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Articles by Mac Smiff
Jeremy Okai Davis’ Newest Portraits Uncover Once-Obscure Black American Entertainment History
Viewers should lose themselves in Jeremy Okai Davis’ latest portrait exhibit, from the stage, a calling…, which opens Thursday, Nov. 7 at Elizabeth Leach Gallery, as soon as possible. For his third art installment since he began working with the gallery in 2019, Davis looks to highlight the history and spirit of Black performance through a collection of portraits analyzing and celebrating the rich, complex and often tragic development of African American arts as acts of resistance and resilience.
7th Annual PDX Hot Sauce Expo Unites Brands and Fans for the Love of the Pepper
I’ve always loved the heat. From 100-degree days to mouth-searing chile peppers, I’m a big fan of turning it up. Tabasco in my mixed drinks? Yes, please. Reaper-level at Dave’s Hot Chicken? Why not! A dare to eat the hottest chile in your garden? I’m with it. I’m the guy at the Indian food cart asking them how hot they can make their jalfrezi…and paying for it dearly.
Hear in Portland: Every One of Us Brings Madjestiq-CEG to the Square, Return of the Day Fade And-Once Again-Raving about Fountaine
Hey Portlanders! It’s Mac, back once again with the goods on hip shows to see this weekend. Your regular music columnist, Jenni Moore, will soon return, but let’s allow her to enjoy her precious baby photo shoots and bonding time for just a bit more, yeah? Sponsored Speaking of babies, the judicial branch of our federal government is being a real downer and trying to pry away our abilities to choose when we have them.
HEAR IN PORTLAND: Get Good in the Hood, Twerk It at Laffy Taffy, or Chill in with New Tracks from Lambo Lawson and Wynne
Well, America is ridiculous, but it's Friday, and it you're not in the streets you may want to shake off some of that rage energy on the dance floor. So your second-favorite music writer—as Jennifer Moore is on maternity leave—is back for another week of upcoming show picks. I'll also throw in some general music chatter for good measure. Don't get too used to me though; as soon as you get comfortable having me around, that’s when I make myself scarce.
Hear in Portland: Packed Weekend of Shows with Roullette Delgato, HS.Dro, and a Wild Promotion from El Hempe
Jesus Garcia of Studio 23 Graphics Hello Mercury Music readers! It's Mac Smiff, and I’ll be covering for our beloved Jennifer Moore while she takes some time to celebrate and bond with her adorable new baby! No worries, she’ll be back. But in the meantime you’ll have to put up with me. Sponsored This weekend contains the much anticipated confluence of Juneteenth and the annual Pride Festival, so expect it to be busy outside, even if this rain keeps falling through the first days of summer.
Open Letter: A Call-In To The Portland Protest Community
In response to ongoing behavior seen as detrimental to Black Liberation, Black protesters have drafted a letter addressing the larger Portland Protest Community, so that our values and observations are clear to all.
Hip Hop Lit Offers Glimpse into Portland’s Future by Connecting Students to the Culture’s Roots
When you look at the larger narrative around Portland Hip Hop, it usually boils down to an ongoing quest for respect. Who’s going to be the next to blow up? Who’s going to put the city on the map? Who’s dictating which artists get shine? Who got left off the latest top 10 list? Many of these conversations also feel like “inside baseball”–debates between artists, promoters, media personalities, and fans who mostly frequent shows where they serve alcohol.
Cool Nutz Brings Cookies and Cuts
When it comes to production and output, the big homie Cool Nutz is elite. Fresh off the New Year’s Day release of Failure Is The Feeling (which features the Dear Portland Police Remix) and his expansion into the cannabis industry via the Trap Private Reserve brand, Nutz won’t be found resting on his laurels. But you might find him this Saturday celebrating the opening of an iconic new dispensary in East Portland.
Behind the Cover: Casso Dinero's Illustration for Issue 25
Cover illustration by Alexander “Casso Dinero” Wright Words by Mac Smiff Sounds of My City Through the Pandemic, Police Violence and Racial Injustice, Black Music Remains Resilient in Portland Black music is a form of protest. Black art—in this city, this state, this nation—commodifies pain. Black existence is a form of expression. Music is personal. Music is public. Music is healing. Music is a reflection of life. Music is the point dancing its way through our perception.
