Howie KrakK, the luminary artist from the heart of Oakland, California, has not only been crafting his unique musical identity for over a decade but has an origin story deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of hip-hop and soul. From his early encounters with Bay Area legend Clyde Carson to his immersion in the sounds of James Brown and the influence of East Coast hip-hop, Howie’s journey is a fascinating blend of heritage, diverse influences, and a relentless pursuit of his artistic vision.
At the tender age of 6, Howie’s fate intertwined with Bay Area rapper and legend Clyde Carson, setting the stage for a lifelong passion for music. Carson’s advice on songwriting and counting bars provided the spark that ignited Howie’s creative flame. Growing up in a household resonating with the soulful tunes of James Brown, Howie’s early years were steeped in the blues and soul, laying the foundation for a distinct musical inclination.
As a young hip-hop enthusiast, Howie found himself drawn to the sounds of New York, with Dipset, Big L, NAS, and others shaping his musical palette. At 11, he took a bold step, freestyling for a DJ at a local clothing store, marking the beginning of his hands-on journey into the world of hip-hop.
By age 13, Howie embarked on an internship with Hiero Imperium, an independent record label associated with the legendary underground hip-hop group Hieroglyphics. Under the mentorship of Casual, one of the frontmen of the group, and working with producer/DJ GORDO, Howie gained invaluable insights into the music industry.
His teenage years were a whirlwind of experiences, from collaborating with the likes of Asher Roth and SchoolBoy Q during the MySpace era to making his debut on Lil Fed-x’s “Tha Come Up” at 15. The blog era brought new challenges, but Howie adapted, releasing projects like “Another True Story” and “Mamas Boy,” showcasing his versatility and resilience.
As the industry evolved, so did Howie KrakK. He navigated the changing landscape, making waves with appearances on “Bay Area Compass,” landing a role in the movie “Kicks,” and featuring on Marino Infinity DJ Nick’s “DJ Nick Vol” series. In his early 20’s, he dropped the EP “God Bless Tha Trap,” a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Now, with over a decade of experience, Howie KrakK is poised for a new chapter, gearing up for the release of not one but two albums, “Still Pushin” and “God Can Hear Me.” As he continues to make music, appear on podcasts like “Tawk Yo Shit Podcast,” and build connections, Howie invites the world to join him on a journey that transcends boundaries and echoes the resilience of an artist true to his roots.
Follow Howie KrakK on YouTube at [YouTube.Com/@HowieKrakk] for exclusive content and updates, as well as on Instagram at HowieKrakk.
About Howie KrakK:
Howie KrakK, a visionary artist from Oakland, California, has spent over a decade shaping his unique sound and identity in the music industry. Founder of “Stretch Money Records,” Howie’s journey is a testament to his Bay Area roots and global aspirations. With a trailblazing path that includes encounters with legends, internships, collaborations, and a myriad of experiences, Howie KrakK is set to redefine the narrative with upcoming releases “Still Pushin” and “God Can Hear Me.”
The post HOWIE KrakK: Pioneering the Sounds of Oakland, California, and Beyond appeared first on 24Hip-Hop.
