Ep. 192 Mic Crenshaw

I've been sitting on this recording for a minute and I'm excited to release it as it will be one of your favorite episodes of the podcast I'm sure. Northern Draw has been building community in Portland for a minute and he takes time to share the history of Thirsty City the event and record label, his creative projects and sharing them here in the US and internationally, and a great conversation of building together as people. Welcome to episode 194 of Klyph Notes featuring Northern Draw. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

I caught up with Mat Randol a while back and we talked about the projects he's working on now and his plans for a number of releases throughout the year. It's always a good time catching up, never seems like an interview but just catching up with the homie. Listen to episode 193 of Klyph Notes featuring my conversation with Mat Randol. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron    

On this episode of the Klyph Notes podcast I catch up with Portland based MC and activist Mic Crenshaw. It's been a minute since we had a chance to catch up and to do that on the heels of his latest solo album release, "Retribution" really made for a great conversation. Peep episode #192 of the Klyph Notes podcast with my guest Mic Crenshaw. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

Before the release of Seasons, I sat down with Northwest Hip Hop mainstays Sleep (Oldominion) and DJ Zone for a conversation about music, creativity, and what's next. We discuss the inspiration behind Seasons, the upcoming plans they were preparing for at the time, the evolution of Sleep's artistry, and the partnership that's helped shape their journey. We also talk about the legacy of Oldominion, the Northwest Hip Hop scene, independence, longevity, and staying true to the craft through every season. Now that Seasons is out, it's a great time to look back at the conversations and anticipation surrounding the project before it reached listeners. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations with the artists shaping Hip Hop culture, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Klyph Notes. 🎧 Listen to the audio version wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 More from KlyphWorks: https://klyphworks.com 🎙️ Klyph Notes: https://klyphnotes.com 📱 Follow DJ Klyph: https://instagram.com/djklyph The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

In this episode of Klyph Notes, DJ Klyph sits down with Bay Area artist, educator, and activist UnLearn The World—a voice at the intersection of hip-hop culture, education, and social impact. As an MC with deep roots in New York's underground scene and current Executive Director of Hip Hop For Change, UnLearn has dedicated his life to using hip-hop as a tool for empowerment, critical thinking, and community transformation. We build on a conversation that began years ago, diving deeper into his journey from artist to educator, and how those two paths have become one. Together, we explore: The meaning behind "unlearning" and reclaiming identity Hip-hop as curriculum and cultural preservation The work of Hip Hop For Change and its impact on youth Navigating the balance between artistry and purpose The responsibility of artists in today's cultural landscape This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and necessary—highlighting hip-hop not just as music, but as a vehicle for growth, healing, and truth. Tap in and take notes. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

Recorded live on location at Fly Chai, this episode of Klyph Notes taps in with rising artist and community builder K-Wain for a grounded, in-the-moment conversation about music, purpose, and showing up for your city. We build on K-Wain's journey—from finding his voice as a recording artist to carving out space in the local scene—and dive into the intention behind the open mic series at 503 Records. What started as a platform has grown into a true community hub, giving artists a place to connect, sharpen their craft, and be heard. We also get into his new EP, Concrete & Roses—a reflection of growth, resilience, and navigating the balance between struggle and beauty. K-Wain shares the inspiration behind the project and how it represents where he is right now, both as an artist and as a voice in the community. Plus, we talk about what's next: his upcoming residency at Fly Chai, and how he's continuing to bridge music, culture, and community in real time. This one is for the creatives putting in the work, building something bigger than themselves, and staying rooted in the process. Tap in. Powered by KlyphWorks. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron IG - @k_wainpdx  

For Episode 188 of Klyph Notes, DJ Klyph sits down with producer, DJ, and longtime collaborator Peace 586 for a special conversation recorded live at the legendary Aloha Got Soul Record Store in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Known for his deep roots in underground hip hop production, Peace 586 has spent decades shaping soulful, sample-driven hip hop that bridges generations. Recorded inside one of Honolulu's most respected record stores, the conversation reflects the culture, community, and vinyl-centric spirit that has always been at the heart of hip hop. It's a conversation about craft, longevity, and staying true to the music. Mahalo to Aloha Got Soul for hosting this special on-location interview. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

On this episode of Klyph Notes, I sit down with community builder and organizer Christopher Lambert to talk about the work he's doing to create access, connection, and opportunity across Portland. We dig into his work with Rose City Jam and Night Sports, building safe and welcoming spaces through movement and sport, as well as his involvement with the Oregon Justice Network and the importance of advocacy and support for people navigating the justice system. We also talk about Trap Kitchen and how food, culture, and entrepreneurship can be powerful tools for community impact. A real conversation about showing up, doing the work, and building something meaningful. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

In this episode of Klyph Notes, DJ Klyph sits down with Portland artist and creative Rappy Dooski for a deep dive into independence, creativity, and building your own lane. Known for his distinctive voice and unapologetically original approach, Rappy talks about his journey as an artist and what keeps him pushing his sound forward. They also get into the creation of PDX Radio (Pretty Dope Experience), the community-driven platform Rappy built to spotlight artists, DJs, and creatives, and why owning your own platform and infrastructure is just as important as making the art itself. The conversation touches on creative process, staying true to yourself, balancing art and real life, and the mindset it takes to keep building on your own terms. Honest, thoughtful, and inspiring—this is a great listen with one of Portland's most original voices. The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron  

Klyph Notes Ep. 185: Braille – Handcrafted Raps & Gospel Banquet On this episode of Klyph Notes, I'm joined by an artist whose work has deeply impacted me—not only as a fan, but as someone who's watched his journey unfold across decades. Braille is back with Handcrafted Raps, his first solo project in over 14 years, and we dive into what inspired his return to the mic. We talk about my personal connection to his music—through his solo career, his work with Lightheaded, and other collaborations that helped shape the sound of Northwest underground hip-hop. Braille shares why this new release was the right moment to re-enter the booth, and what Handcrafted Raps represents in this chapter of his life. But we also explore his evolution beyond the music industry. Braille opens up about his transition from artist to ministry, and how that path led to the founding of Gospel Banquet, a label and platform focused on spiritually grounded creative work. This one is layered with gratitude, reflection, and inspiration. Whether you've followed Braille since Lifefirst or are just tuning in, this conversation shines light on what it means to grow in purpose and still stay rooted in the rhythm. Powered by KlyphWorks The theme for Klyph Notes was produced by Theory Hazit Support the movement and become a DJ Klyph patron