The Tacoma hip-hop scene is an ever-evolving community. Artists and supporters come and go on a yearly, sometimes almost monthly, basis. Walls are painted and covered (and then sometimes painted again). Emcees rise to prominence only to vanish (paging Can-U). And venues and boutiques the scene has called home rise and fall (RIP The Cool). The core of the scene comprises a dedicated few: local pioneers like General Wojak, the Dance Broomz and DJ Reign. Reign (real name Guy Hunkin), in particular, has evolved with the changing climate of local hip-hop, staying true to himself and the culture he loves, but changing his role in the community over time to keep his calendar full and his craft alive.

A hallmark of Reign's career has been his working relationship with Hell's Kitchen, one of Tacoma's most notable music venues. Reign was able to start a hip-hop night there in 2006-07. "It was a place to spin real hip-hop in Tacoma," Reign recalls. In 2008-09 Reign, along with Erik Soderquist and Ronnie Talon, successfully ran a bi-weekly hip-hop night at Hell's Kitchen called Fresh Blends, showcasing local and regional hip-hop musicians.

In the midst of planning events at Hell's Kitchen and maintaining a busy DJ schedule, Reign served as Tacoma emcee Can-U's DJ and hype man. The two composed the most popular hip-hop set in Tacoma from 2005-09 (roughly), and become known for their boisterous energy and razor-sharp showmanship. "I had so much fun with Can-U, I was the cunt and he was the nice guy, it actually kind of worked out," recalls Reign with a smile.

These days Can-U sightings are a rarity, many emcees perform without DJs and local venues have distanced themselves from live rap music. Still, Reign remains a hip-hop man about Tacoma, spinning at popular clubs and bars, but the transition wasn‘t easy.  "It's been a struggle to get booked as a resident DJ, cause they (club owners and promoters) couldn't tell me what to do," explains Reign.

After rocky relationships with many promoters, Reign met promoter Billy Sehmel. "Billy told me he was starting a Friday night at Jazzbones called "Exhilarate" and that I could play whatever I wanted," says Reign. With his newfound creative freedom Reign has learned to balance electro club music, Top 20 and classic hip-hop.  "It‘s kind of like a puzzle," he says. "It's a lot of fun if you know how to do it right, and don‘t just play the songs."

As of late, Reign has become known locally for his diverse playlist and crowd control. "I'm that type of DJ where you can't come to my club night without hearing some Top 20, underground or even local records," he explains. "I'll wait specifically till the end to drop something local, just to shove local music into everybody's ear at the end of the night as the last song."

Reign has proven himself a dedicated and talented Tacoman, but never at the expense of his individuality. "Sometimes I'm just drunk on stage and if there is a song I want to hear myself, even if the crowd's completely dancing and the song isn't that dancey, I'm the kind of DJ who will just drop the song anyways," says Reign, with a friendly laugh a big cocky smile.

DJ�Reign

Every other Friday, 11 p.m.
as well as a Halloween Bash Friday, Oct. 29, 9 p.m.
Jazzbones
2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma
253.396.9169