While on a larger scale the music world is brimming with extraneous drama and disconcerting current affairs, we think a pause on that is warranted now and again—in this case, to look at all the R&B and hip-hop happenings on Portland’s music calendar. This week, we’re jazzed about a new single from soulful singer Dani Danger, a new edition of the Thesis with Donte Thomas and Ilovemakonnen, and an upcoming music festival brought to you by Aminé.
MUST SEE:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
The Thesis: Donte Thomas
Historically speaking, when locally acclaimed rappers like Donte Thomas and ILOVEMAKONNEN join forces with monthly hip-hop showcase the Thesis, it’s a recipe for a good time and a sell-out. In May, Thomas released four new high-quality tracks from his forthcoming project an APPLE a Day, all of which are loaded with guest features. “Runnin,” “Gotta Get Up,” “We All,” and “Crashing Down,” are all are worth a listen. Don’t be surprised if Thomas brings a surprise guest performer to the Thesis stage to jump on one of his new tracks. Also backing up the bill are heavy hitters like D. Worthy, who’s no stranger to the Thesis stage, and rising star Tiff2Icy, bringing her carefree feminine confidence and energy to the evening. This installment will also mark a rare instance of DJ Verbz missing the Thesis, but he’s tapped DJ Aspen as a worthy substitute. (Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, Thurs June 6, 8:30 pm, $15 adv, $20 door, tickets here, 21+)
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist.
“Break This Spell,” Dani Danger
Last year we fell instantly in love with Florida-to-Portland singer Dani Danger’s infectious R&B single “Addicted to Love,” and have been waiting patiently for more Danger material ever since. On May 24, the Jamaican-American singer-songwriter dropped her most recent single, “Break This Spell,” which is equally enchanting, and infused beautifully with Afro-Caribbean vibes; this laid back groove is for fans of Blossom, Tems, and HER. “I wrote this song after an extended holiday in Jamaica,” Danger said via a recent press release. "[The] song was written while contemplating my current feelings of an old flame.” Production on "Break This Spell" was lead by co-writer Carlin White, with additional work by engineer and co-producer Avi Calev Hirchfield. In the chorus, Danger sings “So hard to forget you / The way you touch, the way you love/ Stuck in my memory/ Swear I’m trying to shake you/ Break this spell, but oh you got a hold on me.”
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Aminé presents: The Best Day Ever Fest
There was some buzz about this a couple weeks ago, but it's going to be one of the pinnacle local music events of the summer, so let's make sure everyone knows about Best Day Ever, the new music festival from Portland-raised rapper-turned-mainstream-hip-hop-superstar Aminé. In contrast with Project Pabst on the city's waterfront, or Pickathon, the farm music fest we're always shouting about, the Best Day Ever festival focuses on primarily hip-hop and rap and goes down at McMenamin's Edgefield August 10-11. Headliners include hometown hero Aminé himself, superstar collaborator KAYTRANADA—who will no-doubt be performing tracks from their joint album Kaytraminé—as well as Canadian instrumental band BadBadNotGood. The lineup is further solidified by indie rock / chillwave / hip-hop fusionist Toro y Moi, Atlanta emcee Karrahbooo, Chicago R&B singer-songwriter Ravyn Lanae, Aminé’s tour DJ Madison LST, and Portland-based rapper 3WayHeff. There is absolutely no information on what the two-day schedule will look like, but for many fans, who cares? Presale is gone, and tickets are selling fast! (McMenamin's Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey, Troutdale; Aug 10 & Aug 11, 6pm, $200-250, tickets here, all ages)
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