On the evening of February 2, 2015, the Bay Area was saddened and lost one of it’s own. Dominic Newton, also known as Shaheed Akbar, but better known as The Jacka lost his life. Coming out of Pittsburg, CA, rapper the Jacka was influenced by local heroes C-Bo, Mac Dre, and Too Short. He launched his career in the late ’90s as a member of the Mob Figaz, their first album, C-Bo’s Mob Figaz, was released in 1999. Jacka’s first solo release, Jacka of the Mob Figaz, was released in 2001. Though great support came from the Bay Area, sixty percent of Jacka’s sales came from outside of California. In 2005 The Jacka released his second solo album “The Jack Artist” and in 2009 the Jacka came out with his third solo album “Tear Gas”. His most recent release was at the end of 2014, a collaboration with Philly Rapper Freeway called “Highway Robbery” Known both locally in the Bay Area as well as Worldwide- The Jacka will be missed, however, he will live on forever through his music. Rest in Paradise.
Check out this special tribute mix to The Jacka.
