What Bay Area Artists Can Turn Heads?

The truth is that E-40 is currently the only Bay Area rapper who is relevant to the national mainstream artists. Sure, some others are stars in their own region. But look at the Bay Area on globe and see how small it is compared to the rest of the country and to the world. After losing the momentum the Bay Area gained in 2006, the local scene seems to be reloading for another run towards getting recognized on a nation level. These are the artists I feel have the best chance.
**Inspired by a post on the siccness.net message board

A-LIST: Has a good chance to make an impact on the national level.

The Jacka
Pros- In my opinion, he puts out the best music from the Bay. Can appeal to the streets and to mainstream audience without making a dance song. Smooth flow and usually chooses nice production. East Coast connections.
Cons- He's not gonna blow up with one song...you really gotta listen to his albums to get into his music.

Clyde Carson
Pros- Complete package for the mainstream, he can make radio friendly songs without making them corny, appears to be a very good business man, can appeal to the streets and mainstream. Affiliated with BWS.
Cons- Has not yet put out a solo album so who knows how he is as a solo artist.

Ya Boy
Pros- Nice flow and great punchlines. Style isn't limited to the Bay. Affiliation with The Game gave him exposure.
Cons- Limited subject matter and unrealistic rhymes don't do it for me. The kids will still enjoy it but it got old real quick.

Messy Marv
Pros- Must have a great work ethic to put out as many projects as he has, can create hits for the streets, networks with artists in the south.
Cons- Can he stay out of jail? Will playing with his nose eventually bring him down as an artist?

Mistah F.A.B.
Pros- Has an image that can appeal to kids all over the country, can make some real songs, already has some exposure to the mainstream.
Cons- Simple rhymes, not respected as an artist by many, can sound corny at times.

B-List: Has a chance to make an impace on the national level.

Turf Talk
Pros- Affiliated with E-40. Has a unique style and can spit over all kinds of beats.
Cons- Has a unique style that may cause people to pass without giving him a chance.

The Frontline
Pros- Great lyrics over great E-A-Ski production. They talk about real issues and can still make great singles (ie. Bang It).
Cons- They don't seem to network with other artists very much. You don't hear much from them between album when it comes to features on other albums. People seem to forget about them.

Keak Da Sneak
Pros- He's had a good amount of exposure. Lots of play for "Superhyphy" and had a feature E-40's huge single, "Tell Me When To Go". He's also on Koch, which will help him reach a wider audience.
Cons- The big question is whether or not he still has what it takes to make a good album. His last official solo, Copium, was solid. However, most people haven't been too impressed with anything he has put out since.

San Quinn
Pros- Quinn can spit. He really goes off on some beats, you can feel the emotion.
Cons- After releasing tons of solo albums, he still hasn't been able to break into the national spotlight.

Balance
Pros- He has a style that could be accepted by East Coast fans. Probably has better connections to mixtape DJ's throughout the country than anyone else on this list. Has worked with artists from different regions (Papoose, Chamillionaire, etc.)
Cons- He doesn't really stand out from the countless other mixtape rappers.

C-List: Had a chance to make it, but it might be too late.

Federation
Pros- Rick Rock production.
Cons- It doesn't seem like major labels know what to do with them. They're not too good at making anything other than hyphy songs.

The Pack
Pros- They appeal to a younger crowd. Mainstream friendly. They've already had a national hit.
Cons- They haven't been able to duplicate the success of "Vans". They're pretty much limited to party songs. They don't really appeal to anyone who is older than a high schooler.



If you feel like I missed someone who should be on this list, let me know and tell me why.