Magazine Final Project

During the Golden Age of Hip-Hop in the mid-90’s, the Bay Area rap scene was thriving with creativity. Originality was evident within Bay Area rap music and artists were capitalizing on successful money deals offered by major record labels. This era helped launch the careers of acts such as E-40, Too Short, and late Tupac Shakur. Classic material and ingenuity was prominent within Bay Area music and success was indisputable when surveying the record charts. Unfortunately for Bay Area artists, success faded toward the beginning of the new millennium and sales became lackluster remnants of the past. The Bay Area rap scene had been forgotten. Today, the Bay Area is in search of a new star that contains the creativity and originality that once made the Northern California rap music scene a triumphant and lucrative market. The Jacka looks to take his place at the top of the vacant Bay Area throne.

The Jacka originated from the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, California. The young rapper separates himself from the conventional sound of the Bay Area streets, with soulful samples in production, originality in lyrics, and raw talent and hustle. Yet to acquire a record deal, The Jacka is one of the most sought after artists on the West Coast. Prosperous in the independent record market, The Jacka has released several albums in the past years and has developed a strong following in the underground rap scene. His first album, self-titled, The Jacka was released in 2002 and pushed over 25,000 units independently. His second album The Jack Artist was released in 2005 only selling 15,000 units independently due to weak promotion and small financial backing.

In dire need of a new star, the Bay Area rap scene has labeled The Jacka as one of the few artists that will bring the West Coast back to the forefront of rap music. Showcasing creativity, consistency, and distinct sound, The Jacka is ready to drop a classic album with hopes of mainstream success. The rappers third album Tear Gas is one of the most anticipated albums in the Bay Area and is set to be released early next year. The first single from the album, All Over Me is receiving nationwide radio airplay support, building more anticipation for the rapper’s biggest project to date. Tear Gas will include appearances from local Bay Area rappers as well as mainstream artists from around the nation.

With pressure building from fans and record labels, the Jacka looks to not disappoint. A major record label deal is in The Jacka’s near future, but the rapper promises not to lose his originality and sound that made him the artist he is today. With his momentum continuing to build and an organization of Bay Area rappers supporting him, The Jacka is ready to take over 2009 and claim his spot on the top of the Bay Area rap scene. In addition to the Bay Area, The Jacka looks to take his music worldwide sticking to his formula of originality and strong work ethic. With appearances on collaboration albums, mixtape releases, and concert appearances, The Jacka remains one of the most hardest working men in Hip-Hop. The Jacka is ready for nationwide fame, major label success, and will not stop until he brings the Bay Area back to the mainstream of rap music.