Tota

Growing up in the bay area Tota was submerged in diversity. This led to him not noticing the prominent presence of racial inequality until becoming of 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 he displays his talents delivering bar after bar for an entire 3 minutes.

Tota possesses a storytelling capability comparable to a Nas or J. Cole. He often supplements this storytelling ability with witty, sometimes comedic punchlines. 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. Every track encompasses a different feeling and energy often driven by content filled, sociopolitical messages. The passion and emotion he provides in tracks often leaves the listener with the perception that the track was felt more so than heard.

Tota often uses his upbringing and life experiences to take you on a journey into his world. He has a knack for making his experiences feel extremely relative to the listener even if they’ve never had such experience themselves. He tends to be extremely open and forward about his life which often connects and resonates with the listener on a personal level.

Though his sound is immensely different than those who he deems as influences, you can still hear the attack of a Kendrick Lamar, the realism of a J. Cole and the comedic wit of a Kanye West whom he gives huge attribution to for molding his sound.

Tota’s recently released project “The Field Effect” is a politically driven ode about the mentality oppression and racism has created within the black community. It is an open discussion shedding light on the ugly truths of how systemic racism from slavery days, subsequently affects black people now. Tota uses this project to narrate the experiences and trials he and many other inner-city youths have and still face till this day.