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E-40 Essential Songs

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E-40 is a foundational figure in West Coast hip-hop. Born Earl Stevens, the rapper is celebrated for his inventive slang and entrepreneurial spirit. Originating from the Bay Area, he has carved out a special niche with his distinctive voice. Starting his career in the late 1980s with The Click, E-40 swiftly made a name for himself as a solo artist. His career, spanning over three decades, includes numerous albums and collaborations with top industry names, becoming a respected and influential hip-hop icon.

Moreover, throughout his extensive career, E-40 has released numerous hits highlighting his creativity. His music often delves into the realities of street life, infused with humor and a unique linguistic style. These five essential songs showcase pivotal moments in his career, reflecting his enduring impact in hip-hop. From early tracks establishing his presence to modern anthems introducing him to new audiences.

1. “Captain Save A Hoe” Ft. The Click

Released in 1994 from the EP The Mail Man, “Captain Save a Hoe” became one of E-40’s earliest hits, featuring The Click. The track is known for its humorous and satirical take on relationships, particularly addressing men who excessively spend money on women in hopes of gaining their affection. The song showcases E-40’s uncommon linguistic and storytelling ability, helping to cement his reputation in hip-hop.

Further, the song’s impact extended beyond its initial release, becoming a cultural reference point and a fan favorite. It highlighted E-40’s knack for blending wit with serious social commentary, a trait that would become a hallmark of his music. “Captain Save a Hoe” played a crucial role in establishing E-40’s presence in the rap industry and remains one of his most iconic tracks.

2. “Sprinkle Me” Ft. Suga-T

“Sprinkle Me,” released in 1995 from E-40’s album In a Major Way, is a notable track in his discography. Featuring his sister Suga-T, the song highlights their dynamic collaboration. The success of “Sprinkle Me” extended beyond its initial release, also becoming a staple in E-40’s live performances. The song’s playful yet impactful lyrics and distinctive sound contributed to its enduring popularity. This track exemplified E-40’s ability to create infectious music and reinforced his role as a key player in the Bay Area rap movement. “Sprinkle Me” remains a beloved classic, reflecting E-40’s influence and the solid musical partnership with Suga-T.

3. “Tell Me When To Go” Ft. Keak Da Sneak

“Tell Me When to Go,” released in 2006, features fellow Bay Area rapper Keak da Sneak. This song was pivotal in bringing the Hyphy movement to mainstream attention, characterized by its minimalistic production by Lil Jon and an energetic, bass-heavy beat. The repetitive chant and the song’s contagious energy capture the essence of the Bay Area’s vibrant hip-hop culture. The track achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. It also earned a Platinum certification from the RIAA. The music video, which features local dancers and iconic Bay Area locations, further popularized the hyphy movement and became an anthem.

4. “U And Dat” Ft. T-Pain & Kandi Girl

“U and Dat” came out in 2006 as part of My Ghetto Report Card. This track is among E-40’s most successful singles. It also features T-Pain and Kandi Girl on vocals with a production by Lil Jon. The song became very popular due to its club-ready vibe so much so that it reached No. 13 on Billboard Hot 100. Besides having energizing performances, the song’s vibrant music video also contributed greatly to its success. Moreover, it received platinum certification from RIAA. What makes this single special is that he managed to blend hip-hop along with pop thereby creating a record-breaker for him during his career.

5. “Choices (Yup)”

Released in 2014 as a single from his album Sharp On All 4 Corners: Corner 1, “Choices (Yup)” is a significant track in E-40’s discography. The song’s impressive structure features a series of questions followed by E-40’s responses, either “Yup” or “Nope,” making it instantly memorable and relatable. This approach and its catchy hook helped the song resonate with a wide audience. Additionally, “Choices (Yup)” achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 43 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It also went viral, becoming a cultural phenomenon and earning a Platinum certification from the RIAA. The song’s impact was further amplified by its music video, which featured numerous cameos from notable figures in hip-hop and sports. “Choices (Yup)” exemplifies E-40’s storytelling ability and his knack for creating tracks that engage and entertain listeners.

