Search 
Jenni Moore
Jenni is an Alaska-born, Oregon-raised writer living in Portland. Read More
The Portland Hip-Hop Scene
Brush up on the city’s best hip-hop artists, showcases, shops and news outlets.
Jenni Moore
Jenni is an Alaska-born, Oregon-raised writer living in Portland. Read More
You may have seen Aminé on Jimmy Fallon or listened to the new album from Dodgr. But how much do you really know about Rose City hip-hop? Dive into the past, present and future of the Portland hip-hop scene with our expert guide to its best performers, stores and more.
History of Hip-Hop in Portland
It would be irresponsible to discuss the recent history of hip-hop in Portland without touching on the discrimination and gentrification the scene has endured. Artists, fans, journalists and promoters — especially those from the old school — have experienced a slew of club and venue closures. This has made it even harder for hip-hop to exist in this historically less-than-diverse city. Crown Room, Harlem, Someday Lounge and Beauty Bar all shuttered in the last few years.
The most infamous closure, perhaps, was that of beloved jazz venue Blue Monk in 2014. The closure followed a highly publicized example of local law enforcement targeting hip-hop and rap shows in Portland. A 2014 show featuring Luck One (now Hanif), Mikey Vegaz and battle rap champion Illmaculate was cut short by the arrival of more than a dozen police and gang enforcement officers. Police blocked off the street and limited access to the event, claiming there was overcrowding in the basement. Illmaculate, the show’s headliner, left the venue in protest before beginning his set. “I will not perform in this city as long as the blatant targeting of Black culture and minorities congregating is acceptable common practice,” he tweeted. The Blue Monk closed a few weeks later.
Today, Portland’s hip-hop scene is thriving and seems to have shaken off much of its negative reputation with public officials. In 2015, then-mayor Charlie Hales even designated Oct. 15 as “Portland Hip-hop Day” — a gesture meant to signify inclusion for the community.
Portland Hip-Hop Showcases
In recent years, several regular hip-hop showcases have blossomed around town. Here are a few to check out:
- Organized by former rapper and We Out Here Magazine (WOHM) editor Mac Smiff, amateur hip-hop showcase The Thesis has taken place every first Thursday of the month at Kelly’s Olympian since 2014.
- In 2016, the late emcee StarChile started hosting the Mic Check emcee showcase. Now hosted by DJ Klyph, the event takes place at White Eagle every last Thursday and has garnered support and coverage from the acclaimed hip-hop platform Team Backpack.
- The semi-regular YGB (Young Gifted & Brown) dance party DJ’d by Lamar LeRoy is known for its positive vibes.
Portland Hip-Hop Artists
Portland hip-hop veterans like Vursatyl (of Lifesavas), Libretto, Hanif and Cool Nutz can occasionally still be seen on the mic around town. Meanwhile, a crop of promising new talent is building on what the old school started. These new performers are using social media tools to catapult their scene to the next level. Hip-hop leaders Mic Capes, Glenn Waco and Rasheed Jamal comprise the Resistance crew. The group is celebrated for its socially conscious lyricism, impressive rap skills, community building and stellar crowd control.
Aminé and his viral single “Caroline” took Portland to the national stage in November 2016. Landing a post-election spot on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he brought along established Portland neo-soul singer Blossom and acclaimed rapper Dodgr as backup. Other local stars include “femcees” like Karma Rivera, Vytell and Fritzwa. Newcomer Wynne stunned the crowd during a cypher (a hip-hop jam or freestyle battle) at Mic Check in March 2017. Portland is also home to eclectic artists like “St. Johns Scholar” Vinnie Dewayne, anime-obsessed Fountaine and the dynamic Myke Bogan.
Portland Hip-Hop Shops
In addition to checking out these artists and shows, visitors can shop at local stores vital to Portland’s hip-hop culture. These shops support local artists, host events and are First Thursday destinations for hip-hop-inspired art, music and designs. At Compound Gallery in Northwest Portland’s Old Town neighborhood, shoppers can find products from Bro Pluto, Jordan Carter’s monkey-logo’d brand. (The brand also frequently pops up at local gigs and merch tables.) In addition to selling local designs, Compound Gallery — along with the Black-owned Deadstock Coffee — offers an alternative to typical First Thursday exhibitions.