Off To A Bad Start: Tevis’ First Week of 2021
Cover Photo by Rebecca Ellis In our culture, along with the changing of the year comes the expectation to commit to self-improvement. One could assume that with the year we just had here in Portland, those in power would use the gift of hindsight and set a reasonable and determined course towards achieving justice and peace; however, that would be the most naïve of assumptions. Ted Wheeler, in his first workweek of the New Year, did indeed come in hot.
Oregonians respond to violent insurrection in the nation’s capitol
Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the West wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Jose Luis Magana / AP Your browser does not support the audio element. Extremists emboldened by President Donald Trump flooded into the U.S. Capitol building yesterday in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the electoral college.
Guest Editorial: What's a New Year?
by Mac Smiff • Dec 30, 2020 at 10:00 am [In an effort to reflect on a very tumultuous year, the Mercury asked several Portlanders to look back on their 2020 and share how their lives have changed and what they've taken away from their experiences. Mac Smiff is a political activist, and the editor of We Out Here Magazine. Here is his 2020 story.—eds] To be fair, I don’t usually put much thought into rolling from one year to the next.
Last chance: Get the new Vortex delivered to your door!
New Print Issue Out This Week: Get it mailed to your door for just $3! SOUNDS OF MY CITY Through the pandemic, police violence and racial injustice, Black music remains resilient in Portland. "I want to amplify Black voices without sacrificing the clarity of our voices," says Mac Smiff, who guest edits the new print issue of Vortex.
Through the pandemic, police violence and racial injustice, Black music remains resilient in Portland
New Print Issue Drops Next Week: Get it mailed to your door for just $3! SOUNDS OF MY CITY Through the pandemic, police violence and racial injustice, Black music remains resilient in Portland. "I want to amplify Black voices without sacrificing the clarity of our voices," says Mac Smiff, who guest edits the new print issue of Vortex.
10 THINGS: Desmond Tutu Quotes That Ted Wheeler Should Read
Generally speaking, there are few things more painful than listening in on a local budget vote. Still, Wednesday’s meeting full of budgetary amendments and amendments to amendments left an especially sour taste in my mouth.
MusicPortland First Monday Meetup: Building Equity in Community Media: at MusicPortland - Live Stream
Show Pick by Jenni Moore, Mac Smiff, Chris Young Monday, October 5, 2020 - 6pm show all ages free It's no secret that today's media landscape is increasingly controlled by fewer and fewer multinational corporations, and it should come as no surprise that independent and community-run media face an uphill battle when it comes to funding, distribution and promotion—many of the same hurdles that local artists face.
We Out Here Magazine (WOHM)
From one editor to some others, it’s time for you to stand down. Last night, a day after a protester was set on fire by an allegedly errant Molotov cocktail, the editorial board of The Oregonian – the state’s largest and oldest newspaper – decided to draft and publish an “Opinion” piece urging Portland protesters to end their nightly demonstrations, which have consistently marched toward police strongholds only to be met with varying levels of police-inflicted violence.
Changes: The Future of Vortex
Vortex Music Magazine During these tumultuous times for the music industry and our country, we took the summer off from printing a new issue. Passing the mic, Vortex will return this fall with guest editor Mac Smiff leading the charge.
We Out Here Magazine (WOHM)
I arrived home early one morning after being at the Justice Center, helmet and gas mask in hand, covered in the stench of tear gas, pepper and gunpowder. Without hardly a thought, I put my protest gear in the designated area, removed my contaminated clothes, and showered with cool water, washing my dreads for the second time in 3 days. As I started wandering to bed, my wife asked if I was hungry. I was.
Artist to Watch: Nod Your Head to the Beat Wizardry of Lisa Vazquez
Lisa Vasquez live at the Doug Fir in January: Photos by Todd GeeGENRE: Hip-hop ESSENTIAL TRACK: “Each Other” FOR FANS OF: RZA, Bahamadia, Slum Village If you’re looking for a thrilling, authentic live hip-hop experience, look no further than the multi-talented Argentinian Lisa Vazquez. Armed with an MPC, a mic and an ever-changing array of doodads, this globetrotting, humble rap technician knows how to command a stage and appeal to a wide range of music fans.
