KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with rapper, author, and longtime community figure Mopreme Shakur for an in depth conversation about his new memoir, This Thug’s Life. The wide ranging interview explored family, politics, Hip Hop culture, and the untold stories behind one of the most discussed families in modern Black history.

Throughout the conversation, Mopreme explained that writing the book was deeply personal because so many people have attempted to tell the Shakur family story from the outside. He said he wanted readers to hear directly from him about his experiences with his father Matulu Shakur, Afeni Shakur, Tupac, and the revolutionary environment that shaped their lives. He also addressed common misconceptions about Tupac, noting that many of his brother’s controversial decisions were thoughtful and strategic, even if the public did not fully understand the circumstances behind them.

A major section of the interview focused on Matulu Shakur and his role in Black liberation struggles during the 1960s and 70s. Mopreme detailed his father’s involvement with the Black Panthers, the Young Lords, and the Lincoln Detox program in the Bronx. He described how activists transformed Lincoln Hospital, once known as “The Butcher Shop,” into a center for community based healthcare and addiction treatment. The discussion highlighted how Matulu helped pioneer acupuncture treatment programs for heroin addiction at a time when those methods were criminalized and politically targeted. Davey D connected these struggles to broader conversations about healthcare, surveillance, and government repression, including COINTELPRO and the criminalization of Black political organizations.

The interview also gave listeners a rare glimpse into the personal side of the Shakur family. Mopreme spoke warmly about Tupac as a fearless and energetic child who always tried to keep up with older relatives. He described Matulu as a loving and present father who walked his children to school, encouraged them, and balanced parenting with intense political organizing. The conversation emphasized how family within the Shakur household extended beyond blood relations and included a wider community rooted in liberation politics and collective responsibility.

As the discussion shifted toward music, Mopreme reflected on growing up around church choirs, spoken word traditions, and the early rise of Hip Hop in New York City housing projects. He described Hip Hop as an extension of revolutionary poetry and Black creativity, influenced by artists like Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets. Mopreme also shared the story behind his appearance on Tony! Toni! Toné!’s classic hit “Feels Good,” revealing that he landed the opportunity after investing in his own demo sessions in Oakland following his time in the Army. He recalled how the success of that record opened doors for him and inspired Tupac to further pursue music professionally.

Later in the interview, Davey D and Mopreme discussed the rise of Digital Underground and the Bay Area Hip Hop scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mopreme reflected on the creative energy surrounding artists like Shock G, Money B, and others connected to the collective. The conversation also explored Tupac’s long term vision for groups like Thug Life, the Outlawz, and the Have Nots, all of which were meant to build community and opportunity for younger artists.

By the end of the interview, This Thug’s Life emerged not simply as a memoir about fame or celebrity, but as a layered reflection on Black political struggle, family bonds, survival, and Hip Hop culture across multiple generations.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: This Thug’s Life by MoPreme Shakur appeared first on KPFA.

On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Bay Area author Adam Mansbach to discuss his new book, Go the F to College, the sequel to his bestselling parenting satire Go the F to Sleep. Mansbach, known for books like Angry Black White Boy, The Golem of Brooklyn, Rage Is Back, and his screenplay for the Netflix film Barry, returned to HKR for a funny, reflective, and surprisingly tender conversation about parenting, politics, and watching children grow up.

Davey opened by recalling a personal memory from years ago, when Mansbach struggled for more than an hour to get his young daughter Viv to sleep. Mansbach explained that those exhausting nights, filled with love, frustration, and parental helplessness, helped inspire Go the F to Sleep. Now, 15 years later, Viv is 18, graduating from Oakland School for the Arts, and preparing to attend Bard College.

The conversation moved beyond humor into deeper reflections on parenting. Mansbach described Go the F to College as less angry and more emotional than the first book. It is about the complicated feelings parents face when their children leave home. He talked about wanting to offer last minute lessons, while also recognizing that no one enters adulthood fully prepared.

Davey and Mansbach also explored how today’s young people are navigating a world shaped by COVID, political instability, disinformation, social media, and rising uncertainty. Mansbach stressed the importance of media literacy, noting how difficult it is for young people to know where reliable information comes from in an age of podcasts, TikTok, deepfakes, and AI generated content.

