48 Hills editors and writers are highlighting their favorite people and things of 2025. Vote now for your own favorites in our 51st Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll! And join us October 22, 6pm-9pm, at El Rio for the 48 Hills Annual Community Gala to party with the winners and celebrate the independent spirit of the Bay Area.

Three-time Grammy winner Fantastic Negrito excavates his life story and owns its truth on his 2024 album, Son of a Broken Man. Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, the singer-songwriter became a distinguished music producer in 2023 by launching his Storefront Records label, remarkably ushering in a new era in his work.

Having achieved instant notice as winner of the first-ever NPR Tiny Desk Contest in 2015, he stacked up awards, recorded acclaimed albums, and performed aroun

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