Artist to Watch: Wynne's On The Rise In Rip City
Vortex Music Magazine With the city's hip-hop scene behind her, Wynne is set to drop her debut mixtape on October 25 and continue her effort to bring about town unity with her blistering rhymes. October 17, 2019 12:00pm Photo by Clare GillenGENRE: Hip-hop ESSENTIAL TRACK: “Buzzer” FOR FANS OF: Twista, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar Lots of rappers succeed in the shadow of a more famous major city: E-40 put Vallejo on the map, DMX hailed from Yonkers, and Snoop made waves from Long Beach.
The Latest in Portland Hip-Hop: Album Announcements from Wynne and Myke Bogan, and More!
Myke Bogan Tim Slew What’s wavy in the Portland hip-hop scene right now? Short answer: a lot. Let’s talk about it! Myke Bogan, Cult Beauty I got some great news this weekend that our beloved Portland import, Myke Bogan, is dropping a new 14-track album on October 18.
MusicPortland Monthly Meetup: at Rontoms
Rontoms600 E Burnside PortlandOR97204 Show Pick by Mac Smiff, Chris Young Monday, August 5, 2019 - 6:30pm doors, 7pm show 21+ free Every first Monday, Portland’s music industry—artists and music businesses—come together to “constructively kvetch,” as MusicPortland’s executive director Meara McLaughlin jokingly puts it.
Artist to Watch: Rasheed Jamal Is Ready to Reign Supreme
Photo by Philmore UlinwaGENRE: Hip-hop ESSENTIAL TRACK: “Muddy Waters” FOR FANS OF: Lil Wayne, T.I., Anderson .Paak With a new outlook on life and a new project on the way, Rasheed Jamal is poised to move from underground favorite to local legend. One of the most skilled rappers to ever clutch a mic in this city, the mere mention of his name is enough to have Portland rap heads rewriting their top 10 lists.
Artist to Watch: KayelaJ's Just Getting Started
Photo by Miss Lopez MediaGENRE: Hip-hop ESSENTIAL TRACK: “Kayela to the MF J” FOR FANS OF: Cardi B, Notorious B.I.G., Da Brat Portland saw its share of new rappers in 2018, but none hit the ground running quite like KayelaJ. Since dropping her debut single “Kayela to the MF J” back in February, the five-foot-nothing dynamo has been dripping confidence and popping up everywhere... and I mean everywhere.
New Year, New Music: Three Portland Artists to Watch in 2018
Photo by Matt Vrvilo Drowse GENRE: Ambient rock ESSENTIAL TRACK: “Rain Leak” FOR FANS OF: My Bloody Valentine, Unwound, Codeine, Explosions in the Sky Kyle Bates has been unabashed in chronicling the oft-times spiraling mental escapades he’s endured throughout his young life.
The Latest in Portland Hip-Hop
A Hip-Hop Party on a Boat, Thirsty City Turns Five, New Music from Swiggle Mandela, and More! Busy Busy Busy Diondre Collins What's up, Mercury readers? I'm back to get you all up-to-date with what's going on in the Portland rap/hip-hop world, where there's always more than enough to talk about. Here are three local events and three music releases worth diving into.
The Latest in Portland Hip-Hop
New drops from TROX, KayelaJ, SQVTCH, and more! Plus, An Update About Portland Hip-Hop Day. Faithful Sneaker Wave readers, my babies. As the new Mercury music editor, I’m even busier than usual—busy kicking ASS, while simultaneously trying not to drown in an infinite sea of emails. Luckily, I’m not the only person who can cover Portland’s hotbed of hip-hop music and culture. BEHOLD: a column guest-written by writer and The Thesis co-founder Mac Smiff. —Jenni Moore What’s up, Mercury readers?
Cannabis Connections in #PDXmusic
Tre Redeau: “The Anthem” feat. Manny Monday and Myke Bogan The name says it all. This pick from Kenny Fresh of Fresh Selects has a dope, low-budget video where these three hip-hop heads goof in the backyard getting lit.