A key theme was the changing meaning of college. Mansbach made clear that Go the F to College is not an endorsement of a broken higher education system. Instead, it reflects the emotional reality of sending a child into the world. He emphasized that a college name should not define a person, and that young people need to know they are loved beyond achievements, status, or credentials.

The interview closed with Mansbach highlighting community, Bay Area values, activism, and mutual aid as essential tools for the next generation. He also revealed that Ted Danson narrates the audiobook, following past celebrity readers Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, and Larry David.

At its heart, the conversation was about love, letting go, and preparing young people to face an uncertain world with humor, honesty, and community.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: Adam Mansbach Talks Parenting, College, and Community appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: The Fire Inside: The Dharma of James Baldwin & Audre Lorde with Rima Vesley-Flad appeared first on KPFA.

Host Davey D welcomed Jamelle Bouie to Hard Knock Radio for an in depth conversation about disinformation, political manipulation, identity politics, and the growing threats facing American democracy. Bouie, one of the nation’s most prominent political commentators, is a columnist for The New York Times and is widely known for connecting current political events to larger historical struggles around race, power, voting rights, and democracy. Before joining the Times, he wrote for Slate, The Daily Beast, and The American Prospect.

The interview began with Davey D reflecting on a recent discussion Bouie participated in about disinformation and the growing distrust many Americans have toward experts and institutions. Davey pointed out the contradiction of people claiming they trust nothing while simultaneously believing conspiracy theories, social media influencers, and emotionally driven narratives without question. Bouie explained that skepticism toward expertise is not necessarily unhealthy, since experts can sometimes be wrong, but he stressed that today’s political culture has moved beyond healthy skepticism into a dangerous rejection of truth itself.

Bouie argued that much of this is tied to identity. Many people now see themselves as individuals who reject “elite” knowledge and trust only their own instincts. According to Bouie, organized political movements have deliberately fueled this distrust in order to manipulate public opinion and weaken belief in objective facts. He described the phenomenon as part of a larger political strategy where “nothing is truly knowable,” making people more vulnerable to propaganda and fear-based messaging.

Davey D pushed the conversation further, comparing modern political messaging to “scam culture” and social engineering. Bouie agreed, saying politics increasingly resembles the tactics used in advertising and scams, where people are sold stories that emotionally satisfy them even if those stories work against their own interests. The two discussed how racism, resentment, and fear continue to shape political identity in America, especially around attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

The conversation later shifted toward democracy, gerrymandering, and Bouie’s recent columns criticizing Democrats who fail to aggressively push back against Republican efforts to restrict voting rights and consolidate power. Bouie argued that too many Democratic leaders still behave as though politics can eventually return to “normal,” despite growing attacks on democratic institutions. He stressed that Democrats need more creativity, urgency, and willingness to fight politically at both the national and state levels.

One of the interview’s most striking moments came when Bouie referenced Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Quoting Lincoln’s statement that “you can’t put together a broken egg,” Bouie argued that America cannot simply return to an earlier political era. Instead, the country must recognize that democracy itself is under pressure and requires active defense.

The interview concluded with both Davey D and Bouie emphasizing grassroots organizing, local elections, and long term movement building. Bouie stressed that political change requires more than voting every few years. It demands community organizing, pressure campaigns, and a willingness to fight for power in order to protect democracy and ensure meaningful representation for all communities.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: Disinformation, Political Manipulation, Identity Politics, and the Growing threats facing American Democracy appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with rapper, author, and longtime community figure Mopreme Shakur for an in depth conversation about his new memoir, This Thug’s Life. The wide ranging interview explored family, politics, Hip Hop culture, and the untold stories behind one of the most discussed families in modern Black history.

Throughout the conversation, Mopreme explained that writing the book was deeply personal because so many people have attempted to tell the Shakur family story from the outside. He said he wanted readers to hear directly from him about his experiences with his father Matulu Shakur, Afeni Shakur, Tupac, and the revolutionary environment that shaped their lives. He also addressed common misconceptions about Tupac, noting that many of his brother’s controversial decisions were thoughtful and strategic, even if the public did not fully understand the circumstances behind them.

