Seattle hip hop has a rich, eclectic history. From a national perspective, the lineage can trace back to Sir Mix a Lot and his Grammy-winning artists like Billboard Hot 100’s “Baby Got Back.” Other well-known Grammy Award winners include Ishmael Butler and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis from Digable Planets.
Now, the new name is bubbling to the top of the Pacific Northwest. And perhaps the most popular in town today are Obre Reid and Travis Thompson. Both are enthusiastic lyricists, and both know how to crack jokes with the best when the moment comes. And together on the truck? Well, it’s just hip hop Chef’s kiss.
Vice has the opportunity to unveil a new track “Roll Call,” featuring Travis Thompson, coming from Oblé Reed’s upcoming album. Line Leader. Reed fans will be able to see him at upcoming shows in New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle. And check out his interview here.
VICE: When it comes to Seattle hip hop, there is a long history of excellence. Now, when it comes to art forms, do you think the town is bringing it to the table?
Obre Reed: I think the through line between all Seattle hip hop is the storytelling and credibility that can be felt in the music of all artists, soundly at first glance across the map. Penn is still highly respected and we can see the attention to detail that we all put in creating the story. We also do not represent our city and our region from live
Instrumentation on the truck, lyricalism draws and visualizes our home.
Music accompanied by everything I feel it Seattle. The hip-hop city’s history is so rich that the next generation is carrying torches of its heritage, bringing communities and cultures to a whole new light.
VICE: When it comes to Seattle music, how do you think it fits into the bigger landscape?
or: At first, finding your footing in the scene was tough. I’m still young in the game and
Certainly, it was originally far from the true culture of Seattle music. that
Understanding the landscape in it meant that there were many foundations and being pushed out of my comfort zone. But I’m hungry and always trying to be the best thing I do, but I keep my ego out of the way to make something special for my home.
I found my space as a city bridge builder. I think my mission is to go out and seek the knowledge, resources and opportunities to get back for my community. Seattle runs through my veins and is a prominent part of who I am as an artist. I truly believe this city is one of the most creative places on the planet. If I were to be one of those people who could turn back to show us everything we have, I would live my purpose.
VICE: What is the origin story of this new album?
or: This idea came from a sense of distant separation from hip-hop culture and energy. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I feel overlooked compared to LA, New York, and even cities like Atlanta and Chicago. So I wanted to force a conversation. In the industry, and honestly, in a world that feels so fractured right now, I felt that what we all need most to see is community and collaboration.
I’m trying to get a lot of artists who feel like they’re in the next wave of hip hop and carry a torch together in one mixtape for our generation. Something we all look back in five to ten years and can recognize as the moment. It started with just a few buddies and then grew to the hottest artists over the age of 15.
Line Leader It is a statement that culture is in good hands. It is the perfect balance of ego and humility, and the best of the best together to become part of something bigger than you. Everything was brought together by the children of Seattle. It’s going to happen impossible Ignore the energy and noise we create.
VICE: Tell us about the chemistry of you and Travistompson on the track.
or: Travis and I are now a bit of a partner. He took me on one of my first tours and told me I could come out of Seattle, so I felt it was right to have him in the intro to this project. On the track, I love rapping like fun, just trying to bend my pen. I actually recorded every part of the song while I was on tour with him.
My team drove for about 12 hours and then set up an improvised stop in Los Angeles for the session. I wrote songs from 9am, pure adrenaline, delusions, and hunger. A month or two later, I pitched the truck to the truck, and he went down for it. When I stopped by him, his poetry and energy felt like it encapsulated exactly what I was trying to do with the mixtape. “Roll Call” is two Seattle boys who represent where they came from and what they’re going forward.
VICE: What’s next for you?
or: this Line Leader The project dropped on June 11th and I’m hosting three free shows (LA, New York and Seattle). There, bringing as many artists out of as many mixtapes as possible and becoming part of what we are now. I want culture and industry feel this. We keep our feet on the pedals and make it happen every day.
Obviously there’s more music and visuals, and there’s also a show. But do you know how different my life has been in the last two years when I’ve been releasing music, and what I have even tomorrow? All I know is that all eyes move towards the PNW and they are ready when they see.