Myke Bogan - Gravy ft. Michael Christmas
Myke Bogan has been active lately in preparation for his new album, Pool Party, and the release of Gravy (whichfeatures Boston’s Michael Christmas) is his latest lure. The bouncy track, produced by Pool Balls creator Tim Fontane, is a certified headknock and Myke does his thing, sliding syllables where you didn’t think they belonged. With EYRST behind him, Myke seems poised to cash in on a bubbling Portland scene. New album Friday. Posted by Mac Smiff
The Thesis: KayelaJ and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Kelly's Olympian426 SW Washington St. PortlandOR97204 Show Pick by Mac Smiff, Blake Hickman Thursday, September 6, 2018 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $10 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis. The monthly hip-hop showcase known for packing out the place returns on First Thursday with another blazing bill of local beat slingers and rhyme slayers.
Looking Forward to GirlFest 2018
One thing I’m super adamant about is giving artists from all avenues the space to create. That’s why I’m so proud that We Out Here Magazine is once again sponsoring GirlFest – the brainchild of the one and only Madison Sturdevant – which serves to promote the musical works of women in our region, culminating in a multi-genre concert at Holocene.
The THESIS 3 Year Anniversary: Ty Farris & Trox, Cool Nutz, Kung Foo Grip, Sxlxmxn, SQVTCH
This Thursday marks the third anniversary of TheTHESIS – Portland’s premiere hip-hop showcase – and we are coming to shut it down. Detroit’s Ty Farris, an exemplary emcee and frequent collaborator with burgeoning Portland super-producer Trox, made the flight West to headline the highly anticipated event with a rare performance alongside his DJ. The duo teamed up last year with Room 39, and just recently dropped a previously unreleased gem, Real Sh*t, which really showcases the pair’s aesthetic.
Damian Lillard's Serious Game, On The Court and Mic
"Why did I name the album 'Confirmed'?" Lillard writes on Instagram. "One of the definitions of confirmed is 'fixed in habit and unlikely to change.' I named the album that because there's always been something said about me spending time in the studio, even though I've always shown up and produced for my team every night. I've never had issues with stardom. I'm also not new to music. I've always created music while playing at every level of basketball. But now this is no longer an experiment.
The Thesis: Marco Pavé, Jon Belz, and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Kelly's Olympian426 SW Washington St. PortlandOR97204 Show Pick by Mac Smiff, Blake Hickman Thursday, October 5, 2017 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $5 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis.
TheTHESIS XXXIV: Stevo The Weirdo, Rasheed Jamal, CHOViE, Verbz + Special Guests
Calling all Hip-Hop fans� Tomorrow marks the first Thursday of the month and you know what that means� TheTHESIS is upon us! As we march towards our December anniversary shows, we’re pulling no punches with the lineups and September’s is sure to be one for the books. Stevo The Weirdo is no stranger to a THESIS show, but this will be his first time headlining the jig.
The Thesis: Stevo The Weirdo, Rasheed Jamal, and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Thursday, September 7, 2017 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $5 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis. The monthly hip-hop showcase known for packing out the place returns on First Thursday with another blazing bill of local beat slingers and rhyme slayers. This month's lineup also includes CHOViE.Get Tickets
The Thesis: Al-One, Woody Beast, and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Thursday, August 3, 2017 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $5 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis. The monthly hip-hop showcase known for packing out the place returns on First Thursday with another blazing bill of local beat slingers and rhyme slayers. This month's lineup also includes Daelonz.Get Tickets
Three Portland Artists to Watch This Summer
Photo by Todd Walberg Sunbathe GENRE: Pop rock ESSENTIAL TRACK: “With A Little Help” FOR FANS OF: La Luz, Julien Baker, Radiation City There is an innate mix of humor and darkness in the catchy madness of Sunbathe’s self-titled release.
The THESIS: DanielSevenTwo, Mighty, Raquel Divar & Cory Oh, Verbz
Tonight the names above go up in lights for TheTHESIS, Portland’s marquee monthly hip-hop extravaganza, which features an amazing DJ – Verbz – and a rotating cast of phenomenal talent. Tonight’s line-up, as usual, is heavy on local talent. The young and popular DanielSevenTwo will take the stage for the first time, as will veteran phenom Mighty, and THESIS favorite Raquel Divar returns with Cory Oh with a special mission. Booking 72 was an exercise in patience.