The post E-40 Essential Songs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kamaiyah Reveals Release Date For New Album “Figuring Out My Emotions”

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Kamaiyah isn’t here to be complacent. The Oakland rapper drops multiple times a year because she wants to hone her craft and ensure that fans are up to date with her life. It’s worked wonders. She’s amassed a loyal fanbase over the last decade, and her last album, Another Summer Night, earned positive reviews from critics. Kamaiyah looks to keep the winning streak going strong with her new album, Figuring Out My Emotions.

Figuring Out My Emotions is a more intimate collection of songs than its predecessor, as the title might suggest. The album is executive produced by Kamaiyah, and the lead single, “No Pressure,” delves into more serious subject matter while maintaining a slick, Bay Area sound. The rapper confirmed the rest of the album will drop on Friday, May 17. She also dropped off the artwork and tracklist. The former is right in line with the chilled-out vibe of the aforementioned single. Kamaiyah lays down on a dock near a body of water. No text or logos. Just an artist and the ocean.

Read More: Jay Worthy Recruits Kamaiyah And Harry Fraud For Grand “9AM”

Kamaiyah’s New Album Drops On May 17

The tracklist is impressively brief. Another Summer Night was a sprawling album with 17 songs, but Figuring Out My Emotions comes in at a tight eight. There are no listed features on the album. That being said, rap artists like to hide their features until the fans get a chance to listen. Kamaiyah usually reserves a spot for West Coast peers like 03 Greedo or Jay Worthy (both of whom appeared on Another Summer Night).

Kamaiyah explained her approach to dropping during a recent interview with KQED. “It’s not the ’90s or early 2000s, like, nobody is catching a hit that lasts for a f*cking year anymore,” she asserted. “People’s attention spans are so short. If you got the attention, keep it. And only way you keep it is more sh*t in their face. It’s got to be organic.”

Figuring Out My Emotions tracklist:

  1. Be Mine
  2. Can’t Lose
  3. DND
  4. Link Wit Me
  5. One & Only
  6. No Pressure
  7. Success
  8. Winter Blues

Read More: Jay Worthy Links With Kamaiyah And Producer Harry Fraud For “THE AM3RICAN DREAM”

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Saweetie Is Here To Stay: Reveals Bay Area Mount Rushmore, Talks “Immortal Freestyle” & 49ers Super Bowl Theme

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In the past decade, we’ve witnessed Saweetie rise from freestyling in cars in Instagram videos to dominating pop culture. The Bay Area sweetheart admittedly hasn’t built quite the massive catalog just yet but her prominence, in her city and globally, is palpable. It’s what led to her collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers alongside P-Lo on “Do It For The Bay,” the team’s official Super Bowl anthem.

Evidently, “Do It For The Bay” is a full circle moment that hits especially close to home for Saweetie. This Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy in Las Vegas. Ahead of Game Day, Saweetie will help launch Smirnoff’s SMASH Vodka Soda (offered in four different flavors) at the first-ever Smirnoff SMASH Pickle Bowl. Smirnoff, the NFL’s Official Vodka Sponsor, will host the star-studded event on Saturday, February 10 from 2:30 pm – 4 pm PT at RedTail located at Resorts World. Saweetie and former NSYNC star Lance Bass partnered up as team Watermelon Lime and will face off against several high-profile celebrities, such as NFL Legend Vernon Davis and NFL commentator, Kay Adams.

Though she’s new to pickleball, Saweetie’s quite confident in what she’ll bring to the table on Saturday. “To be honest, I’ve never played pickleball but I grew up playing a lot of sports, so I’m pretty sure I can, I can learn it pretty quickly,” she tells HotNewHipHop. It’s this level of confidence and determination that has turned her into one of the most notable figures from the Bay Area, and quite frankly, allowed her to overcome adversity at every point. “Immortal Freestyle,” her latest release, speaks volumes about her mindset going into 2024. “I think that there have been several moments publicly and privately where I’ve just been, you know – a lot of people were questioning whether or not I was going to endure through those moments. That was my response, basically saying, like, ‘Yeah, I am and I’m here to stay,’” she says.

We recently caught up with Saweetie ahead of the Smirnoff SMASH Pickle Bowl to discuss the Super Bowl, what she expects from Usher’s halftime show and the Mount Rushmore of the Bay Area.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Read More: Saweetie Previews New Track “Richtivities”

saweetie
Via Ro.lexx.

