Oakland Black Music Vibes: A Playlist by Kev Choice

The one and only Kev Choice (along with our very own KOA staffer, Juju) has put together a playlist tribute to Oakland’s black musical talent – and you know we’ll be listening to it all this month as we celebrate Black History. Those of you who know Kev know he’s a classically trained pianist, solo artist, emcee, and sideman, but he’s also a music historian as well.

All of the artists on the playlist have musical roots in The Town – starting with the 1990s, when Digital Underground, Too $hort, En Vogue, and others helped make Oakland the center of black music. You’ll also find MC Hammer and Tony! Toni! Toné!, the gospel goodness of the Edwin Hawkins Singers, leading ladies like Goapele and Kehlani, and hip-hop artists like Mistah F.AB. and Del the Funky Homosapien.

We hope you give this playlist a listen while you’re doing your local shopping here on Keep Oakland Alive, and it inspires you to double down on your support for black-owned shops. (And as further incentive, we’re giving away a free Keep Oakland Alive t-shirt to those who spend over $100 on black-owned shops on our site this month!)