I came across this long-running Music for America blog, entitled “The Run-Off Groove,” via Portland MC Serge Severe. Not only does its author, John Book, write about Portland hip-hop in his latest entry- he does so with a long-winded passion that is truly inspired! Here’s an excerpt of his review of Braille’s new album, Box of Rhymes:

Sonically, this is one of the best sounding albums I’ve heard this year. I’m a big audio nut, and I can’t stand it when an artist creates more of a budget for their music video than for the sound quality of their music. I know it seems that the powers that be would prefer to make music second rate, but don’t second rate your musical legacy. That is, if you care about “crap” like that. There’s a lot of punch and texture to these tracks; the vocals are very open, they do not sound clustered as if they were recorded in a closet, or as if the microphone was taped to the bottom of a metal can. Even with the wide range of producers on the project (including Stro of The Procussions), the sound remains consistent throughout, and that is a testament to how Braille wants to define himself as an artist. There is still craft if you know how to apply it, and Braille is on his way to becoming one of this decade’s premier MC’s.

That is some crazy high-praise, but considering Braille’s work with Lightheaded, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the album is as great as Book says it is. In any case, it’s nice to read someone (a Washingtonian nonetheless) keeping an eye on Portland hip-hop.

You can read Book’s entire review, as well as two Serge Severe-related reviews here.

Music For America is a great, progressive organization that also happens to be on the road with the Decemberists. They’re blogging about that, too.

P.S. I haven’t gotten the new Diction and Serge or the Braille album. Are people not sending me these cds, or is the WW’s Matt Wong stealing them from the music office? FESS UP, MATT WONG!