REGIONZ: "The West Coast Is The Best Coast"

The old saying goes “The West Coast is the best coast,” but why? With an extensive catalog of artists from all sections of California, the West Coast has managed to keep a unified sound and character while also allowing each Cali region to represent its own style. With the bouncy beats of the Bay, the gangsta rap coming out of Compton, and the kickback and chill music of the LBC, the West Coast remains a region to watch.

What makes the West Coast unique?

From Uncle Snoop to Ice Cube, from K Dot to YG, the West Coast dialect can be heard from a mile away. The nasal tone of the West Coast adds a certain flair and character to the music from this region. Voice is a large aspect of music but especially in hip hop. West Coast rappers use their dialect to their advantage and play around with different voices and tones to create characters in their music. Whether it’s the use of a musical voice box or simply using autotune to distort voices or simply taking up the pitch in a song, the West Coast gets super adventurous when it comes to taking their voice to a new level.

Whether intentional or not, West Coast artists tend to ride on an off-beat that strikes the ear as both wrong and enticing. Finding this off-beat seems to be a unique trait of the West Coast, and listeners either love it or hate it. However, I understand why artists do it. For example, hip hop newcomer Blue Face rose to internet fame for his off-beat rhymes and almost comedic bars. He became the butt of many jokes, but he was simply following in the footsteps of other off-beat greats like E-40, Mac Dre, and many more. Coupled with the nasal tone of California, only West Coast artists can ride on an off-beat and still make the crowd go wild.

Dr. Dre & K Dot said it best: Cali is known for the “women, weed, and weather,” embracing the glitz and glam lifestyle associated with California, but West Coast rappers want listeners to know there's more to their home other than beautiful beaches and Hollywood. West Coast artists are great about staying true to their character and the character of their home. California rappers tend to be some of the most candid in their rhymes, making the listener feel like they’re listening to a personal journal entry. Rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and REASON tell stories of their upbringing and share their commentary on the events of their lives and their community. Even the hard-hitting gangsta rap of NWA told stories of protest and a life influenced by poverty, gang culture, and self-defense.

Check out the West Coast playlist below! Did I leave your West Coast favorite off the list? Do you agree with what makes the West Coast unique? Let me know in the comments!