Hot New Hip Hop: You linked up with Smirnoff for the inaugural Smirnoff SMASH Pickle Bowl alongside several other celebrities. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your pickleball skills?

Saweetie: To be honest, I’ve never played pickleball but I grew up playing a lot of sports, so I’m pretty sure I can, I can learn it pretty quickly.

Ahh, so it’s a fresh endeavor. 

Definitely a fresh endeavor. 

How do you do with new experiences in terms of trying out new sports and activities? Are you someone who thrives under pressure?

Definitely, and I’m really competitive, so I’m really excited to see what I can do with it.

Did they already tell you who you’re competing against?

There’s several people showing up so I’m pretty sure we’re gonna alternate. 

In a hypothetical game of doubles, which of your rap peers would you call on as your partner?

Pickleball? I’m not sure, to be honest with you.

You’ve been a great brand partner and ambassador for a lot of companies over the years. Why did teaming up with Smirnoff make sense to you?

Well, I think it’s a great fusion of just sports, fashion – because my pickleball outfit is kind of cute – and just celebration. I felt like Smirnoff is a great company when it comes to being part of a great festivity. So, I feel like it’s a great fusion of of just all different industries coming into one.

You mentioned the outfit. Could you give us a little hint at what you’ll be rocking?

Well, I’ll definitely be in theme for the Smirnoff campaign. So, I’ll be in lime green and pink.

The upcoming Pickle Bowl comes after Smirnoff launched the Smirnoff SMASH Vodka Soda. Do you have a favorite flavor?

The watermelon lime.

By itself or do you mix it with something?

Oh, you know I love my concoctions. So, on the day of the event, I’ll probably be mixing up some drinks. 

As you mentioned, you’re big on the concoctions. I’m wondering what’s the Saweetie specialty when it comes to Game Day food? Like, something that’s uniquely Saweetie.

Honestly, I’m really excited to see what kind of food that’s in the suite this year. But typically, they have the… what do you call it? The typical night game foods like hot dogs, burgers, and fries. So, there’s not too much I can make with that but I would recommend putting the fries on the burger. But, compared to what you guys have seen, I know that’s a light concoction. However, it’s always a pleasure seeing like some sushi in the suite because that lets me know that they got a budget and we like a big budget.

Read More: Saweetie’s McDonalds Meal Has Her Fans Divided

But when you’re at home on game day, is there anything, specifically, that you’d chef up?

Oh, for game day… I really like some crab with a seafood boil. But I have to eat like at the beginning of the game because if things start to get a little tense, my appetite goes away. My appetite is definitely tied to how my team is doing so Go Niners.

You and P-Lo connected with the 49ers for “Do It For The Bay.” How does it feel to be so tightly woven into the Bay Area’s culture these days, especially since you’re regarded as a global representative for your city? Not just from a hip-hop standpoint, either but in terms of modern-day Bay Area culture. How does it feel to work with these institutes that meant something to you growing up?

Honestly, sometimes it feels really surreal. When I had got the offer to make the theme for the playoffs, and now the Super Bowl song for my team, I was speechless. And the first person I called was P-Lo because I wanted to share the spotlight with somebody and because he is a producer, I felt like he was the perfect match for it. It’s like a dream come true because to become one of the people that people refer to as a Bay Area representative on a worldwide platform, it’s amazing.

Just to follow up on that, who is your Bay Area Mount Rushmore of rappers?

My top four – definitely, Mac Dre. My dad would play a lot of E-40 growing up so E-40. Three, I sampled two songs from Too $hort so definitely some Too $hort. And for my fourth…the Bay Area… I really got to think about that.

You can’t choose yourself, either. I know it’s usually the easiest route to take when asked these type of questions. 

I feel like I got I feel like I got some more to accomplish before I slap myself on you know to Mount Rushmore. 

If you couldn’t just choose one, who would be the fourth and fifth? They could rotate the fourth position.

I love me some Goapele, I feel like she did a lot for the Bay Area when we were kids. And for the fifth… I’m like flipping through my mind. I think I’m gonna leave it there for now.

One more thing, because I love to give me reasons. Because you know, the Bay Area has a very particular sound. And we’re often like, chastised for our sound and some people may say that we make local or regional music but what I love about Goapele, especially her song “Closer,” a lot of legendary rappers hopped on that because it was so infectious, not through the beat but just through her. So, shout out to Goapele.