Portland Hip-Hop Media
Keep up with local events and rising stars by following WOHM, which has become the city’s premiere online hip-hop lifestyle publication. Vortex is also a great (and free) print magazine offering insight and interviews with the scene’s most impactful players. Local label and collective EYRST hosts high-quality events and supports some of Portland’s most talented artists and producers. There are also plenty of audio shows worth tuning into. Check out XRAY FM’s Soul Food, Welcome to the Neighborhood with DJ Klyph and the Crate Diggers podcast, hosted by DJ Verbz. Additionally, content and events produced by Chapter Mag highlight (and distribute) Portland’s eclectic hip-hop culture. Portland publications like Willamette Week and Portland Monthly have increased coverage of local hip-hop artists and events in their regular reporting. (I even have my own column in the Portland Mercury, “Sneaker Wave,” which provides the latest updates on the city’s hip-hop scene!)
Portland Hip-Hop Today
With the closure of local venues, hip-hop music and events have moved to unexpected locations, like dive bars. Amid this atmosphere of change, some Portland artists are on the brink of making a nationwide splash, and the community can feel it. It’s a new era, where creatives in Portland hip-hop are making headlines and gaining new fans across the country. One thing’s for certain: With this many options, it’s an exciting and busy time to be a live hip-hop fan in Portland.
Related Sounds
Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Soul’d Out Music Festival
Whether you’re a lifelong soul fan or hunting for your new favorite band, Portland’s annual Soul’d Out Music Festival delivers.
The New Class of the Portland R&B Scene
A new generation of artists is attracting more light to the Portland R&B scene than ever before.
Upcoming Concerts and Shows
Piano Push Play
Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.
William Byrd Festival
Every August, some of Oregon’s finest choral singers convene to perform the stirring music of England’s greatest Renaissance composer, Shakespeare contemporary William Byrd. The 2022 William Byrd Festival will be taking place from August 5 through August 21. This year’s festival will revolve around the music of Thomas Tallis, featuring Tallis’s seven-voice Mass Puer natus…
Dahlia Festival
Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Wednesday. Pick out and order your favorite dahlias for Spring delivery and planting. Purchase a beautiful…
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
With acts that have ranged from Al Green to ZZ Top, McMenamins Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn are an annual rite of summer and the hottest ticket in town.
Summer Free For All
Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.
Montavilla Jazz Festival
Montavilla Jazz Festival 2022 showcases the vibrant new sound of locally-based jazz August 19–21. Pianist/composer Kerry Politzer headlines the festival with LA-based guest trumpeter Alex Norris joining her Quintet on Sunday, August 21, and Saturday night saxophonist Rich Halley is joined by NYC’s Matthew Shipp Trio. New this year: Montavilla Jazz Festival includes two late-night…
Multnomah Days
Join in one of the oldest Street Fairs in Portland Portland’s Multnomah Village is filled with character – as well as dozens of unique shops, galleries, restaurants, arts and more. Multnomah Days is a one-day open-air family-friendly street festival with 100+ vendor booths, live musical acts, street entertainers, art, food and beverage carts, plus outdoor…
Portland Hip Hop Week
Portland Hip Hop Day was founded in 2015 as a result of a collaborative effort to address concerns and conflicts between the Portland Hip Hop scene and various agencies representing the City of Portland. As the result of continued relationship building and successful annual events between the city and the Hip Hop community, in 2019…
PDX Pop Now!
PDX Pop Now! was created when 14 people envisioned local music emboldened by local recognition and were driven to ignite it. The idea: that Portland’s self-sustained scene had reached a level deserving of recognition, discovery, enhancement, stimulation, participation, accessibility and — most importantly — celebration! Thus, the PDX Pop Now! music festival was born in…
Lents Cultural Fair
Lents Cultural Fair at the Lents International Farmers Market. Sunday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend). Live Music. Dance Performances (Portland Lee’s Lion and Dragon Dance Team, Moon Patrol Breakdancers, and more.) Prizes and giveaways too. Free / All ages. (PBOT plaza SE 91st and Foster in Lents Town Center.)
