Tota

Growing up in the bay area Tota was submerged in diversity which led to him not noticing the prominent presence of racial inequality until becoming a certain age and actually learning about and experiencing systemic oppression first hand. Finding out later in life that his grandfather was a member of the original Black Panther party, he kicked his studies into overdrive and really found himself. He began to dedicate much of his music to shed light on the war against his people and how oppression has affected urban cities in America. Though not possessing a traditional Bay Area sound, he does not shy away from letting people know where he’s from as he did in his drake inspired track “6PM In Vallejo” where displays his talents delivering bar after bar for an entire 3 minutes. Tota possess a storytelling capability comparable to that of a Nas or J. Cole. Though not having the most prominent voice he does have a way of making his presence felt through his use of tonality, flow, and cadence. Each track encompasses a different feeling and energy often driven by content filled, sociopolitical messages. Though his sound is immensely different than those who he deems as influences you can still hear the attack of a Kendrick Lamar, the realness of a J. Cole and the comedic wit of a Kanye West whom he gives huge attribution to for molding his sound. Tota often uses his upbringing and life experiences to take you on a journey into his world.