Oakland native and 2017 Grammy nominee Fantastic Negrito chats with Mornings On KFOG to discuss the tragic Oakland warehouse fire and how it will impact the local music community.

Fantastic Negrito was busking at a BART station 2 years ago. Now, he’s going to the Grammy’s. With Bay Area artist collectives close to his heart, he says:

(They) give an opportunity for artists who are really trying to do something that’s interesting, something that’s contributing, and something that’s vibrant and original. It gives them a platform…I feel like they are extremely important. Fantastic Negrito would not be Grammy nominated or talking to you today if I did not join a collective. It saved my life.

He continues on to say that the Bay Area, as one of the most expensive places to live in the country, needs places for its culture and arts to flourish.

Like Fantastic Negrito, our hearts go out to all the loved ones lost in this devasting fire. If you’d like updates on how you can help the community, follow Fantastic Negrito at @MusicNegrito on Twitter.

Best Contemporary Blues Album Grammy Nominees

“The Last Days of Oakland” — Fantastic Negrito

“Love Wins Again” — Janiva Magness

“Bloodline” — Kenny Neal

“Give It Back to You” — The Record Company

“Everybody Wants a Piece” — Joe Louis Walker

Feature photo cred: “Fantastic Negrito” by kingArthur_aus/via Flickr