Fremont photographer Sydney Welch has compiled a collection of photos that serve as a highlight reel for the latest wave of talented hip-hop and R&B artists emerging from the Bay Area, including Stunnaman02, LaRussell, Kehlani, P-Lo, Su'Lan, Larry June, and Rexx Life Raj.

Her images are captured at concerts, showing artists rocking the stage or having an intimate moment backstage. She has Polaroid photos taken at parties and magazine-style portraits shot on film.

Most importantly: Sydney's images aren't taken from an outsider perspective. Before becoming a professional photographer, Sydney would attend concerts as a fan of Bay Area hip-hop and R&B.

This week Sydney Welch tells us how she relies on grace to navigate the notoriously treacherous music industry and why she's so passionate about representing the Bay.

Read the transcript.

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