Ughhh! I know im late with the news, but seeing everyone’s updates via facebook and how happy my fellow hip hop heads have been reacting to the amazing news I had to do a write up and give praise to our new front runner to the hip hop game here in Seattle; Macklemore. Macklemore has been putting in work for years and it’s a beautiful time and feeling to embrace his it; considering there are a ton of hip hop artist running with the same cliche outfit/style/delivery.

With that said, our friends at Madnw.org have been putting out snippets of there up and coming documentary in the works. They’re working on a full length documentary surrounding Seattle’s hip-hop scene and this is just a taste. Congrats to Macklemore and congrats to YOU, the people of Seattle; who’ve been believeing in the music and for being proud of where we came from. Cheers to the next level.

Picture courtesy of hiphopwired.com

One of many on-going projects we’ll be releasing on our site. Our “Know Where You Came From” project spawned when Jeff (Madnw) and I started talking about our childhood; growing up in the south-end. As a result of being idea generators, MADnw x Namsayin will bring to you a series of short clips; an insight on some of the Seattle Hip-Hop’s artist. Like our communi-tees, dedicated to the neighborhoods in the greater Seattle area, these clips expose the other side; their personalities of the local musicians and the neighborhood they grew up in. So enjoy the clip, go grape some grape drank and click that play button below. Namsayin.

NAMSAYIN – Know Where You Came From – The Physics from mrSANTOScreations on Vimeo.

Available in our online shop are our The Physics x Namsayin: 106 South-End Tee. Go now! Yes Now! NAMSAYIN U!!! Namsayin.com/shop

In their 12th year being a family/crew, Massive Monkees have continued to supply the Seattle Community every year with an event that showcases and highlights the 4 elements of hip hop. The day began steady as competitors trickled in to prepare for the preliminary battles in footwork and crew/crew battles. It’s been over 5 years since i’ve lasted attended Massive Monkees day and this day exceeded above my expectations as far as dance, music and the appreciation of hip hop. Namsayin was in for a treat! Fack! Please excuse the poor quality of shots. Bboys/girls were too dynamic for my camera’s shutter speed.

Aside from Namsayin participating the event, other vendors include Local Heroes, Rok Clothing, Zulu 206, 5-Hour Energy Drinks, Thebboyspot.com and the very own Massive Monkees; all loaded with merchandise. One thing I appreciate is the artistry within our community. We all have our unique style and direction, but our support for one another is something no other city has. MADnw.org was also in the building to do some coverage.

After the prelims were done and over with, crews like Knuckleheads Cali, Filthy Feet, Crisis Crew, Unleashed, Reflex, Vicious Puppies, Front Z On/Breakaholics and others battled it out for hours to a live band. In the finals of the Footwork competition, it was reigning 3-time reigning champ, Free, from Circle of Fire that battled it against new challenger, Thesis from KnuckeHeads Crew Cali. After 3 rounds, Thesis was crown’d champion. Fancy footwork fellas. Job well done to both.

The crew v.s crew battles were up next. The crews battled it out and after elimination, after elimination, KnuckleHeads from Cali and Van-city’s own Filthy Feet battled it out in the finals. Seven members from Cali, with their power, threading and clean movement came out victorious v.s Filthy Feets four clean and fundamental driven style. Props to all crew that participated, it was definitely a competition that was worthy seeing in person. Cardio and stamina for days, Namsayin! Be sure to follow Massive Monkees on twitter by clicking here, until then stay warm, summer is almost here. And you know what that means…….

Videos Courtesy of : NorthFreshWest

World Champion title holders, ABDC (America’s Best Dance Crew) 3rd place runner ups, internationally recognized, Seattle recognizes them with they’re own day; they are the Massive Monkees. They really don’t need any introduction because if you don’t know who they are by now, you’ve missed a big chunk of history when it comes to Seattle Hip-Hop. Starting in ’99 the crew of 20+ has grown to be one of the most well respected bboy crews in the world. They’ve shaped and helped the youth, battle the best across the world and have managed over the times to stay together as brothers/sisters; a family. I was fortunate enough to link up with Massive Monkees @ Southwest Community center in W. Seattle as they conducted their interview with MADnw.org.

Jeff from Madnw.org is shooting a documentary of the Seattle Hip-Hop scene. He, along with JR Celeski have teamed up to expose and bring sunshine to Seattle in exposing our music, our dance and our creative avenues/culture in Seattle. During the interview with MM, it was insighful to hear the lessons and struggles that this family has gone through. Before you think its some sad story, it isn’t. Laughs were pretty consistant through the interview, however it was real fresh listening to what members had to say about their personal passion of being a bboy/bgirl, the state of Hip-Hop in Seattle, who laid the foundation in the bboy scene in Seattle and what they have been doing to carry the bboy scene to the new generation of youtube junkies and realists.

After the interview, practice was in session. I caught some snaps of the fellas working their style and remaining real fresh. Although majority of the massive monkees weren’t there practicing the new generation of bboys/girls were looking solid and dynamic.

On april 26th, 2004 Mayor Greg Nickels made this day the offical Massive Monkees Day in the city of Seattle. I don’t know if they’re that many breakin’ crews or if any that have recieved this type of recoginition, but it definitely is an honor. Every year, Massive Monkees host an event in honor of their day. On April 23rd,…this Saturday, you can catch them exhibiting they’re style and hosting the battles at there 12yr Anniversary shindig. Check ‘em out, the local hip hop movement and stop by our booth and pick up some Namsayin Shirts. Pre-lims begin at noon and the event runs till 11pm. Time to practice my moves, Namsayin! Airflair while holding my nuts! Fack!