Potrero, and Easiah's claws are deep into the Eastside community. He is unafraid of the neighborhood and the legends, rumors and misconceptions about it; he proudly states that "El Potrero specializes in Pacific Northwest hip-hop, so come as you are."
El Potrero has set the stage for this invitation to hip-hop lovers with a schedule packed with local artists. This week includes a visit from Jogota, Weaz and 1st Family on Thursday (tonight). Rizeberg himself and another T-Town representer, Young Have Not, will put it down for El Potrero's Halloween Party Oct. 28.
And just for y'all afraid of the violent reputation Tacoma's hoods have earned, Easiah proudly states (and knock on wood): "We haven't had a fight yet, people come with respect."
El Potrero
4314 E. Portland Ave. # 5, Tacoma
253.473.8450
Comments for "NON-STOP HIP-HOP: El Potrero" (2)
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Whikid Matticuless said on Oct. 16, 2010 at 1:01pm
The Northwest hip hop scene has been "the next" to blow up for a while now, but this dream will never come to fruition without Tacoma being an integral piece of the puzzle. Tacoma gets little to no respect outside the city limits, but has depended on the love from non-Tac Towners for a vey long time. The place we speak of is such a vital ingredient for not only Tacoma artists, but for the entire NW hip hop scene! We, the artists, need this place in the worst way, and it is there to help take our music to the next level. Don't sleep on us! We are here and we aint goin nowhere, except to Portland Ave. I would also like to take this time to nominate Mr. Rizeberg as the spokesperson for Tacoma hip hop, cuz he represents our city like nobody else! That's coming from the Professor, so it must be right.
Lady Tasz said on Oct. 17, 2010 at 7:05pm
This is good information to note. However, like the person who commented above said, we can not create a movement in silohs; and to remise one place to uplift another IS NOT GOING TO CUT IT! The Hilltop has several areas hip hop can (and does) have a forum: Foster Enterprise/Raw Tribe building 1107 S. 10th Street, The Corner/DASH 1504 MLK, SOZO/People's Center, etc. We must also remember "Hip Hop" is a culture, not just hardcore rap (were not against rap or rappers, lol! *Thuggest Ruggish Bone voice*)! So we must again, be specific when we speak so were not cutting out other populations of hip hop. I'm all about the unifying part, so let's be unified in truth. AND let's be real: the facts point to people needing to be mindful of their safety. But if you come with the right intentions and attitude you MAY be in a better place of not being victimized. #PoomPow
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