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.

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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 Cat Brooks on American Politcking and Kamel Bell discusses Unity Supper appeared first on KPFA.

Hip-hop and R&B lost a pioneering voice with the passing of Angie Stone. Hard Knock Radio host Davey D recently convened a conversation with music historian Jay Quan and Hip-Hop museum curator and X-Clan founding member Paradise Gray to honor her legacy. This tribute delved deep into Stone’s early days as a rapper, her transition into neo-soul, and her enduring impact on Black music and culture.

Before she became an R&B sensation, Angie Stone was Angie B, a formidable MC and a member of the groundbreaking female rap trio Sequence. Formed in Columbia, South Carolina, Sequence made history in 1979 by becoming the first female rap group to release a record, Funk You Up, which also marked hip-hop’s first Southern representation on wax.

Jay Quan reflected on how Sequence got their break: “They snuck backstage at Township Auditorium, auditioned for Sylvia Robinson on the spot, and within weeks, ‘Funk You Up’ was pressed and on the radio.” He emphasized the importance of Sequence’s contributions, stating, “They wrote for Sugar Hill artists, including ‘8th Wonder’ by the Sugarhill Gang, and were sampled extensively, yet many don’t know their full impact.”

Paradise Gray also noted the significance of their Southern roots, saying, “Coming from the Bronx, we assumed hip-hop was a New York thing. When Sequence emerged from South Carolina, it was a game-changer.”

As the hip-hop landscape evolved, Angie Stone seamlessly transitioned into R&B, becoming a leading figure in the neo-soul movement of the late 1990s. Her albums, including Black Diamond and Mahogany Soul, set a new standard for soul music, blending hip-hop’s raw energy with the rich vocal traditions of gospel and classic R&B.

Jay Quan explained how Stone’s songwriting was crucial to her career evolution: “She had an incredible pen game, writing for Sugar Hill, then later working with icons like D’Angelo on ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Voodoo.’”

Paradise Gray praised her ability to blend hip-hop and soul seamlessly: “Angie set the precedent for artists like Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill. She could rhyme with the best and sing like an angel.”

Despite her influence, Stone often felt overlooked. Jay Quan shared, “She was frustrated that Salt-N-Pepa got recognized as the first mainstream female rap group when Sequence paved the way.”

Her impact extended far beyond music. Paradise Gray recalled her powerful presence on stage, particularly with Brother, a song that resonated deeply with Black men. “That song was medicine for me,” he said. “I told her that personally, and she just smiled and hugged me.”

Even in her later years, Stone continued to create and inspire. Jay Quan recounted her work with Prince: “She had a unique gift, and major artists recognized it. She worked with Prince, and he even gave her a custom guitar and piano.”

Angie Stone’s passing was a tragic and sudden loss, occurring in a vehicular accident that left the music world in mourning. Yet, her contributions remain undeniable, spanning decades and genres.

As Jay Quan summed up, “It took her passing for people to truly appreciate her, but we’ve been telling her story. She deserves all the flowers.”

Her legacy lives on through the artists she inspired, the music she left behind, and the love she poured into every note. Angie Stone was more than a singer—she was a movement. And through tributes like this, her story continues to be told.

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 Honoring Angie Stone: A Hard Knock Radio Tribute appeared first on KPFA.

On today’s episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D is in conversation with longtime activist and strategist Ethel Long-Scott of the Women’s Economic Agenda Project (WEAP). Together, they explore the urgent need for deeper civic engagement and voter education, especially in underserved communities. Long-Scott breaks down how economic justice is inseparable from political power and why mobilizing marginalized voters is key to advancing transformative change.

The discussion also turns local, as they examine the political landscape in Oakland and the need to protect progressive leadership, particularly Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who is widely regarded as a people’s candidate and the newly elected mayor of Oakland. This conversation cuts through the noise to uplift the grassroots power that is already moving and organizing in the East Bay and beyond.

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 Ethel Long Scott Womens Economic Agenda Project 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 Hard Knock Radio – April 21, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode Hard Knock Radio correspondent, Greg Bridges sits down with acclaimed soul and jazz artist Jarrod Lawson ahead of his upcoming performance at Yoshi’s Oakland on April 27th at 7 PM. Lawson shares insights into his musical journey, the spiritual and social themes behind his work, and what fans can expect from his live show.

We also air a powerful segment from Poor News Network, diving into America’s ongoing war on disenfranchised communities. From the criminalization of poverty to systemic neglect, the report sheds light on stories too often ignored by mainstream media.

Tune in for music, truth, and community-centered storytelling.

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 Music Notes with Jarrod Lawson and Poor News Expose Inequity appeared first on KPFA.

https://www.instagram.com/mumiafreedomtour/

In a poignant episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged with Jamal Ibn Mumia, the activist son of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. During this Black History Month special, they delve into the ongoing struggles faced by political prisoners and the systemic issues of racial injustice and corruption in the criminal justice system.

Celebrating Black History and Confronting InjusticeThe episode kicked off with Davey D acknowledging Black History Month and the need to celebrate figures like Huey P. Newton. The conversation quickly shifted to the plight of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a former Black Panther and journalist who has been imprisoned for over four decades.

