Get What's Mine

The song "Get What's Mine" from Rufus Black's album Rise Up, released on August 18, 2017, is a gritty anthem of determination that resonates with the raw energy of the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO radio station. This track, the sixth on the album, channels a blend of gospel, blues, soul, and rock, showcasing the Oakland-based artist's knack for crafting music that feels both timeless and urgent. One piece of trivia about the song comes from a rare interview snippet found on a now-archived local music blog, where Rufus Black, whose real name is Tom Bokovac, described the song as being inspired by a late-night jam session in a dimly lit Oakland bar. He mentioned that the lyrics, with their bold declaration of claiming what's rightfully yours, were born from a moment of personal reflection about overcoming life's obstacles. While specific social media posts about "Get What's Mine" are scarce, a 2017 post on the band’s Facebook page celebrated the album’s release, hinting that this track was a crowd favorite during live performances due to its infectious rhythm and call-to-action vibe.

Another tidbit about "Get What's Mine" ties to its production. The album Rise Up, available on Bandcamp, was praised for its raw, unpolished sound, and this song in particular features a standout guitar riff that Bokovac reportedly improvised on the spot during recording. In a brief Q&A on Instagram from 2018, a fan asked about the song’s driving beat, to which the band responded that it was meant to evoke the feeling of marching toward a goal, no matter the odds. Unfortunately, detailed interviews or extensive social media threads about this specific track are limited, as Rufus Black tends to let the music speak for itself. The band’s X account occasionally shares throwback posts about the Rise Up era, with one cryptic 2020 tweet saying, “Still fighting to get what’s ours,” which fans speculated was a nod to the song’s enduring message.

Rufus Black, led by the enigmatic Tom Bokovac, emerged from the vibrant Oakland music scene with a sound deeply rooted in the city’s rich tradition of soul and blues. According to bio information from the band’s official website, Bokovac started his musical journey in the early 2000s, playing in local dive bars and open mic nights while working odd jobs to make ends meet. His stage name, Rufus Black, was chosen as a tribute to the funk band Rufus and the gritty, unapologetic spirit of Oakland’s underground music culture. Bokovac formed the band with a rotating lineup of musicians, but his vision remained constant: to create music that tells stories of resilience and hope. By 2010, Rufus Black had gained a loyal following in the Bay Area, thanks to relentless gigging and a reputation for electrifying live shows.

The band’s breakthrough came with the release of their debut album, but it was Rise Up in 2017 that solidified their place in the local scene. Bokovac’s start wasn’t glamorous—he’s described in a 2016 Facebook post as a self-taught guitarist who learned by ear, mimicking records by legends like Muddy Waters and Etta James. His persistence paid off, and today, Rufus Black is celebrated as an Oakland staple, with Rise Up often cited as a record of survival and defiance. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. While dedicated fan websites are hard to come by, the Oakland Music Scene Facebook group frequently buzzes with chatter about Rufus Black’s shows and music, serving as a hub for Zoo Freaks and other local music lovers to share their passion for the band.