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Ray Ryda

Ray Ryda is a rapper, mentor, and community organizer from East Oakland, CA.

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Urban Peace Movement

Culture Keeper Bio

Ray Ryda is from East Oakland, one half of the legendary hip-hop duo The DIRTY MACKIN Boyz, honoring the legacy of his late brother Elliott “El Nenyo Brown” Noble. Performing since the age of four, Ray Ryda’s lifelong mission has been to lead with love, growth, and tenacity as reflected in what DIRTY MACKIN stands for — “Divine Inspiration Resurrected Through Youth, Masters of Art Communication Knowledge and Network.” His videography captures the spirit of resilience and community, featuring Bay Area icons like Mistah F.A.B. and LaRussell. In addition to being a rapper and mentor, he is also a community organizer,  committed to uplifting others and creating platforms for authentic self-expression.

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Related Stories

Ray Ryda’s Hood Ministry, An Origin Story

Ray Ryda walks into Oakland’s Souley Vegan restaurant–six foot two and lanky, a plush forest green jacket, bright jewelry, and glasses adorned in gold. He carries with him...

ByPendarvis Harshaw

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Related Stories

Ray Ryda’s Hood Ministry, An Origin Story

Ray Ryda walks into Oakland’s Souley Vegan restaurant–six foot two and lanky, a plush forest green jacket, bright jewelry, and glasses adorned in gold. He carries with him...

ByPendarvis Harshaw

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Project Highlights

Ray Ryda’s Hood Ministry, An Origin Story

Ray Ryda walks into Oakland’s Souley Vegan restaurant–six foot two and lanky, a plush forest green jacket, bright jewelr...

Read

Time Traveling with Eryn Kimura

When I spend time with someone who was also born and raised in San Francisco, also calls it Frisco, and also grew up in...

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The Power of a Change In Perspective

Don’t underestimate the power of a change in perspective. Simply rephrasing the question “why did this happen to me?” to...

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San Francisco Hyphy Lil’ Mami

In a city constantly being rebranded and resold, La Doña remains one of its truest storytellers.  For Cecilia Cassa...

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The Medicine Is In The Laughter

In April of 2025, just days after her 40th birthday, Jackie Keliiaa stood on stage at Chico State University’s Laxson Au...

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Tosha Stimage — In memoriam

Tosha Stimage is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of SAINT FLORA, living in Oakland, CA.

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The Culture Keepers exists because the artists,culture keepers, and cultural organizations who sustain the Bay Area’s soul deserve to be seen and supported at the scale of their impact. In service to the cultural sector, we uplift the role of artists and culture keepers in making the Bay Area and our world a place we want to live and thrive in.

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