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Portland Indigenous Marketplace supports indigenous artists and entrepreneurs by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces that encourage cultural resilience and economic sustainability by promoting public education through cultural arts. Indigenous & Black Vendors Raffle Music You can not miss it, in the parking lot 432 NE 74th Ave Portland, OR 97213 Plenty of parking available on-site…
El Grito
El Grito Fiestas Patrias celebrates the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries from Spain. As the Mexican President presents the nation’s traditional El Grito in Mexico City, so too will Portland commemorates Mexico’s independence at the Moda Center/Rose Quarter Commons. Join in the most important holiday celebrated by the Hispanic community in Oregon….
My People’s Market
My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.
Comfort and Joy
Join the Oregon Symphony for an evening of good cheer with season classics, a very merry sing-along, and a jubilant celebration sure to put you and yours in the holiday spirit. Artists TBA, Conductor Oregon Chorale Oregon Symphony
Gospel Christmas
Bring joy to your holiday season with the 23rd annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Special Concert Artists Charles Floyd, Conductor Gary Louis Hemenway, Choral Director Northwest Community Gospel Chorus Oregon Symphony
Mondays on the Mall
Portland mall management partners with pioneer courthouse square and local businesses to bring free events and performances to the transit mall each Monday.
Symphonies, Suites, and Soundtracks Brass Concert
A brass choir concert featuring the combined talents of the Solid Brass and Encore Brass ensembles. The program will feature symphonies by Dvorak and Chris Hazell, a suite of Renaissance dances, and music from well-known movies and Broadway shows.
Jessica Lea Mayfield
Jessica Lea Mayfield is excited to announce an upcoming 10-date US tour featuring Homeschool (a fresh solo project of Tom D’Agustino, formerly of Active Bird Community) and a show with long-time friends and collaborators, The Avett Brothers. Coinciding with the tour announcement, Mayfield is releasing the first visual off her upcoming record for her latest…
Soundwaves at the Reser
Music Workshop’s Soundwaves program will bring youth ages 8 and up and their families to The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts for eight interactive performances with professional musicians. Concerts will be held Aug. 16, 18, 23 and 24 and will include performances by Thomas Lauderdale and China Forbes of Pink Martini, DJ Prashant, Thunderstorm…
Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series
The Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series returns for its 30th year on Tuesdays throughout July and August. From noon-1:00 pm enjoy music from some of Portland’s best regional and local musical talent. With nine FREE concerts, dancing, and some of Portland’s favorite food vendors at Carts on the Square, the Square is sure to be…
The Head and the Heart
Initially self-released in 2011, The Head And The Heart’s self-titled breakout debut produced instant classics including “Rivers and Roads,” “Down In The Valley” and “Lost In My Mind” (#1 at AAA) and is now certified Gold. Their next two albums, 2013’s Let’s Be Still and 2016’s Signs of Light, settled into Billboard’s Top 10 albums…
Low Bar Chorale
You show up at a bar or music venue. You grab a drink, and within minutes you’re singing the hell out of your favorite rock song with a hundred other folks and – wait for it – a live band of nationally known musicians. In three-part harmony, no less. Wait, what just happened? Welcome to…
Lost Dog Street Band
Returning to the stripped-back, string band sound of their busking years, Lost Dog Street Band’s new album Glory is a searing testament to recovery, redemption and resolve. Fronted by songwriter Benjamin Tod and his wife, fiddler Ashley Mae, the DIY band began out of desperation on the sidewalks of Nashville roughly a decade ago, but…
Marissa Nadler
Over nearly 20 tireless years of writing, recording, and touring, Marissa Nadler has amassed one of the most singular catalogs in contemporary music. Her work glides between delicate folk, windswept Americana, doom metal-adjacent darkness, meditative ambient music, and fearlessly experimental sounds, all anchored in her unmistakable singing voice and finger-style guitar. Shortly after finishing her…
The Regrettes
The Regrettes – Further Joy Tour Perfectly imperfect – that’s one way to describe L.A. based punk act, The Regrettes. Writing songs that proudly bear a brazen and unabashed attitude in the vein of acts Courtney Barnett or Karen O – with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of ’50s and ’60s acts a la the Temptations…
DJ Jupiter Williams
DJ Jupiter Williams will be performing at the Square over the lunch hour. Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known as Portland’s living room, is a public space occupying a full 40,000-square-foot city block in the center of downtown Portland, Oregon, United States.