Usher’s halftime performance is one of the most anticipated parts of the Super Bowl. Do you have a favorite halftime show?

My favorite halftime show of all time? … I know you only got a little bit of time, but I really be thinking, my bad. Honestly, I would have loved to see a Rolodex because I know there’s a lot more but personally, I love the Rihanna halftime show because I was there and I’m a big fan and my voice was gone. So that’s the most memorable halftime show to me because I was actually there in person.

Do you think Usher could top it this year?

I think each Super Bowl performance had a special moment, so I definitely think that he’s going to do that, especially since he’s such a multifaceted, talented artist. And I’m excited to say that I’m going to be there so I’ll definitely be able to witness that iconic performance in person.

Final question: it’s been almost been two years since you announced a release date for your debut album, Pretty B*tch Music. What’s the hold-up? Will we be seeing it drop in 2024?

Hopefully [laughs].

Is the “Immortal Freestyle” an indication of the direction you’re going in with the album?

I think the “Immortal Freestyle” was just a premise for how I felt this year. I think that there have been several moments publicly and privately where I’ve just been, you know – a lot of people were questioning whether or not I was going to endure through those moments. That was my response, basically saying, like, “Yeah, I am and I’m here to stay.”

The post Saweetie Is Here To Stay: Reveals Bay Area Mount Rushmore, Talks “Immortal Freestyle” & 49ers Super Bowl Theme appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

TikTok Food Critic Keith Lee Ends Tour, Says Bay Area Is “Not A Place For Tourists”

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Keith Lee has canceled his Bay Area food tour out of safety concerns and noted that it’s not “a place for tourists right now.” He also noted that he visited numerous restaurants and found it difficult to find anything positive or constructive to say about his experiences. Finally, Lee also referenced being hospitalized during the tour due to a shellfish food allergy.

“Unfortunately, the Bay Area stop on the Keith Lee and family food tour is officially over prematurely… I truly want to say from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate every single bit of love. The people of the Bay were absolutely amazing, And I’ll never forget the hospitality and the love that y’all showed me,” Lee said in a TikTok

Read More: Keith Lee Reveals What Cities Have The Best Food

Keith Lee Speaks At VidCon Anaheim

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 23: Keith Lee speaks onstage at VidCon Anaheim 2023 at the Anaheim Convention. Center on June 23, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)

From there, he remarked that the “people of the Bay are just focused on surviving,” and added that the number of “tents and living structures and burnt-out cars that we saw people living in was shocking to say the least.” Of his disappointing dining experiences, he added: “We went to a lot of restaurants — popular restaurants, not popular restaurants, mom-and-pop shops — and this is the first city where I have over six videos that I don’t feel comfortable posting because nothing about my experience was constructive and nothing that I said was constructive.” Check out his full breakdown of the decision below.

Keith Lee Explains Ending His Bay Area Tour

@keith_lee125

Bay Area taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic

♬ original sound – Keith Lee

Fans had mixed responses to Lee’s decision. One user commented: “Not even mad at this. When the vibe is off….. just roll out.” Another wrote: “As a native Bay Area kid, this breaks my heart to see my hometown like this. Hope yall are safe!” Be on the lookout for further updates on Keith Lee on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Keith Lee Accuses DJ Envy Of Calling Him “Ghetto” On “The Breakfast Club”

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WNBA Announces Warriors-Owned Bay Area Expansion Team

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The WNBA will expand to 13 teams in 2025 when a new franchise operated by the Golden State Warriors will join the league. It’s the first time that the WNBA has expanded since 2008. However, at this time, there appears to be no plan to add an Eastern Conference franchise to keep the league at an even number of teams. Warriors chairman Joe Lacob, who once owned a franchise in the rival ABL, said the “full force” of the Warriors would be behind the as-yet-unnamed team. Lacob said the team will likely be referred to as “Golden State” but discussions would be had on whether the team would also use the “Warriors” moniker.

“We’re coming in here, number one, to win. Number two, we want to see this league and women’s basketball grow, and we hope to be a big part of it. We think it’s a watershed event for us to come in and commit to it in a big way. We’re going to bring all of our resources. We can put this machine to work, and we’re going to do that,” Lacob told ESPN.

