Rapping Around The Christmas Tree

Rapping Around the Christmas Tree

NW rappers and artists alike have been known for their deep underground roots, their ties with the community, and their ability to survive a cut throat music scene. What you probably are not aware of is their softer, more giving, even heroic side to their lives. NW artists having been Rocking and Rapping around the Christmas tree since music began in this great area and we will showcase some of those amazing artists and their shows, with information on how you can help.

Jesse Sponberg is not your typical 40 something Portland guy. I first met Jesse in early 2000 era when he was doing his second annual hip hop event called “Food Wars.” I had heard that a Portland local was putting on a show for free; all you had to do was bring in cans of food for kids who were hungry. I had to check it out. One of our members got on the bill and then we started collecting cans. We took the prize for most cans collected that year,.  We watched as years went by and they loaded a U Haul truck full of cans, and then two U Haul trucks. I watched as local artists from all over the NW area came far and wide to bring food for those in need and to come together to put on this amazing show. This year we took second place in the event, but it takes first place in my heart each year along with other local Portland events. Check out more info on Jesse’s Facebook for information HERE and check out his weekly talk show Fight Church HERE  for more information about community events he is holding in the NW Area. 

Currently Jesse and his group are holding an amazing 12 hr telethon featuring many local NW musicians, comedians, and more to raise clothes for those cold on the streets of the NW.  For more information on this event visit the events page HERE and join up to help next year. This year Jesse’s group collected enough clothes to fill two dump trucks full and dropped them in the street on downtown Burnside Ave, then loaded them into a local church. The news came out to see the event and video feeds can be found at Fox news and Koin news 6.  You can also find Jesse on the streets of downtown Portland handing out Free Hot Soup to those in need nightly.

Tragedy 503 is a local NW rapper who has been putting on an amazing Toy Drive for the last 8 years called Toyz N Da Hood .

How this works is a local venue will donate some of their space, ticket vendors donate printed tickets, NW artists donate their time, and people donate toys. With each new, unwrapped toy donation, the person gets a ticket to the free show featuring many local NW acts including the world famous DJ Chill, PDS, Knothead, Thraxx Imaculent, Do It For The Dinosaurs, Uglay Kidd, Pookie, Sharon Music, JLouie, Macc Matt, Demon,  and many more. Each year hundreds to thousands of toys are collected for the benefit of the Salvation Army. These toys make it into the hands of boys and girls in need before Christmas day and add some cheer to their lives.
Tragedy says, “I started Toyz N Da Hood in 2005 with the goal of raising toys for under privileged kids in my community, Portland, OR. Growing up in poverty, I am well aware of the Salvation Army’s toy drives and how important it was to kids that would otherwise get no Christmas. So I and my team of street promoters, local MCs, and volunteers put together a show, with the idea being that no child should be deprived of feeling special Christmas morning, It’s a time for hope and to believe the world can be a good place. A toy gives them reason to believe, and a smile Christmas morning. Having something as simple as a toy, Christmas morning, can give a self esteem boost to a child because they weren't left, out despite the current financial struggles. I know these things first hand, because there were several Christmas mornings where I would have gotten nothing, if not for the Salvation Army delivering presents to my house. Many local MCs join us every year to put on the concert, with the admission being 1 new unwrapped toy or $10 at the door (to buy toys with). There have been thousands of toys raised every year. That means thousands of kids wake up with a chance to believe in the goodness in the world and we get to wake up knowing we’re helping carry on a tradition that helped us believe in miracles when we were young.” 

Washington Artist Knothead is also big in the giving back scheme of things. This NW artist works with families who are dealing with cancer on benefit shows, raising money for those in need, collecting food, clothes, toys, and so much more. Knothead also contributes each year to helping with NW toy drive Toyz N Da Hood. You can read more about Knothead and what he’s doing HERE.

 Knothead has been blessed these many years, overcoming many obstacles to come out an amazing artist and person, playing the stage with artists like Tech N9ne and Hopsin, and taking time to really help others around the area and spread the word about what is really important in our lives today. The NW is a better place with people like Knothead in it.
 

Bad Habitat is the NW artist of the month of December. They are a hard working group who has been consistently helping with NW Charity Events. Bad Habitat took 1^st Place this year in Food Wars 6 and has helped support the program for many years. These musicians are not only community conscious, but help with many events and organization in the NW to better our region.

They have worked closely with Jesse Sponberg for many years, attending and performing on Fight Church in the NW, and will be helping with the 12 hr marathon clothing drive. We hope to see more of this band in the coming future. Check them out HERE. 

 Musicians and artists alike can use their popularity, their reach, and their influence to better their communities all over the US. They can start spreading the word, give their time, and show that taking part in these activities can be worthwhile and enjoyable. When local musicians get involved, the public gets more involved. Everyone wants to rub elbows with the stars, so use your star status for good and take a moment to give back to those who live in your community, who could have given to you without you even knowing it. I challenge all of you to make December/January the month for giving back. Pay it forward today. Start now. If you have a story about how you took this challenge and gave back, if you’re a musician or just a member of your community, email me at Lettanina@gmail.com to be featured in the follow up story. 

Challenge accepted, ready set go!