Keak da Sneak
Encyclopedia
Charles Toby Bowens commonly known by his stage name Keak da Sneak, is a rapper from Oakland, California
. At the age of 16 he was known as Z-Kush but became known as "Keak da Sneak" at 17, best known for his scratchy, gruff rapping voice and coining the term "hyphy
" in 1994.
where most of his family is from.
He found popularity while attending Allendale Elementary School, which he parlayed into later friendships and talent show performances at San Jose's Bret Harte
Junior High. Through theater he met his collaborator Agerman. Together, they formed Dual Committee
, which, at the age of 15, was first heard on the songs "Murder Man" & "Stompin in My Steel Toes" on C-BO
's 1994 EP The Autopsy
. Citing the personal growth of all three artists, he later signed as a solo artist with Sacramento
-based Moe Doe records as a solo artist. At this point, he began to receive more radio airplay, especially on San Francisco hip-hop station KMEL
.
He has collaborated with major artists such as E-40
.
Keak had video play on MTV, MTV2 & BET. Keak was even featured on MTV's My Super Sweet 16
.
, was released independently on August 5, 1995. In 1996 they signed to Virgin Records, releasing the album Stackin' Chips
on March 8, 1997 (with help from the single Keep It on the Real; the album received national attention), and the second album Immortalized
, and then the release of Real Talk 2000
on January 18, 2000. The last 3X Krazy album, a collection of previously unreleased material and remixed songs from Sick-O
, was flowamatic-9
, which was released in 2004.
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
. At the age of 16 he was known as Z-Kush but became known as "Keak da Sneak" at 17, best known for his scratchy, gruff rapping voice and coining the term "hyphy
Hyphy
The word hyphy is Conor Devlin's preferred short word meaning "hyperactive." It was created by Bay Area rapper Keak Da Sneak when he used the term on an album he recorded in 1994. From the USA Today article: "Every record label was getting at us at that time, but we fumbled the ball," says E-40,...
" in 1994.
Career
Keak da Sneak was born in AlabamaAlabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
where most of his family is from.
He found popularity while attending Allendale Elementary School, which he parlayed into later friendships and talent show performances at San Jose's Bret Harte
Bret Harte
Francis Bret Harte was an American author and poet, best remembered for his accounts of pioneering life in California.- Life and career :...
Junior High. Through theater he met his collaborator Agerman. Together, they formed Dual Committee
Dual Committee
Dual Committee is an album by 3X Krazy members Keak da Sneak and Agerman under the name Dual Committee. It was released March 21, 2000 on Moe Doe Records and was produced by Ant Banks, E-A-Ski & CMT, Alonzo Jackson, Mike Sexton and Tone Capone. 3X Krazy member B.A...
, which, at the age of 15, was first heard on the songs "Murder Man" & "Stompin in My Steel Toes" on C-BO
C-Bo
Shawn Thomas, better known by his stage name C-Bo is an American rapper. He was born and raised in the south area of Sacramento, California. He has sold over 3.5 million albums independently since 1993...
's 1994 EP The Autopsy
The Autopsy
The Autopsy is the second studio album by American rapper C-Bo, released in 1994 on AWOL Records. The album was produced by Mike Mosley and Sam Bostic. It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at number 19 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers. One single was released,...
. Citing the personal growth of all three artists, he later signed as a solo artist with Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
-based Moe Doe records as a solo artist. At this point, he began to receive more radio airplay, especially on San Francisco hip-hop station KMEL
KMEL
KMEL is an Urban Contemporary-formatted radio station located in San Francisco, California, and owned by Clear Channel Communications....
.
He has collaborated with major artists such as E-40
E-40
Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...
.
Keak had video play on MTV, MTV2 & BET. Keak was even featured on MTV's My Super Sweet 16
My Super Sweet 16
My Super Sweet 16 is an MTV reality series documenting the lives of teenagers, usually in the United States, Canada and UK, who usually have wealthy parents that throw huge coming of age celebrations. Parties include the quinceañera , the sweet 16, and other birthdays including a My Super Sweet 21 ...
.
3X Krazy
By the end of their junior year in high school, they had added rapper B.A. to form the group 3X Krazy. Their first EP, Sick-OSick-O
Sick-O is an EP by 3X Krazy. It was released on August 5, 1995 for Str8 Game Records and featured production from Tone Capone.-Track listing:#"Hit the Gas" - 5:02 #"Somethin' 4 Dat Ass" - 4:08...