Read More: Angel Reese “Insulted” By ESPN’s WNBA Mock Draft

Warriors Join Race For Aneesah Morrow

With Golden State joining the league in 2025, it sets up a fascinating possibility of the brand-new franchise getting one of the best college prospects in its first year in the league. Like most other American pro leagues, the Warriors will have an expansion draft where they will build their roster from a pool of players already on WNBA rosters. Furthermore, they will also likely be placed into the WNBA draft lottery. During the last expansion in 2008, the Dream ended up with the fourth overall pick, although they later traded it away.

That means the new franchise would be in the running for the consensus #1 pick of 2025 – Aneesah Morrow. Morrow is one of the best players in the nation as she enters her junior year. Barely getting attention out of high school, the Chicago-born player chose to attend nearby DePaul. There she was the heart of the Blue Demons team on both sides of the court. Averaging 23.5 points and 13.0 rebounds a game, Morrow played elite basketball despite rarely finding herself with anything less than a double team on her. She will play her final two years at LSU after joining the Tigers during the offseason.

Read More: Caitlin Clark Still Undecided About Declaring For WNBA Draft

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E-40 Is A West Coast Icon: His Biggest Hits

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E-40’s impact on hip hop is undeniable, especially on the west coast. The East Bay, California rapper is widely considered a west coast icon for his profound influence on the Bay Area hyphy scene. He is known for his distinct voice, choppy flow, and humorous bars. To say that E-40 has been around for a while is an understatement, as he has released songs since the early 1990s as a member of The Click. As a solo artist, E-40 has been highly prolific and consistent, releasing 26 studio albums, with his 27th reportedly set to drop this year.  

Additionally, E-40 also has several collaborative albums, including works as a member of the rap supergroup Mount Westmore with Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Too $hort. A highly decorated artist, E-40 was recently critical of Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest West Coast Hip Hop Songs,” taking issue with “Tell Me When to Go” not being included. Regardless of whether or not his songs make lists, E-40 is an active pioneer in hip hop with almost unparalleled longevity. Here, we’re counting down the singles from his extensive discography, with the No. 1 spot being his biggest hit. Take a look at the list below.

7. “Sprinkle Me” feat. Suga-T (1995)

“Sprinkle Me” is one of E-40’s earliest hits. The 1995 song marked E-40’s third track to be released as a single, following “Captain Save a Hoe” and “1-Luv.” “Sprinkle Me” ended up charting higher than both, making for his biggest hit song at the time. From his second studio album, 1995’s In a Major Way, “Sprinkle Me” is a light-hearted jam. E-40 displays his signature flow while Suga-T raps with a tough attitude and sings the song’s chorus.

6. “Rapper’s Ball” feat. Too $hort & K-Ci of Jodeci (1996)

“Rapper’s Ball” is E-40’s first collaborative single with Too $hort, who has had a similar career path of being an influential Bay Area rapper with an extensive catalog. The catchy single features a soulful chorus from K-Ci of Jodeci, while E-40 and Too $hort exchange slick lyrics. “Rapper’s Ball” exhibits a chemistry between E-40 and Too $hort, who would go on to collaborate for multiple albums and some of their biggest hits. 

5. “Things’ll Never Change” feat. Bo-Roc (1996)

Much like “Rapper’s Ball,” “Things’ll Never Change” comes from E-40’s 1996 album Tha Hall of Game. The two songs were released together, with “Things’ll Never Change” being the lead single and “Rapper’s Ball” as the B-side. The tracks were E-40’s biggest hits at the time, out-performing “Sprinkle Me” on the U.S. charts and peaking at the same positions. What sets “Things’ll Never Change” apart is that it charted higher in the UK, peaking at No. 114. The song is also unique to E-40’s discography as it was his first single to be quite somber and introspective in its sound and content.

4. “Function” feat. YG, Iamsu!, & Problem (2012)

Jumping forward 16 years, E-40 remained consistent and landed one of the biggest hits of his career in 2012 with “Function.” The party-ready single is quintessentially west coast in its groove and heavy bassline but with a modern spin. E-40 easily slides across the beat, spitting a rapid verse that cannot be replicated. “Function” saw E-40 collaborating with then-up-and-coming California artists YG, Iamsu!, and Problem. The three have gone on to do big things in hip hop, and E-40’s cosign early in their careers was significant for them. “Function” was evidence of E-40’s longevity in hip hop and a clear influence on the younger generation of west coast artists.

