Conspiracy theorists will go to town with this, I’m sure. The Blue Monk – the venue that quickly became a buzzword for the War On Hip-Hop over the past two months – is closing it doors on April 29th after being bought out by an unnamed party. This comes as a surprise to many as owner Sheri Dietrich had not previously indicated any interest in selling the venue, at least not publicly.
Whether or not this sudden closure is coincidental is currently unknown as the owner has yet to say much on record, but the magnifying glass on any and all perceived slights to rap music is in full effect in PDX, and transactions like this will always seem suspicious to many. The following was posted on the Blue Monk’s Facebook page:
The venue will be open through this final week, and will feature a variety of artists in varying genres. Hip-hop will be well represented as Big Mo and The Resistance help ring in Drae Slapz’ (of Lunchtime Legends) birthday this Saturday, 4/26. Rey Totem will also be performing this Friday, along with Skrilla, King Rawlie, Lucky B, & Uneek Int.
WOHM will be here with updates as the story develops… if the story develops. #OutHere