By: Tom Roth

Basking in the formerly warming (but currently waning) glow of local-boy-made-good, Macklemore, the Northwest is once again seeking its next favorite underground hip hop artist. Fortunately, our Northern California brethren have provided a blueprint for what such an incarnation might look like in the form of Bay Area duo, Latyrx.

Consisting of Lateef the Truthspeaker and Lyrics Born, Latyrx (pronounced “la-teer-ix”, according to the group’s Twitter profile (https://twitter.com/Latyrx)) is the product of the Solesides rap collective formed at UC Davis in the mid 1990’s. Through UCD’s college radio station, KDVS, Latyrx rubbed shoulders with such underground figures as DJ Shadow and Blackalicious members, Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel, trading notes on NorCal hip hop and honing skills both in and out of the studio.

Since its formation, Latyrx has recorded several compilations including their sophomore album, due out later this year. The group’s 1997 breakout single, “Lady Don’t Tek No”.

Seattle hip-hop fans can catch Latyrx at Showbox at the Market on Friday, February 22nd with New Orleans funk enterprise, GALACTIC. Tickets are available here and at the venue.