Forgotten Roots of Seattle Hip-Hop

story by Ja’ Kai Thomas, story by Maddie Landon

In a city that is renowned for its alternative rock, Seattle’s hip-hop roots have stayed in the background, largely forgotten by the rest of the world. With so much involvement in the hip-hop space, you have to wonder why so little of its history is talked about. Seattle hip-hop reflects both the underground and above ground music space. Many artists in the Seattle area have and continue to dip their toes into the industry. You just need to know where to look.

The Roots of a Movement

Amidst the tech-driven innovations and coffee culture that define Seattle, a vibrant hip-hop scene has grown, nurtured by passionate artists and fans alike. The city, often celebrated for its grunge and alternative rock, harbors an equally compelling history of hip-hop evolution, shaped by talented DJs, rappers and producers who left their imprint on the culture. 

One participant in the movement, co-founder of the hip-hop group Central Intelligence Kym Williams, puts it clearly. “Back then, what I am challenged [what] a lot of today’s music is,” Williams says. “You know, there are artists that came before you that allowed you to stand where you are right now and while I'm always of the impression that hip-hop as an art in order to grow has to continue [evolving]… You shouldn’t forget [those] connections.” 

Hip-hop found its way into Seattle’s local consciousness largely due to the efforts of DJ Des “Nasty’’ Rodriguez. As noted in a 2023 NPR article by Daudi Abe, Rodriguez, originally from the Philippines, introduced Seattle to live-mixing and scratching through his signature “Mastermixes”— 30-minute DJ sets broadcast on the radio. His energetic style and groundbreaking approach ignited interest in hip-hop throughout the city, offering audiences a new sound that resonated with the community.

Rodriguez soon became a regular at the Boys & Girls Club’s weekly parties in Seattle’s historically Black Central District. These gatherings were more than just events; they became cultural hubs where hip-hop enthusiasts came together to celebrate the genre, sharing ideas, talents and ambitions. It was at one of these parties that Rodriguez crossed paths with the party’s host, a rising artist named Sir Mix-a-Lot. Their meeting would mark the beginning of a collaboration that helped propel the Seattle scene forever.

Together with Ed Lock and Greg Jones, Rodriguez and Sir Mix-a-Lot co-founded Nastymix Records in 1985. According to the NPR interview with Abe, this independent label operated with a modest team of just ten people, yet its impact was anything but small. Despite its limited resources, Nastymix became a force to be reckoned with. Within two years, the label released two Sir Mix-a-Lot albums — certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This remarkable success put Seattle’s hip-hop scene on the map and inspired many aspiring artists to believe in the possibility of making it big.

Nastymix Records would reach its end in 1992, only a year after Sir Mix a Lot departed from the label, taking his fans along with him. The label’s seven year run left a big mark on the hip-hop industry. It became the blueprint for a label that puts out local music and reaches a global audience simultaneously, a blueprint that several entrepreneurs in the hip-hop industry would closely imitate.Nastymix proved that even a small label from a city not typically associated with hip-hop could make waves on a national level, influencing independent labels that followed in its footsteps.

A Wave of New Talent

The Foundation laid by Sir Mix-a-Lot and Rodriguez paved the way for a fresh generation of Seattle hip-hop artists to emerge in the 1990s. The Scene flourished, with a mix of newcomers and seasoned talents collaborating to push the genre forward. Among them was Ghetto Children, a group formed by “Vitamin D” Brown and William “B-Self” Rider while they were still students at Garfield High School. According to Abe, their passion for music eventually led them to create their own production companies, Tribal Music Inc. and Tribal Productions, setting a standard for the next wave of producers and artists in the city.

Brown, in particular, remains an influential figure in Seattle’s hip-hop scene.“Through it all, the scene was held down by Vitamin D, creator of legendary Central District basement recording studio The Pharmacy, and son of Motown legend and Ozone member Herman Brown,” Abe writes. His role as a producer has helped shape the sound of many rising talents. The Pharmacy became a hub where creativity flourished. Where all the magic happens.Its impact is still felt today, serving as a key incubator for Seattle’s emerging hip-hop voices. Where 

You can’t forget about Ishmael Butler when talking about the Seattle scene. Also known as “Butterfly,” Abe writes that he is another former Garfield Student. Butler gained recognition on the East Coast as a member of Digable Planets, a group known for its innovative jazz-infused rap style. His approach to incorporating samples into his music became a defining trait of Seattle’s production landscape, influencing numerous artists who sought to blend diverse sounds into their work. His presence reinforced the city’s reputation as a place where creative experimentation was not only encouraged but celebrated.

The 1990s also saw the rise of Central Intelligence, a hip-hop group formed in 1997. What started as a casual project among friends evolved into something much bigger. Their music, deeply rooted in personal experiences and social consciousness, resonated with listeners who sought authenticity in their hip-hop. Though the group is no longer active, founding member Kym Wiliams has continued his journey in the industry as a producer. He carries forward the spirit of the Seattle hip-hop movement.

Reflecting on the group’s origins, Williams says, “I want to say it started off with Diopolis and I in his basement freestyling, just messing around and he basically said to me ‘we should do a group.’ And then I thought you can’t be serious, that doesn’t sound like something we could remotely do. By 1998 there were five of us and we decided we were going to give it a shot, just kind of mess around and see what we could do with it.” This humble beginning mirrors the origins of many hip-hop groups, where passion and camaraderie fuel creativity and ambition.

Seattle’s hip-hop scene has long been a dynamic and influential force, even if it hasn’t always been in the spotlight. The city has produced pioneering artists, innovative producers and trailblazing record labels. Seattle’s hip-hop legacy is one that deserves recognition. As the genre continues to evolve, the foundation laid by these trailblazers will ensure that Seattle’s place in hip-hop history remains undeniable.