Portland-raised rapper “TOPE” has set out on his largest tour to date, and he’s sweeping through Moab to play a free 21-and-over show at Club Rio on Saturday, June 11.
Anthony Rian has released three albums, and is slowly releasing singles from his newest album, “3AM in Oakland.” Rian earned the name TOPE through his teens when he became a fixture at Portland’s local hip-hop showcases and freestyle cyphers.
TOPE moved to Oakland within the past year.
“It’s been the first time in a while I’ve been able to take a break, slow down, and take the time to think about what I really want to say as an artist,” Rian said. “It’s been me up with my thoughts real late at night. One night it dawned on me that ‘3AM in Oakland’ summed up the vibe of that moment of clarity – being able to reflect and move forward.”
Since his debut album in 2010, TOPE has either produced and/ or collaborated with artists including TiRon, Myka 9 and Abstract Rude, and shared stages with hip-hop legends including Nas, Mobb Deep, Talib Kweli, Run The Jewels, Deltron 3030, Big KRIT, Dom Kennedy, Black Milk, Mac Miller, Ty Dolla $ign, Digable Planets, Hieroglyphics, Aesop Rock, The Coup, People Under The Stairs, Gift of Gab, Macklemore and countless others.
Rian says he draws inspiration from his own life. Already infused with a passion for rap music, he began pursuing it in junior high school as a new focus when he was cut from the basketball team.
When he was 19, Rian’s mother passed away. Rapping became his outlet and TOPE developed a more serious relationship with his art.
“My music is about wanting to share my story and imaging that people can relate to. There are a lot of deep moments, but a lot of humor as well,” Rian said.
TOPE’s second album, “Trouble Man,” tells this personal coming of age story.
“It’s about my mom passing away, not having a relationship with my dad, and how it affected me,” he said. “It’s about starting to understand why my parents did what they did and why my life ended up the way that it did. It’s just being raw and honest—I think other people (can) relate.”
TOPE’s third album, “Broke Boy Syndrome,” was his first attempt at a themed project. Rian considers it the prequel to his first album.
“It digs deeper into the story of growing up,” he said. “It’s about struggling with money in a lower social class and trying to make it out of that. It’s about not having a positive influence but making one for yourself. It’s about sticking to your dreams and not falling in the same traps that your parents fell into.”
TOPE’s “3AM” album is still taking shape, though several singles have been released.
Rian says “3AM” is about moving forward into a new chapter, and aims to present a more musical package. Rian has been studying music theory and moving away from sampling pre-existing songs.
Rian says that TOPE has been a “one-man-show,” but that his next step will require help from the right people. “3AM” features live musicians, including trumpet players and multiple singers.
Club Rio owner Patrick Flanigan said he booked TOPE as part of his continued effort to offer diversity in Moab’s live music scene.
“We try to provide different types of music all the time,” he said. “I look forward to a great show made up of original hip hop by a very talented artist.”
Doors for the show open at 9 p.m., and showgoers can expect to catch supporting acts and material from all four of TOPE’s albums through live production with keyboards, bass and live beats.
“The ‘3AM’ tour brings a lineup of passionate artists to a new locale in a beautiful place,” said tour member and DJ Grant Stolie, also known as VERBZ The Selecta. “I’m excited to bring our party to new friends in Moab … I guarantee you’ll go home a fan.”
Hip-hop artist comes to Moab on June 11
What: Hip-hop artist TOPE in concert
When: Saturday, June 11; doors open at 9 p.m.
Where: Club Rio, 2 S. 100 West
Cost: Free; 21 and over
My music is about wanting to share my story and imaging that people can relate to. There are a lot of deep moments, but a lot of humor as well.
