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Interview: Davey D on HipHop and Politics

Davey D is a self described HipHop historian and journalist. I originally reached out to Davey to get his take on several subjects I had in mind. What resulted is a compelling historical account of the development of HipHop culture and the role politics has played in cultivating and inspiring the movement as well as corrupting and exploiting it. In many ways the story of HipHop mirrors the cultural and social debates and trends of the United States of America these past 40 years. In this interview Davey D provides a rare and unique testimony from a HipHop head that was born, grew up, learned and changed along with the culture we all love, claim and battle over. Continue reading → Interview: Davey D on HipHop and Politics

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Interview: Soul Khan’s Psalm EP

Last December I caught up with Soul Khan on the release date of his latest project, the Psalm EP. Tune in to check out the inspiration for his recent work. SK spits an ode about his love for the women in his life on the EP’s first single, “Not Like Them,” and kicks a little game about why the women in our lives need a little more respect.

Not Like That

The Machine

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Interview: Drique London

I recently got on the call with NC lyricist Drique London. The Queens influenced artist described the variety of funk out in his home city Raleigh and the new EP Payton & Kemp. The project is mostly backed by U’Nique Music’s smooth soulful beats, giving you a glimpse into the rapper’s background and influences. Check the interview and here Drique’s take on the state of HipHop and more. Peace!!!!

Download the Payton and Kemp EP

Interview:

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Interview: Dave Zirin

I recently caught up with sports journalist Dave Zirin on the week of his latest released book, Game Over: How Politics has Turned the Sports World Upside Down. He’s the sports editor for The Nation, runs his own blog Edge of Sports, in addition to his many books about the politics of Muhammad Ali and John Carlos, and a ton of other topics where “sports and politics collide.” What I attempt to do on my show is an intersection of HipHop and politics so I asked Dave Zirin about how HipHop has influenced his career. He answered by telling me stories of seeing Common perform in the Chi in 1994, kickin it on the block with Tribe and the legacy of political and social defiance. The new book looks at how our favorite sports teams are the mask that disguises some crazy political corruption and deceit. Check this interview then cop the new book, Game Over.

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Interview: Soul Khan, Wellstone EP

My first convo with Soul Khan has been collecting dust and realized I better throw it up here. Last March we spoke on the release day of his EP Welstone, named after the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, who was an icon to many for his progressive politics and solidarity with working class people.

On December 11th 2012 Khan’s new EP, Psalm, is set to drop. I’ll be speaking to him about it on my show that same day (and I’ll be sure to get the interview up here son after). For now, check out this interview and go download the Wellstone EP!

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Interview: Homeboy Sandman

If you already know of Homeboy Sandman, then you know about his unique, kinda strange personality. You know about the funny ways he describes everyday life. You know about his diverse repertoire of flows. And you may know that some of the dopest flows homie has ever kicked weren’t even on a record: they were for Huffington Post. That’s right, Homeboy can mix it up with the best journalists and public intellectuals in the biz too.

In this interview, the NYC lyricist discussed his Pop’s unique career paths, switching from skilled boxer to successful lawyer and how that influenced his life. I also ask him about issues like this, this and this, which Homeboy has written about for Huffington Post. Sandman really dropped some jewels on this one, putting his unique perspective on issues like politics, trends in popular HipHop and more. Be warned, this shit is definitely Bigger Than…

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Interview: Brother Ali

Last week Brother Ali dropped his new album Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color. This project is one of those landmark protest albums of HipHop. In my recent interview with Ali, we discuss Kendrick Lamar, the pro’s and con’s of voting, the necessity of civic engagement, the state of America, and basically what makes ya big brethren tick. Check it out!

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Video: Reks- Bang Bang

Reks and Numonics’ Rebelutionary album is one of the great social commentaries in HipHop history. Even better, these fellas bring the content to you in grand fashion. The beats and flows still BANG. BANG! Numonics blessed this project with killer samples, heavy drums, gritty guitar riffs and powerfully smooth horns while Reks’ flows keep you on the rewind button to create some of the most addicting tracks of the year,. The duo team up with Miami native J NICs on this BANGer, literally.