Charles Toby Bowens Liu, Marian. 5867524" target="_blank">Hyphy: That's My Word. _San Jose Mercury News: October 30, 2006 (born October 21, 1979), commonly known by his stage name Keak da Sneak, is a rapper from Oakland, California . At the age of 16 he was known as Z-Kush, but became known as "Keak Da Sneak" at 17, best known for his scratchy, gruff rapping voice and coining the term "hyphy". Reid, Shaheem. block/oakland/news_feature_030506/index2.jhtml" target="_blank">My Block - The Bay (Page 2 of 4). _MTV News: March 5, 2006

Keak is the prince of the superduperhyphyhyphyhyphy… Keak Da Sneak (full name Charles “Kunta” Kinte Bowens commonly referred to as Keak) is a rapper from Oakland, California. At the age of 16 he was known as Z-Kush, but became known as “Keak da Sneak” at 17. He coined the term “hyphy” which has become a popular style of rap music and lifestyle in the Bay Area. Keak largely produces the original versions of the beats used in his songs, noting that he writes a song, lyrics and instru