In memory of Shock G, the Piano Man; The death of a Bay Area funk and rap legend hits home

Though I only met him twice, Shock G, the Bay Area rapper who passed away last week at 57, shared a lot of insight with me, and I need to share what I can with you in hopes that you’ll look behind the Humpty nose and deeper into the music that he left behind.

Shock G was born Gregory Jacobs in Brooklyn on August 25, 1963 and passed away in his childhood city of Tampa on April 22, 2021. He moved to Oakland in the mid-’80s and spent the rest of his life making music in California, so we are claiming him.

Though best known for being the beloved frontman of Digital Underground, he should also be remembered for more than his turn in the pop music spotlight, which threw a bright light and warm glow on the best of the Bay Area in a way that hasn’t happened since. He was, and remains in spirit, an embodiment of the Funk. His personal musical icons thought so, too: George Clinton (who he collaborated with and sampled long before Dr. Dre and OutKast), Bootsy Collins (“He helped keep P-Funk alive!” he Tweeted of Shock on April 22), Stevie Wonder (who he sampled and introduced to the hip-hop world via 2Pac’s single “So Many Tears”) and Prince (who incorporated Shock’s beats into his 1998 Crystal Ball box set).

Like many Bay Area natives who were kids in 1990, Shock G and his alter ego Humpty Hump—two personalities who he took pains to appear completely separate entities, which fooled a lot of us for a long time—were friends in my head. Digital Underground performed at my very first rap concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on August 24, 1990 as a support act for Public Enemy, the mighty East Coast rap group which had just released the album Fear of a Black Planet. Shock revealed in the 2004 documentary Digital Underground Raw Uncut that they made a huge financial sacrifice by taking that tour.

READ ALL ABOUT IT AT 48HILLS

Views: 70

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Connect

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

All-4-One
Saturday, Mar 9 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Loose Ends
Friday-Saturday, Mar 22-23 @ Yoshi's, Oakland

Ledisi
Sunday, Apr 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Steel Pulse
Thursday, Apr 18 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Groups

Latest Activity

realmuzik posted discussions
5 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
10 hours ago
Artistpr posted a blog post

Introducing Vons WRLD: A Rising Musical Talent Emerges from Omaha, Nebraska

Oakland, California — At just 17 years old, Von Williams or professionally known as emerging artist Vons WRLD is already making waves in the music industry with his powerful storytelling and captivating melodies. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in the vibrant musical landscape of Atlanta, Georgia, Vons WRLD draws inspiration from his diverse upbringing to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.Despite facing the challenges of a rough childhood, Vons WRLD found solace and…See More
yesterday
realmuzik posted discussions
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Young Zeek IS Back With New Single Blue Vibes Feat MJ Robinson

Rap artist Young Zeek continues to push the boundaries of what it takes to become a great artist. He's dropping the 4th project out of the "Blow" series and he continues to put out classic hip hop music. YZ released eleven projects independently on Royalty Gang Records, he's an underground legend that is making his mark on the hip hop scene. He selects amazing beats, has an original flow and charm that has the ladies falling in love with the rapper. "Blow 4" is amazing from start to finish, his…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Mar 22
realmuzik posted discussions
Mar 22
Artistpr posted a blog post

Shyne’ce Love – Triumph Over Adversity Through Melodic Hip Hop and Classical Expressions

From personal loss to musical enlightenment, New Orleans singer-songwriter Shyne’ce paves journey towards healing and empowermentNew Orleans, Louisiana —Shyne’ce Love’s story is one of heartbreaking losses and remarkable recovery, a narrative that she weaves into her groundbreaking music. Her new single, “Broken Hearted” is a sublime and…See More
Mar 22
Editor's Pick posted videos
Mar 21

© 2024   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service