AK Rhymefest founder takes local music scene to next level

PALMER — Devon Shaw, better known as D the Lyricist, is entering the next phase of his longtime vision for a more united and more promoted music scene in the Valley and across the state.

His creation, AK Rhymefest, is moving from the Knik-Goose Bay area to his hometown, Palmer. He’s also happy to announce he’s launching a new radio series in conjunction with a new online platform to promote local artists.

Shaw and his team are proud to invite the public to join them during the official launch party for akrhymefest.com March 19, from 6 to 10 p.m at Klondike Mike’s in downtown Palmer.

Shaw said the new platform is created “by artists for artists” and will promote their various works both in Radio Free Palmer and their new website. He said there will be plenty of food, drinks, and live entertainment to enjoy throughout the evening.

Shaw is the driving force behind AK Rhyme Fest. This homegrown hip hop music festival designed to unite Alaskan rappers and other genres of artists under the same roof.

“That’s what Rhymefest stands for,” Shaw said.

Shaw has been performing hip-hop for over 17 years. He started recording songs straight out of high school. Over his lengthy music career, he’s opened for big names like Sean Kingston and Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony. He’s also won and been nominated for several Alaska Hip Hop Artist Awards both solo and with his musical ensemble, Unite the North.

Shaw set out as a pioneer striving to bolster the Valley’s and surrounding state’s music scene. The sheer amount of talent he’s experienced is a huge motivator that steadies his vision.

AK Rhymefest is moving to the Palmer Downtown Pavilion, illustrating Shaw’s recent integration with the city’s chamber of commerce. The festival started as a weekend-long, outdoor event but it’s shifted to Shaw’s familiar stomping grounds.

“I’m excited to be teaming up with Palmer,” Shaw said.

Admission for the 2020 AK Rhymefest is free of charge. There will be a variety of performances from artists across the state on top of a live website demonstration, new single previews, music videos, a live DJ, street merchants, a car show, custom clothing shows, raffles, a photo booth, and live entertainment from NSA Wrestling.

Rhymefest runs June 27, from Noon to 9 p.m. with an afterparty at Klondike Mike’s from 10 p.m to 2 am.

Their new slogan is: “When amongst family, the smallest idea can impact the community.”

Shaw said the yearly event is dedicated to growing the Alaska music scene and promoting local businesses. Our newest addition to the platform [akrhymefest.com] will feature Alaskan artist content, music videos, local events, artist interviews and more.

There will be live content streamed on the radio leading to and during the festival.

For more information, email akrhymefest@gmail.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com