From early releases such as
Merceless (2004) through the Sav It Out series (2007-2014) and Game Gifted (2018), imposing rapper
Big Tone has been a proponent of the alternately relaxed and combative funk-fueled style he and his fellow Bay Area natives call mob music.
The Antioch native launched his recording career and the Sav It Out label in 2004 with
Merceless, which effectively established his steadfast twist on the regional style with
Woodie,
the Jacka, and Husulah among the contributors. He launched a series of compilations entitled Sav It Out in 2007, the same year
Woodie -- his beloved mentor -- died tragically. Since then,
Tone has remained motivated creatively by the loss, putting together numerous additional Sav It Out compilations while adding to his solo discography with full-lengths such as 2013's
Mind of a Hustla, Heart of a G' and the 2018 releases Stuck in My Wayz and Game Gifted. Virtually every major Bay Area figure, including Too Short,
B-Legit,
E-40, and
Mac Mall, has been featured on his tracks. ~ Andy Kellman