Eat-a-Lot
Words: Adam Pasulka & Jonathan Moore
Photos: Jimmy Clarke
Photos: Jimmy Clarke
Amongst the things that Seattle is famous for, rap music is not at the top of the list. I can’t be sure, but I have a sneaking suspicion that when MCs throw up the “W” they’re not trying to rep Washington state. Even the most knowledgeable of Hip Hop heads have trouble naming UpCoast rappers. With so much hype coming from California, one trail blazing West Coast MC is often overlooked. Native Seattleite Sir Mix-A-Lot pushed his way through the haze of flannel and lush forest to become one of the original pioneers to find success in the rap game by going the independent route. Mix-A-Lot co-founded his own record label – Nastymix, promoted his own music, produced all his own tracks, and pushed his sound until he could no longer be denied.
Sir Mix-A-Lot gained national recognition after the release of his 1988 debut album Swass which featured the hit single “Posse on Broadway”. This title confused some people back in the day, but Mix-A-Lot was actually referring to Broadway street on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, not the New York avenue. Four years later Mix-A-Lot topped music charts with his timeless phat-ass anthem, “Baby Got Back”. The song helped him sell over two million copies of his 1992 album Mack Daddy and won him a Grammy in 1993 for Best Solo Rap Performance. Mix-A-Lot would go on to drop two more albums, Chief Boot Knocka in 94 and Return of the Bumpasaurus in 96. In the late 90s, before the term “mash up” was even a buzzword, Mix-A-Lot experimented musically through collaboration with alternative rock group The Presidents of the United States of America. The union called themselves Subset. They never released anything official though music was made, some of which was leaked over the internet. In 2000, Sir Mix-A-Lot would release Beepers, Benzos & Booty: The Best of Sir Mix-A-Lot, followed by his sixth album, Daddy’s Home in 2003.
Being a Seattle rap pioneer must make a man hungry. Jonathan Moore, aka Wordsayer, point man for local Hip Hop group Source of Labor, got schooled on Seattle’s top five swass food spots by the Bumpasaurus himself. So if you find yourself rolling through the Rainy City, make sure to posse up with the crew, and head over to one of these Sir Mix-A-Lot approved restaurants to get your grub on! The food will be almost as tender and delicious as the models featured in the “Put ‘Em on the Glass” music video, we guarantee it.
1. JoAnna’s Soul Cafe
Southern Cajun / Creole Cusine
On 26th and Cherry in the heart of Seattle’s Central District
2. Daniel’s Broiler
Classic American Steakhouse & Fine Dining
Located on East Lake Union
3. Tup Tim Thai
Traditional Thai Food
Located on Lower Queen Anne
4. Ezell’s
Famous Fried Chicken Spot
(Oprah used to have it flown overnight to Chicago for her show.)
Located on 23rd and Jefferson in the middle of the hood, across the street from Seattle’s historic Garfield High School
5. Home of Good Bar B Que
Down home recipes and good ol’ fashioned Bar B Que
One of Seattle’s oldest eateries located next to the once infamous Yesler Terrace Housing Projects in Seattle’s central district
As told to Jonathan Moore during lunch at JoAnna’s spot over plates of Honey Dipped and Fried Jumbo Shrimp, Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Mac-n-Cheese, Cornbread, Soul Gumbo, Shrimp Ettouffe, Soul Rolls, Bar B Que Wings, Ox Tails, and Cajun Chicken Fettucine. Topped off with homemade Peach Cobbler, Pound Cake, and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Damn Homie!
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