Coheed And Cambria
Coheed and Cambria is an American progressive rock band from Nyack, New York, formed in 1995. The band consists of Claudio Sanchez, Travis Stever, Josh Eppard, and Zach Cooper. The group’s music incorporates aspects of progressive rock, pop, heavy metal, and post-hardcore. With Special Guests Dance Gavin Dance and Mothica
Outer Orbit
FUNK SOUL COLLECTIVE Outer Orbit is a funk-soul collective led by Galen Clark (Trio Subtonic, Sleater Kinney) and fronted by vocalist Sarah Clarke (Dirty Revival, Con Brio). The band features an all-star lineup of Tyrone Hendrix (Prince, Allen Stone), Damian Erskine (Skerik Band), Peter Knudsen (Ghost-note, greaterkind) and Mike Elson (Swatkins and the Positive Agenda)….
Knot Springs Summer Concert Series: Ron Artis II
Knot Springs, Portland’s premier wellness-themed social club, today announces its Knot Springs Summer Music Concert Series. On August 17 Knot Springs will host Ron Artis II. Ron Artis II is a multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Hawaii among an exceptionally musical family. Each song has intention, deep conviction, a story, and a heart that has…
Dance with the Dead
Dance with the Dead is an electronic-based music duo by Justin Pointer and Tony Kim. Inspired by retrospective movies and music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, their sound reflects heavily on the analog synthesizer sounds and early heavy metal guitars. They released their debut record “Out of Body” on October 31st, 2013, to great…
Lukas Nelson & POTR
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, sometimes referred to as POTR, is an American country rock group based in California. The band consists of Lukas Nelson, Anthony LoGerfo, Corey McCormick, Logan Metz, and Tato Melgar. Lukas is the son of Willie Nelson.
The Darcys
The Darcys are a Canadian two-piece art rock band from Toronto, Ontario. Currently independent, the duo was previously signed to a four-album deal with the record label Arts & Crafts.
Opera a la Cart
Inspired by Portland’s food cart culture, Opera a la Cart is a mobile performance venue that brings live opera performances directly into the community spaces where people gather. You’ll find them at farmers’ markets, city parks, neighborhood festivals, street fairs, wineries and other public events throughout the Portland metro area and region. Designed and built…
Opera a la Cart at Pioneer Courthouse Square
Join for lunch-time serenades downtown in Portland’s living room—Pioneer Courthouse Square. Inspired by Portland’s food cart culture, Opera a la Cart is a mobile performance venue that brings live opera performances directly into the community spaces where people gather. Designed and built by architecture students at Portland State University, the cart features a fold-out stage…
Summer Tunes
Join Erath every Thursday this Summer for our Summer Tunes music series. Every Thursday from June through August, the Erath Urban Tasting Room will host a different Portland-based musician for an evening of great music and, of course, great wine. They will have wine tasting experiences available by reservation as well as wine by the…
An Evening with Linda Lee Michelet and John Gilmore
Portland jazz is back. The time has finally come to enjoy an evening of the classics of Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra performed by the talented duo Linda Lee Michelet and John Gilmore. They will be backed by an 8-piece band in an intimate nightclub setting at Wilf’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar. Enjoy a carefully…
Fruition with special guest, Rainbow Girls
Topaz Farm proudly announces Fruition with special guest, Rainbow Girls, for an intimate show under the gorgeous, massive Topaz Farm Historic Oak Tree on Sauvie Island. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music at the most magical place on the farm, while enjoying local food and drinks. About Fruition Influenced equally by…
Summer Free For All – Sabroso
CONCERT: Sabroso – Latin to funk and everything in between Brothers Pablo and Ricardo Ojeda have been writing and playing music together for as long as they can remember. Their musical writing style has taken many forms during the evolution of their sound. From the national touring dance floor packing beats of Rubberneck to the…
Kid Cudi
Multi-hyphenate artist Scott Mescudi aka Kid Cudi announces his To the Moon – 2022 World Tour in 27 cities across North America, Asia, and Europe. The tour kicks off with 20 North American shows starting in Vancouver on August 16, and will include stops at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, Barclays Center in Brooklyn,…
The Juicy Jam!
