DEF-EDucation

Recorded live in Leeds, United Kingdom, during Dr. André Benito Mountain's April 2026 masterclass tour at the Institute for Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), this episode of Out to Lunch with Dr. Paul Nataraj explores Hip Hop as a global cultural movement, educational force, and vehicle for storytelling.

The conversation traces the influence of Gil Scott-Heron and poetry, examines the artistry and social commentary embedded in Hip Hop, and reflects on classic works such as Nas' I Gave You Power. Dr. Mountain also discusses the importance of preserving the culture's authenticity, the vision behind The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, and the growing international connections linking Hip Hop communities across London, Liverpool, Leeds, Lisbon, and beyond.

Listeners will also hear about the award-winning Hip Hop Literacy Laboratory and how Hip Hop continues to inspire new approaches to teaching, learning, and youth development around the world.

Recorded on the campus of the Institute for Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) in Leeds, this conversation offers a unique perspective on Hip Hop's past, present, and future—from the Bronx to the world.

• 10:02 – Gil Scott-Heron and discovering poetry through Hip Hop
• 10:30 – Artistry and message in Hip Hop
• 18:04 – Nas' perspective on I Gave You Power and how Hip Hop reveals lived realities often left unexamined
• 18:47 – The ongoing tension within the culture to remain untethered, unbought, and unboxed
• 26:15 – The vision of The Hip Hop Museum and its role as a global cultural institution
• 36:46 – Connecting globally through Hip Hop, with reflections on London, Liverpool, Leeds, and Lisbon
• 47:55 – The Hip Hop Literacy Laboratory and the role of Hip Hop in education

In this powerful 130-minute conversation, Dr. Andre Benito Mountain sits down with Patrick Bedeau and Debo Amon of Studio Knox to explore the depth and complexity of the Black experience in the United Kingdom.

From the streets of Brixton to the global reach of Hip Hop culture, this episode unpacks the connections between diaspora, identity, and artistic expression. Together, they examine how history—particularly the legacy of the British Empire—continues to shape cultural consciousness, education, and lived experience for Black communities across the UK.

This dialogue moves beyond surface-level conversations about music and culture. Instead, it positions Hip Hop as a global language—one that documents struggle, preserves memory, and creates space for new narratives to emerge. Through reflections on migration, generational identity, and the evolution of UK sound—from grime to drill—the conversation highlights how Black British voices are both rooted in history and actively redefining the future.

Recorded inside Studio Knox, this episode is a meditation on culture, power, and possibility.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Kalonji Jama Changa—founder of the FTP Movement and organizer of the Atlanta Hip Hop compilation Wrath of the Siafu—we unpack the political fallout of the January 6 riots, the dysfunction plaguing American leadership, and the role of art in revolution. Kalonji shares powerful insights on how Hip Hop can serve as both a mirror and a weapon in the struggle for liberation.

This episode is a call to consciousness—where culture, community, and resistance collide.

In this powerful two-part conversation, I sit down with Kalonji Jama Changa—founder of the FTP Movement, community organizer, former educator, and unapologetic freedom fighter. In Part 1, we dig into the intersections of education, music, and the current state of our communities. From the classroom to the streets, Kalonji shares the roots of his activism, the artists and movements that shaped his worldview, and how Hip Hop continues to inform his fight for justice.

This episode is a layered look at what it means to teach, lead, and resist—on your terms.

In this episode of the DEF-EDucation Podcast, I sit down with legendary Hip Hop artist and educator John Robinson, known for his work with MF DOOM, Scienz of Life, and his innovative contributions to Hip Hop Education. We dive into his journey as an artist and educator, exploring his collaboration with J. Rawls—a renowned producer and professor—and their groundbreaking book, Youth Culture Power.Together, we discuss how Hip Hop can transform education, empower students, and bridge the gap between youth culture and academic success. John shares insights from his experience bringing Hip Hop pedagogy into classrooms and the importance of making learning culturally relevant.

In this captivating episode of the DEF-EDucation Podcast, we sit down with Lyrical Faith, an award-winning spoken word artist, doctoral student at UMASS Amherst, and visionary organizer of the upcoming Black Artistic Freedom (Black AF) Conference on February 22, 2025. Lyrical Faith shares her journey as a creative force, blending artistry, academia, and activism to amplify Black voices and champion social justice. We dive into her inspirations, the power of spoken word to inspire change, and her vision for the Black AF Conference as a transformative space for celebrating Black creativity and resistance. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

In Part 2 of our powerful conversation, we continue exploring the journey of Minister Server, a true pioneer in Hip Hop culture and education. Minister Server shares personal stories about his deep connection to the culture, his transformative work in education, and how he's empowering communities through Hip Hop. From preserving the foundational principles of the culture to building bridges between generations, this episode dives into the profound impact of Hip Hop as a tool for education, self-expression, and social change. Tune in to be inspired by Minister Server's wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment to uplift and educate.

In Episode 21 of the DEF-EDucation Podcast, I sit down with Spectac, one-half of the dynamic duo Spectac and Amiri, to explore his journey as an educator and artist. We dive into his musical roots, his creative partnership with Amiri, and their latest project Beautiful Soul, released on IllAdrenaline Records. Hailing from South Carolina, Spectac shares insights on his signature sound and offers practical strategies for using Hip Hop to engage students and enrich the learning experience. This two-part conversation kicks off the 2025 series, featuring thought-provoking discussions with educators, artists, and activists dedicated to transforming communities through education and a deep connection to Hip Hop culture.