3. “Tell Me When To Go” feat. Keak Da Sneak (2006)

My Ghetto Report Card (2006) is one of E-40’s most commercially successful albums, which its lead singles can attest to. “Tell Me When to Go” was a Hyphy anthem and helped mark the era of Hyphy in the Bay Area. Lil Jon produced the single, adding to the crunk sound that took over the 2000s. “Tell Me When to Go” was certified Gold in 2016 and is still one of E-40’s biggest hit songs.

2. “Choices (Yup)”

Similar to “Function,” E-40 reached a new level of success in his later career with “Choices (Yup).” The hook and refrain are simple yet catchy, making for E-40’s most recent and second-biggest hit song. It is also the only single on this list without a feature. The production is modern with a trap influence, but E-40 does not sound like an older rapper trying to fit in with a newer generation. “Choices (Yup)” was a definitive hit and became one of E-40’s biggest songs, 21 albums into his career. The song went platinum in 2018 and was E-40’s second song to do so.

1. “U And Dat” feat. T-Pain & Kandi Girl (2006)

E-40’s first and only other hit single to go Platinum is “U and Dat.” Almost every song featuring T-Pain from the 2000s was an automatic hit, and so was almost every single produced by Lil Jon. “U and Dat” had the catchy T-Pain hook and synth-heavy Lil Jon beat, becoming E-40’s biggest hit song. It was his first song to earn a plaque and the first to go Platinum. “U and Dat” remains E-40’s highest charting single to date.

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Symba Shares “Top G” Single After Speaking Out On Ja Morant Scandal

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Symba is one of the most exciting voices from the Bay Area, and on Friday (May 19) he showed off that skill in a couple of different ways. First, he shared his boisterous, triumphant, and perceptive new track “Top G,” in which he spits about the life he came from and the contrast from the life he lives now. In fact, he takes specific aim at the differences between living a street-oriented life in rap and how rappers can make even more money from it as a result. Over a horn-heavy beat and booming bass and percussion, the 24-year-old rhymer gave fans a focused, well-paced, and deceptively profound comparison. However, that wasn’t the only way in which he reflected on these themes this week.

In addition, he also shared a snippet of a track or verse on Instagram that centers around the Ja Morant controversy, where he flashed a gun for the second time in two months and faced another suspension from the Memphis Grizzlies. With that topic in mind, Symba is able to speak on these themes of street life and wealth in a specific way. “But I get it, this life we living is different,” he raps. “We flex in front of the cameras to show the ghetto we did it. Some of us like to flex, just to show the rest they can get it. But you glorifying a life you ain’t really out here living. I mean my n***a, you up 200 million, and you about to risk it all to show n***as you bought a pistol.

Read More: Lil Wayne Weighs In On Ja Morant

Symba Spits A Heartfelt Reflection On The Ja Morant Situation

“I blame the culture we put you in this position,” he continued. “The music we that we making is influencing you young n***as’ decisions.” Strong words from an incredibly skilled lyricist and spitter. If you want to check out “Top G,” you can find it on your preferred streaming service, and check out some standout bars from the cut down below, as well as the music video. For more news and the latest updates on Symba, keep checking in with HNHH.

The Bay Area MC Is A “Top G”

Quotable Lyrics
I mean, look at Akademiks,
That n***a rich as most of you n***as out here killin’,
The rap game got f***ed up when street n***as realized
Rappers was making more money than drug dealers

Read More: Symba Shares Advice He Received From Dr. Dre

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The Bay Area Pumps Through Zyah Belle’s Blood, And Her Music

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Zyah Belle
Nailah Howze

The Bay Area isn’t just the birthplace of R&B and soul vocalist Zyah Belle — it shaped her into the artist she is today. Raised in Vallejo, Belle’s childhood church became her makeshift performance space as she forged her path as a budding singer-songwriter. Growing to become a star in her own right, being in the church choir allowed Belle to discover her creative spirit.

“I didn’t sing solo in the choir until I got older, however, being in church and singing in the choir really influenced my writing today in the sense that I let things flow through me and come to me,” she says via phone. “A lot of times in the Black church, you might hear a church mother yell out the phrase ‘Let him use you.’ They encourage you to be a vessel and to allow whatever it is that you want to say or feel to flow through you. Although I’m not doing that from a choir stand or a pulpit anymore, I’m doing that in the booth, I still reference that same energy today.”

The “energy” for music that Belle acquired in church choir is the same ardor that has led her into releasing her debut album Yam Grier. Following consecutive projects including 2016’s New Levels, 2019’s IX and her 2021 EP Who’s Listening Anyway, Yam Grier is a testament to Belle’s tough-as-nails alter ego, an archetype that opposes the Bay Area’s history of pimp culture. One of the most notable pimp films of the 1970s was The Mack, which was filmed in Oakland, less than a 45-minute drive from Belle’s hometown of Vallejo. Giving a voice to women’s empowerment, Belle looked to female-led Blaxploitation films to find her innermost hero.

“What’s so interesting about Blaxploitation films is how it is interwoven with the representation of women being empowered, women ‘saving the day’ in certain films,” she says. “One thing that is unfortunately linked to Bay Area culture is pimp culture and exploitation of women. Then you have Pam Grier come in and be kind of the opposite of that — [she] wasn’t being a woman that was exploited in these films and represented herself almost as every woman. She was the badass that you could rely on in the movies. For me, it is taking that idea that I’m to be exploited and deciding, ‘No, I do and say what I want. I can be whoever I want.’”

Pimp culture is interwoven in throwback cuts from local rap artists Too $hort, Keak Da Sneak, and San Quinn, but Belle embraced dominant female rhymesayers like Suga-T — also from Vallejo — and Brooklyn-bred Foxy Brown as a mirror of self-confidence. The animated, “hyperactive” rhythms of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement also inspired Belle, regardless of the hip-hop subgenre being puzzling to visitors.

“A lot of what hyphy is in the Bay has that drum pattern similar to what you might hear in Detroit and LA production. I would say that’s the heart of hyphy music,” she says. “If you’re not local and a Mac Dre song comes on, you might say, ‘Who is this guy? Why is everybody dancing so weird to this music?’ If you’re from the Bay or you’ve been to the Bay, you get it, it’s a feeling.”

While hyphy continues to be a cornerstone of Bay Area music since its early aughts in the ‘90s, Belle also credits native musicians across generations, including Con Funk Shun and Sly & The Family Stone, for being her introduction to Bay Area soul and funk. As the neo-soul movement arose in the mid-’90s and early-2000s, Belle leaned into two other hometown acts that have become widely-admired in Black music.

“The soul influence of Tony! Toni! Toné! and Goapele — Goapele really changed a lot in my perspective of music because we didn’t really have many artists at that time from the Bay that [were] doing neo-soul or alternative R&B,” she says.

The Bay Area’s current pop darling is Kehlani, who shouted out Belle during a visit on Sway’s Universe earlier this year. Creating a montage with the clip — along with appearances on SiR’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert and as a member of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir — Belle commends Kehlani as an influence and contemporary.

“That was really cool because I had encountered Kehlani, about 2013 or 2014 before they ended up releasing their first mixtape Cloud 19. Within their journey, it’s always been a thing about progressing, moving forward and lowkey becoming a pop star in a sense,” Belle says. “To have my name be mentioned and somebody that came to mind was definitely an honor. Although I feel affirmed in what I do, it feels like an extra affirmation to have your peers recognize you.”

Now residing in Portland, Belle still carries the authenticity of the Bay Area with her, whether opening for fellow R&B singer-songwriter Alex Isley on the Marigold Tour, or turning the City of Roses into her personal runway in the “DND” music video. Donning vintage threads in the Riley Brown-directed visual, Belle personifies the Bay Area self-expression as more than an aesthetic — it’s a lifestyle.

“Whether I want to wear an outfit that makes absolutely no sense in Portland, Oregon and be in my own world or wear a t-shirt and jeans, [the Bay Area] has always empowered me to be who I am, wherever I am, despite where I am,” she says. “I don’t have to align with today’s reality, I don’t have to look like people around me, I can be who I am and feel beautiful in that and have a good time. I pride myself on being from the Bay because we’re a group of people who don’t care so much, we just want to have a good time, connect with people and dance.”

