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Dance dance revolution: hiphop, the recession, and two new tracks from Seattle's Fresh Espresso and Helladope
Posted by Andrew Matson
Seattle hiphop is caught up in diversification right now. Young and established artists alike are exploring new styles. Freshness is the zeitgeist.
Artists ask themselves, "Am I making hiphop? I can't tell anymore."
The recession seems to be helping. What have musicians got to lose? It's not like they can get more broke. And as the consumer gets poorer, paying rent with art becomes less likely. Might as well make music its own event. Might as well inject some theater.
In one thread of its overall diversification, Seattle hiphop is entering the realm of danceability. It's a mini-war against arms-crossed traditionalism, and these brand new tracks are soldiers in the effort:
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