Born of Filipino and Hawaiian heritage, Mahalo established himself during the 1990s as a DJ, engineer, and music professional who understood both the performance and technical sides of a record.

During the day, he worked in technology. In the mid-1990s, his career included early hardware testing for Sony Electronics, including work involving Sony’s Magic Link PIC-1000 and early VAIO systems. At night, he spent time at Felstar Studios, owned by Felton Pilate of the legendary funk and R&B group Con Funk Shun.

That studio placed Mahalo close to a generation of music connected to the Bay Area, MC Hammer, and the wider West Coast scene. He was working within that community when Tupac Shakur died in September 1996, a loss that affected artists, producers, engineers, and everyone involved in the culture.

Two years later, Mahalo entered another important chapter of his career at Ruthless Records. Founded by Eazy-E and Jerry Heller, the label had already changed American hip-hop through N.W.A and its uncompromising approach to music.

While working there as an engineer, Mahalo helped engineer “A Player’s Prayer” by NX, also known as Nation Unknown. The credit became part of a career built through direct experience inside studios, record labels, and artist development spaces.

His music résumé continued to grow through work connected to MC Hammer, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, E-40, and George Clinton. He also operated Hella Choke Records, managed artists through North View Records, and performed for decades as DJ Mahalo, formerly known as DJ Mackhal.

At the same time, Mahalo maintained a substantial career in information technology, working with companies including Cisco, Juniper Networks, Palo Alto Networks, and CDW. His understanding of systems, equipment, and technology became another extension of the technical mindset he developed through sound engineering.

Today, Mahalo is back in California’s East Bay. Alongside his continuing involvement in music and technology, he is building Trials and Tributes, a residential recovery nonprofit focused on community empowerment.

The studios, equipment, and industry may have changed, but Mahalo’s approach remains grounded in experience, discipline, and service. He did more than watch West Coast music history unfold!

Keep up with DJ Mahalo on social media and tap into his music across all major streaming platforms:

Instagram: @djmahalo808
Threads: @djmahalo808

Stream his newest single, “Kalihi Girl,” arrived July 2, 2026 through Hella Choke Records. It is available now on:

Apple Music: DJ MAHALO
Spotify: DJ MAHALO
YouTube: DJ Mahalo – Topic
Amazon Music: DJ MAHALO

Follow his journey and stream “Kalihi Girl” now!

The post DJ Mahalo’s Journey Through West Coast Music, Technology, and Community appeared first on All Bay Music.

The post Eazy Santo – Mine appeared first on All Bay Music.

King K: Full stage name is King K From The Bay but I tend to keep it short and go with just King K. King K derived from me doing music. I’ve worked with many types of people in music and I often heard people say “Damn King you be killin em” in reference to making music. King being my last name and the K stands for kill em.

ABM: What is your story in terms of music, when did you start making music? 


King K: I have been around music since an early age like most artists out there. I can remember as far back as me being a little kid with my curly afro riding shotgun in my brothers Honda listening to cassette tapes featuring artists like 2 Pac, Biggie, Nas, Outkast, Jay-Z, Kriss Kross, KRS-One, and the list goes on. Music caught my ear at an early age and I was hooked ever since. When I got older, I started to learn about the music game more. In High school I had friends who were into recording and was putting out music. I would see the reaction of people when they heard their tracks and I became intrigued. I didn’t get into music at the time because I was into sports and went on to play baseball professionally for a couple of years after high school. After my career ended in sports I started hanging around the music scene. I started off by going to studios with other artists and started giving my input on their records. From There I started to dabble in producing and then recorded a couple of tracks. After a few years of helping my friends who were artists they told me that I need to really get into making my own music and push it. So here I am today pursuing my passion of making quality music for the people.

ABM: How did your upbringing in the Bay Area influence your career?

King K: Going to high school and living in the Bay Area had a lot to do with the influence of my music career. As you know the Bay Area is so cultured. The creativity and artwork out here is second to none. Growing up in a low to middle class family gave me the foundation to go after my music career. As I stated before I had a heavy sports background and I believe that gave me the foundation needed to not only succeed in sports but whatever I put my mind to. I’ve learned that if you really want to make something happen, you’re going to have to go out there and grind. Life is a fucking grind for real and anything worth having takes time to manifest. In my upbringing I’ve learned to be patient, focused, hard working, resilient and humble.

