When Americana Meets Hip-Hop
Strings and Bars
En Rama buzzed with anticipation yesterday as two musical worlds collided in the historic Tacoma courthouse square.
Billy Stoops and Sharp Skills might seem like an unlikely pairing, one with a weathered guitar and harmonica, the other with tight flows and thoughtful rhymes, but that's exactly what makes Lunch Break Live magical.
Before the first note even dropped, there was Sharp's mom ready to hit play on the track, beaming with pride as she prepared to back her son's performance. Think again if you are Sharps' #1 fan. Another person drawn to the performance came all the way from Shoreline in support of the artists and the Tacoma scene. A real testament to how music can move people.
Billy took the stage first, guitar in hand and harmonica at the ready. There's something about watching a veteran performer prep that tells you everything, and the casual confidence, the muscle memory of countless shows. His raspy vocals carried stories of an America from another time, painting portraits of solitary travelers and lonely highways.
“His raspy vocals carried stories of an America from another time, painting portraits of solitary travelers and lonely highways. ”
The intimate space of En Rama, with its curated aesthetic that honors the building's historical bones, created the perfect backdrop. Even Alexis, En Rama's owner, and her manager, paused their busy day to sit down at the bar and listen.
“We’re not so different”
When Sharp Skills took his turn, the energy shifted but never broke. He introduced each track with the passion of someone who believes words can change the way you think, one about fatherhood in these complicated times, another a peace treaty between Seattle and Tacoma set to music. "We're not so different," he suggested through his lyrics.
His R&B-infused beats carried a nostalgic undertone, but when Sharp started flowing, there was nothing but urgent passion. Tight, concise lyrics delivered with unwavering precision made it impossible not to want to listen a little closer. Later, he confided that his "Comfy in Tacoma" track was brand new—one of its first live performances—but you'd never have known from the flawless delivery.
The most beautiful moment? Watching these two artists from different worlds find immediate respect and connection. By the end, they were already plotting collaborations, trading contact info, and showing that music in Tacoma transcends genre boundaries
Ever wonder what happens when professionals recognize each other across the divide of musical styles?
Stop by the next Lunch Break Live and find out for yourself.
Reach out and give a follow to @thesharpskills & @billystoops
Special thanks to En Rama for sharing their space
Follow them on: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Stay updated on @tacoma_wa for the latest happenings and join us in celebrating the best parts of our city.
