The Jacka

Dominick Newton, better known by his stage name The Jacka, was an influential American rapper from Pittsburg, California. Born on August 12, 1977, he began his career as a member of the rap group Mob Figaz, gaining prominence in the West Coast hip hop scene.

Growing up in a challenging environment, Newton became the family breadwinner as a teenager, ultimately leading to a year in prison at age 18. Converting to Islam at a young age, he changed his name to Shaheed Akbar. His career took off when Newton and his friends were approached by established rapper C-Bo in a record store, leading to a recording session and a feature on C-Bo’s 1998 album Til My Casket Drops.

The Jacka’s debut solo album, The Jacka of the Mob Figaz, was released in 2001, selling over 30,000 units independently. He continued to release numerous albums and mixtapes throughout his career, including The Jack Artist (2005), Tear Gas (2009), and Flight Risk (2011). The Jacka was also known for his collaborations with artists like Berner, Ampichino, and Freeway.

Tragically, on February 2, 2015, The Jacka was fatally shot in Oakland, California, leaving the murder unsolved. His legacy continues to influence the West Coast hip hop scene, with a posthumous album, Murder Weapon, released in 2020.