ABM: Do you have any music visuals in the works?

King K: At the moment I am working on the concepts for potential music videos for my 3 singles: “Be Something”, “Dodgin” and “Play My Shit”. Once the concepts are finalized we will be moving forward with production.

ABM: How do you feel about the protests, and the black lives matter movement?


King K: I don’t really like to get into the politics of what is going on in the world too much. What I will say is that everyone has the right to protest. It is their first amendment right. As long as it is peaceful, I’m all for it but if protests become violent then that is crossing the line for me. We need positivity and support to bring us all together not violence.

ABM: Do you have any other projects in the works?

King K: I always have something in the works. No planned mixtapes or albums at the moment but I am always working on singles. I am currently working with artists all through California to bring good music to the people.

ABM: What inspired you to pursue being an artist professionally?

KingK: The impact your music can have on single person or a group of people. I have heard multiple times that my songs have helped a person get through their day. It’s really a good feeling to hear that. Being an artist professionally will allow me to reach a larger audience on that level. The obvious perks that can come with doing music professionally inspire also: financial freedom, fame, etcetera but that is honestly not the sole reason I do it. I fucking love and appreciate seeing people vibe to my music! Watching someone sing along to your track is a euphoric feeling!

ABM: Do you have any other lanes in music that interest you?

KingK: Some other lanes I am going to get into is producing and the engineering side of the music game. I am also looking into starting a clothing line as well as a future music label for independent artists.

ABM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?


KingK:
In 5 years I plan on having some major features on the resume. Hopefully this pandemic goes away so I can get into clubs and major venues. It would dope as fuck to go on tour and open up for some major artists. With all that being said, at the end of the day I hope I still have the same loyal fans and many more who vibe to my music.

ABM: Who are some of the musical influences that have inspired you?

KingK: From the Bay: E-40, Mac Dre, G-Eazy, Too Short, Keak da Sneak, Clyde Carson, Mistah F.A.B., IamSu!, Locksmith. Outside the Bay: Drake, Big Sean, J. Cole, Post Malone, Meek Mill, Logic, Tory Lanez

ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?


KingK: Of course. I would like to work with any dope artist out there. Anyone In addition to those artists above, I would like to work with some female artists such as Saweetie, Kehlani, Jhene Aiko.

ABM: Is there any last words or shout outs?

KingK: I would like to shout out everyone who supports my music out there. Family, friends, DJ’s, promoters, producers and artists. No names needed, you know who you are. The future is bright and I could not do it without you. Thank you to All Bay Music for this interview. You have shown nothing but love for me and I will not forget that.

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YUNGYSLXX: My stage name’s YUNGYSLXX and I was inspired to create a name that’s out of the box.

ABM: What is your story in terms of music, when did you start making music?

YUNGYSLXX: I started writing poetry while playing instruments. Then I eventually started writing music and rap battling.

ABM: How did your upbringing in the Bay Area influence your career?

YUNGYSLXX: It influenced just because of wanting to keep the culture and music alive.

ABM: Do you have any music visuals in the works?

YUNGYSLXX: Yes I have a music visual that I’ll be shooting for my new song “On Da Map” that just dropped this past Friday. And many more to come.

ABM: Do you have any other projects in the works?

YUNGYSLXX: I’ll be putting out more songs and doing features to get my name out there. Along with a lot more production.

ABM: What inspired you to pursue being an artist professionally? Also, Tell us about your father and what role he played to inspire you.

YUNGYSLXX: What inspired me was my cousin Findi seeing the potential, talent and me keep believing in myself. My father instilled principles, hard work, and me being my own man.

ABM: Do you have any other lanes in music that interest you

YUNGYSLXX: I’d actually will start getting into producing and then managing later on down the line.

ABM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

YUNGYSLXX: I see myself headlining Rollin Loud and my own tours. And also being on the Billboard Top 100.

ABM: Who are some of the musical influences that have inspired you?

YUNGYSLXX: My influences are artists such as 2pac, Nas, Scarface, Master P & Ludacris.

ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?