A major section of the interview focused on Matulu Shakur and his role in Black liberation struggles during the 1960s and 70s. Mopreme detailed his father’s involvement with the Black Panthers, the Young Lords, and the Lincoln Detox program in the Bronx. He described how activists transformed Lincoln Hospital, once known as “The Butcher Shop,” into a center for community based healthcare and addiction treatment. The discussion highlighted how Matulu helped pioneer acupuncture treatment programs for heroin addiction at a time when those methods were criminalized and politically targeted. Davey D connected these struggles to broader conversations about healthcare, surveillance, and government repression, including COINTELPRO and the criminalization of Black political organizations.

The interview also gave listeners a rare glimpse into the personal side of the Shakur family. Mopreme spoke warmly about Tupac as a fearless and energetic child who always tried to keep up with older relatives. He described Matulu as a loving and present father who walked his children to school, encouraged them, and balanced parenting with intense political organizing. The conversation emphasized how family within the Shakur household extended beyond blood relations and included a wider community rooted in liberation politics and collective responsibility.

As the discussion shifted toward music, Mopreme reflected on growing up around church choirs, spoken word traditions, and the early rise of Hip Hop in New York City housing projects. He described Hip Hop as an extension of revolutionary poetry and Black creativity, influenced by artists like Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets. Mopreme also shared the story behind his appearance on Tony! Toni! Toné!’s classic hit “Feels Good,” revealing that he landed the opportunity after investing in his own demo sessions in Oakland following his time in the Army. He recalled how the success of that record opened doors for him and inspired Tupac to further pursue music professionally.

Later in the interview, Davey D and Mopreme discussed the rise of Digital Underground and the Bay Area Hip Hop scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mopreme reflected on the creative energy surrounding artists like Shock G, Money B, and others connected to the collective. The conversation also explored Tupac’s long term vision for groups like Thug Life, the Outlawz, and the Have Nots, all of which were meant to build community and opportunity for younger artists.

By the end of the interview, This Thug’s Life emerged not simply as a memoir about fame or celebrity, but as a layered reflection on Black political struggle, family bonds, survival, and Hip Hop culture across multiple generations.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: This Thug’s Life by MoPreme Shakur appeared first on KPFA.

People across the US watched in horror as Israel responded to the terrible acts of October 7, 2023 with a brutal war against the people of Gaza. They poured into the streets demanding Ceasefire Now—and protested the US government financing, arming, and protecting Israel’s war. A key question was when to start the clock—because none of those events actually began on October 7; all had their origins in events 17, or 58, or 77 years earlier.

In straightforward, accessible language Phyllis Bennis takes on that question—and many more—providing answers to the queries so many never before had the chance to ask. What is the Balfour Declaration? What are the Occupied Territories? What is Zionism—and do all Jews support it? Does Israel have the right of self-defense? What were conditions like in Gaza before October 7?

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: Understanding Palestine & Israel appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with political strategist, attorney, and author Steve Phillips to discuss his provocative new book, Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else? The wide ranging conversation explored race, democracy, corporate power, media influence, and the ongoing backlash against racial justice efforts in the United States.

Davey D opened the conversation by noting that Phillips has spent more than a decade warning about the dangers of undermining multiracial democracy. Phillips connected today’s political climate to the unresolved tensions of the Civil War, arguing that the fight over whether America will become a true multiracial democracy or remain rooted in white nationalism is still unfolding. He pointed to recent Supreme Court decisions, voter suppression efforts, and attacks on representation as evidence of what he described as an ongoing “power grab” designed to preserve inequality.

Throughout the interview, Phillips repeatedly emphasized that racial inequality is not accidental, but deeply embedded within American institutions. He reflected on the period following the murder of George Floyd, when corporations publicly embraced racial justice initiatives. While companies like Walmart and Facebook pledged millions toward equity programs, Phillips argued that many of those commitments represented only a tiny fraction of corporate wealth and were often more symbolic than transformative.

Davey D pushed the conversation deeper by questioning whether many institutions that publicly support racial justice still fundamentally resist meaningful Black empowerment. Phillips responded by arguing that the solution is not simply changing hearts and minds, but building political power capable of reshaping institutions. He highlighted grassroots organizing, small donor fundraising, and coalition building as key strategies for creating what he called a “multiracial New American majority.”

One of the book’s central ideas is Phillips’ concept of “SWAMP,” an acronym for “Straight White American Male Preference.” He argued that discussions around diversity often focus on the perceived shortcomings of women and people of color, while ignoring how systems consistently favor white men in leadership positions. Phillips called for “SWAMP audits” of schools, corporations, pension funds, and public institutions to expose disparities in power and resource distribution.

