Karma Rivera | Doug Fir

Written by joe on December 27, 2017

All photos by Joe Hernandez (@thisisbroseph)

Blossom at Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge, Dec. 23

Wynne at Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge, Dec. 23

Karma Rivera at Porland’s Doug Fir Lounge, Dec. 23

On December 23 2017, Doug Fir hosted an all female hip hop showcase featuring sets from Portland’s finest and up and coming artists: Blossom, Wynne, and Karma Rivera.

The first act of the night was Blossom. Coming from a musically inclined family she performed alongside her uncle at the age of 12. Since relocating to Portland she’s found her own hip hop identity, combining her soulful voice with deep lyrics she’s become a prominent figure in the local hip hop scene. Though she was about 20 minutes late, she was well worth the wait. The experience and musical life she’s lived showed in her performance, as she owned the stage and kept the audience engaged throughout her set. The audience was not disappointed by her, and Blossom started out the night perfectly.

Next up was Wynne, and, as her entourage say, she brought the vibes back. For those unfamiliar with her, the set she was about to perform was the most unexpected. Since the age of 9 Wynne had a talent for words and rhyme, and now by the age of 20 has become one of Portland’s hardest hitters. She’s gathered the attention by many in the industry, and has a large fanbase judging by the thousands of followers she has on social media. Referred to as Wynnie (via Winnie the Pooh) and dubbed the “Queen Honeypot”, it’s easy to see why when watching her set. She’s captivating, and struck awe in every member of the audience instantly. The entire crowd was hyped and was jumping watching Wynne jump alongside her hypeman while rapping and moving through her set.

Finally, the moment everyone waited for, Karma Rivera took the stage. The stage was lined with floral arrangements, and featured a throne with arrangements woven into it. Karma Rivera moved the throne to the front of the stage on the audience ground, where she spent the first couple songs performing in the audience pit. From there she moved to the stage, where things like her music videos were projected behind her as she performed. It’s no wonder why Karma Rivera is one of Portland’s most compelling hip hop acts. She delivers a unique stage presence and show unlike any local act I’ve personally seen. After leaving her throne and stepping onto the stage, she took the time to interact and talk to one audience member individually. Her show is highly engaging and energetic, and the perfect way to close out a jammed packed showcase at the Doug Fir.

Check out Karma Rivera and give her a follow on twitter, and instagram.

Pictures and words by Joe Hernandez (@thisisbroseph / joe hernandez photography)