Walk past the clubs on South First Street in downtown San Jose and loud music slaps you like a sharp wave. It's not just any type of music — it's hyphy. Five years ago, it would have been hard to believe that music which involves the use of ecstasy would be successful. Yet, hyphy is taking over, leaving some wondering what this new music genre entails, and how it affects the Bay Area's reputation.
Hyphy started out full of energy and rapping. It is often played on radio stations, like Wild 94.9 and has become its own subculture.
The phrase hyphy was coined when Keak Da Sneak, a popular Oakland rapper, shortened hyperactive into hyphy. Hyphy music provokes crazy, high-energy dancing which is done with rhythm and style.
Walk down the street and you hear a ring tone of The Federation's tune "I Wear My Stunna' Glasses at Night," a popular song that samples the Corey Hart song "I Wear My Sunglasses at Night." In hyphy culture, it is common to wear Stunna' Glasses –are round glasses that often cover a large portion of the face.
At Taste nightclub in San Jose, and you're sure to hear the beat and rhythm of "Tell Me When to Go," one of many unofficial anthems by Keak Da Sneak and E-40. Even hyphywear — baggy, colorful clothes adorned with symbols that reference the Bay Area, has sprung up in local malls.
Many Bay Area stores have adapted to the Hyphy Movement and started stocking clothes and music that are popular. Allen Murphy, a worker at F.Y.E Music and Movies at Eastridge Mall in San Jose, said hyphy music is popular in sales. "Hyphy comes up pretty commonly. Even if not buying, then at least asking," said Murphy.
Deejays around the Bay Area constantly receive requests for hyphy music. Local San Jose deejay Julian Hernandez, or "DJ Play," loves hyphy because "[You Can] do whatever you want. It's cool, fool."
Hyphy has been here for some time, but only in the past two years has it gained momentum from fans all over. For the first time in this generation, the Bay Area is slowly becoming pervasive into homes all over the nation, due in part to the hyphy phenomenon. The hyphy movement is much discussed among today's youth, and its artists take pride in spreading the word and promoting its geographic origins.
One of the pivotal aspects of the hyphy movement are the fans. There are dedicated hyphy promoters like Elisa Torate, founder of the Facebook group "The Pursuit of Hyphyness." When asked why hyphy appeals to her and the 120 members of the group, she said "We do it for fun, because we love everything hyphy-related."
Hyphy is often known for derogatory terms. The phrase "Ride the Yellow Bus," a reference to special education kids who take the bus to school, is an example of the sometimes derogatory and demeaning aspects of hyphy culture.
Regardless of negatives associated with hyphy music, it is undeniable that it has put the Bay Area on the hip-hop map. Warren Hurts, a dancer who appeared in such popular hyphy videos like "Tell Me When To Go" and "Vans" by The Pack, likes to go hyphy anywhere and anytime.
"I can [dance to hyphy] all the time. I went to New York, and they had hyphy music there," he said.
Hyphy music is not valued for the song lyrics as much as the dancing and energy involved. At Eastridge Mall in San Jose, a woman in her early 20s who referred to herself only as "Peanut," associated hyphy with clubbing.
"If I'm going to a club, then I like hyphy music. [Also] if you're hella' drunk or high," she said.
Many people listen to hyphy music mainly because of the lifestyle attached. The music is popular to dance to and often provokes acts that are mentioned in songs and music videos. One example is "ghost riding the whip", which is when you put your car into neutral and walk outside while your car is still driving.
Hyphy music has gained a lot of resistance over the years. Many are perplexed that a culture focused around drugs, alcohol, and sex could become so important. It is questionable if the Bay Area even wants to be associated with hyphy music.
Arianna Toscanno, an 18-year-old who attends De Anza College, predicts that the hyphy music will last only two to three years. "Hyphy movement is temporary. I think it all sounds the same," said Toscanno.
Hyphy has grown through the years from just music to a complete culture. Hate it or love it, either way it's part of Bay Area youth culture.