There are so many things going on with 253 hip-hop that I'm actually having to choose what goes in here every week. These are tough decisions, but it's a good sign that we have lots of things bubbling.

Probably the most fun thing to do this week would be for you to attend D‘Rocc's video shoot. D'Rocc is one of the main up-and-comers in our hip-hop scene and he's had some big videos in the past. The video being shot this week is open to the public - meaning you can come be immortalized in the scene forever. The shoot is actually more like an event; there'll be performances by Tak Patron, Lok Skywalker and Second Family (more about these artists in future columns). The event is Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m. at the Firwood Rock Lounge and it packs a $10 cover. This venue is new and has already had some large hip-hop shows. Come check out the new venue and meet some of the who's who in 253 hip-hop. 

D'Rocc is the perfect segue into our next topic, Island Trybe's newest video, "Blow Ya Mynd." Just type that into YouTube and you should be good. Island Trybe is one of the most recognizable names in 253 hip-hop, and the "Blow Ya Mynd" video really lets viewers see the whole Island Trybe brand and family. The video highlights the extended family, which consists of homies Tattoo Island Sons tattoo shop and artists D'Rocc and Aomas Ent. The video also features cameos from Tacoma heavyweights Jay Barz and Second Family. If you want to see Island Trybe in action this week, they're opening for Baby Bash, Saturday, April 2 at The Vault in Oly.

We are lucky enough to have in Tacoma a live hip-hop weekly every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. at El Perron. Performances are usually anywhere from five to 10 minutes, and range in caliber from total newbies to some of the hottest artists in the city. El Perron is always hooking up food and drink specials and the event is FREE! If you're trying to perform hit up A R Mastamind on Facebook and get you some!