Before we go any further, let's re-cap. I love the Bay Area, the radio stations hate us, the forefathers of our scene eventually led to its demise by releasing garbage to make money.

Destroy and rebuild is the new plan. A decade ago the Bay began its rise to almost greatness and fell short. Expect a different ending this time around. What's power if you don't exercise it? I have the forum to speak on whatever's on my mind, I don't believe this one piece will change anything, but it might spark something else from someone else. It's time for a formal introduction to the The Bay Area's new hope.

1. Keak Da Sneak isn't someone I'd consider a part of the new bay, but right about now he's in great position to do something big. He's the Bay Area's top seller and his albums that are released on Moe Doe Ent. are the best put together records in the Bay-period. His third solo, Copium, is dope as fuck! The production is half handled by Rick Rock, and the other half by E-A-Ski. Here's a warning though, his flow is an acquired taste. But he's the epitome of Oakland. Oh, and he's where E-40 got "Fo Sheezy" from.

2. Next up is Frontline. For those that watched MTV's emcee battle, the one guy from California in the entire thing placed second. Yeah, Locksmith- the guy that was fucking robbed of a victory in front of millions- makes up one half of the Richmond duo Frontline. Lock is raw as fuck and that's why Left- the other member- is barely ever mentioned. Left is dope too, it's just that most come second to Locksmith. They just put out a dope-ass mixtape and are working on their album, which is coming out very tight.

3. Another group that is making noise is F.E.-Fuck Everybody. Sound familiar? Mr. Kee, Dutch and Dap are the original Fuck Everybody boys, I came along, loved their music, loved their concept and incorporated it into what I was doing. I'm releasing their album July 22. Don't think it's some Benzino/ Source shit goin' on though. These kids are really dope.

4. San Quinn, like Keak Da Sneak is an artist that's been around for quite some time, but as a part of JT The Bigga Figga's GLP. In the past few years he's really established himself as someone to look out for for. If only he could get his shit together. My diagnosis from the outside looking in that he has too many people pulling at him in different directions and that tends to have people standing in the same place.

5. Straight Hits Entertainment is a company I would bet on to, without a doubt, make a lot of noise and a lot of money, for many reasons (The main one we'll keep a secret, I won't bust out the flying Archers just yet. LOL) They have two rap artists, both with two distinctive styles. Mistah F.A.B.m and Preach Martin (pronounced Mar-teen). F.A.B. is a Wake-Up Show favorite and gained a lot press early this year and was featured in The Source, among other publications. His debut didn't take too well with the Hip-Hop community but his young, mad-talented and what they're getting ready to drop in November is crazy as hell. Their other guy, Preach, spits that pimp shit with a 2003 twist and if he'd ever finish his god damn record he's capitalize on the buzz he's got with his single "Bad Misses." It's hard to pinpoint why Staright Hits will succeed, but you know how when one person makes a move, everyone else scrambles to try and do something? Well, S.H. is the type to just sit ca! lm! and cool because they have a plan and know what they're doing. I'd love to put out a project with them. Jazzy, what up.? LOL Continued on page 3 »