The Bay Area has long been a hub for cultural and musical innovation, fostering movements that have reverberated beyond the region. From the pioneering days of funk to the explosive energy of the hyphy movement, this part of California has consistently produced sounds that defy conventions. Now, a new genre is emerging from the Bay Area’s rich musical soil: RnBay. At the forefront of this genre are The Brodies—a dynamic trio consisting of Sonny B. and Chris Ramos from CRSB, and platinum recording artist Adrian Marcel. Together, they are redefining what it means to fuse music, culture, and community, blending the soulful melodies of R&B with the bass-heavy, high-energy pulse of Bay Area hyphy culture. And with their innovative sound, they are not just representing the Bay—they’re ready to take over the world.
The Birth of RnBay: A New Genre with Deep Roots
RnBay is more than just another genre label; it’s a true fusion of sound and experience, uniquely tied to the identity of the Bay Area. A harmonious blend of classic R&B rhythms and melodies with the infectious, driving beats of hyphy, this new genre encapsulates the spirit of a place where diversity is not just present but celebrated. The Bay’s multiculturalism is reflected in every note of RnBay, resulting in a genre that is both deeply familiar and refreshingly original.
For Sonny B. and Chris Ramos, the journey to creating RnBay began years before they knew it would become a genre-defining sound. As the creative minds behind CRSB, they’ve spent over a decade honing their craft. Known for hits like “You & I,” “The Breakup Song,” and “Give It Up,” the Vallejo natives built a loyal, multigenerational fanbase with their signature blend of island rhythms and contemporary beats. Their innovative use of ukulele-driven melodies, paired with modern production techniques, laid the foundation for what would eventually evolve into RnBay.
In 2020, CRSB joined forces with Adrian Marcel, the smooth and soulful R&B vocalist from East Oakland. Marcel, who achieved widespread recognition with his hit single “2 AM,” which garnered over 93 million views on YouTube, brought a sultry, hypnotic vocal quality to the collaboration. Marcel’s ability to channel the rich history of R&B, combined with CRSB’s island influence and the Bay’s hyphy beats, created something new—something uniquely Bay Area, but meant for audiences far beyond.
“RnBay is a new genre created from the soil and roots of the Bay Area. Nowhere else can you get a blend of traditional R&B and hyphy culture, elevated all in one and blended so perfectly,” The Brodies explained. Their sound is a product of their environment—edgy, innovative, and steeped in the authenticity that comes from creating music rooted in both personal and collective identity.
A Cultural Melting Pot: The Bay Area’s Influence
The Brodies’ music is a direct reflection of the Bay Area’s cultural melting pot. With roots that trace back to the Islands, CRSB’s Sonny B. and Chris Ramos bring a reggae and roots-rock-island sensibility to their music. The laid-back rhythms of their island heritage blend seamlessly with the Bay’s hip-hop and hyphy influences, resulting in a sound that is both chill and electric. Adrian Marcel, with his silky-smooth R&B delivery, elevates the mix, adding a layer of sophistication and soul to the high-energy beats that characterize their music.
What makes RnBay stand out is its ability to resonate with a wide range of listeners. It is music that speaks to people across generations, offering something both nostalgic and new. For fans of traditional R&B, the rich melodies and soulful vocals are instantly recognizable. For those who grew up on the energy of hyphy, the pounding bass and frenetic rhythms are unmistakable. The Brodies’ music feels like a celebration of the Bay Area’s cultural diversity—a place where sounds, traditions, and influences are constantly converging.
RnBay also reflects the shared experiences of growing up in a place where cultural boundaries are fluid, and creativity is a form of expression and identity. Whether you’re cruising down Telegraph Avenue with the bass turned up or vibing out to a smooth R&B jam, RnBay taps into that quintessential Bay Area experience of unity, diversity, and unapologetic originality.
The Brodies’ Vision: Beyond the Bay
While RnBay is undeniably a product of the Bay Area, The Brodies have their sights set on a global audience. With new singles set to release this November, including Adrian Marcel’s “Slide” and CRSB’s “VACAY” featuring Adrian Marcel, the group is gearing up for a significant breakthrough. A full-length album, RnBay SZN, is slated for release in February 2025, promising more of the genre-defining sound that is already captivating listeners.
But The Brodies are not just content with releasing music—they’re creating a movement. A collaboration with Alegre De Pilipinas International Branding Company and Jewels Empire Entertainment is on the horizon, promising to blend fashion, music, and culture in a way that feels authentic and innovative. The synergy between these two worlds will allow The Brodies to amplify their message and introduce RnBay to new markets across the globe.
For The Brodies, this venture is about more than just entertainment. As Filipino American artists, they are deeply passionate about representation—both for the Bay Area’s hyphy movement and for their cultural heritage. “When we first started creating the genre, it was at the front of our plans to push this sound internationally and be a representation for not only our soil but our culture and other cultures worldwide,” they shared. Their music is a statement of pride in where they come from and a testament to the power of cultural fusion in creating something entirely new.
The Future of RnBay: A Global Movement
With their sights set on global recognition, The Brodies are well-positioned to introduce RnBay to an international audience. The genre is poised to resonate with listeners worldwide, offering something that feels simultaneously familiar and groundbreaking. As they continue to release new music, their ability to fuse R&B, hyphy, and island vibes into a cohesive and captivating sound sets them apart in a crowded musical landscape.
Their upcoming project, RnBay SZN, promises to solidify their place in the industry, with fans eagerly awaiting the album’s release. The Brodies’ unique blend of authenticity, innovation, and cultural pride is what will propel RnBay from a Bay Area sensation to a global movement.
Beyond the music itself, The Brodies are working to create a community around RnBay. They envision a future where their genre inspires new artists, fosters collaborations across cultures, and brings people together through shared experiences. With plans for a worldwide tour and potential cross-cultural collaborations on the horizon, The Brodies are set to take their sound to new heights.
RnBay: A New Genre for a New Generation
As The Brodies continue to develop their sound and build momentum for RnBay, the world is starting to take notice. Their music is more than just a fusion of styles—it’s a representation of the Bay Area’s rich history, its cultural diversity, and its unyielding creativity. With every new release, they are proving that RnBay is not just a local phenomenon but a genre with the potential to captivate audiences around the world.
The future is bright for The Brodies, and their influence is only growing. As they prepare for the release of RnBay SZN and gear up for future collaborations and performances, one thing is clear: RnBay is here to stay, and The Brodies are leading the charge. Their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots sets them apart as pioneers of a genre that will inspire a new generation of artists and fans alike.
Stay Connected
For updates on The Brodies and their upcoming releases, follow them on Instagram:
Stay tuned for their upcoming singles in November and the release of RnBay SZN in 2025.
Published by: Martin De Juan
