Oakland artist Kevin Allen graced the Culture Makers stage as a panelist where we discussed the state of Oakland music and nightlife scene.

West Coast rapper, born and raised native of East Oakland and North Richmond, Kevin Allen formerly known as, Erk Tha Jerk has ventured into new territory with his latest release, "Don’t Overthink It" an album that seamlessly blends chill rap and smooth R&B.

History of the Bay Podcast Ep. 49: Formerly known as Erk Tha Jerk, Kevin Allen is a rapper, producer, and photographer who's played a pivotal role in Bay Area hip-hop for the last 20 years.

Bay Area rapper Kevin Allen will never sell out. In an interview with The Harvard Crimson, the rapper described his latest album “Nothing Lasts Forever” as a statement of his resolve to remain true to himself as an artist.

Inside a darkly lit studio at Bandcamp headquarters in downtown Oakland, a modern rap manifesto is playing over the speakers. Heads are bobbing rhythmically. Fingers are drumming knees. One listener keeps his eyes closed, entranced by the energy of it all.

Many people may not be familiar with rapper Kevin Allen. In 2017, he released the Kevin Allen Project, which was a local favorite though it didn’t get much air-play on mainstream radio. The album was the mature reflection of a veteran rapper who had seen the dark side of the limelight and was seeking something better both within the industry and within himself.

As Erk tha Jerk, he saw the kind of success many hip-hop artists see: a hit song or two, national recognition, foreign cars, and headaches related to the ups and downs of the music industry over the course of 10 projects —albums, EPs and mixtapes. Most notably, he had a hit song, “Right Here,” which in 2009 spent three weeks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop 100 Billboard charts.