, was released independently on August 5, 1995. In 1996 they signed to Virgin Records, releasing the album Stackin' Chips
Stackin' Chips
Stackin' Chips is the debut album by 3X Krazy. It was released on March 8, 1997 for Virgin Records and includes production from Tone Capone, One Drop Scott and Mike Dean to name a few...
on March 8, 1997 (with help from the single Keep It on the Real; the album received national attention), and the second album Immortalized
Immortalized (3X Krazy album)
Immortalized is the second album by 3X Krazy. It was released on June 22, 1999 for Big Block Records and featured production from Tone Capone, Big Deion, DJ Daryll, One Drop Scott and Immortalized is the second album by [[3X Krazy]]...
, and then the release of Real Talk 2000
Real Talk 2000
Real Talk 2000 is the third album by 3X Krazy. It was released on January 18, 2000 for Dubble Barrell Records and featured production from Lev Berlak, Bosko and Wolverine...
on January 18, 2000. The last 3X Krazy album, a collection of previously unreleased material and remixed songs from Sick-O
Sick-O
Sick-O is an EP by 3X Krazy. It was released on August 5, 1995 for Str8 Game Records and featured production from Tone Capone.-Track listing:#"Hit the Gas" - 5:02 #"Somethin' 4 Dat Ass" - 4:08...
, was flowamatic-9
Flowamatic-9
Flowamatic-9 is a compilation of previously released and remixed 3X Krazy songs compiled from their first EP, Sick-O, as well as various guest appearances...
, which was released in 2004.
Solo albums
- 1999: SneakacydalSneakacydalSneakacydal is the debut solo album by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It sold 1,500 copies in its first week out, and did not chart.-Track listing:#"Intro"- 1:47#"Hit 'Em Where It Hurts"- 3:09#"Skit"- 1:06#"L.W.L."- 4:04 #"Jim Hats"- 4:02...
- 2001: Hi-TekHi-Tek (album)Hi-Tek is the second solo album by rapper, Keak da Sneak and considered to be his best album by fans. It was released on June 16, 2001 for Moe Doe Records and was produced by Ant Banks, Rick Rock, One Drop Scott, Tone Capone, D-Dre and Keak da Sneak...
- 2002: RetaliationRetaliation (Keak da Sneak album)Retaliation is the fourth album by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was released on January 15, 2002 for Black Market Records and was produced by Sean T, Keak da Sneak and One Drop Scott...
- 2002: The Farm BoyzThe Farm BoyzThe Farm Boyz is the fifth album released by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was released on October 22, 2002 for Out of Bounds Records and was produced by Keak da Sneak, Big Hollis and Mark Knox.-Track listing:#"Interlude"- 3:21#"Go Head Baby"- 4:16...
- 2003: CopiumCopiumCopium is the sixth album by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It served as the soundtrack to Keak's film, also entitiled "Copium".-Track listing:#"Keak Performances"#"Showtime"#"Cockshots"#"Funk"#"Featured Artist"#"Keep It On The Real"#"Ghetto Soldier"...
- 2003: Counting Other Peoples MoneyCounting Other Peoples MoneyCounting Other Peoples Money is the seventh album released by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was released on September 23, 2003 for Moe Doe Entertainment and was produced by E-A-Ski, Rick Rock, DJ Epik, D-Dre and CMT...
- 2004: Keak da SneakKeak da Sneak (album)Keak da Sneak is the eighth album released by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was released on November 9, 2004 for Moe Doe Entertainment and was produced by E-A-Ski, Tone Capone and D-Dre.-Track listing:#"East Oakland"- 4:19#"Same Ol' Shit"- 3:01...
- 2005: Town BusinessTown BusinessTown Business is the ninth album released by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was released on May 23, 2005 and was entirely produced by Big Hollis.-Track listing:#"Scarface Dust"- 3:41#"Blind to Get It"- 3:39#"Town Business"- 4:34#"Get That Dough"- 3:23...
- 2005: That's My WordThat's My WordThat's My Word is the tenth album released by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was released on September 13, 2005 for Rah Records. The single "Super Hyphy" actually made it to #40 on the Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart.-Track listing:#"Super Hyphy"- 3:26...
- 2005: On OneOn One-Track listing:#"The O"- 4:36#"Same O Thang"- 5:02#"Get Doe"- 3:58#"High Tonight"- 4:44#"Street Stars"- 4:08#"Playa Ass Nigga's"- 3:01#"Get It Started"- 4:39#"Soldierz"- 6:23 #"Like What"- 4:14...
- 2006: Contact SportContact Sport-Track listing:#"Bumpers and Rear Ends"- 3:21#"You Doing It"- 3:43#"Contact Sport"- 3:11#"Do That"- 3:25#"Do Wit You Now"- 3:45#"Gettin Money"- 3:08#"No Can Do"- 4:00#"Not Listening"- 3:53#"Shake It"- 3:17#"Played You"- 4:01#"Aaadddimin"- 3:22...