The Thesis: Mighty and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Thursday, July 6, 2017 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $5 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis. The monthly hip-hop showcase known for packing out the place returns on First Thursday with another blazing bill of local beat slingers and rhyme slayers. This month's lineup includes Danielseventwo, Raquel Divar and Cory O.Get Tickets
TheTHESIS: Ms. Lopez’ Birthday Celebration featuring Fountaine, Vytell, Lisa Vazquez, Dre C
In case you forgot, today’s the first of the month. It’s also Thursday which means, it’s first Thursday… so tonight is TheTHESIS! Don’t worry, such details never fail us and we’ve got an exemplary show in store for you tonight at Kelly’s Olympian. The big story, of course, is the return of Fountaine to our THESIS stage. As the first rapper (and producer) to rock our stage 2.5 years so, Fountaine literally set the bar for the event.
The Thesis: Fountaine and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Thursday, June 1, 2017 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $5 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis. The monthly hip-hop showcase known for packing out the place returns on First Thursday with another blazing bill of local beat slingers and rhyme slayers. Come celebrate Miss Lopez Media's birthday and also catch Lisa Vazquez, Dre C and Vytell on the bill. Just $5, show up early—come nod your head to this!Get Tickets
Vortex Music Magazine and The Thesis present A Collaborative Happy Hour: Korgy & Bass and Rasheed Jamal at Bloodworks Live Studio
Bloodworks Live Studio1210 SW Sixth Ave. PortlandOR97204 Show Pick by Mac Smiff, Blake Hickman, Chris Young Monday, May 15, 2017 - 5:30pm doors, 6pm show all ages free Rapper Rasheed Jamal will bring his incredible, raw flow to the Skype Live Studio stage while the jazzy, instrumental hip-hop duo of Korgy & Bass will provide the live grooves.
The Thesis: Beat Showcase: Sxlxmxn, Bravo Domo, Donte Thomas, Bocha, ePP, and Verbz at Kelly's Olympian
Kelly's Olympian426 SW Washington St. PortlandOR97204 Show Pick by Mac Smiff, Blake Hickman Thursday, May 4, 2017 - 8:30pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $5 day of show In conjunction with We Out Here Magazine, Vortex is proud to present The Thesis. The monthly hip-hop showcase known for packing out the place returns on First Thursday with another blazing bill of local beat slingers and rhyme slayers. This month is a beat showcase.
The Thesis: Stewart Villain, Bravo Domo, Epp
Putting up three rappers and a special guest is fun and all but I want to be honest, I get tired of the template sometimes, and I know you do too. So here in May, for the monthly first Thursday hip-hop extravaganza we call TheTHESIS, we’ll be switching it up and doing something a little less pre-defined.
Three Portland Artists to Watch This Spring
Photo by Sam Gehrke SKULL DIVER GENRE: Psych metal ESSENTIAL TRACK: “Bad Star” FOR FANS OF: Mazzy Star, Sleep, Lana Del Rey Through the buzz of heavily delayed guitars calls a whisper of a voice like an incantation, casting a spell over droning drums. But Skull Diver are more than spellcasters—they’re wizards deftly creating a massive sound that dances between metal, electropop and psych rock.
Soul'd Out Music Festival and StrickRose Music Group present Rose Tribe Invitational: TYuS, Cassow, and StarChile at Star Theater
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 9pm doors, 10pm show 21+ $15 advance, $15 day of show With Johnny Cool, DJ Skills and more! Get Tickets
WIN TICKETS: MOGO Music Festival: Mic Capes, Donte Thomas, Nick B, Bocha, Gifted Gab, and Verbz at Star Theater
Star Theater13 NW Sixth Ave. PortlandOR97209 Show Pick by Mac Smiff, Blake Hickman Saturday, March 4, 2017 - 8pm doors, 9pm show 21+ $10 advance, $10 day of show MOGO is a weekend of #PDXmusic made by local musicians in Portland-area venues, all curated by some of the city's most influential fans and musicians. Tonight's gig also features Gifted Gab and is curated by The Thesis. Leave a comment below for your chance to win a pair of tickets! Get Tickets
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