Hendo Unplugged

Daygo Fatts jumps on the mic for a chat that digs into his artistry and experiences. The San Diego native talks about where he came from and how he made it big in the rap game, giving credit to the different beats that inspire him, from Brazilian funk to East Coast boom-bap. We talk about the stuff that shaped Daygo's music—like the discipline he learned at sea and personal stories blurring the line between the ocean and being locked up.

Embark on an impactful stroll through San Diego's transformative landscape with Armand King, a visionary leader and once a denizen of the streets, now turned community champion. Amid the echoes of our shared high school past, Armand and I unearth the seismic shifts from his life's darker chapters to the beacon of hope he is today. Uncover the moving family tales and the rise of a new generation in Linda Vista, and witness the evolution of a neighborhood through the eyes of one of its most influential figures. This episode isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a deep exploration of redemption, from the entanglement of criminal justice to the ironies of cannabis legalization. Hear how individuals like Armand have pivoted from troubled backgrounds to spearhead social justice crusades, transforming yesterday's punitive landscapes into today's opportunities for enterprise. We shed light on the critical work being done for at-risk youth, the arts, and the pivotal Cannabis Social Equity Program, all essential threads in the fabric of our community's growth. As we cast our gaze towards the political horizons and the role of activism, a passionate call to action emerges. We dissect the intricacies of cannabis licensing, stressing the urgency for communal support before decisive deadlines. Join us in a discussion that is not just a conversation but a summoning, urging collective engagement for the sake of future generations. It's a time for awareness, solidarity, and steps towards a legacy that will echo through the annals of history.

Join us on an enlightening journey as we welcome Baby Gangsta Ern to the show, where we explore the formidable legacy left by his father, the original Gangsta Ern of San Diego. Listen in as we trace the roots of the city's rap scene and discuss how Gangsta Ern set the stage for artists like Mitchy Slick and Big June, Black Mikey and Dame. We reflect on the era's cultural shifts, the impact of the Reagan administration, and the LA riots, all through the lens of Gangsta Earn's influential life. Our guest opens up about discovering their father's notorious reputation, the impact of such a revelation during adolescence, and how it shaped their and their sibling's foray into the music industry. The challenges of maintaining a record label's momentum after a founder's passing are also candidly discussed, shedding light on the difficulties of navigating a legacy while carving out one's path. Lastly, we get a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to elevate San Diego's music scene. From the struggles local artists face in a city overshadowed by tourist attractions to the potential of a film collaboration, our guest shares insights into the business savvy required to adapt and thrive. Baby Gangsta Earn updates us on his latest projects, emphasizing his dedication to community upliftment over violence, and the importance of harnessing platforms like social media for growth and success. So, tune in and be inspired by the stories of resilience, respect, and the pursuit of a lasting positive impact.

You know how they say sometimes life is the best teacher? Well, that's something our guest for today, Sham Blak, a respected name in the San Diego music scene, knows all too well. Sharing his life journey from being a military man to navigating a career in music, Sham brings us into his world filled with hard beats, flowing rhymes, and real-life experiences. We explore his creative process, the influences behind his music, and how everything from his upbringing to his time in the military has fed into his unique sound. San Diego's music scene's gritty realities and uplifting triumphs come to life in this episode. We listen to Sham Blak's insights on the hustle required to make it big, the struggle for mainstream recognition, and the importance of expanding beyond the local scene. We also highlight other talented artists such as Ric Scales, John Key, and Ryan Anthony. Beyond the music, we address sensitive topics like gang affiliations and the importance of unity for success. We also dive into the complex world of creating an album, discussing the impact of technology on music consumption, and how Sham's latest album has become a soundtrack to his life. Sham's emphasis on investing in oneself and his candid thoughts on the evolving music scene give a unique perspective to anyone interested in music, entrepreneurship, or simply staying true to oneself. So, join us as we explore the life, struggles, and triumphs of Sham Blak and other artists making their mark on the San Diego music scene.

Get ready to explore the world of rising artist, John Keith, as he shares his personal journey and the deep emotional themes permeating his latest album, "Eremos". How can music be a beacon of hope and therapy for those dealing with life’s toughest battles such as depression and suicide? You'll discover how Keith uses his raw and intimate songs like "The Bridge" to connect with fans on a personal level, navigating the tricky waters of mental health and the healing power of music. Join us as we dive deeper into the world of Christian rap and the unique challenges it presents. What's the controversy about being labelled as a Christian rapper and is it a label that Keith embraces? We'll navigate this complex terrain, while we also tackle the challenges of the San Diego music scene and the uphill quest for recognition and respect. We'll also touch on the role social media plays in the music industry and the pressure it exerts on artists like Jon Keith. Rounding off our insightful conversation, we talk about Jon Keith's musical influences and the importance of therapy in his life. Ever wondered how a summer spent in a recording studio at age 12 could transform a life? Or how confronting mental health issues and seeking help can influence one's musical journey? Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from Jon Keith's experiences, his unique perspective on therapy, and the importance of supporting local artists. Tune in for an episode brimming with powerful insights and inspiring stories.