The Juicy Jam’s only goal is to jam, and The Juicy Jam’s only rule is no covers. Instrumentalists can blast off on space jams and be the backing band to songwriters from all over the place. Songwriters can find their band and explore new material in an environment that’s soaking wet with excitement. Parker’s Hideout…
Steve Earle & the Dukes
Steve Earle & The Dukes with Special Guests The Whitmore Sisters Last June, Steve Earle traveled to Luckenbach, Texas, about an hour away from where he grew up, to play an outdoor concert celebrating the life of Jerry Jeff Walker. Walker – the colorful cowboy troubadour whose ballad “Mr. Bojangles” marked a new era of…
Bag Raiders + DJ Set
Australian dance royalty Bag Raiders return with new music, a new label, and a new lease on life in 2022. Not many artists have had an immense effect on the youth of today quite like Bag Raiders. Whether that be sound-tracking many a sweaty night on a dancefloor, sing-a-longs at some of the biggest festivals…
Modest Mouse
The Portland-based indie-rockers of Modest Mouse are returning home to play back-to-back nights for PDX LIVE. They’ll perform with their energetic, new studio album, ‘The Golden Casket’.
PDX Live Concert Series
Pioneer Courthouse Square (The Square) and True West, one of the leading independent concert promoters and event producers in the Pacific Northwest, launched its PDX LIVE concert series with three sold-out shows June 17-19. PDX LIVE opened with Indigo Girls, Iron & Wine and Tenacious D. Tickets are still available for Modest Mouse, The Roots,…
Summer Free For All – Eldon T Jones + Friends
CONCERT: Eldon T Jones + Friends – Romantic sounds of saxophone jazz and love songs, featuring Arietta Ward, Rich Layton, Rae Gordon, and Ronnie Wright. Saxophonist Eldon T Jones is one of Portland’s best saxophone players of jazz, gospel, and soul music.
$uicideboy$
Hip-hop duo $uicideboy$ have announced a 2022 US tour with some notable support arts from the heavy music scene. Ski Mask, The Slump God, $not, and Maxo Kream round out of the bill on all dates of the trek. The outing kicks off August 2nd in Chicago and runs through October 1st in Phoenix.
The Queen's Keys
Drag artists Saint Syndrome and Nicole Onoscopi bring you live vocals and piano, mixed with comedy and storytelling. A perfect event for date night or a family night out. (All ages are welcome.)
20th Anniversary Tribute to Turn On the Bright Lights
It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since Interpol’s Turn On The Bright Lights turned on a new generation to the more melancholic spectrum of late 70s and early 80s post punk and shoegaze, launching a tidal wave of indie rock bands mining the sounds of an earlier era. Featuring members of Portland…
Crash Test Dummies
It’s been 30 years since the Crash Test Dummies recorded their debut album, “The Ghosts That Haunt Me.” Their first album garnered them their first big hit, Superman’s Song, and a Juno Award for Group of the Year. Over three decades later, their sold-out 25th Anniversary Tour for multi-Grammy nominated “God Shuffled His Feet” proves…
Deep Summer: Beaches DJ Set
Join the Beaches DJ crew playing records in the dining room from 8 PM-Late. Known for their Lowrider Oldies, Sweet soul, Lost Highway, and Beach Tracks Worldwide. Dining Room Dance Party
Was this page helpful?