America's Seattle, long hailed as the home of grunge, boasts an extensive and formidable jazz history. Now it is also home to a funky hip-hop mag, The Flavor, which has galloped into global standing.
Although The Flavor covers hip-hop round the Americas, it makes special room for Seattle's talented homeboys. They're also well-represented on a new mix tape, 'Tribal Productions' Untranslated Prescriptions.
This sixteen-cut gem boasts a very jazzy vibe, and features tracks by representative members of the Tribal posse (ie Ghetto Children, Sinsemilla, Infinite, Culture Born, Truth, Phat Mob, Sho Nuph, Union of Opposites). It's available from (US) 206 328-1290 or snail-mail via 1510 18th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 USA.
What does The Flavor have to say about it? Writes staff critic Strath:
"This is your final warning. Anyone who thinks Seattle hip-hop is about buttermilk biscuits and big butts, take cover...'This compilation is the first step,' says B-Self of the Ghetto Children, "So that we can keep doin' this stuff for ourselves.""Tribal Productions' business sense combined with raw talent characterises a Seattle scene which is at a turning point. 'It's suprising for a lot of people that this kind of quality does exist in Seattle, ' says Sinsemilla's DJ Topspin, co-producer of the project along with ultra-versatile Vitamin D (a DJ and co-MC for the Ghetto Children). Adds Native Son: 'Where Tribal is strongest is where we don't adopt a stagnated perception. We ain't gonna stay in one place or claim one style. We're all about advancement of hip-hop as a culture.' "
Tell us the names of MC Lyte's two DJs and win your own FREE copy of Untranslated Prescriptions. (But don't forget to include your address with any entry). Runners-up will win free sample copies of The Flavor.
'Don't Think About It', Sinsemilla, from "Untranslated Prescriptions" (104K)
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