Didn't think I would get such positive results & feedback for my last blog. So now, I want to blog on an issue/topic I feel is important to me. Since this blog is read by people from ALL over the country, I wanted our voices to get heard. --------BAY AREA MUSIC. Now the "music" refers to R&B, Hip-Hop & Rap.
Everyone knows that the Bay Area has an image that took YEARS to earn. And what do "outsiders" think of Bay Area music when it is mentioned? "The Hyphy Movement." And what common artist that helped create the Bay's image are thought of in the process? Bay Area's legendary Mac Dre, E40, Too Short, Dubee, MC Hammer... and well you get the picture. So what other forms of music are there? Lately I been noticing a lot of this "swag music," "rock mob music," and definitely a LOT of songs featuring R&B artists such as Matt Blaque and Young Loft handling the chorus/bridges with a cutting edge "cut throat" rapper such as the Jacka, Laroo T.H.H, Ap.9 etc.
So what is the public demanding from these Bay Area Rap/Hip-Hop artists? Besides good music.
Wanted to include Kafani's new video "Need Ya Body" Feat. Bobby Valentino. Video made it on BET's 106&Park show, and I absolutely feel that this video deserves some recognition for showing the world that the Bay is not all about "hyphy."
This is the official video of "Money Ain't Trippin" by Laroo T.H.H Feat E40. I don't know why this song isn't getting more ratings, and not getting more plays on Bay Area's own radio stations 106KMEL and Wild949. However, I am feeling this song 100%!! Laroo kind of has that "deep voice" swag like he's from the south, but he belongs to none other than the Bay Area!
Okay, who is the number one Bay rapper that ladies for some reason seem to throw themselves at when he's in sight? THE JACKA! One of the members from the "Mob Figaz" rap group, consisting of Husalah, Rydah J Klyde, Ap9, and Fed-X. After his hit single, "All Over Me" blew up, he started skyrocketing off the music charts in the Bay Area, soon to become another one of "Bay Area's Legendary Rappers" if he keeps his standing up right. Now, of all videos, I chose "Paper Non Stop" Feat. Fed-X because I loved his image in the video of "I don't give a fuck, I have money, and bitches want me, and I don't care what people think of me" persona.
Now, of all rappers, and songs, and videos, I'd have to say this is my ULTIMATE favorite. Why? Setting isn't all that great, and every one may think that it looks like a "typical" music video with other fellow rappers and friends in the background. Which, it may SEEM. But if you really focus on the artist rapping, and listen to what he is saying, it'll blow your MIND. The first time I watched this, I listened to it like I was listening to the radio. Than I replayed it, and I was like, "WHO THE FUCK IS THAT?" (Excuse my foul language). I was like, "Got DAMN that boy went so hard in there!" And I have NEVER said anything like that about ANY rapper before.
*Someone just pointed this out. I got so caught up in giving him his props, I forgot to tell ya'll his name. My boy YOUNG WIN in "In The Streets" Feat Young Loft!
Now , this happens to be a close friend of mine. Also, I wanna say, the originator of "Mob Rock." One of the members of the Mob Figaz, and group originators of "Mob Music," Ap9 created a type of mob-rock music, thats interesting, and actually very enjoyable to listen too. The first time I heard his music, I was kind of confused. I was expecting "gangster rap," unpleasant lyrics of crimes followed by distasteful disrespect of women. So I played the CD to a few friends of mine who don't listen to Rap, and they actually liked it! "It sounds like rock, sort of." & "Wow, thats sooo weird. I never heard music like this before." I, personally enjoy his music for his tasteful combination of genres. Here's a video to the introduction of his May 19, 2009 release of his album, "I Am Legend."
Okay, so I didn't listen to J.Stalin until 2007. That's only two years ago. Why? Cause I thought, "He has to be lame to name himself after a dictator of the early 1900's." A friend of mines was astonished when I replied with, "Who the hell is J.Stalin?" So I finally listened to his music, and wow. He is definetly gangster rap. But TASTEFUL rap! West Oakland's own J. Stalin of Livewire Records. Here's one of my favorite songs off his 2009 "Prenup" album.
DOPEST FEMALE RAPPER IN THE BAY. I would have to say is "Jessica Rabbit" who is managed by Bay Area's own Messy Marv! Her lyrics are explicit, and I am told by many they don't like her obscenity regarding "dope dick" "sexual pleasures" & "sex for money" type of attitude. But common now ladies, we may not be absolute fans of all those things, and we may not support it, but when we're feeling down and blue, and bump some of Jessica Rabbit's tracks, you can NOT tell me she doesn't make you feel better about yourself! The girl has style, class, and is sexy in her music! Props to you Messy Marv for your discovery!
Now I can't post everyone's video up, but we do have to give it up for San Quinn, Shady Nate, the Pack, Too Short, Mac Dre, E40, Messy Marv, Yukmouth, Keak Da Sneak, Mistah Fab, Chop Black, Lee Majors, Beeda Weeda, Ya Boy, Champ Bailey, Balance, Andre Nickatina, Clyde Carson, Kaz Kyzah, Mac Mall, Livewire Gang, Turf Talk, Guce, Keyshia Cole, Goapele, and the list goes on. But thanks for representing the Bay Area and helping to contribute to one of the nations largest music genre's.
And make sure you support Big Rich by purchasing his album "Heart of the City" and the DVD is fresh too!
NOW. What is the backbone to these songs? Besides the wonderful voices of these truly talented artists! Dj's! Producers! Beats!
One of the best beat producers I can think of off the top of my head would be none other than... YUP. You guessed it. Traxamillion!
He is truly one talented person ladies and gentlemen!
Another one, I would have to say is Rob Lo.
Dj Quest, Dj Juice, Dj Vlad, Dj Rick Lee, like I said, the list goes on.
Just wanted to take the time, to let everyone know about a topic that is important to me. MUSIC! And wanted to thank these people in my blog, and MUCH more for giving the area that I live in, such a special meaning! Kind of makes me want to change my major from Criminal Justice to Business Marketing! My Aunt's a station manager for a news station, and works with CBS, Time Magazine, PBS, etc. Hopefully she likes this post and gives it some credability in an article! Love to all, and stay blessed!
Tags: [bayarea hip-hop]
