Oakland, known as “The Town” in local parlance, is often defined by its differences from San Francisco across the bay. But the city — birthplace of the Black Panther movement — is a bubbling caldron of creative energy worth exploring on its own. Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, better known as Fantastic Negrito, is an Oakland-based musician who sees himself as a bridge between Oakland’s past and present. From the early days of hip-hop and punk to the city’s current gentrification, he is a true believer in the city’s intoxicating energy.

“Oakland is amazing, and it’s tragic. I remember the day that the crack epidemic hit. But that dark energy gave rise to a great music and art movement.”