Portland’s hip-hop scene seems to be literally exploding, as every artist in the city is working to promote his or her project, expanding the scene outward in every direction rapidly. That, paired with the sheer number of aspiring MCs, can be daunting for someone with a casual interest in local hip-hop to dive into.

How lucky we are, then, that the Apple Juice Crew, a consortium of locally active hip-hop artists, promoters and activists, are throwing Juice Jam 2007 downtown in O’Bryant Square (9th and SW Washington) this Saturday. In the press release for the event, the Apple Juice Crew says they intend to “help expose positive urban culture to Portland.” They definitely seem the right to team to do so—two of the members of the Apple Juice Crew were responsible for Wax, the optimistically founded (yet short-lived) all-ages hip-hop club on North Interstate. Luckily for Portland, their enthusiasm hasn’t waned for all things hip-hop and providing the youth with creative outlets. It makes sense, then, that the Juice Jam will also benefit the I Have a Dream Foundation, a program that mentors and supports low-income youth to pay for their education.

Headlining the event are Blitz, the revolution-minded MC who will appeal to fans of Dead Prez, and DJ Neil Armstrong, whose Oscillate Wildly ‘80s mixtape is an instant party.

Other, mostly local artists include DJ Wicked, Braille and Ohmega Watts of the Lightheaded Crew, Barry Hampton and the Triple Grip, Dialek, Organic Flow, DJ Flip Flop, Commenter-e, DJ Sneakers, DJ Void, Lady Caseum, EPP, DJ Matt Nelkin, Def Con 5 break dancers and Empyrean Movement Dance Company.

The Apple Juice Crew plans on this being the first of many events intended to expose the community with the essence and enthusiasm of the early days of hip-hop.

Here’s the info, straight from organizers:

JUICE JAM 2007
SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2007
O’BRYANT SQUARE, DOWNTOWN PDX, 9TH AVE. AND WASHINGTON ST.
12PM – 7PM
FREE – ALL AGES – NON ALCOHOLIC
LIVE ART / VENDORS / BOOTHS
FOOD / DRINK

Links:
The Apple Juice Crew’s Myspace
Recent interview with Blitz

Photo: Blitz!

Flyers for the event: