Public Enemy, De La Soul, Cypress Hill, Too Short, Eric B & Rakim, Dilated Peoples and Mistah F.A.B. will perform as part of the "Hip-Hop 101: New York to The Bay" concert on November 9 in at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. The show, sponsored by Live Nation, reunites Chuck D and Flavor Flav as well as Eric B. and Rakim.
Oakland Hip Hop has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre's evolution, contributing a distinctive sound and cultural vibe to the broader landscape. Emerging from the rich musical and social fabric of Oakland, this scene is known for its gritty realism, innovative beats and a deep connection to the community's struggles and triumphs. Artists like Too Short, E-40 and Mac Dre have been instrumental in defining the Bay Area's unique style. Their influence extends beyond music, impacting fashion, slang, and local culture, making Oakland a central hub of West Coast Hip Hop. The city's scene embraces a wide range of sounds and styles, from the experimental productions of artists like Kamaiyah and G-Eazy to the socially conscious lyrics of groups like Hieroglyphics.
Meanwhile, New York City is Hip Hop's birthplace and its influence on the genre is vast. Emerging in the 1970s in the Bronx, Hip Hop was shaped by pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, who laid the groundwork for what would become a global cultural movement. The city's vibrant street culture, with its block parties, graffiti and breaking, provided the perfect backdrop for hip-hop's early development. New York City eventually gave rise to legendary artists like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas and Jay-Z, among many others. It remains an enduring epicenter of Hip Hop creativity and a beacon for artists worldwide.
The "Hip-Hop 101" show starts at 6:30 p.m. PST. Find tickets here.
