This Sunday, I published a story about hyphy - why many feel the Bay Area brand of hip-hop is waning.
It's here...
http://www.mercurynews.com/hiphop/
And here's a link to podcasts of interviews with hyphy insiders
http://www.mercextra.com/listen/index.php?cat=MarianLiu
And here's a summary of the story:
HAS HYPHY LOST ITS HYPE?
Just over a year ago, the Bay Area seemed poised to become the center of the hip-hop universe. The hyperactive party music known as "hyphy'' was ubiquitous at clubs, on the streets and on local radio stations from San Jose to San Francisco, Fremont to Hayward and Oakland, all the way out to Vallejo and Fairfield. It had been more than a decade since the Bay Area hip-hop scene had so much buzz -- and it was palpable. Mainstream publications including Newsweek and The New York Times featured stories about Northern California's rap scene being on the verge of exploding nationally. E-40, Mistah F.A.B., The Federation, Keak Da Sneak all were names synonymous to what was collectively being tagged the "Yay Area.'' But something happened -- or maybe didn't happen -- between then and now, leaving the hyphy movement listless, where even local popularity has begun to dissipate. The music is not as rampant on the radio. The few artists that did get signed to major labels have had their album release dates repeatedly pushed back to summer and even later this year. Numerous interviews with industry insiders and the artists themselves have revealed strong agreement as to why the scene may soon be left for dead: bad business decisions …
Please feel free to pass it on, let others know what you think, and talk about it on the air. Please let me know if you have further thoughts by calling or emailing back. I have set up a comments line at 408.920.5928 - and will turn the comments into a podcast. I am also planning on lots of follow-ups so please do keep in touch if you want to know more or comment.
For those that don't know me, my name is Marian Liu and I write about hip-hop. The reason for this story is I am from and care deeply about the Bay Area and its music. I want to see our scene make it nationally and am dedicated to covering its ins and outs.
Thanks!
Marian
It's here...
http://www.mercurynews.com/hiphop/
And here's a link to podcasts of interviews with hyphy insiders
http://www.mercextra.com/listen/index.php?cat=MarianLiu
And here's a summary of the story:
HAS HYPHY LOST ITS HYPE?
Just over a year ago, the Bay Area seemed poised to become the center of the hip-hop universe. The hyperactive party music known as "hyphy'' was ubiquitous at clubs, on the streets and on local radio stations from San Jose to San Francisco, Fremont to Hayward and Oakland, all the way out to Vallejo and Fairfield. It had been more than a decade since the Bay Area hip-hop scene had so much buzz -- and it was palpable. Mainstream publications including Newsweek and The New York Times featured stories about Northern California's rap scene being on the verge of exploding nationally. E-40, Mistah F.A.B., The Federation, Keak Da Sneak all were names synonymous to what was collectively being tagged the "Yay Area.'' But something happened -- or maybe didn't happen -- between then and now, leaving the hyphy movement listless, where even local popularity has begun to dissipate. The music is not as rampant on the radio. The few artists that did get signed to major labels have had their album release dates repeatedly pushed back to summer and even later this year. Numerous interviews with industry insiders and the artists themselves have revealed strong agreement as to why the scene may soon be left for dead: bad business decisions …
Please feel free to pass it on, let others know what you think, and talk about it on the air. Please let me know if you have further thoughts by calling or emailing back. I have set up a comments line at 408.920.5928 - and will turn the comments into a podcast. I am also planning on lots of follow-ups so please do keep in touch if you want to know more or comment.
For those that don't know me, my name is Marian Liu and I write about hip-hop. The reason for this story is I am from and care deeply about the Bay Area and its music. I want to see our scene make it nationally and am dedicated to covering its ins and outs.
Thanks!
Marian
