Seattle Weekly
Onward and upward is the theme in Seattle’s hip-hop community these days. The Seattle Weekly just got phone confirmation that DJ B-Mello is not only leaving his long-time post on KEXP’s Streetsounds, a hip-hop show that he’s been a part of since KEXP’s beginning, but he’s taking over the role of national consultant with Death Row Records. The news is a touch surprising initially. But when you think about how strongly B-Mello has been tied in to West Coast hip-hop for almost the past two decades it makes sense. Also, the new CEO of Death Row Entertainment and owner of that label’s catalog, Lara Lavi, actually lived in Seattle for many years so there is a local connection. And thus B-Mello’s involvement with the label is understandable. He knows radio, he knows producers, and says he plans to use that to his advantage to help get Death Row on a national level again. Of course, it’s a bittersweet feeling as he’s leaving a show and a radio station that he’s been deeply associated with for awhile. “I feel sad because I’ve been with KEXP since 2000. I’ve been there as long as the station has been in existence. It’s like leaving an old friend.”