Saturday, October 18 | 8 PM | $10 | Elbo Room Jack London, Oakland, CA | 21+

When the speakers hum and the turntables spin, you know the Bay is alive. This month, Return of the Emcee XIII touches down once again at Elbo Room Jack London — the heartbeat of Oakland’s underground hip-hop scene — for another unforgettable night of bars, beats, and unity.

Curated by Sonny.SOUF and Know Expressions, this thirteenth installment of the celebrated Bay Area hip-hop series continues to amplify the true voices of the culture. Since its inception nearly two years ago, Return of the Emcee has evolved from a creative concept into a full-fledged community movement — connecting generations, styles, and stories across the Bay’s ever-evolving landscape.

“We combine homegrown artistry with hard-hitting performances,” the organizers say. “Come experience Hip-Hop Culture with live emcees and DJs spinning vinyl sets. Peace.”

The mission remains clear: to uplift, connect, and inspire through the power of authentic, street-rooted artistry. This isn’t a showcase built on hype — it’s a celebration of the craft, the message, and the movement.

🎤 Featured Artists

@equipto_415 – Equipto

A veteran emcee from San Francisco, Equipto first made waves with the legendary underground group Bored Stiff, releasing his solo debut in 1999. His sound remains grounded in foundational hip-hop, driven by an unwavering dedication to his community. Through both his music and activism, Equipto prioritizes cultural preservation — shedding light on stories often overlooked by mainstream media. For decades, he’s proven that staying true to one’s roots is not only possible, but powerful.

@Sonny.SOUF – Sonny.SOUF

A rising force in the Bay Area rap scene, Sonny.SOUF blends street-savvy lyricism with soulful, introspective beats. His flow is distinct — raw yet refined — carving out a lane that’s both relatable and fresh. Drawing from his roots, he crafts stories that balance struggle and triumph, pain and celebration. With each release, Sonny continues to redefine what modern Bay Area hip-hop can sound like: deeply personal, rhythmically sharp, and emotionally resonant.

@KnowExpressions – Know Expressions

A magnetic Spoken Word and Hip-Hop artist, Know Expressions views the mic as a vessel for transformation. For him, hip-hop is more than a genre — it’s a catalyst for change. Through raw and relatable performances, Know delivers authenticity with the intent to uplift, connect, and inspire. Every verse carries weight, every line a purpose, turning lived experience into living poetry.

Mr. Universol

Born and raised in the Bay Area during hip-hop’s “Golden Age,” Mr. Universol developed an expansive love for music that transcends genre. From crate-digging for samples to exploring punk and beyond, his sonic palette reflects both curiosity and craft. Still, his truest passion lies on the 1’s and 2’s — spinning the records that move the crowd and bridge eras. His sets blend nostalgia with innovation, keeping the Bay’s sound alive and in rotation.

@Defkid1 – Defkid1

A dedicated vinyl selector and DJ rooted deeply in Bay Area culture, Defkid1 brings precision and presence to every set. Known for his keen ear and smooth transitions, he curates sonic journeys that pay homage to hip-hop’s golden foundations while spotlighting new energy from the underground. When Defkid1’s behind the decks, expect grooves that shake the floor and connect the crowd — pure hip-hop soul.

@hugomonstah – Hugo Monster

Like the 808 bassline of a classic West Coast record, Hugo Monster makes his presence felt the moment he steps in. Raised in the Bay, Hugo’s story is one of transformation — turning personal struggle into lyrical firepower. He once focused his energy on school and work, but life’s obstacles gave rise to something greater: HugoMonster, the unfiltered rap persona that channels pain into power. His sound stomps through speakers, shattering complacency with every bar — a reminder that resilience always finds a beat.

@Teeluvv – Tee Luvv

With a smooth blend of melody and meaning, TeeLuvv is reshaping the edges of modern hip-hop. Hailing from Pittsburg, California, he fuses lush, velvety vocals with vibrant, introspective lyricism. Each track balances rhythm and reflection, weaving emotional honesty into every note. Quick-witted, adaptable, and deeply expressive, TeeLuvv’s artistry continues to evolve — a sonic testament to growth, balance, and self-expression.

🌆 A Celebration of Bay Area Culture

As Return of the Emcee XIII gears up, the energy in Oakland feels electric. From the DJs spinning wax to the poets with microphones, this event stands as a love letter to the Bay’s rich cultural legacy.

In an era where algorithms and playlists dominate the conversation, Return of the Emcee reminds us that hip-hop lives and breathes in real spaces — where art meets audience, and community meets creation.

So on Saturday, October 18, make your way to Elbo Room Jack London. Pull up for the rhymes, the records, the rhythm — but stay for the energy that only the Bay can bring.

Come support local artists. Come celebrate the craft.
Come be part of the movement.

🗓️ Event Details:
📍 Elbo Room Jack London – Oakland, CA
📅 Saturday, October 18
⏰ 8:00 PM | 21+
💵 $10 Entry
🎙️ Featuring: Equipto, Hugo Monster, TeeLuvv, Sonny.SOUF, Know Expressions, Mr. Universol
🎧 DJs spinning vinyl sets all night

FoldedWaffle.com proudly supports independent music and community events that keep real hip-hop alive.
Let’s keep the speakers loud and the culture thriving. 🧇