Trent Fitzgerald is a New Jersey-based freelance writer who is obsessed with hip-hop and pop culture. When he is not writing for Townsquare Media, he's a dedicated blogger at his personal blog, BeatsandRants.com. You also can follow him on twitter @BeatsandRants.
Rapper Del the Funkee Homosapien is probably the most well-known member of the Bay Area rap group Hieroglyphics. He made his first recorded appearance on his cousin Ice Cube's album 'Amerikkka's Most Wanted
Digital Underground is one of the most influential rap groups coming out of the Bay Area. Heavily influenced by George Clinton and the P-Funk sound, DU leader Shock G brought a funkier and playful vibe to hip-hop
Keyshia Cole represents Oakland to the fullest. The 31-year-old singer started in the music business at the tender age of 12 years old. She honed her crooning skills singing background vocals for fellow Bay Area artists such as MC Hammer and D'Wayne Wiggins of Toni! Toni! Toné!
During her career, C
Before there was Destiny's Child, there was En Vogue. The beautiful and talented Oakland natives -- Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson -- were once the hottest girl group in pop music.
The quartet's angelic voices made songs like 'Hold
The Pointer Sisters were a hugely successful R&B group during the '70s and '80s. The trio consists of sisters June, Ruth and Anita Pointer. Growing up in West Oakland, they were reared to sing gospel music by their church-going parents, Reverend Elton Pointer and Sarah Pointer.
The Luniz -- rappers Yukmouth and Numskull -- originally started their music journey together in Oakland under the moniker Looney Tunes. Thankfully, they changed their name and the rest, they say, is Bay Area history
Goapele is a rising star in the R&B game with beauty and vocals to match. The Berklee College Music alum first gain attention with her 2001 indie debut album, 'Closer.'
In 2002, she formed her own record label, Skyblaze Recordings, and repackaged her debut album with a new title, 'Even Closer,' releasing it nationwide. He
When it comes to longetivity in the rap game, Too $hort has everyone beat. The Oakland legend, whose real name is Todd Anthony Shaw, has been rapping since 1983 and he's still going strong.
Inspired by P-Funk music and the Bay Area's pimps and hustlers, Short Dog carved a niche for himself in hardcore gangster rap that stretched over 20 albums