The conversation also explored media and culture. Phillips stressed that books, films, and news narratives shape public understanding about race and equality. He pointed to the influence of works like Gone With the Wind and the role of social media in spreading footage of George Floyd’s murder as examples of how storytelling can either reinforce oppression or inspire change.

By the end of the discussion, both Davey D and Phillips agreed that the struggle for racial justice is ultimately about power, participation, and the willingness to build institutions that truly reflect the needs of a diverse democracy.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else? appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with journalist Felicia Mello of Berkeleyside and educator activist Dr. César Cruz of Homies Empowerment to unpack the growing controversy surrounding UC Berkeley’s Multicultural Community Center and what many see as a broader attack on free speech, Ethnic Studies, and student activism.

The conversation centered around recent actions taken by UC Berkeley administrators after pro Palestine messaging and political artwork connected to the war in Gaza appeared inside the Multicultural Community Center, also known as the MCC. Mello explained that the center was created after the 1999 Ethnic Studies student strike and was designed to be a student led political and cultural organizing space for historically marginalized communities.

According to Mello, university officials temporarily shut down the center after complaints emerged that some students felt uncomfortable with political messaging displayed inside the space. New restrictions were later imposed, including bans on political artwork and limits on community organized events.

Davey D challenged the university’s reasoning, pointing out that political expression has always been part of campus culture at Berkeley. He noted that students have historically displayed signs, posters, and political messages in dorms, cultural spaces, and student centers for decades, especially during movements tied to anti apartheid organizing, Black liberation struggles, and free speech activism.

Dr. César Cruz argued that the university’s actions represent a dangerous overreach tied to national political pressure surrounding protests for Palestine. Cruz criticized UC Berkeley for turning over the names of 160 student protesters to federal authorities and contrasted the treatment of pro Palestine activists with the university’s protection of right wing speakers like Charlie Kirk.

Cruz also invoked the landmark Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, emphasizing that students do not lose their constitutional rights on campus. He argued that opposition to genocide should not automatically be labeled anti Semitic and called for legal action against the university.

Throughout the discussion, all three speakers connected the Berkeley controversy to a broader national climate where universities are facing pressure over curriculum, student activism, and discussions around race, gender, and Palestine. The guests warned that what is happening at Berkeley could shape the future of academic freedom across the country.

Later, we pivot to a talk featuring Phyllis Bennis on propaganda, Zionism, and international law. Bennis is the author of Understanding Palestine & Israel.

In Understanding Palestine & Israel, Bennis examines the historical context surrounding the war in Gaza following the events of October 7, 2023. As people across the U.S. watched Israel respond with a devastating military campaign in Gaza, mass protests erupted demanding an immediate ceasefire and condemning U.S. financing, arming, and diplomatic support for the war.

Central to Bennis’ analysis is the question of historical context—arguing that the crisis did not begin on October 7, but is rooted in events stretching back 17, 58, and even 77 years earlier.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: Drama on the Cal Berkeley Campus and Understanding Palestine and Israel by Phyllis Bennis appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, we speak with Cornelius Moore about the groundbreaking documentary Black Rio! Black Power!, a powerful look at Brazil’s Black consciousness movement and the role soul music played in resistance, identity, and liberation. The film explores the Black Rio movement of the 1970s and 1980s, when massive dance parties in Rio de Janeiro became spaces for political awakening, cultural pride, and organizing against racism and dictatorship in Brazil.

Later in the program, we turn our attention to Backtalker by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, the pioneering scholar who coined the term “intersectionality.” In this deeply personal memoir, Crenshaw reflects on the experiences that shaped her groundbreaking work on race, gender, power, and the law. The book traces her journey from growing up in Canton, Ohio, to becoming one of the leading voices in critical race theory and Black feminist legal scholarship.

Backtalker blends memoir, political analysis, and social critique, examining the backlash against teaching race and inequality in America while reaffirming the importance of confronting systems of oppression. Through personal stories and historical reflection, Crenshaw challenges listeners and readers alike to think critically about democracy, justice, and whose voices are allowed to be heard.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

The post Fund Drive Special Programming: BLACK RIO! BLACK POWER! and Backtalker by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw appeared first on KPFA.