If you don't know Amplive, it's probably time to up your Bay Area music game. And luckily we're here to help.

In addition to being one of the most respected hip hop producers in the Bay, over the last few years Amp, the production half of Oakland hip hop saviors Zion 1, has donned his beat miner's helmet and spent time deep spelunking through the musical caves into the lands of house, 2 step, dance, electro, mashups and drum 'n bass.

The result is an eclectic musical signature that's signed off on everything from "America's Next Top Model" and the Courtney Cox vehicle "Dirt" to remixes of tracks by Goapele, a tribute song for Oscar Grant featuring Mistah FAB and Jennifer Johns, and a brilliant reworking of Radiohead's In Rainbows LP.

The latest sonic adventure is a collab with the musical daredevils from Why?, the kinda pop, kinda rock, kinda psychedelic trio led by Bay Area alt hip hopper Yoni Wolf. The remix ups the tempo, nixxing the original Ben Folds Five type piano contemplations in favor of a bubbly indie pop beat. You can check out the original track on Why's Myspace page.

Black Purse-Why (Amp Live Remix)  by  Boothism

But the remix action doesn't stop with just one song. In preparation for the release of his latest project later this year, Amplive remixed Why's entire new "Eskimo Snow" into the slightly off kilter "One Dark Eskimo" (download link). 

The Amplive LP 'Murder at the Discotech.' to drop in March. And keep up with the artist on his website.

Music Monday is our weekly series highlighting Oakland's diverse music community.  Soul, Indie, Hip Hop, Classical, Electronic-If you're an Oakland based musician we want to hear from you.  We'll be highlighting our songs every week.  Send us your tracks, bio and contact info.  You can also drop music into our Sound Cloud account.