Working Class Artist Tour: LACOSA w/ J to the E, A.K.A, Suede & Eddy K, MikeDrastic and The Krisis

L.A.C.O.S.A

L.A.C.O.S.A for Xavier is a tough one. More than a band I feel like its a family. Ive learned more in the year I've spent with these people then the other nineteen I've spent on this earth. I see the effects of our beauty and drive bleed into my normal life. Patience, tolerance, love, and understanding ooze from my teammates/teachers/brothers (and sisters). More than just the music we make I feel we make people happy. We're more than rappers and more than artists; we're a mindset. I treat people differently now because of the lessons I've learned from my band mates. I used to be angry and frustrated almost all the time. Now the music and friendship I've found keeps me enlightened. I couldn't ask for anything more. And plus what conscious rappers have flow like this? HAHAHA. ONE LOVE.

-Mack E/Jason 

L.A.C.O.S.A (LOVE.ACCEPTANCE.CONSCIOUSNESS.OBSERVATION.SOLIDARITY.ACTION) My brothers have taught me all of these things. My journey had been one of hardship and spiritual confusion. For the last year, L.A.C.O.S.A has served as my personal Intensive Care Unit in a very literal sense. I've had the opportunity to heal the damage I came with, and the music I now make is soul therapy. I could tell you all the things we are not and use comparisons and contrasts to prove them, but i now know love and acceptance. I could tell you what it truly means to be asleep, but i now know consciousness. I could tell you how to embrace anger and become consumed by it, but I now know observation. I could tell you how alone I used to be in a room full of friends, but I now know solidarity. I could just tell you, but I now know action. This is what L.A.C.O.S.A is to me. More than a name. More than an image. We ARE and will forever BE.

-Dominic 

A family off misfits that fit. and were all funny too (:

J to the E

NW Power-House!!

A.K.A.

 

Kevin Johnson, otherwise known by his stage name A.K.A., is a well-rounded and versatile hip hop artist from Seattle, WA. Nephew to P-Funk superstar, George Clinton, A.K.A. has had a knack for music since a young age. He began writing raps when he was 13 years old, and credits the majority of his influences to his uncle George, and the late great Heavy D. He released twelve mixtapes over a period of twelve weeks in the summer of 2010, an EP on Valentine’s Day of 2011, and recently dropped his first full-length album “Resurgence” on July 15, 2011. He is currently signed to the Los Angeles-based label Itchy Music Entertainment, along with a select few other “urban music” artists from the Pacific North West. A.K.A. is much more than just a rapper, though. He is a hip hop artist with visions of building an empire. He strives to bring back the art in hip hop with his lyricism and bravado on the microphone. His goal is to leave an impact on his audience, whether at one of his shows or while listening to his CD. He also speaks out frequently against, what has become the social norm of, pay-to-play. A.K.A. does not pay to have his music promoted, reviewed, or spun by anyone, and strongly feels that no other artist should either, regardless if it’s independent or mainstream. Because he is known through his word-of-mouth buzz in the scene, he has effectively created a solid foundation for the empire he is building, and has nowhere else to build but up.

Suede and Eddy K

Seattle's Suede and San Diego's Eddy K are two emcees that teamed up to release their first co-op mixtape, "Anxiety." Anxiety is the precursor to "Panic Attack," the official collab album of the eclectic duo. Both albums are layered with beat heavy, lyrically driven tracks with features by some of Seattle's best in the business, including: Neema, Mic Phenom, Un the Rhyme Hustla, Logics and Cash Cepto. Recorded primarily at Seattle's home of Hip Hop - Undercaste Studios, and featuring productions by Un, DJ Fresh and KTS, both Anxiety and Panic Attack are sure to introduce a new sound into the great Northwest.

