SOUNDBITES 01: Leon Zai, Rocky Rivera, G Yamazawa
LEON ZAI— Hailing from the United Kingdom and settling in the Bay Area, Leon Zai caught my attention not too long ago on Haight Street, as he performed a cover of Daniel Caesar and H.E.R’s “The Best Part.” After checking out his music, I’ve been nonstop bumping his mash-up of Solange Knowles’ “Cranes in the Sky/ Grace in Your Eyes,” which creates a similar feeling to Goapele’s classic, “Closer.” If you like dreamy, soft, etherial R&B vibes, Leon Zai’s silky smooth voice will take you there. Check out Oksami and Leon Zai’s single, “All Yours”
Leon Zai | Youtube | Soundcloud | Instagram
G YAMAZAWA— I loved watching him open for Dumbfoundead at The Regency in San Francisco, finessing a whole crowd who didn’t know him, and ultimately winning them over with bars and great energy. G Yamazawa always delivers an amazing show in the Bay Area, and as a huge fan of Shouts to Durham (2017), I imagine this is what it’s like when you don’t think you can love again, and then comes Money Is Time (2018). Peep his new music video, “Thas My Sht,” featuring Elevator Jay. And I love seeing Elevator Jay rock the Heart Mountain jersey. That’s solidarity.
ROCKY RIVERA— the legendary Rocky Rivera is a pillar in Filipino American and Asian American rap. Not only has she been actively supporting Beatrock label-mate Ruby Ibarra for CIRCA 91, Rivera has been lining up her third studio album, Rocky’s Revenge (2018), in collaboration with Women’s Audio Mission (WAM). Rivera recently held her album release party at the Uptown in Oakland, with VerSoul (formerly known as Babii Cris) on the line up, and with major turntablists Cellskii, Deeandroid, and Lady Fingaz in the house. Filmed in the vibrant streets of the Excelsior, “Best Shot” is a visual stunner— simple, storied, truly local for San Franciscans, exceptionally steezy, and hella unapologetic.