The Jacka

Shaheed Akbar, a.k.a. the Jacka (1977-2015), was a street poet, a community hero, and a legendary figure in the Bay Area rap scene. A member of the legendary crew The Mob Figaz, he built a cult following in California and beyond with releases such as The Jack Artist (2005) and Tear Gas (2009). Known for his street wisdom and deep spirituality, the Jacka remained prolific throughout the 2010s, collaborating with the likes of Freeway, Berner, Andre Nickatina, and Ampichino on full-length albums, and releasing several acclaimed albums on his own. In 2015, the Jacka was assassinated by an unknown gunman, but his memory lives on through the love of his fans, family & friends as well as the many tributes paid by his fellow rappers. Now, five years after his passing, the Jacka's team will release Murder Weapon, a brand new album with appearances from the likes of Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y, Berner, and many of his Mob Figaz associates, due February 28th. In June 2009, the Jacka released his 3rd solo, and most highly anticipated album Tear Gas. The album earned new highs for the Jacka on multiple Billboard Charts, reaching #4 on the Rap Albums chart, #12 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, #13 on the Indie Albums chart, and #93 on the Billboard 200 during its first week of release. His final release while alive was a street album entitled, What Happened to the World, released in Dec 2014 & earned an 8.0 score from Pitchfork.