- 2006: Kunta KinteKunta Kinte (album)-Track listing:#"Scarface Dust"- 3:41#"Blind to Get It"- 3:39#"Super Hyphy"- 3:26#"Town Business"- 4:36#"Get That Doe"- 3:24#"T-Shirt Blue Jeans & Nike's #2"- 3:18#"Bumpers"- 4:36#"Light Gray Shit"- 4:53...
- 2006: Thizz Iz AllndadoeThizz Iz AllndadoeThizz Iz Allndadoe is the fourteenth album released by rapper, Keak da Sneak. It was his first for Thizz Entertainment, one of the largest Hyphy labels in California.-Track listings:#"Who Started Hyphy"- 4:03...
- 2008: DeifiedDeified (album)Deified is the fourteenth album by Keak da Sneak. It features Too Short, E-40, Daz Dillinger, Lil' Keke and Paul Wall among others. Keak also linked up with infamous New York rapper Prodigy from Mobb Deep and The Alchemist for the CD's first single, "That Go." The album sold 3,800 copies in its...
- 2010: Mobb Boss
- 2011: Keak Hendrix
Collaborative albums
- 1995: Sick-OSick-OSick-O is an EP by 3X Krazy. It was released on August 5, 1995 for Str8 Game Records and featured production from Tone Capone.-Track listing:#"Hit the Gas" - 5:02 #"Somethin' 4 Dat Ass" - 4:08...
(with 3X Krazy) - 1997: Stackin' ChipsStackin' ChipsStackin' Chips is the debut album by 3X Krazy. It was released on March 8, 1997 for Virgin Records and includes production from Tone Capone, One Drop Scott and Mike Dean to name a few...
(with 3X Krazy) - 1999: ImmortalizedImmortalized (3X Krazy album)Immortalized is the second album by 3X Krazy. It was released on June 22, 1999 for Big Block Records and featured production from Tone Capone, Big Deion, DJ Daryll, One Drop Scott and Immortalized is the second album by [[3X Krazy]]...
(with 3X Krazy) - 2000: Real Talk 2000Real Talk 2000Real Talk 2000 is the third album by 3X Krazy. It was released on January 18, 2000 for Dubble Barrell Records and featured production from Lev Berlak, Bosko and Wolverine...
(with 3X Krazy) - 2000: Dual CommitteeDual CommitteeDual Committee is an album by 3X Krazy members Keak da Sneak and Agerman under the name Dual Committee. It was released March 21, 2000 on Moe Doe Records and was produced by Ant Banks, E-A-Ski & CMT, Alonzo Jackson, Mike Sexton and Tone Capone. 3X Krazy member B.A...
(with 3X Krazy) - 2000: The Best of 3X Krazy - 3 x 4 Life20th Century (album)20th Century, also known as The Best of 3X Krazy, is the first compilation album released by 3X Krazy. It was released on October 10, 2000 and was a double CD.-Track listing:...
(with 3X Krazy) - 2002: Best of 3X Krazy, Vol. 2Best of 3X Krazy, Vol. 2Best of 3X Krazy, Vol. 2 is the second compilation released by 3X Krazy. It was released on March 26, 2002 for Sneak Records and was a sequel to the groups previous compilation, 20th Century.-Track listing:#"Somethin' 4 Dat Ass"- 4:08#"Sick-O"- 5:53...
(with 3X Krazy) - 2003: Flowamatic-9Flowamatic-9Flowamatic-9 is a compilation of previously released and remixed 3X Krazy songs compiled from their first EP, Sick-O, as well as various guest appearances...
(with 3X Krazy) - 2004: Dope Game (with B.A., The JackaThe JackaDominic Newton, better known by his stage name The Jacka , is an American rapper from Richmond, California. The Jacka got his start in Pittsburg, California with his group, Mob Figaz, whose first album, C-Bo's Mob Figaz, was released in 1999. The Jacka also converted to Islam at a very young age...
, HusalahHusalahHusalah is an American rapper from Pittsburg, California. He began his career with the Pittsburg group the Mob Figaz, whose first album, C-Bo's Mob Figaz, was released in 1999...
& Verstyle) - 2005: Dope Game 2 (with Frank Stickemz, Verstyle & B.A.)
- 2007: Da BidnessDa BidnessDa Bidness is an album released by Bay Area rappers, PSD, Keak da Sneak and Messy Marv. It was released on February 13, 2007 for Thizz Entertainment, SMC Recordings and Gateway Records and featuring production from prominent Bay Area producers Traxamillion, Droop-E, Rick Rock, Jake and the Phatman...
(with Messy MarvMessy MarvMarvin Watson, better known by his stage name Messy Marv, is an American rapper from Pittsburg, CA, but represents the Fillmore Area of San Francisco, CA.Messy Marv is affiliated with the blood gang...
