As Goapele notes in this segment, the Bay Area isn't exactly a center of industry, be that music, film or otherwise. The entertainment hubs of NY, LA and ATL receive the corporate-sponsored rooftop party treatment. The Bay way has always been decidedly more independent and less glitzy by comparison. But here, Lexus squires Bay natives Goapele and DJ Qbert around San Francisco and Oakland in a new ride as a way of linking themselves to influential artists in an under tapped market. It's a good move for Lexus and a great platform for the artists.
I will say that I was a bit disappointed by the host's close-minded fear of Oakland, but I suppose The Town will always be the underdog to the romanticized, tourist-friendly, fog-coated City. The Oakland digs aside, the piece is a reminder that corporate partnerships can be valuable tools, if done right. Unfortunately artists can run the risk of being pimped for product, but this segment seems to walk that line well.
Be on the look out for Goapele's forthcoming single "Right Here," her upcoming shows at Yoshis and read up on DJ Qbert if you're unfamiliar with his influence and legacy. To give you an example of his reach, I once saw Qbert (aka the Jimi Hendrix of Scratching) kill a ridiculous sold out show in the south of Spain. The man is a pioneer, pillar and purveyor of hip-hop culture the world over, and was raised right across the water in SF's Excelsior district. Respect.
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6 comments:
I'm pretty sure that Whitney Cummings' remarks about Oakland were said in jest. She's a comedian after all.
Just watched the video and I was going to comment that you are being too sensitive, as I didn't get the same anti-Oakland vibe that you reported.
Then I got to the end of the video, where the host asks for an escort back to the car because "this is Oakland."
Yeah, F her.
I will fully own my ultra-sensitivity regarding Oakland. But it does bother me that we always have to play defense regarding our reputation.
This video takes place in SF and Oakland, but at the beginning the introductory text says that it's in San Francisco. All the positive questions about the BAY AREA's music scene are framed as SF questions, while Oakland is treated as the underbelly.
Like I said, I know our reputation is what it is, but, comedian or not, I'm tired of being the butt of everyone's joke when they don't know anything about us.
beyond that, it troubles me that the reputation of Oakland is generally framed in terms of recent urban redevelopment and revitalization efforts -- a problematic euphemism for gentrification and the pervasive yuppifying of the city's culturescpaes. in truth, the richness of Oakland is precisely in its refusal to value "hype" over quality, community-centered creative output (be it music, art or film specific). I would hardly attribute your observation of the host's Oakland digs to ultra-sensitivity -- I think you're right on the mark. I hope more local artists will step up and insist on re-claiming the conversation of what makes Oakland the vibrant and dynamic place it is and always has been. thanks for sharing this! well written and thoughtfully conceived as always.
I believe its people like yourself and your followers that are those who can begin to shed light on what oakland truly is. as always i enjoy your writing luke, you speak from the heart and are pattionate. unfortunately we have a bad rap. but a rep is only what we make it and what we allow people to believe. keep up the good work; exposing positive oakland flavor. i think we are headed in a positive direction. as long as we love and respect ourselves...eff the haters....and how could anyone be scared of oakland when your being driven by such adorable dimples??
I got to the end of the video, where the host asks for an escort back to the car because "this is Oakland." .. yeah f her .. she coulda handeled it differently
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