Tonight the best local rap concert series in the NW returns for First Thursday at Kelly’s Olympian with two dynamic crews who are sure to turn the energy all the way up. Portland’s own The THESIS brings the Dead Phone Dummiez back – a year after their last headlining appearance – and introduces a re-tooled and ever-rebellious Naturally Grown Misfits crew that includes Fountaine, Young Shirty and newcomer Kayela J.

DPD is one of the most explosive rap groups to come out of Vancouver in quite some time. Melding competing styles and cultures into memorable music is nothing new to the Dummiez, a group/collective consisting of hungry rappers who love the stage. Skillful lyrics, dark perspectives, and a ton of energy are DPD’s calling cards and will be on full display tonight when they take The THESIS’ stage once again with their latest project, Sick To My Stomach.


With every intention of stealing the show, the ever-irreverent NGM won’t be approaching the night with the mentality of an opening act. Veteran leaderFountaine is a certified monster on the mic and the boards, while Shirty (fka Daelonz) is a beautiful mess there is no hope of containing. Kayela J brings a fresh and female voice to the fray, and her style is all confidence. It will be fun to see what she brings to the stage in a live event.

Of course, the one and only Verbz will be on the ones and twos, holding it down between and during sets, and the Kelly’s staff is always prepared to please with great pours and drink specials from Bacardi.

Don’t miss out on the fun tonight. Must be 21+ to attend and the cover is only $5. Doors at 9 and live music will start at about 10pm. Big shouts to all of our co-sponsors, Portland Mercury, Vortex Magazine, Bacardi, and all of the individuals that help to make this concert series a success month after month, especially our art guru, Casso Dinero, who will be presenting at the Thursday Artist Boutique (prior to The THESIS) held at Wacom Experience Center in The Pearl near REI.