20 classic songs that define Bay Area hip-hop

When people think of the hyphy movement, rap legend E-40 typically comes to mind. In 2006, he teamed up with producer Lil Jon and fellow Bay Area native Keak Da Sneak on his hit single “Tell Me When To Go.” Throughout the track, E-40 embodies a lot of the Bay Area’s hyphy movement, as he says, “Jesus Christ had dreads, so shake ‘em / I ain’t got none, but I’m planning on growing some / Imagine all the Hebrews going dumb / Dancing on top of chariots and turning tight ones.” 

In 1995, rap duo Luniz dropped one of the most recognizable smoke anthems with “I Got 5 On It.” It’s an essential song for music lovers who are ready to roll up and buy more sacks. The “5” in the song refers to putting $5 down on more marijuana. 

In the early ‘90s, gangsta rap and the G-funk era were emerging on the West Coast. However, Oakland group Souls of Mischief brought more jazz, soul, and funk elements to their hit single “93 ‘Til Infinity.” On the smooth and mellow track, the group raps about the good vibrations in their daily lives, from the weather and relaxation to women. 

San Francisco native Rappin’ 4-Tay made a smooth party anthem with his 1994 single “Playaz Club.” On the track, 4-Tay details hanging out with his friends, making music, getting VIP treatment at the club, and he’s trying to teach people his ways. As he says on the hook, “Me and my homies, we’re tighter than a glove / We chop a lot of game, that’s how we do it at the Playaz Club.” 

It’s often been said Oakland native Keak Da Sneak coined the term “hyphy” back in the ‘90s, so it was only right that he drop his song “Super Hyphy” to help describe the movement. At the time of the song’s release, the hyphy sound was super distinct to the Bay Area, and working with producer and fellow Bay native Traxamillion helped usher in a sound that wasn’t heard anywhere else.

In the early 2000s, the hyphy movement was gaining traction. Naturally, every music era has certain dances that take over, and thanks to Mac Dre, the Bay Area was blessed with the “Thizzle Dance.” On the track, he describes how to do the dance, with claims that other people will eventually copy his style. 

In 2003, rap trio The Federation teamed up with E-40 on their debut single “Hyphy.” The song describes what the hyphy movement represents, and it’s the type of song that gets people active at any party or function. Like they say on the song, “Hyphy, the same the way the South get crunk / If it’s funk, leave his body slumped, stank in the trunk, hyphy.” 

There’s no doubt that California has a huge skater culture, and in 2006, The Pack dropped the ultimate skater shoe anthem “Vans.” With the popularity of the song, it’s pretty evident that Vans became a hot commodity to help push the shoe brand to another level. Like they say on the song, “If you wanna get right, stop buying those Nikes / Get some new f--king Vans, and you’ll bet you look icy.”

In the ‘90s, not only did MC Hammer bring a different kind of look and sound to hip-hop, but he also brought choreography — something that many rappers didn’t do then. With a smooth sample of Rick James’ 1981 single “Super Freak,” Hammer’s song “U Can’t Touch This” helped push him into superstardom. The song’s title and lyrics like “Stop, Hammertime!” became catchphrases in pop culture everywhere. 

Bay Area rap songs are known for having heavy bass lines because music listeners need to make sure the song “slaps” in their car stereos. Lil Jon brought some heavy production to E-40’s 2006 hit single “U and Dat.” On the track, E-40 raps about admiring a woman in the club.

Sideshows are typically late-night parties in the street involving car stunts. They’ve been a mainstay in Bay Area culture for years. It was only right that Traxamillion teamed with Too $hort and Mistah F.A.B. on his 2006 single “Sideshow.” As F.AB. says on his verse, “The sideshow, they wanna shut us down / But we swangin’ something on every corner in the town / Police mad, the streets is wild / 3 o’clock in the morning, and the beats is loud.” 

For fans who want to know Too $hort’s favorite word, listen to his 2006 track “Blow The Whistle.” On the track, $hort highlights his music skills, how he popularizes his favorite word, and how the hyphy movement continues. 

Although Tupac was born on the East Coast, he did live in the Bay Area for a few years as he was growing up. He teamed up with Digital Underground on his 1993 single “I Get Around.” The track peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

E-40 and Too $hort are two rap legends, and they’ve collaborated numerous times throughout their careers. Their first collaboration came in 1996 when they released “Rapper’s Ball.” With some additional vocals from Jodeci member K-Ci, the rappers highlight their lavish lifestyles, from fly rides and parties to big mansions. 

In addition to the Bay Area legends, the hyphy era saw other artists getting some shine. Messy Marv was one to help elevate the hyphy sound with his hit single “Get On My Hype.” Produced by rapper and fellow Bay native Droop-E, the song highlights the Bay culture from thizz and sideshows.

One thing about Bay Area music, the artists are masters at making tracks sound fun. The production on Mistah F.A.B's hit single "Super Sic Wit It" has often reminded fans of music that one would hear in a video game. In its purest form, it offers the energetic essence of hyphy culture. 

For people familiar with funk legend Bootsy Collins, it’s evident that his sound and tone were passed down heavily to his son Dru Down. Throughout Dru’s career, he’s highlighted his pimp lifestyle and getting his money, which was evident on his 1993 hit single “Pimp of the Year.” 

Hip-hop group Digital Underground brought some funk samples to a lot of their music, and that sound was evident on their 1990 track “The Humpty Dance.” The song finds group member Shock G playing into his alter ego Humpty Hump, describing his looks and personality on the track while encouraging listeners to do a new dance at the time. 

On The Jacka’s 2009 single “Glamorous Lifestyle,” the rapper highlights how he’s living lavishly. Between his nice cars, jewelry, and fashion sense, he knows that he lives a life of luxury and people are taking notice. As he says on the hook, “I know you see me right here every time you drive by / But truth to admit you don’t ever ask why / You know I got paper 'cause I’m a D-Boy / You a B-girl, glamorous lifestyle.” 

JT the Bigga Figga and Mac Mall just simply want to spit some knowledge to listeners on their 1993 hit single "Game Recognize Game." Not only do they rap about their daily lives, but they recognize people who aren't living authentically.