In the Bay

Here's a problem.

The Bay Area hip hop scene seems to be solely associated with the "Hyphy Movement." At the moment, that seems to be our claim to faim in the hip hop world. When I take a trip anywhere outside of the Bay Area, people ask me all about "going dumb" and "ghost riding," assuming that's what I'm into because I live in the Bay Area and like hip hop. If you're in that same boat, then this post is for you.

In the Bay Area we have a good amount of talented MC's, and I want to help do away with any misconceptions that "Mr. 40 Water" has created around here. So here are a few important Bay Area artists that will change your mind about our hip hop scene.


Hieroglyphics:

Casual, Pep Love, Opio, Tajai, A-Plus, Phesto D, and Grammy-winning Del the Funky Homosapien are 7 (8 if you count their manager Domino) of the Bay's most valuable MC's, and together they comprise our most valuable hip hop group. They've been in the game longer than most around here, and they have their own record label. In my opinion, they are to the Bay what Wu Tang is to New York.

Zion I:

Beats by Amp Live, lyrics by Zion(aka Zumbi)... these guys are by far the best MC/DJ duo we have around here. Zion's style is unique, and his lyrics are creative and insightful, sometimes political. Zion I represents their culture to the fullest, and are a crucial part of our hip hop scene.




Planet Asia

Planet Asia is one of the most talented solo MC's we have around here. He's worked with Talib Kweli and Ghostface Killah (to name a couple), was given Source magazine's First Round Draft Pick award, and has even been nominated for a Grammy. His lyrics are straight; he does not mess around.




There are plenty more, but these were the artists I thought were most worth mentioning, and they may lead you to other important Bay Area artists. Just remember, we're not all "hyphy hyphy hyphy hyphy" around here.