Editors' Review: Keak will concede that you may be a little bit hyphy. But he is super hyphy, and that you cannot approach. The longtime local Bay Area icon widens his scope on new LP "Deified," inviting guys like Pau... more »

From the artist: Jaye Swift is a lyrical Emcee! If he raps about it, he's lived it, but he's not willing to perpetuate the ignorance and his content is the foundation of why he exists.

Editors' Review: In the Bay Area earthquake that is hyphy, F.A.B. operates squarely in the epicenter. On new outing "Thizz Nation Vol 18," the beats sit heavy, the vocals make arrogance an art form, and if you think t... more »

From the artist: The Rapper Supreme

Editors' Review: At its purest, the hyphy beat sounds like melting ice, its rhythm a steady, cool drip. Well, Oakland's Willz is pouring Brita water into the tray while everyone else is stuck on tap. The artist's trac... more »

Editors' Review: The Richmond, California, duo of Locksmith and Left combines an old-school West Coast sound--singsongy vocals, '80s-style synths--with soulful croons and nerd-cool flows. It's a dazzling mix, not leas... more »

Editors' Review: Hyphy is often characterized by a beat so crisp and implosive it borders on sterile. Kyzah, a member of hot trio the Team, keeps that beat's torque but enriches it with a more thick, organic feel. The... more »

Editors' Review: Anyone doubting the powerful club possibilities of the hyphy beat needs a listen to this collab between several longtime Bay Area beatmen. The brisk, choppy rhythms set up a unique mix: slow-rolled We... more »