When you mention the Seattle music scene it immediately brings to mind heavy-rocking guitar acts like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
The organizers of this weekend's Bumbershoot Festival look determined to change that image, however, as they've brought some of the nation's most exciting new rap and hip-hop acts to the three-day music event. Taking place over Labor Day weekend at the Seattle Center, Bumbershoot sits in the shadow of the iconic EMP building that was designed to look like one of Hendrix's smashed guitars - and now many acts have done away with Jimi's six-string entirely.
This year's Bumbershoot headliners include Mary J. Blige and Drake, but there's a surprising depth to the festival's hip-hop line-up too. Clearly the powers-that-be have learnt a lesson from the memorable set by the Black Eyed Peas, who provided one of the highlights of Bumbershoot '09.
If you're heading to Bumbershoot this weekend, then be sure to check out these five hip-hop and rap acts:
J.Cole. He may not boast the big hits of fellow Mainstage artists Mary J. Blige and Drake, but J. Cole feels like a superstar in the making. The first artist to sign to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, Cole is only 25, and when his debut album hits the shelves in October there's every chance that he'll follow in his mentor's footsteps. See him now before he goes international. (Monday September 6, Bumbershoot Mainstage, 6.00pm-7.00pm)
LMFAO. If you can ignore the crass name, Californian electro-hop duo LMFAO offer a refreshingly manic take on what can sometimes be a rather formulaic genre. 'Gettin' Over You', their collaboration with David Guetta, went to the #1 spot in France and the UK, and it can't be long before fame comes knocking. (Sunday September 5, State Farm Stage, 9.15pm-10.30pm)
Jay Electronica. Undoubtedly the most eccentric rap performer at Bumbershoot this year, Jay Electronica may also be the biggest surprise. As renowned for his marriage to Erykah Badu as he is for his music, Jay has turned rap's conventions upside down with his many mixtapes and collaborations, and his two singles to date. A truly unique talent. (Sunday September 5, State Farm Stage, 5.45pm-6.45pm)
Balkan Beat Box. They're not strictly a hip-hop group, but the chaotic Israeli band pull so many diverse influences into the mix that they've gained a strong following among the hip-hop crowd. Their music truly defies categorization, so make sure that you catch at least a few minutes of their Bumbershoot set if you can. (Saturday September 4, State Farm Stage, 7.30pm-8.45pm)
The Physics. There's plenty of homegrown talent on display at this year's Bumbershoot, but The Physics are the vanguard of the Seattle hip-hop crowd. Remarkably chilled and soulful alongside some of their rap brethren, The Physics suggest that there's more to the Seattle sound than guitar shredding and existential angst. (Sunday September 5, EMP Sky Church, 8.15pm-9.15pm)
We will be covering all three days of this year's Bumbershoot live from the festival itself, so be certain to subscribe to our articles (link at the top of the page) or follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest news and reviews from the three-day event.
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