PIGEON JOHN + VURSATYL, DONTE THOMAS, SOOP DREAD, NO REQUEST DJs, AMBUSH, DJ
PIGEON JOHN
Pigeon John is an underground MC with a genre-fusing style and positive lyrics. He is sometimes labeled a Christian rapper because of his hopeful messages and references to God, but with easily relatable subject matter and musical influences drawing from across the spectrum of rock and pop music, he aims to reach as wide an audience as possible. Active since the early 1990s, he made an impact on the hip-hop world as a member of the collective, as well as acclaimed solo efforts like 2003's Pigeon John Is Dating Your Sister. Subsequent albums like 2010's Dragon Slayer incorporated more live instrumentation and sung vocal hooks, and he received mainstream exposure as several of his songs were featured in advertisements, including the 2011 single "The Bomb" and 2019's "They Don't Make Em Like Me." He continued delivering uplifting vibes with 2020's Gotta Good Feelin', drawing influence from , reggae, alternative rock, and dance music.
VURSATYL
If you’ve caught Blackalicious on tour over the last fifteen years or so, you will have witnessed first hand the prodigious talent of Portland based rapper and singer Vursatyl. As well as playing a major role in the Blackalicious stage show, Vursatyl is set to feature on their eagerly awaited fourth album ‘Imani’ (released summer 2015). Standing toe to toe with Gift Of Gab, surely one of the most ferociously gifted MCs on the planet is no mean feat, but one which Vursatyl performs with ease.
DONTE THOMAS
When you look at his body of work, it’s hard to not see NE Portland hip-hop artist Donte Thomas as one to watch. Whether it’s battle rap, pop or R&B, working solo or in a group, Thomas always finds a way to stand out. Heavy drive, slick delivery and relatability have kept him relevant for years as he’s built his brand and progressed musically.