A few years ago I used to always say that live hip-hop is better with a band. My hip-hop headed friends quickly scoffed and scolded me while letting me know I had a lot to learn about live hip-hop music.
Fast forward a few years later to now and while my hip-hop Jedi training isn’t complete, I will admit that I was a little off base with that line of thinking. However, that’s not to say hip-hop with live instrumentation isn’t any good. Quite the contrary. And to prove that point I will tell you to look no further than Seattle’s very own Theoretics.
Theoretics have been on the scene for a few years now and released a self-titled record last month. The group blends hip-hop, jazz and even a little bit or rock without making a mess of things. At its heart the music is hip-hop but live, or on record, there are many layers aside from beats and rhymes to enjoy.
Theoretics performs tonight at the Crocodile opening for Canadian MC K-OS so start your Memorial Day weekend, or your Sasquatch! since K-OS will be at the Gorge, a little early at the Croc ($15, 9 p.m.).
