By: Reggie Singh
When it comes to Bay Area Rap the first thing that comes to most peoples’ minds is “hyphy”, such in going stupid, dumb, and hyphy. While this may be a correct assumption, there is a lot more to the local music scene than just “riding the yellow bus”. The music is entrenched in a ton of history that goes back to the very beginning of hip-hop as we know it. Artists such as Mac Dre and Smoov-e broke all musical boundaries through such tactics as recording an album solely through a 2-way prison phone system. If that isn’t gangsta then I don’t know what is.
Artist: Mac Dre
Title: The Best of Mac Dre Vol. 3
Label: Sumo/ Thizz Nation
Genre: Gangsta : Rap
Release Date: 2/3/06
UPC: 618763700329
Territory: World
Best of Mac Dre Volume Three consists of 20 of his best hits. If you don’t know much of the legendary Mac Dre then this album will give a taste of his 15 year career prior to his death in 2004. His influence is so profound that it is rare to find a Bay Area hip-hop track that hasn’t been shaped by him in some form. Sadly, it was after his death that that he gained much of his recognition, but any true fan of the local Bay Area scene can say that they have known of his influence from the very get go. If after listening to the album you find yourself wanting more it is suggested to check out the DVD Treal TV, preferably vol. 1.
Artist: Andre Nickatina
Title: Conversation with a Devil
Label: I-Khan Distribution
Genre: Rap
Release Date: 2/20/07
UPC: 797875210329
Territory: World ex-Africa
Every album Nickatina has come out with has had its list of hits, but Conversation with a Devil encompasses the trademark style that he has established. Some highlighted tracks are “A Yo” and “Show Gone Wrong”. “A Yo” is a definite addition to a playlist for a party. This track will get people off their butt and might even have them singing along. “Show Gone Wrong” takes a slightly different approach in that he writes the entire song as if he is telling a story. Whether the story is true or not, I don’t know, but it is about a show that he was to perform at that resulted in gunfire. I don’t want to spoil the ending so I’ll let you find out for yourself.
Artist: Smoov-E
Title: Assuefatto
Label: Million Dollar Dream
Genre: Gangsta : Rap
Release Date: 2/24/06
UPC: 797875444427
Territory: World
Smoov-E is a local legend that will definitely become a staple in anyone’s playlist. You will notice that on Assuefatto he has collaborated with both Andre Nickatina and Mac Dre. Showcasing the influence these musicians have on the genre. Like many Bay Area artists, Smoov-E incorporates many audio samples from movies such as Scarface and Goodfellas. Try to check out “Coke N Rum”, a single off his Larry Dallas album, a classic.
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Tags: Andre Nickatina, Mac Dre, Smoov-e
