There are plenty of things to do this weekend involving hip-hop in our area. Three events in particular focus on Tacoma artists.

Juice Radio, Q-Dot's successful online radio empire, is celebrating its seven-year anniversary. Man, that makes me feel old! I remember when Juice Radio started, and I was all like, "Wow, Q-Dot's starting a radio station. That's big!" Nowadays the cat is out the bag and a lot more local people are taking it to the Internet radio realm. Well, anyone can do it, but few have done it as successfully as Juice. They have grown into a local media powerhouse, throwing shows and sponsoring events, as well as being one of the main outlets local artists have to showcase their music.

Juice Radio is hosting two shows to celebrate its momentous occasion. Saturday is the first of the shows. It is at Barboza in Seattle and features one of the best local hip-hop lineups I have seen in a long time. Starting at 7 p.m., catch Q-Dot, Bruce Leroy, Mega Evers, Da Association and D.J. Swervewon. Bruce Leroy and Mega Evers are killing it right now. Bruce is a dope artist from Tac' who does not get out and do too many shows - do not miss an opportunity to see him. He is one of the best our city has to offer. Congratulations to Juice Radio for its success and the positive impact they have had on our scene.

Who is the biggest rapper out of Tacoma right now? I won't even go there, but one thing is for sure, it could be Lil Ripp in the future. My young dude is having a birthday party at Vinum in downtown Tacoma Saturday. Even though Ripp is a youngster, he commands the stage and the mic like a grown man. If ya'll were at January's Word 3rd Thursday, then ya know what I mean. Ripp's had a big year and he has shown growth in all areas of his art. I am glad to say, he keeps getting better and better. The festivities start at 9 p.m.

Do ya need something more underground? No problem, hit the Vermillion Art Gallery in Seattle Saturday. There ya will find Influential Minds, Controversy, Tim-Me, Taknology Ent with D.J. Skrewball.  Show is only $5 and it starts at 9:30 p.m. Have fun ya'll!

LINK: Q-Dot is also teaching hip-hop at StoryLab