THE LEGEND
Legends Never Fade. A Lasting Tribute from the Bay and across the world. Jack’s words still echo in headphones, street corners, and souls. Fans keep his memory alive – streaming his music, sharing lyrics, murals & art, music, tattoos, events and stories told.
LEGACY & IMPACT
Celebrated as a “rapper’s rapper” – a talented storyteller whose lyrics balanced gritty street narratives with uplifting moral and spiritual insight.
The Jacka launched The Artist Records, working relentlessly, dropping over a dozen solo albums and hundreds of features.
His influence spans generations – form Bay Area artists like Mistah FAB, Freddie Gibbs, E-40 and Mac Dre, to up-and-coming youth he mentored.
Early Life
Born Dominick Newton on August 12, 1977, in Phoenix, AZ, the Jacka grew up in Pittsburg, CA where he formed lifelong bonds in the community.
Born to young parents who had their own challenges, Jacka had to raise himself. He grew up fast, relying on the streets to survive. Obstacles he faced shaped his hustler mentality, survival skills, and eventually the voice he brought into his music.
Discovering Music & Forming Bonds
The Jacka met future collaborators RobLo and Husalah in middle school, early recording sessions began.
Passionate about music since a young age – waking RobLo at 6 AM to record for hours. Jacka was a strong athlete too. The Jacka played football and basketball, surprising people with is speed.
Mob Figaz & Solo Rise
Jacka co-founded the group Mob Figaz in the late 90s, releasing C-Bo’s Mob Figaz (1999), which hit #63 on Billboard and sold over 160K units independently.
He began his solo career in 2001 with the Jacka of the Mob Figaz. In 2005, The Jack Artist solidified his style and message.
Prolific output followed: Tear Gas (2009), Flight Risk (2011), The Verdict (2012), What Happened to the World (2014), plus numerous mixtapes, collab albums, and guest appearances.
Faith & Influence
The Jacka converted to Islam, adopting the name Shaheed Akbar; faith became central in his lyrics and life approach.
The jacka was deeply committed to his community mentoring youth at after-school programs, spoke at violence prevention events, and remained a humble presences til his last days.
“I needed some kind of balance … Islam was perfect for me. It ain’t nothing different than Christianity, we all believe in Jesus, we all believe in God…
Islam really helped me balance out who I am. Cuz if I can go all day without making Salaat or asking for forgiveness or giving thanks, you know, I would probably be a lunatic. So that’s what gave me balance.”
Final Days & Lasting Tribute
On February 2, 2015, at 37 years old, the Jack’s life was cut short in East Oakland. His passing deeply affected many, leaving an indelible mark on the community and the music world.
Across Oakland, candles, memorials, and tributes lit up the streets as fans, friends, and fellow artists came together to remember a man who was, above all, genuine, loyal, and giving.
The Jack is survived by seven kids (Ajon, Kalayah, Kazi, Kuron, Lianna, Jazmyn, and Nazareth, his mother, two sisters and brother.
“I really just try to breathe life into this rap shit and give people a breath of fresh air…”
“I didn’t realize what I was doing, but once I realized, I was like ‘this is a gift, let me do this the right way.’
I don’t gotta rush nothing, I don’t have to be impatient. Because when you have a gift with something, it’s a blessing. You just use it. You don’t have to do anything drastic, because it’s in you. People told me what it was, and I just stuck with it.”
“Whatever you do, make mothafuckas love you, man. Don’t ever be no corny ass mothafucka, and always make sure mothafuckas love you”