Digital Underground, Woodie, E-40, Too $hort, Mac Dre, and Larry June are some names that’ll come up in a conversation about hip hop in the Bay Area. Ray600 is an emerging artist in San Francisco, working hard on adding his name to the conversation. He found a way to separate his music from his peers and still resonate with the city’s energy. His music isn’t hyphy in the sense of the traditional Bay Area style, but it's bound to get a function active. 

Once you hear a Ray600 song, his appeal becomes apparent. He uniquely blends elements of trap music and G funk, creating his smooth sound. One could categorize his music as trap, drill or party music, but when listening to his lyrics it’s clear he’s speaking from experience. Ray600 approaches every track focused and transparent; his music is heartfelt. He raps on “No Feelings,” “Ain’t nobody calling, I wish my Papa (Paw-paw) can check on me. Yeah it’s all good I might see you when [it’s] after life. I say might, I’m a be honest [nigga] I ain’t living right. And I want ten gone, I know it won’t happen overnight.” There's passion behind his words, while his voice remains leveled throughout the song. One can feel the emotions he pours into his music.

“Sorry Papa I Took Too Long,” is one of Ray600's newest tracks. The music video starts with a group of guys appearing hype, while reciting bars from a 2015 song shouting out Ray Ray. The video then transitions to Ray600 rapping throughout San Francisco. He delivers his signature cadence over a gripping trap beat as he raps, “You a [fuckin] star. I know my way around the streets, at five I was catching Bart. Uncle pushing dope back then, now he on that hard.” His music evokes a sense of optimism while reflecting on past adversities.

Ray600 hasn’t yet ascended to the status of San Francisco’s greats, but it’s only a matter of time. His catalogue will become all the rage before long; hopefully, you’re hip to it beforehand. Stream Ray600.