optimoram

Ramsey "Optimo Ram" Allred grew up in the record bins. His father owned All Records in Houston, Texas, so music wasn't just background noise growing up — it was a whole education. He fell hard for Houston rap and made it his mission to give the city's underground scene a stage it deserved. So he built one. Optimo Radio launched as Houston's underground hip hop internet station, broadcasting live out of Screwed Up Records & Tapes and Ramsterdam, with a mission as simple as it was stubborn: "If it ain't local, it ain't live." The station became a true community hub, running shows every day of the week, lifting up local artists, and throwing annual birthday bashes that packed out venues city wide. For five years he also took that same energy to Austin, hosting the Texas Hip Hop Showcase at SXSW and putting Houston talent in front of the world. These days Ram has traded the bayous for the bridges and calls Portland, Oregon home. He brought his love of music, community, and a good time with him — and tonight he's bringing all of it to you.