Oakland’s genre-bending neo-soul hip-hop band blending authentic lyricism with live instrumentation

Skinny Hendrixx & The Earthtones is a genre-bending neo-soul and hip-hop ensemble built around the vision of Oakland-based artist Skinny Hendrixx. A hip-hop MC since 2003, Skinny grew up immersed in hip-hop while carrying a deep love for live instrumentation, soul, jazz, and funk. After years of writing and performing over tracks and making guest appearances with bands across the Bay Area, he set out to build a project that could fully unite lyrical hip-hop with the power and nuance of a live ensemble. The result is The Earthtones: a band that brings storytelling, musicianship, and groove into the same space.

At the heart of the music is honest, emotionally grounded lyricism. Skinny’s songs explore life experience in all its complexity, touching on growth, healing, addiction, love, loss, reconciliation, and self-empowerment, often balanced with humor and sharp wordplay. These narratives are carried by a richly textured band sound that draws from neo-soul, hip-hop, jazz, funk, and Latin influences without being confined to any single genre.

Rooted in Oakland, the band reflects the city’s role as the cultural and political heartbeat of the Bay Area. Its history of activism, diversity, and creative independence runs through everything The Earthtones do, from the way they write to the way they perform. Onstage, the group creates immersive, emotionally resonant shows that move fluidly between moments of reflection and celebration. Their performances are known for elite-level musicianship, dynamic arrangements, and powerful solos that elevate each song into a full experience.

Beyond their own set, Skinny Hendrixx & The Earthtones are also known for fostering community through live music, frequently hosting jam sessions that invite local vocalists, lyricists, and instrumentalists into loosely structured, improvisational collaborations. Whether in a packed club, a festival field, or an intimate room, the band leaves audiences feeling connected, energized, and part of something real.