Listen in as we chat with our special guest Infra Redd, a renowned artist and TV personality, who takes us on a journey through his life in the tough neighborhood of Bompton and how it shaped his persona. We uncover his love for music and being a ghost writer, his experience on a popular TV show, and the importance of toughness and resilience in surviving a rough neighborhood. Get a glimpse of his rise to success in the entertainment industry and how his unique experiences have shaped his journey.Tune in as we explore the music industry's inner workings with insights from legends like DJ Quick and Snoop Dogg, shared by our guest. Get ready to hear stories about encounters with Tupac, the Death Row era, and a peek into his life as a part of the group Chaotic. This episode also features an engaging discussion about our guest's experiences on shows like Soul Train and along with some entertaining groupie stories. We wrap up with reflections on his musical growth and his uncle's mentorship's invaluable impact.Join us for a lively discussion with our guest, who shares his journey from gang bangin to becoming a member of Young Money. Hear about the challenges of the San Diego music industry, the importance of unity among artists, and how the perception of the city affects their success. Get an inside look into the business side of the music industry, the role of social media, and the tragic death of Slim 400. Lastly, our guest, rapper Infra Redd, gives valuable advice to aspiring artists on focusing on their craft and the business side of music. The episode wraps up with a humorous discussion on relationships and the value of staying positive. Tune in for an enlightening conversation full of laughs, lessons, and heartfelt advice.

Join us on this captivating episode as we have an inspiring conversation with DJ Dynamic, one of San Diego's top DJs. Listen as he opens up about his humble beginnings in Mexicali, Baja California, and how his father's involvement in a marching band sparked his love for music. His inspiring journey from Mexicali to San Diego and his decision to pursue his dream of becoming a DJ is a testament to his unwavering hustle and drive. Our conversation moves from DJ Dynamic's early influences to his journey to the top of the Latin music scene. He talks about his passion for Latin music and how he seized the opportunity to be part of the rising wave. You'll hear about his DJ influences, from global sensations like DJ AM and Daft Punk to local DJs like DJ Rags, DJ Cs, and DJ Jam. This episode also uncovers how his charisma, relationships, and music selection propelled him to the position of the San Francisco 49ers' official DJ. Lastly, don't miss out on DJ Dynamic's reflection on the impact of the pandemic on his career and personal health. He shares how the pandemic presented an unexpected silver lining, allowing him to prioritize his physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Plus, hear about his exciting experiences with famous musicians such as Bad Bunny, his strategies for handling criticism, and the sacrifices he has made, like missing Thanksgiving to DJ at the Qatar World Cup. Tune in to this episode and get ready to be inspired by DJ Dynamic's story.

Join us as we get up close and personal with a San Diego rapper Adonis DaHottest who shares his fascinating journey from a passionate music enthusiast to a renowned artist. Listen to him as he unravels the creative process behind his album "A Night in Vegas", and the painstaking two-year effort it took to perfect it. With a hint of humor, he also sheds light on how being verified on Instagram changed his interaction with other artists and eventually led to more features on the album than his previous works. The conversation gets even more interesting as our guest takes us through his music influences, experiences in the industry, and his exciting studio time with the late Nipsey Hussle. His insights into the shift from CD sales to streaming, his dream of releasing an album in every region, and the memorable studio session with Nipsey Hussle are sure to captivate any music enthusiast. We also delve into his unique fusion of East Coast and West Coast styles and how he uses melodic beats to draw a wider audience. Finally, we explore some intriguing topics like rapper beef, the impact of gangster rap culture on San Diego music, and the significance of staying authentic in an ever-changing industry. Adonis also shares his perspective on women body count, the perils of snooping in a partner's phone, and why it's not cool for friends to hit on an ex. This episode is a perfect blend of humor, wisdom, and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for all music lovers and aspiring artists.

Listen in as we journey with Ka! True, a talented young artist from San Diego, as she walks us through her intriguing background. Raised in Guatemala before moving to San Diego, Ka! brings a vibrant and unique perspective to our discussion. She shares some fascinating tales of her upbringing, including her experiences with volcanoes in Antigua and an unforgettable encounter with baby alligators. Tune in to hear about her brother's wild adventures and her early exposure to the raw and organic beauty of Guatemala. Ka! also opens up about her musical journey, discussing the influences that have shaped her unique style and the struggles she faces as a female artist in a male-dominated industry. She talks about the evolution of San Diego's music scene and how traveling to different countries, such as Madrid and the UK, has influenced her music. Get inspired as Ka! talks about her drive to succeed in the music industry, her strategy of releasing music every month on her birthday, and the importance of building solid relationships in the industry. Finally, we touch on more personal topics, such as Ka!'s experiences with relationships and her commitment to self-love. She shares her views on trust, respect, and communication in relationships, and her journey of learning to enjoy her own company. The conversation also veers into her appreciation for therapy, her love for discovering great taco spots in San Diego, and the beauty of Mayan culture. Kyra leaves a powerful message for her fans about following their intuition and not letting anyone define them. So, join us on this journey with Ka! True and get ready to be inspired!

A conversation with GFEENI is a lesson in authenticity, a reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself in an industry often swamped with trends. Listen in as we discuss his experiences of making it on the Top 20 rappers list in San Diego, his surprising early influences, and his advice to upcoming artists. We wrap up with his thought-provoking perspective on music as a reflection of our culture and the importance of authenticity. So, pull up a chair, pour a drink and join us for an evocative conversation with GFEENI, a man using the medium of music to make a difference.