With her music having an underlying message of free love, Belle pours her appreciation into the cultural melting pot of the Bay Area, and the gift of rediscovering her musical roots.

“Growing up in Vallejo and being in a smaller city, you really learn the power of community. It nurtures you, it never leaves you,” Belle says. “I’m in the Bay Area multiple times a year, I’ll always be there, especially as long as my family’s there. It will always be significant in my past, my present, my future and reminding me who I am and where I come from.”

Yam Grier is out 9/9 via Guin Records. Pre-order it here.

Documentary WE WERE HYPHY Captures Distinct Bay Area Sound and Culture

by
We Were Hyphy

Los Angeles may be known as the birthplace of gangsta rap, but just 500 miles away in northern California, the Bay Area boasts its own distinct hip-hop sound and culture in a vibe that can only be described as “hyphy.” While the hyphy movement never gained the same mainstream momentum as other musical genres, it simultaneously reflected and influenced culture and sound, not just in the Bay Area, but around the nation as well, albeit somewhat subtly. The documentary WE WERE HYPHY takes viewers on a journey through the unique Hyphy culture and sound, showcasing a movement that uniquely captured a special time and place in modern history. 

Through interviews with Bay Area artists including G-Eazy and Kamaiyah, journalists, industry professionals, and Bay Area legends, WE WERE HYPHY provides an intimate glimpse into the Hyphy culture and experience from two perspectives – through the eyes of the artists who created the iconic sound, and through Bay Area residents who grew up under the influence of hyphy’s uniquely charismatic spell.

Director Laurence Madrigal’s describes hyphy as a “testament to the power of the community” and uses the 84-minute movie to show how the hyphy movement started out as an underground movement that elevated the underrepresented voices of Bay Area youth and grew to a full-scale scene, with hit songs and albums, sideshows and ghost-riding, turf- and “going-dumb”-dancing, fashion trends, slang, and more.

Rooted in the counterculture of San Francisco’s Bay Area and Oakland in the late 1960s and 1970s, the Bay Area (or “the yay area” as some locals call it) has always been its own epicenter of a culture that has influenced many social movements and the sound that reflected both struggle and hope.

The film traces the sound from Too $hort’s early sound pioneering and describes how major Bay Area hyphy artists such as E-40, Mac Dre, Traxamillion, Rick Rock, and others created their distinct sounds. The documentary shows how each artist or producer brought their own flare such as Mac Dre’s 808 sound, Traxamillion’s addition of the triton keyboard, and Rick Rock’s addition of a southern Miami beat. However, the hyphy sound still had much in common: uptempo “mob” music, a lot of 808s, drums, and synthesizer sounds that is simultaneously high-energy and raw, creating an Intersection of distinct beats and wordsmithing that often borders on poetry- all with faster beats than the rap sounds of SoCal or the East Coast.

This uniqueness is one reason that G-Eazy describes the Bay Area in the documentary as an “unusual place.”

However, the film shows how hyphy extended far beyond music, both reflecting and creating community in and around Oakland through the dances, fashion, and sideshows.

An over-the-top aesthetic that mixed bling, mainstream sneakers, and airbrushed tees defined hyphy fashion while tricked out cars with state-of-the-art sound systems spun out in vacant lots and even major intersections on Friday and Saturday night, in a phenomenon that was known as “the sideshow.” Interviewees describe how the sideshows influenced hyphy culture and sound and how the sideshows reflected the energy of the hyphy attitude.

The documentary also describes how dance was the one element that truly defined the hyphy culture. Locals referred to hyphy dancing as “turfin,” dancing in a way that was unique to your “turf” or as an acronym for “taking up room on the floor.”

It also tells the darker side of the hyphy movement’s history, namely the impact that the untimely death of Mac Dre in 2004 had on the movement.

The documentary reflects how hyphy is “an energy, a feeling” and something “that you feel inside,” sampling from some of the genre’s top hits and using archived footage to create a vivid experience that transports viewers to a different time and place.

WE WERE HYPHY gets its world premiere as part of Cinejoy. The popular online offshoot of San Jose’s Cinequest film festival runs April 1-17, and comes well-stocked with world, national and Bay Area premieres, along with interactive events such as watch parties and spotlights. More information is at www.cinequest.org.

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