Places of Fil-Am Hip Hop in the Bay Area: An Interactive Map

At our last UNDISCOVERED SF Block party of the season we had a lot to celebrate. October was Pilipinx/a/o American History Month or PAHM/FAHM, which is a month dedicated to honoring Filipino American history. It was established by Dorothy Laigo Cordova and Fred Cordova through the Filipino American National Historical Society in 1992 and was federally recognized in 2009 by Barack Obama.

“'History' is inclusive of heritage & culture, but it's also about stories of how we changed this nation and ourselves in the process-- our political struggles, transformations, labor, migration, activism, impact of imperialism & war, victories, etc-- whereas 'heritage' is more limited to what we pass down in terms of culture, tradition, legacies. We have helped more than just culture. WE MADE HISTORY. WE HELPED BUILD THIS NATION. That's what this month is about.” -Dr. Dawn Mabalon on why it is Filipino American History Month not Heritage Month

We wanted to honor this month and close off our season with a curated community resource that can be used to teach future generations about our history.

Filipinos and Hip Hop

Historically, it wasn’t long before Hip Hop culture became global. In the Philippines, which was a US territory at the time, Hip Hop had become embraced early on in its rise. American soldiers, particularly Black and Latine soldiers, would play Hip Hop on bases due to the growing popularity of Hip Hop on American culture that had reached overseas. As Filipinos migrated to the U.S. they would often send back pieces of America to their families in the Philippines and this included music or articles that featured rap music. 

As Hip Hop traveled throughout the American coasts, it gave many communities voices along the way. Due to the relatability of Hip Hop culture and its messaging, and the proximity between Black, Latine, and Filipino communities in areas like the Bay, Hip Hop quickly became the go-to outlet for marginalized voices across the nation and world.

Example of Bay Area Filipino Influence on Hip Hop

Filipino’s in the Bay have undoubtedly left their mark on the fabric of not only SF culture but also American culture as a whole. Through Hip Hop, Filipinos have also been gifted the chance to share our stories authentically. Filipinos in Hip Hop culture have become influential and have inspired Filipino youth to not only express themselves, but give back to the communities that raised them.

At the core of UNDSCVRD is uplifting SOMA Pilipinas through music events and community. We know how important it is to make a place for ourselves and let our presence be known so our stories can be told. Hip Hop has been an undeniable piece of the joy and freedom that carries us through each UNDISCOVERED SF season and so we present to you an interactive map that documents Filipinx/a/o Americans in Bay Area Hip Hop.

This is NOT a comprehensive list rather a starting point for what we hope to be a community built resource.

Special shoutout to Oliver Wang’s Legion of Boom, Alex Aquino, Andre Sibayan, CeCe Caprio, Marky Enriquez, Davey D, and SOMA Pilipinas for supporting the start of this map.

Know any places we should add? Here is what we are looking for:

Anything significant to Filipinos in Bay Area Hip Hop

  • Sites of meetings/cyphers/battles/parties

  • Murals/Graff around the city

  • Places where hip hop concepts were centralized/originated/innovated

  • Major Hip Hop events (annual)

  • Hip Hop culture Businesses

  • Hip Hop community organizations 

  • Important sites of Filipinos in Hip Hop in the Bay Area

  • Favorite places to see Hip Hop shows

  • Hometowns/studios of Filipino rappers

  • Schools that filipino hip hop artists went to

  • Iconic freestyles/battles

  • Places filipinos in hip hop recorded music videos

  • Hangout places for filipino youth hip hop practitioners

  • Sites of Black and Filipno solidarity through Hip Hop

  • Testimonies tied to Places in Bay Area Filam Hip Hop: Our stories make up our history!

Let us know!

While PAHM has only been celebrated for around 21 years, Filipino Americans have been making history for much much longer. We are trailblazers, movement makers, earth shakers, and we create waves of influence across this American landscape. As we acknowledge our histories, we understand our revolutionary spirit has been strengthened by the communities like us who are fighting for their rights and recognition. We have made it clear that we cannot be dampened, and for that, we are making our presence known this month with even more joy and spirit. 

As we continue our mission to make our place in our beloved SOMA Pilipinas, we hope you can join us in our efforts and party with us along the way.

Will you join us in making history?

Tianna Mae Andresen