Hiero Day is a homegrown Oakland tradition — an all-day, family-friendly block party celebrating the musical legacy of Hieroglyphics and the ’90s hip-hop scene that gave them their rise. While the legendary conscious hip-hop collective closes out each year’s Labor Day festival (in a new location this year, on 18th and Poplar Streets in West Oakland), this year’s edition features plenty of hometown heroes and big-name national acts.
Artists not to miss include Oakland’s first lady of R&B, Goapele; Texas giant Bun B; underground hip-hop champions Dead Prez; pioneering female gangsta rapper Yo-Yo; rising Richmond singer Rayana Jay; and, of course, Lil B the Based God. But other than these oft-talked-about performers, Hiero Day features many up-and-coming artists worthy of attention. To help you navigate the fest, we’ve rounded up six must-see rising artists who might not be on your radar.
YMTK
YMTK got his start singing in church in his native Oakland, and his soulful sensibilities shine through his paradisiacal, sun-soaked party jams. The L.A.-based singer’s velvety R&B vocals glide over house beats and trunk-shaking Town bass lines alike.
Ezale
Ezale represents the East Oakland neighborhood Funktown, named for a gang that reigned the area in the ’80s. But his neighborhood’s nickname also describes the exuberant rapper’s old-school, funky sound. His street anthems “Five Minutes of Funktown” and “Too High” have made him a local favorite.