YUNGYSLXX: Yes it is. I’d definitely like to collaborate with D-Lo, G-Eazy, YG, Iamsu Big Sean, Tee Grizzly, T.I. and guys of that caliber.

ABM: Is there any last words or shout outs?

YUNGYSLXX : I’ll say that it’s time for the world to know about YUNGYSLXX.

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Gin0means: I go by Gin0means, and Gino means business.

ABM: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?

Gin0means: I’m from The Bay. Shoutout Oakland! I was born & raised in West Oakland. Growing up in the town (Oakland) was tough because of the bad environment I was surrounded by. It was consistent violence & poverty. My family wasn’t the richest, so we didn’t live in the best areas.  My mom struggled to keep me & my siblings away from the bad environment but I made the best of it & we made it out. I love my city & wouldn’t change where I came from.

ABM: What are your last full length releases people can go check out right now?

Gin0means: I just dropped a video called Know Nobody. I shot it in Las Vegas. It’s a clean video. It’s about my struggle & how I’m coming up. The video I dropped before that is called “Switched up”  featuring Yid. I shot that in the bay. It’s about how niggas thought I switched up but really I bettered myself. The stuff I was doing before wasn’t bringing me to where I am now, untiI I switched up.
I also just wrapped up a video shoot to my song called, “I Remember“ so be on the lookout for that.

ABM: What are you currently working on?

Gin0means: I’ve been fuckin with a lot of artists from The Bay cause that’s home, so I’m working on a project featuring the biggest artists out in The Bay right now.  I also have a single I’m working on with Derez De’Shon. I’ll be dropping a mixtape next month. It’ll be one of the biggest projects in the bay.

ABM: What’s your next visual you plan on releasing, tell us about it.

Gin0means: I’m about to drop a music video to a single I cooked up not too long ago called “Certified”. It’s about where I’ve come to grow in this music industry and how much I hustle for what I want and will achieve it the certified way. Ya dig ! I’m trying to drop a video every 3 weeks and show my fans my consistency because I been doing this but I’ve been on and off cause I’ve been dealing with the law.

ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?

Gin0means: G-Eazy is somebody I fasho wanna collab with seeing how we both came from the same backyard and grew up having it rough to now living a lavish lifestyle. I would also like to work with  Tyga because I been fucking with bruh music for a while now and I think me and him doing a song together would be big and chart worthy.

ABM: Any business ventures you wanna tell the public about?

Gin0means: I have my hands in many jars. I’m a entrepreneur and I try to find business in everything I do daily. I’m working on a couple things I don’t wanna tell anybody about cause niggas is broke these days and just wanna take your ideas.

ABM: Where can people find you online?

Gin0means:  On my Instagram under Ginomeansss or under my Twitter and Facebook Gino King Jackson or just google me “Gin0means” I’ll pop up lol. You can look me up on any music platform such as Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube and SoundCloud.

ABM: Any last words?

Gin0means: They never believe in you until you make it, that’s why I go hard with what I do. Sometimes you gotta do something different to get different results. So fuck being up next, I’m tryna be that nigga now!

The post Gin0means appeared first on All Bay Music.

JKent: J Kent

AJWesley: AJ Wesley

ABM: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?

JKent: Sacramento California born and raised, Del Paso Heights specifically. Growing up in North Highlands was definitely an experience. I love my city, even though it was apart of our struggle throughout childhood, but it’s always a place I’ll call home.

AJWesley: Sacramento California, here in Del Paso Heights. Growing up in Sacramento is different. Theres so many different people and cultures and everything is spread out. People from all over the world come here, and that was a big inspiration for the music Jeremy and I make trying to be as diverse as possible but original at the same time

ABM: What are your last full length releases people can go check out right now?

J Kent & AJ Wesley: As far as recent full length releases, we’re a duo with our hit singles “Splash”, “Came Up”, and “Find A Way” featuring Teck Treyz, all produced by Money Gang On The Track, and our freshman album “Ups + Downs” all available on all streaming platforms.

ABM: What are you currently working on?

JKent: We’re working on new singles, really trying to focus on making sure each record is special. We’re in talks of working on our next project, whether it be an EP or album.

AJWesley: We’re working on new singles. Taking the time with our creative process to make sure our next work is at its highest quality. Also working on a feature with our artist Z.Vuitton, as well as the album or EP that we are in talks about doing.

ABM: What’s your next visual you plan on releasing, tell us about it.

J Kent & AJ Wesley: Next visual we plan on releasing is for “Find A Way” our record with Teck Treyz, also our new unreleased song “Guns and Roses.” Both videos will be directed and shot by videographer Jay Laced Visuals. Our videos are gonna be filled with a lot of substance and we’ll be engaging with the audience more than we ever have, showing the world the artists we really are.

ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?

JKent: Definitely gotta be Iamsu, Drake, Justin Bieber, G-Eazy, Yung Pinch, Polo G, Post Malone, J. Cole, and Jack Harlow. Hands down.

AJWesley: There are several artists throughout my life that I’ve been inspired to work with. If I could name 5 right now, it would be: Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Drake, B.O.B., and Dr Dre.

ABM: Any business ventures you wanna tell the public about?

JKent: We’ve got our Team MoneyGang Clothing Line we’re building that’s available on our online store with exclusive MoneyGangEmpire merch for everybody to purchase. We’ve also got our own running independent record label, MoneyGangEmpire, that’s aside from what we’ve got with Moreilla Music Management.

ABM: Where can people find you online?

JKent: @jkent16 on Instagram, J Kent & AJ Wesley on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, everywhere you can get music digitally.

AJWesley: @treyajwes16 on instagram, search up J Kent & AJ Wesley on any streaming platform.

ABM: Any last words?

J Kent & AJ Wesley: For those who don’t know, a lot of people don’t realize that me and AJ Wesley are first cousins. We’ve been working on perfecting our craft for years, and pushing ourselves to the highest levels of superstardom that we plan to reach. We’d also like to give a major shoutout to our team, MoneyGang, Z.Vuitton, Nick Cassanova, Status, Pete Rodriguez, Indestre, JayLaced, and last but not least your publication at All Bay and our fans, the ones who make everything possible.

The post J Kent & AJ Wesley appeared first on All Bay Music.

Ant: A.N.T

ABM: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?

Ant: I’m from Exeter, CA which is a small city close to Fresno, CA. Growing up in Exeter everyone knew each other because it is such a small town, it consists of people who care for their community and my biggest fans and supporters come from my hometown, as well as my biggest haters. As I got older I was always the type to associate with a lot of people, but always kept my inner circle of people small. Exeter has taught me many things in life, including how to overcome adversity and how to focus on your craft to perfection. I will always appreciate the city of Exeter and the endless amount of love that was shown from the community and the youth.

ABM: What are your last full length releases people can go check out right now?

Ant: I dropped my first Album “A.N.T1 Everybody” which is on all platforms, but since then I’ve been taking a different route in my music and dropped 2 of the hottest songs coming out of the Central Valley. Those songs are “YeYeah” and “Catch My Vibe (ft. 812 Papi)” These songs are on all platforms as well and are top quality productions.

ABM: What are you currently working on?

Ant: As far as music I’m consistently working on singles to stack up in my vault to have ready for the future when I feel I need to drop more music. Now, I’m really trying to focus on branding myself and work on my image as an upcoming artist. This consists of promoting my new music, growing my social media, and building a fan base that shows nothing but love and support.

ABM: What’s your last visual release people can check out, tell us about it.

Ant: I don’t have any visuals that are released just yet, but the visual for YeYeah will be released soon!

ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?

Ant: Growing up I’ve always been the biggest Chris Brown fan, so a feature with him would be a dream come true, but other artists I’d be interested in working with would be Iamsu, G-Eazy, YBN Nahmir, Trippie Redd, Lil Tjay, and Roddy Ricch.

ABM: Any business ventures you wanna tell the public about?

Ant: Currently working on rebranding my clothing brand, but I have my own team that consists of local talent from Artists, Producers, Engineers, Graphic Designers, Photographers, Videographers, and DJ’s.

ABM: Where can people find you online?

Ant: Instagram @ant__559, Twitter @Torres__anthony, Snapchat @a.52torres, and Youtube @ A.N.T Official

ABM: Any last words?

Ant: I want to thank All Bay Music Magazine for giving me this opportunity to shine. I also want to thank everyone who has been supporting me throughout my journey, and my closest friends and family for motivating me to be great everyday. For everyone who’s reading this just know that A.N.T will be a name you remember for a long time. This is just the beginning.

The post A.N.T appeared first on All Bay Music.

JFifer:  J Fifer or Jon Fifer.    

ABM: Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?


JFifer: I’m from Oakland, CA. Growing up in Oakland was cool as fuck man , I grew up around the 80s in East Oakland and it was always shit I could get into, I was never really bored. I was into basketball and football earlier on in my life although I was always around rappers and dancers. I always had people in my corner growing up who wanted to see me do good so growing up where I was I had a lot of positive influences and a lot of my friends are influential people in the Bay Area now.     


ABM: What are your last full length releases people can go check out right now?


JonFifer: I just recently dropped a single called “Heard of Me” featuring AkaFrank, which is a straight slapper. I also got another club banger called “Drip” that been getting some radio play and been getting play by a lot of DJ’s in the Bay Area right now. I’d say thats one of my hottest songs out right now, people been really digging that. I got another single called “On to the Next” also, and you can find these on my iTunes.

ABM: What are you currently working on?


JFifer:  Right now I just dropped my debut EP called “Star Power”.

ABM: What’s your last visual release people can check out, tell us about it.



JFifer:    Right now I actually don’t have any visuals out at the moment, but we workin on getting one done for my “Drip” record cause my fans been telling me that I need one, so I gotta give the people what they want.


ABM: Is there any artists you would like to work with in the future?


JFifer: Yeah man, I got a lot, I could go on for hours, but for right now: Kendrick Lamar, YG, Too Short, Philthy Rich, Iamsu, E-40, Schoolboy Q, G-Eazy, SOBxRBE, Big Sean, Curren$y, Pharrell Williams, Wiz khalifa, A$AP Rocky. The list honestly goes on and on, those just some names that was on my mind at the time.

ABM: Any business ventures you wanna tell the public about?



JFifer:    Yeah right now I’m trying to get some ideas together to make a clothing line , I really would like to get some merchandise for the people. Working on getting a vlog put up on my YouTube so my fans can really get a look at my day to day life, and see how I’m living.
 
ABM: Where can people find you online?


JFifer:  You can find my music on all platforms, just type in “Jon Fifer”. As far as social media my instagram is @louisvuittonjon, twitter: Jon fifer, Facebook: Jonathan Fifer, YouTube: Jon Fifer Music
   

ABM: Any last words?


JFifer:I just wanna let everyone know I’m about to make a huge impact in this rap shit man, ya’ll definitely gonna be hearing more from me in the future. I think I add something to this rap game most have not seen before. Also please check out my new single “Heard of Me” featuring AKAFrank on iTunes!

The post J Fifer appeared first on All Bay Music.

To say he is just rapping would underestimate and under-appreciate the skill level he’s at, he has a noticeable upbeat personality on the track, a cutthroat mentality he’s bringing to the table, along with having fun in this lane song by song.

With his latest visual “Night and Day”, it’s another fire song for the real hustlers out here, and another trophy to add to the trophy cabinet. The visual is also well put together, and brought to you by Famed Bay Area Director Jayyy Omar! Shot at Payday Studios! Produced by Who On the Track!

Shout out Brill 4 The Thrill, he continues to come with a precision and voice that grabs the listeners and even veteran listeners and tastemakers, fact is…  he is a record or two away from his life getting even better than where he is now.

From our standpoint right now, we believe his clean and well thought out punch lines added with his hustle and perseverance will pan out into a another legendary Bay Area hip hop recipe of rags to riches. Arguably, he could not only be the next best white rapper out the Bay Area next to G Eazy, but potentially one of the best in this generation!!!

Subscribe to his YouTube Channel, he’s a hardworking artist with a lot more to come, so stay tuned!

The post Brill 4 The Thrill – Night and Day appeared first on All Bay Music.

The film features untold stories from Bay Area rappers Too Short, E-40 and G-Eazy

The post NBC Bay Area Explores The Culture of Bay Area Hip Hop in New Documentarty appeared first on All Bay Music.