Not new to the scene, Suede has been working the Seattle market for a number of years. With performances at Studio 7, Rendezvous and Hurricane Lounge to name a few, Suede has made his musical presence known among the community. His performances alongside local and national acts such as Nappy Roots, Sonny Bonoho, Neema, Knowmads, Mic Phenom, Logics and Young Soprano have helped him make his imprint on the Seattle scene, and have gained him the respect of peers and fans alike. His single, "What's Goodington" received local radio play and won Hip Hop "Song of the Year" on 206proof.com

MikeDrastic

 

MikeDrastic is a hip-hop artist who brings elements of rock, blues, and funk to his diverse catalog of styles. At 6’4” 300 lbs, his physical stature combined with the raw growl he injects into his lyrics demands attention no matter where he goes. Part philosopher and part storyteller, MikeDrastic weaves together a musical narrative that draws on life experiences of overcoming challenges with sheer will, revealing an artist who is talented, intelligent, and genuine. Born into a military family in Dayton, Ohio, he spent his youth moving across the US taking in the varied sides of Americana—glossy “all-American” suburbs to the grim realities of inner city neighborhoods—extremes that taught him tolerance, street smarts, and the value of forward momentum. He’s shared the stage with names such as Sir Mix-A-Lot, Digital Underground, P.I.D., 3rd Nail Productions (MG! The Visionary), Dynamic Twins, and T-Bone. and has performed in California, Washington State, BC Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. His brand new self-titled EP, MikeDrastic, contains 6 songs showcasing his wide range of abilities from those that rock the spot (“Buckwild”, “3Shots”); to deep tracks that inspire reflection and emotion (“The Road”, ”Flight”); to controversial subjects such as the Illuminati (“Down”); and finally, fuses his personal experiences into a fictitious tale of a man driven over the edge (“Worst Side of Me”). A powerhouse of musical style, including lending his own vocal talents to choruses and backgrounds, MikeDrastic is a lyricist whose fans willingly succumb to his primal lullaby.

The Krisis

 

Out of the depths of Washington State rumbles a hip hop force not yet conformed to pop culture rules. For the past six years The Krisis has been promoting, booking, running, and rocking shows across the Northwest. Working with the best Washington has to offer, The Krisis has built a reputation unparalleled by any other Washington performing hip hop artist. Professional, high octane shows are a staple of any Krisis production with or without Krisis as a performer. It is only a matter of time before The Krisis is known outside of Washington. 
While the hip hop market is saturated with artists who are “gangsta”, “hard”, or “money, money, money”, The Krisis graces our ears with lyrics of life living, good times, and a distaste for “tweekers”. With songs such as “Kinda Life” and “Sunrise” crooning with positive lyrics filled with thoughts of a better way of living The Krisis shows his poetic side. “HubDrunk” is a colorful portrayal of where The Krisis is from; Centralia, WA aka Hubcity. The party doesn’t stop with “Tippin Back “featuring Lacy native L.A. White, “Rowdy”, and “Drink Drank Drunk”, all instant house party anthems. The Krisis then collaborated with Olympia based duo “2.o” and created the masterpiece “Rain”. With LegaC singing perhaps the best Northwest influenced hook since “Posse on Broadway”, and Yung Tac delivering a bridge verse, The Krisis showcases not only his lyrical talent but his amazing songwriting as well. With over two thousand plays in its first 2 weeks of release “Rain”, has been on constant rotation on local and internet radio stations, Shanty, Peekaboo Playhouse, and KCED. “Rain” has also been nominated for various local awards most recently being the 25360 Hip Hop Awards. 
However The Krisis isn’t just a studio artist. Before making his first recording The Krisis had over 100 shows under his belt. As not only a promoter and an artist The Krisis has prided himself on being the headliner of a show no matter which slot he’s in. Known for, “climbing to the highest point on the stage and raining down lyrics”, the Krisis shows off his distinct rock and roll influence, and truly puts on a show worthy of being called a rock star. Intense, passionate, provoking, and heart pounding are just a few of the qualities of this unique and talented hip hop MC’s performance. 
2012 brings many new goals and aspirations for The Krisis. Already has he created the track record of venues and artists that he has worked with, so this year is about putting it all together. With a brand new studio album, “Dreams and Nightmares” currently in the works, The Krisis has enlisted the talents and personnel to create perhaps the best underground album from Washington State of all time. Rumored to be involved with the record are Neema, Jon Salt, Gonzo Family, Izzy Beatz, LaSwagga, and 2.o, just to name a few. Due out in March The Krisis looks to make a jump in the ranks from local celebrity to underground star. It won’t be long till we will not only be looking forward to shows form Tech 9, Andre Nikatina, Devin tha Dude and Hopsin, We will be anticipating live shows from Washington’s “Self Proclaimed President of Hip Hop”, The Krisis. “Like rain you need me around but you hate when I stay, like me keeping it down can’t hold me at bay, up here in the Northwest, Im falling everyday, like me , like rain.” – “Rain” Krisis F. 2.o