Nef the Pharaoh returns with 'Vallejo Playa'

Nef the Pharaoh is an artist molded by Bay Area hip-hop culture. One of his uncles was a member of the Vallejo rap group Funky Azteks, he counts E-40 and Mistah FAB as trusted early mentors, and Johnny Ca$h, the late Richmond rapper, gave him his nickname "Chang Chang."

"I really try to do it all," Nef says. "Even though being from the Bay Area and having the culture, that's just one layer to the cake. I really love hip-hop, period."

While it's been nearly 10 years since the viral hit song "Big Tymin" was released, his new album Vallejo Playa proves he's still capable of reaching new heights. And though the theme of the album is meant to provide listeners with a mature and relaxed "playa" vibe, the journey to get to this point was not easy for the Vallejo rapper.

At 29 years old, Nef has navigated a tumultuous journey filled with both artistic growth and profound personal loss. He's dealt with the complexities of life as an independent artist, while grappling with the devastating losses of close loved ones—a best friend, as well as his own sister and nephew, were all murdered in Vallejo. For Nef, the series of events culminated in what felt like a mental breakdown, forcing him to step back and reevaluate his life.

"I had to just relearn me," Nef says. "I took time to myself, and came back at it. I'm confident about life in general."

Part of Nef's process for persevering through devastating challenges has involved identifying healthy tools to deal with them versus looking for ways to numb the pain.

"My coping mechanisms for dealing with life challenges right now is just exercising, loving yourself and getting through it," Nef says. "You don't have to numb yourself to actually get through it. Because you'll learn things by going through the emotions. When you numb the pain and run away from these emotions, you will never know what it's like until it all hits you at one time, and then that might be too late, where you might want to do something to yourself or somebody around you."

Rejuvenated by taking time for introspection, he emerged with a renewed sense of confidence and appreciation for life, embracing the love for his children and the positive influences in their surroundings.

"My mind is clear as hell. I'm in the gym. I'm in my kids' life," he says. "Every day we go outside and we train our dogs and take them on walks."

Despite his early success, Nef experienced a temporary period of not enjoying the music industry. After an enlightening conversation with Mistah FAB, he began to craft the idea for a new album.

"He was like, 'Man, you gotta get back to having fun. You're my playa patna. We the playa patnas.'"

Vallejo Playa is flush with Bay Area features. Fellow Vallejo native LaRussell makes an appearance on the track "So Many Bars," and East Oakland singer Shanté appears on the smooth song "Sade." Oakland lo-fi rapper Seiji Oda sneaks in and spits a Mac Dre-influenced verse on "The One."

Unsurprisingly, Bay Area producers shine bright on the project as well. The Whoadees with Carter Boy serve as key contributors to the project. Oakland producer Oli's Plan provides a banger on the song "Haven Court," a nod to the Bay Area-based streetwear brand.

Nef's creative process when recording albums is unique because he's not just picking beats then going to the booth and recording. He and his team of trusted collaborators often whiteboard ideas and themes to identify a sound that supports and curates the mood and atmosphere they're trying to visualize.

"When I made this album, I pictured all age groups slappin' this," Nef says. "But I really envisioned my OGs riding around the Bay Area."

Nef fans can expect even more music from the young veteran very soon. As a matter of fact, his next album is already recorded. The Church of Chang is scheduled for release in January.