Date and Time
- Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 7:30pm - 9pm
Location
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission St
Details
One of the true legends of Bay Area rap, Cellski has spent three decades perfecting a uniquely forceful, provocative, unforgettable sound. As an MC, he has constructed harrowing reports of life in San Francisco, a sticky web of nerve, daring, and lawlessness. As a producer, he has shaped the Bay Area sound, blending barking drums with wavy synths to create a mood that feels adrenalized and at ease at the same time. Cellski’s tone is unmistakable—a composed, unflinching provocation.
Since releasing his groundbreaking cassette Inner City Life in 1992, Cellski has appeared on more than 100 records, including collaborations with Master P, E-40, Cougnut, and Lil Flip. This year marks both the 30th anniversary of Cellski’s debut LP Mr. Predicter and the release of his 18th album, Futuristic Tweaks. No review of 1990s Bay Area creativity would be complete without his voice.
Cellski will be joined by DJ TC, whose 35-year long career includes production credits for Dre Dog, Rappin 4-Tay, and Totally Insane.
Downtown First Thursday includes gallery access from 5-9pm. Performance begins at 7:30pm in the YBCA Forum.
This event is part of the programming for the exhibition Bay Area Then. Music programming is conceived by Chris Johanson and Ethan Swan.
