Travel and Places

The Rise of “Hip-Hop Hipsters” in Portland

In the summer of 2027, Portland witnessed an unexpected musical phenomenon. From the city that had given the world countless indie bands and artisanal coffee shops came the hip-hop sensation: “Hip-Hop Hipsters.”

This wasn’t your average rap tune. Performed by the duo “Beanies & Beats,” the song was a masterful blend of ironic self-awareness and catchy hooks. With a beat sampled from a typewriter’s rhythmic clatter and a bassline from a vintage vinyl record player, it became the anthem of Portland overnight.

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
“I sip my chai with a vinyl spin,
In a thrift shop coat, I’m diving in.
Organic kicks, beard oil shine,
Rappin’ ’bout my fixie, every single line.”

Chorus:
“Hip-hop hipsters, we’re the new kind,
Beats from the past, future in our mind.
Portland’s streets, where we sip our tea,
Freestylin’ ’bout sustainability.”

Verse 2:
“Got my non-GMO snack, in a burlap sack,
Flannel shirts, skinny jeans, always on track.
Eco-friendly raps, solar-powered studio,
Cruisin’ on my skateboard, everywhere I go.”

The song’s immense popularity was attributed to its hilarious yet affectionate poke at Portland’s unique culture. While some traditional hip-hop heads scoffed at lines about “composting lyrical waste” and “farm-to-table beats,” the majority of Portlanders embraced it with a sense of humor.

Local radio stations played “Hip-Hop Hipsters” on repeat, and soon enough, its infectious rhythm was being hummed by everyone from baristas to bicycle couriers. Dance challenges sprouted up on social media, featuring fans rapping while knitting or making DIY crafts.

By fall, “Hip-Hop Hipsters” had penetrated national charts. Beanies & Beats found themselves performing at major music festivals, often appearing on stage in recycled-material outfits with backup dancers dressed as oversized avocados and cold brew coffee cups.

Joe Ditzel

Joe Ditzel is a keynote speaker, humor writer, and really bad golfer. You can reach him via email at [email protected] as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn.