Released in 2014, the record became one of Big Sean’s biggest anthems while bringing Detroit and the Bay together on a track that continues to connect with listeners more than a decade later. E-40’s unforgettable feature helped give the song its signature energy and added another major chapter to his legendary catalog.

Congratulations to both amazing legends on reaching one of music’s highest honors!

The post Big Sean and E-40’s “IDFWU” Officially Goes Diamond 💎 appeared first on All Bay Music.

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.

This prominent platform celebrated the independent and enduring spirit of the region’s artists. The event emphasized how the Bay’s distinct rhythm and authentic style continue to influence and inspire audiences well beyond its local roots!

The post Bay Area Legends E-40 & Too $hort Bring Hyphy Anthems to NFL Honors Stage appeared first on All Bay Music.

Featured Artists:
E-40
SOBxRBE
Mozzy
Berner
Fenix Flexin
DJ Quik
Suga Free

• more to be announced

Presale Password: WEST

Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster

The Bay’s legends, today’s hitmakers, and the future of the sound all come together for one massive night in Oakland. SOBxRBE returns to the stage as the city gears up for a historic show.

The post Welcome to the West Festival Announced for Oakland Arena! appeared first on All Bay Music.

Keep spinning “Let Me Know Sum” right now and feel the Bay energy!

The post LaRussell, E-40 & Hit-Boy feat. Mistah F.A.B & Richie Rich – Let Me Know Sum appeared first on All Bay Music.

Breezo: Ynrsbreez0

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

Breezo: I started taking my music seriously last year, but I’ve been playing around since I was 16 years old.

ABM: Where are you from? How did your upbringing in Northern California influence your career?

Breezo: I’m from San Francisco 1200 eddy st.

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

Breezo: Yes, I am currently working on “Richer Part of Eddy” music video. Also, two more videos off my new project PS2 live from tha 6.

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

Breezo: I feel like people should listen too what the protesters & us blacks are saying so they can understand, instead of judging.

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

Breezo: Yes I’m continuing my perfect storm Trilogy with perfect storm 3,4,&5 all in the works now.

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

Breezo: Pain , & struggles , losing close friends & relatives made me want change instead of being in the streets.

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

Breezo: Nah I don’t want to change any lines just wanna stay me & showcase my city

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

Breezo: Being tha biggest artist from San Francisco to ever do it

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

Breezo: Lil Wayne, Mac Dre , E-40 , too short , Lil durk , meek mill , Messy Marv, the jacka , & so many more , I just love music

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

Breezo: Yeah , drew Beez , PaypaChasaMeez, E-40 , Lil durk just a name of few

ABM: Where can people find you online?

Breezo: Yes on Instagram @ynrsbreez0

ABM: Are there any last words or shout outs to anyone you would like to mention before we end the interview?

Breezo: Go check out tha perform storm pt1 & PS2 live from tha 6 out now on all platforms.

The post Ynrsbreez0 appeared first on All Bay Music.

Starting off with that OG flow in front of epic backgrounds like Fox Theater and Broadway’s Dope Era, $hort lets you know the streets are still his. Cutting to shots all over the Bay Area while $hort and Guap are seen riding in style, The OG hits breakfast in Sausalito and frequents the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate. Throughout the visual, Guap is seen with a silver silky durag and Rayven Justice with a fat gold chain and that Dope Era hoodie. This video is packed full of gems with cameos from E-40, Mistah Fab, Ernest Holloway, and some fine ladies looking fire. Check the drop and what’s coming next!

The post Too $hort ft Guapdad 4000 & Rayven Justice appeared first on All Bay Music.

Today I’m thankful to say we live in an era where neighborhoods and certain blocks can unify for a greater good like community and prosperity. With a co-sign cameo from Oakland’s Mistah Fab and some candy drippin’ classics in front a Nipsey mural the viewer gets a lot of classic content out of co-director’s Stone and Norberto Garcia (@norbertogarcianava). Thanks to trailblazers like Nipsey Hu$$le, Tupac, and the ambassador (@e40) himself, this hook really had me in the right vibe for a December quarantine. J Stone got more on the way after this collab so stay ready. 

The post J Stone ft E-40 – Hella Toasted appeared first on All Bay Music.

VeeBlaio: Well I had all kinda weird ass rap names growing up no cap, and I still have songs under that moniker but I just changed to something simple. I called myself Blaiten before, and so it was Vallejo Cut Blaiten, now I shortened it to Vee Blaio.

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

VeeBlaio: Really I just got serious a year ago I was running the streets never really took it serious until one of my older child hood potnas whome i looked up to got sighn to E-40 and then later started his on record label under that umbrella and signed me and thats when I start taking it serious just being a student of the game more so

ABM: Where are you from? How did your upbringing in Northern California influence your career?

VeeBlaio: I was born in Berkeley raised in Vallejo but tremendously I got both sides of the game. I got family in Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco… you name it. So I been in all of those city’s running around. I lived in Richmond, Oakland, and Berkeley. So I soaked all that game up, my pops and my step dad was two of the most Notorious hustlers from two different generations, and my mom is a go getter and a hustler, so I learned all the game from all sides.

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

VeeBlaio: Yes Mob’N Myers is next visual droppin, and we have a bunch of videos coming for a bunch of songs I got after that, but it’s all about timing so it has to be released right, but I already started filming Mob’N Myers. I got alotta movies in the works. I also got a video out now dired from 5:16 PM out now called “Shit Talkin”.

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

VeeBlaio: I feel like everybody got their way of dealing with what’s going on in the world. I honestly feel like it has to be consistent because you could protest today… and tomorrow it is right back how it was in how these people move. They forget after that, so if your going to do it they need to keep doing it for it to be effective.

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

VeeBlaio: No Cap I got two major EP’s coming “Dawg Eat Dawg”, “Lil Nick”, and a bunch of singles. I make three songs a day, so I got a lotta material already finished, so they’ll be releasing soon!

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

VeeBlaio: When I see you could get payed for this shit, I watched my niggas eat off it, I was like I want in!

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

VeeBlaio: I like the melodic shit thats what I do, I got songs when I’m harmonizing that got a million views on Soundcloud, some of my fanbase love that I could do both rap and melodic rap. I wanna do different shit with my songs without changing or jeopardizing the type of artist I am.

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

VeeBlaio: Hopefully more successful, my own label, my own artists, more business ventures such as clothing, tv shows, really no limit to what I could imagine from a successful career. A lot of my dreams, I already started on it now! So these dreams I am having, it’s becoming more realistic.

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

VeeBlaio: Shit … No Limit Records, Cash Money, alot of Bay Area Artists, typical bay influences, a lot of old school… I could go all day I’m a music head.

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

VeeBlaio: Lets see 21 savage, Drake,Anita Baker theres not alotta people its really just who ever fuck with me.

ABM: Where can people find you online?

VeeBlaio: I got a website www.veeblaio.com, you can find me on IG/ Vee_blaio Facebook/ Vallejo Blaio Twitter/ Valleyo_ Blaio or Soundcloud /Blaio /YouTube Vee blaio or Eastside_Vee /spotify/ pandora ALL THE SHIT

ABM: Are there any last words or shout outs to anyone you would like to mention before we end the interview?

VeeBlaio: Thank you to every last one of my fans, if you are a fan or becoming a fan I appreciate you, shout out to all my friends and family who support me.

The post Vee Blaio 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.

The post King K From The Bay appeared first on All Bay Music.