Thread by @antwyd, Been thinking a lot lately about how similar Detroit and Oakland CA [...]

Been thinking a lot lately about how similar Detroit and Oakland CA are despite being over 2000 miles apart. So I did a lil research to figure out why.

Both cities were destinations for African American families during the Great Migration (1915-1970), which was a huge demographic shift where millions of AA’s moved north and west to escape from poor economic conditions and racism upheld by Jim Crow laws in the South

For those unfamiliar, both cities consistently show a lot of love for each other, and the cities’ Black communities have been sources of cultural influence (though Oakland’s Black community has been steadily declining due to urban planning decisions and gentrification).

African American cultural impact is evident through the food, language (dialect/accent/slang), fashion, the arts, and music especially of many American cities, including Oakland and Detroit.

The success of Motown Records and the creation of techno music put Detroit at the forefront of America’s music scene. But Oakland CA was known as “the Harlem of the West” for its jazz and blues scene in the 1950s. But today it’s rap that dominates the music scene in both cities.

In the Bay, cars pass by all the time slapping West Coast rap and Detroit rap, all on the same playlist. It makes sense, as the sound from both cities share a lot of similarities.

The start of this relationship is credited to MC Breed from Michigan who worked with popular west coast artists such as 2Pac and Too Short. His song “Gotta Get Mine” feat. 2Pac peaked at #6 on the Hot Rap Singles chart in ‘93.

There’s also a strong similarity between more modern rap acts such as Detroit’s Bandgang and the Bay’s SOB x RBE. The source I found goes into even more detail with other artists.

(Source) http://thebaybridged.com/2018/04/24/hip-hop-harmony-surprising-connection-bay-detroit/

Instead of focusing on topping the rap charts, artists in these cities focus on being unique and staying true to their sound. And because it’s so similar, it’s no surprise that these cities share such a close relationship through hip hop music.

Another connection is thru sports. The Oakland Raiders in the 70s and 80s were the “bad boys” of the NFL, having some of the toughest/meanest players in NFL history. Al Davis, the owner of the Raiders at the time, took pride in his team’s image and butted heads w NFL execs.

In the late 80s when Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boys Pistons came on the scene. They also embraced that role as villains in the NBA. Davis had Raiders gear sent out to Pistons players, who wore caps and shirts during practice and pre-game warmups. Fans quickly took notice.

NBA sprung on this marketing opportunity to create this Detroit Bad Boys logo that paid homage to Davis and the Oakland Raiders through its silver and black color scheme and the skull and crossbones logo. Fans loved it and it was popular especially among Detroit youth.

The bad boys name and logo became a signature mark for one of the greatest (and toughest) teams in NBA history. It’s likely that Pistons fans grew more connected to Oakland CA.

(Source) https://www.vintagedetroit.com/blog/2016/04/27/how-the-detroit-pistons-came-to-be-known-as-the-bad-boys/

Another possible connection is the influence of Oakland drug kingpin Felix Mitchell who established the “69 Mob” and had business contacts in the Bay, LA, and Detroit until his death in 1986. His drug empire focused primarily on the sale of heroin.

His lavish lifestyle and donations to local youth and community programs made him a local folk hero. A controversial funeral procession, including Rolls Royces, limos, a horse drawn carriage, and a $6k coffin,was held thru Oakland’s streets. Huey P. Newton had attended as well.

Because he was well known in local communities where he maintained business, it’s likely people from both Oakland and Detroit started developing a connection as a result.

(Source) https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/mitchell-felix-wayne-felix-the-cat-1954-1986/

Felix Wayne Mitchell ("Felix the Cat") (1954-1986) •

Felix Wayne Mitchell, also known as Felix the Cat, was a notorious drug kingpin operating in Oakland, California who headed the criminal organization known as the “69 Mob.” Born on August 23, 1954...

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/mitchell-felix-wayne-felix-the-cat-1954-1986/

If there’s anything I missed, please lmk. There’s not really much I found online. This is all based on what I know/ what I could find.

Add-on https://twitter.com/premium_dell/status/1289030158666682369?s=21 https://twitter.com/premium_dell/status/1289030158666682369