Porter Ray, the Golden Child

Explicit content warning

05/29/22 • 99 min

Porter Ray’s career has been marked with great promise and potential. Anointed early on as the “golden child” of the Black Constellation, Porter’s gifts as a rapper and storyteller skyrocketed him as one of the most exciting young artists to come out of Seattle when he first emerged on the scene. A decade on Porter’s promise still shows no ceiling.

On this final episode of Fresh off the Spaceship, Porter shares his story navigating grief, building toward his future, and using his music to build up his city. Like his Constellation peer Ishmael Butler, Porter has emerged as generational talent of the Central District. His work celebrates the neighborhood’s under-heard stories and extends the wisdom bestowed upon him from those he’s lost. From deferred NBA hoop dreams to the enlightenment of fatherhood, he’s already gained a lifetime of wisdom – but he’s not done yet.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

Nep Sidhu: Finding the Seams

Toronto-based omnidisciplinary artist Nep Sidhu realizes the infinite potentials of all materials: sound, space, or steel. The power of convening, invitation, and intention charges his artistic practice, informed always by spirit and service. In his hands and heart, unbroken melody and the throughline between worlds become manifest.

In this episode, we learn what drives Nep’s continuum of care, stewardship of culture, and dedication to truth. Nep and his closest conspirators observe the protection, possibility, and portal in his work—and the community that comes through the door.

Thank you to KMRU, Laraaji, Nailah Hunter, Noel Brass Jr., Shabazz Palaces, Space Afrika, Silver Jackson, Erik Blood, and OCnotes for lending their music to this episode.

Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.

Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/fresh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Episode

50 Years of Hip-Hop: Coming February 1

A party in the Bronx on August 11th, 1973 is widely considered to be the birthplace of hip-hop. The art form has since touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today. This year, on hip-hop's 50th anniversary, we’re giving it a proper tribute.

50 Years of Hip-Hop is KEXP’s newest podcast. Hosted by Larry Mizell Jr, the series highlights a different year of rap history each week. Jumping around the timeline from 1973 to today, expect personal reflections, iconic tracks and albums, and conversations around the genesis of the culture. New episodes drop every Wednesday starting February 1.

Subscribe to 50 Years of Hip-Hop now and learn more at KEXP.org.

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