Seattle Weekly writer Paula Diaz had this to say about Plaedo: “Plaedo calls himself a 'philosopher of play,' but that doesn't mean the spoken word poet and MC isn't serious about what he spits... His rhymes aren't about the glory, the gangs, and the game. They're unabashedly political, pleading tracks that'll have you swallowing your own words and playing right along."
While Zinester Harldly Flanagan, In Global Punk Zine said this: “Plaedo is a stopless human- rights advocate, virtuoso of silver tongued testimony, an outlaw buddha, a poor righteous teacher of forbidden knowledge and alternative learning streams. Freely planting seeds of wisdom, like the most conscientious and heartfelt, organic gardener. A Johnny Appleseed of ideas.”
"I can relate quickly to Plaedo and what he's rhyming about on Tribal Hop Raptivism. With messages of peace, togetherness and oneness combined with socially aware communication and education lining the walls of this record - I also appreciate quickly that Plaedo is that rare artist that really speaks his mind for the benefit of the rest of the world."
-Sleeping Bag Studios
“Tribal Hop Raptivism” presents a celebration of community, with Plaedo’s lyrics focusing on what it means to truly create a healthy environment. Over the course of the album Plaedo’s thoughtful, socially conscious lyrics describe how one can rise above the things that destroy the environment and destroy communities...Songs are carefully woven together creating less of an album and more of a journey. As the pieces continue they represent a story, one that veers between a glorious happier future and the darkness that permeates much of the present...Kaleidoscopic in terms of its tone, its message, and its optimism in the power of the people, Plaedo’s “Tribal Hop Raptivism” is truly inspirational."
-Beach Sloth Review
"Jasun "Plaedo" Wellman came and provided an "Art of Protest" workshop for the students of University of Oregon and Eugene community members on campus last spring. He excels both in content and methodology, creating a unique learning environment that involves active participation and input from the audience. His presence is welcoming and enthusiastic which helps in encouraging everyone to participate. The workshop went above and beyond what I have seen in other artists' workshops. In addition to leaving with having created poetry and art, the audience developed an understanding of political history and new perspectives on the purpose of art. In sum, the strengths of Plaedo's workshops are his encouraging personality and his ability to weave together multiple educational themes while maintaining active audience participation."
-Augustus Beard, University of Oregon ROAR center
"What do you call honest underground Hip Hop incubated in the Pacific Northwest? Mycelium! Tribal Hop Raptivism is a powerful network of roots and fungi interlocking around community and struggle. On his third full length record, Plaedo tackles a host of issues, shifts between a variety of styles, and brings listeners the forest beneath the forest." ~Jared Paul
Plaedo’s latest album, Tribal Raptivism, showcases an authentic voice in indigenous northwest hip hop. His message focuses on personal accountability, courage and the importance of community action and celebration. He encourages his listeners to contemplate the deeper rhythms and joys of existence. He reminds us to let go of our fears as he states, “We don’t fear the darkness, we light candles.” Throughout the album Plaedo challenges the listener to examine their relationships within the microcosm and the macrocosm. Whether it is appreciating the beauty of a loved one, challenging corrupt corporations, Plaedo’s energetic delivery is grounded in his own life experiences. With guest appearances from some of the most talented emcees and producers of the northwest, he guides us through a story that educates and empowers his listeners.While his songs cover topics as seemingly varied as corporate corruption, direct action, love, and aliens, his delivery ties these topics together in a manner both original and enjoyable. He is a modern shaman and seer helping guide his listeners to a new (and old) framework of existence. With Tribal Raptivism, Plaedo has cemented his place as an important voice in Northwest hip-hop and activism. - Joseph Mailor
