It's telling that, when Brother Ali came through town last October and tweeted a last-minute plea for an available studio to record a verse, it was Cool Nutz who stepped up to the plate and hooked the man up. Nutz is a double-decade veteran of the Portland music scene who has taken Illmaculate to Australia, E-40 to Europe, and tour managed East Oakland's Kreayshawn and Portland's own DJ Fatboy all the way to a national television appearance on
Jimmy Kimmel Live. In addition to all of his efforts to push West Coast hiphop to international audiences, Nutz finds time to promote local up-and-coming artists on his radio show, as well as hosting benefits like tonight's hyperbolic "Best Toy Drive Ever." Seriously, though, name a better toy drive. Take your time. You can't, can you? RYAN FEIGH
Also see My, What a Busy Week!