& P.S.D. Tha DrivahPSD (rapper)Steve Davison, better known as PSD, PSD Tha Drivah or Stevie Dee, is a rapper and producer from Vallejo, California who is closely associated with the late Mac Dre and his record label, Thizz Entertainment.-Biography:...
) - 2008: Welcome to ScoklandWelcome to ScoklandWelcome to Scokland is the collaborative effort of hip hop artists Keak Da Sneak of Oakland, California and San Quinn of San Francisco, California, released in December 2008 by Ehustl Entertainment.-Track listing:#"Lil' Quinn Intro"...
(with San QuinnSan QuinnQuincy Brooks IV better known by his stage name San Quinn, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California.-Career:Born in Oakland, California, Quincy moved to the Fillmore district of San Francisco at the age of three...
) - 2008: Word Pimpin 2: We Don't Need YouWord Pimpin 2: We Don't Need YouWord Pimpin 2: We Don't Need You is the collaborative effort of hip hop artists Keak Da Sneak of Oakland, California, Baby S of Los Angeles, California and Q-Z, also native to the Bay Area, released in 2008 by Ehustl Entertainment. This album was preceded by the original Word Pimpin' released in...
(with Baby S and Q-Z) - 2011: Da Bidness 2 (with Messy MarvMessy MarvMarvin Watson, better known by his stage name Messy Marv, is an American rapper from Pittsburg, CA, but represents the Fillmore Area of San Francisco, CA.Messy Marv is affiliated with the blood gang...
& P.S.D. Tha DrivahPSD (rapper)Steve Davison, better known as PSD, PSD Tha Drivah or Stevie Dee, is a rapper and producer from Vallejo, California who is closely associated with the late Mac Dre and his record label, Thizz Entertainment.-Biography:...
)
Compilation albums
- 2006: King of tha Supa Dupa HyphyKing of tha Supa Dupa Hyphy-Track listing:#"On Citas"- 2:25#"Super Hyphy"- 2:20#"Contact Sport"- 1:57#"Grand Daddy Cali"- 1:50#"I Cop Back"- 1:59#"Yadda Wha Wha"- 1:59#"Hyphy Wifee"- 3:03#"I Feed My Bitch"- 2:05#"Muscle Cars"- 2:29#"Cus Cus"- 2:20#"Show Me the Deer Foot"- 2:14...
- 2007: Greatest Hits !
- 2011: The Best Of Thizz Iz All N Da Doe
Guest appearances
- 2004: "Pop Off" (San QuinnSan QuinnQuincy Brooks IV better known by his stage name San Quinn, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California.-Career:Born in Oakland, California, Quincy moved to the Fillmore district of San Francisco at the age of three...
featuring Keak da Sneak & JuvenileJuvenile (rapper)Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, He is also a former member of hip-hop group the Hot Boys . At the age of 19, he began recording raps, releasing his debut album Being Myself in 1995...
) - 2006: "Tell Me When to GoTell Me When to Go"Tell Me When to Go" is the first single from E-40's BME/Warner Bros. debut, My Ghetto Report Card. Keak da Sneak is also featured on the track. It was produced by Lil Jon, and one of the first singles to kick off the hyphy movement on a national level...
" (E-40E-40Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...
featuring Keak da Sneak) - 2008: "Dip Drop Stop Dip" (Daz DillingerDaz DillingerDelmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
featuring Keak da Sneak) - 2010: "Power Up" (E-40E-40Earl Stevens , better known by his stage name E-40, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and investor from Vallejo, California. He is also part of the rap group The Click and the founder of Sick Wid It Records. His solo debut album, Federal, was released in November 1992, after The Click's debut...
featuring Keak da Sneak & San QuinnSan QuinnQuincy Brooks IV better known by his stage name San Quinn, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California.-Career:Born in Oakland, California, Quincy moved to the Fillmore district of San Francisco at the age of three...
) - 2012 :"The Chicken Hill Project"(Album Produced by Hallway ProductionzHallway ProductionzHallway Productionz is a 2x Grammy Award Nominated, Dove Award winning production duo made up of Teak "Tha Beatsmith" and Dee Underdue. The pair reside in Stockton, California. Teak and Dee's production is most notably featured on Ice Cube, WC & T-Bone records....
)
Music videos
- 2008: "That Go" (Keak da Sneak featuring ProdigyProdigy (rapper)Lance Albert Johnson Banks, better known as Prodigy, is an American rapper and one half of the hip-hop and rap duo Mobb Deep....
& The AlchemistThe Alchemist (producer)Alan Daniel Maman , better known as The Alchemist, is an American hip hop producer, DJ and rapper. He hails from Beverly Hills, California...
)