Bobby Brackins Bringing Back Beats to the Bay Area & Beyond

By Carla Thomas He’s hot, hip, and the ladies seem to love him.  He’s Bobby Brackins, the Bay Area’s up-and-coming young hip-hop star. Brackins’ performance at KMEL’s Summer Jam 2010 had audience members on their feet at the Oracle Arena on Saturday night, opening for acts such as Vallejo’s rapper E-40 and Canadian rapper Drake.  The 21-year-old star let the lyrics flow with mic in hand while he canvassed the stage. Brackins’ debut single “1-4-3” and music video takes viewers on a young man’s fantasy as he sings and dances with the young ladies while rapping to a catchy bass-filled beat.  Currently on Universal Republic Records label, the new video features actor-artist-reality TV show star Ray J and a dozen bathing suit beauties dancing with the young celebrities in an ivory mansion. Adorned in shoulder length dreads with blonde dyed tips, a baseball cap and sunglasses, Brackins graduated from Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School and decided to pursue music. “I appreciate all the support.  Everyone who requests my songs on the radio, I appreciate and love ‘em like crazy,” he said. His major musical influences include Bob Marley, the Motown Sound, Tupac and others.  “My message to young aspiring artists is to keep pushing, never let anybody discourage you,” he said. “Don’t try and copy others.  Just be yourself, be original, work hard and go for it.” After graduation, he moved to San Jose and was a part of a band called “Go-Dav.”  After two years, he chose to go solo and moved to Los Angeles. Stressing the importance of having trustworthy people around you, he said, “People will try to discourage you, and some are shady in this industry. So find people you can trust.” As for teaming with artist Ray J, Brackins describes him as a “free spirited” person like himself.  “Ray is a good person, and we had a lot of fun making the ‘1-4-3’ video.“ Brackins is excited about the support of Bay Area radio station KYLD 94.9 and its promotion of his single “I’m Ready” next month.  His new album, “Live Good, under the Universal Republic Record label, will debut next spring and includes 14 songs. “I wrote mostly all the songs, and the album will feature more (new) artists and some more notables like Paul Wall and Jeremiah.  My friend ‘Nick Knack,’ AKA Nicholas Balding, is producing on the album.” “My family is happy, and they tell me to keep on pushing, make money and be the same Bobby,” he said. “He’s a good kid, easy-going, and I’m both proud and excited for him,” said his father, Robert. For more information visit www.BobbyBrackins.com