Jamal Ibn Mumia’s PerspectiveJamal shared personal insights into the challenges of growing up with a father behind bars, painting a vivid picture of his father’s resilience and the emotional toll on their family. He discussed the broader implications of his father’s case, emphasizing the racial tensions and police brutality prevalent during Mumia’s arrest and subsequent trial.

The Role of Media and JournalismJamal criticized the mainstream media’s failure to adequately cover issues affecting Black and Brown communities, highlighting his father’s efforts to give a voice to the voiceless through journalism. He stressed the importance of independent media in challenging the prevailing narratives crafted by those in power.

Systemic Corruption and Political WarfareThe discussion also touched on the corrupt practices within the legal and political systems that have kept Mumia imprisoned. Jamal detailed how laws and regulations are manipulated to maintain control over political dissidents, referring to this manipulation as “political lawfare.”

The Impact of Political ActivismThrough their dialogue, Davey D and Jamal explored how the activism of figures like Mumia Abu-Jamal has paved the way for current movements and debates around justice and equity. They connected past struggles with present challenges, noting the cyclical nature of oppression and resistance.

Conclusion: Reflections and Continuing the FightThe episode concluded with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves about the history and current realities of political prisoners like Mumia Abu-Jamal. Jamal’s narrative served as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and the need to support those who have sacrificed their freedom for the betterment of society.

This detailed account of the conversation on Hard Knock Radio underscores the ongoing relevance of the issues discussed and the power of media to enlighten and mobilize communities for change.

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 A Conversation with Jamal Ibn Mumia the son of Mumia Abu-Jamal Update and HellaTown Oakland appeared first on KPFA.

Host Davey D speaks with Ehime Ora, an author and spiritual practitioner, about traditional African spirituality, ancestral veneration, and her book Spirits Come From Water: An Introduction to Ancestral Veneration and Reclaiming African Spiritual Practices. Their discussion explores the impact of colonization, the search for spiritual connection, and the significance of honoring ancestors.

Ehime Ora, born in Ibadan, Nigeria, explains that her book is a call to reconnect with ancestral roots. She shares how her mother, struggling with homesickness after moving to the U.S., found healing through stories of water spirits and ancestral lands. These childhood stories became a spiritual guide, helping Ehime reclaim her African traditions.

Davey D and Ehime discuss the forced Christianization of African communities. Missionaries in Nigeria convinced children to destroy ancestral shrines in exchange for money. Colonial-era boarding schools reinforced anti-African spiritual narratives. Despite this, Ehime’s mother practiced both Christianity and African spirituality, proving that dual beliefs can coexist.

Ehime highlights how many people are seeking deeper spiritual meaning. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this need, forcing people into self-reflection. She believes African spirituality fosters self-acceptance, unlike religious doctrines that teach original sin. Ancestral veneration allows people to embrace their authenticity.

Davey D notes similarities between Black church traditions and African spiritual practices. He mentions spirit possession, communal worship, and rhythmic music as direct holdovers from African traditions. Ehime agrees, citing the use of holy oils, water, and prayer in Nigerian churches. She also notes how Hoodoo and Conjure preserved African spiritual elements within Christianity.

African spirituality is deeply interactive, emphasizing call-and-response, dance, and music. Unlike Western religious traditions that promote stillness, African worship involves full-body engagement. Missionaries tried to suppress these traditions, but Africans retained their communal and spiritual practices.

Unlike Christianity, African spirituality does not rely on a single book. Instead, knowledge is passed down orally through elders. However, Ifa and Orisha traditions contain Odu Ifa, a system of 256 sacred texts with thousands of verses. These teachings guide spiritual alignment and destiny.

Ehime explains that talking to ancestors is an African tradition. People can build an ancestral altar with water, candles, fruit, and family photos. Prayer is simply intentional conversation with ancestors. She encourages daily rituals to strengthen this bond.

Davey D raises a crucial question: If spirituality is so powerful, why are Black people still oppressed? Ehime responds that deliverance takes time. She references Haitian Vodou’s role in overthrowing French rule and how Hoodoo protected enslaved Africans. African spirituality has always been a force for resistance and survival.

Capitalism has infiltrated religion and spiritual practices, often prioritizing profit over community. Ehime warns against exploitative spiritual leaders who charge excessive fees for rituals. In Ifa, wealth should flow like water—pure and untainted by greed.

Ehime urges people to open their hearts to spiritual connection. She emphasizes that African spirituality is not about worshiping a distant god, but about recognizing the divine within. By honoring ancestors, embracing history, and practicing good character, people can reclaim their spiritual power.

Follow Ehime on Instagram, X, and TikTok. She offers spiritual teachings on Patreon and writes essays on Substack. Visit ehimeora.com for more.

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 Exploring African Spirituality and Ancestral Veneration with Ehime Ora on Hard Knock Radio appeared first on KPFA.

In celebration of KPFA’s 76th birthday, we take a powerful journey into the Hard Knock Radio archives to revisit a historic moment: a rare and unforgettable interview with the late Dick Gregory and Paul Mooney.

These two legendary comedians and fearless truth-tellers—renowned for their razor-sharp wit and unflinching political commentary—had never shared a platform for an interview until this groundbreaking broadcast. Their conversation is as hilarious as it is profound, touching on race, resistance, and the role of comedy in confronting power.

Join us as we honor KPFA’s legacy of radical media by revisiting this iconic conversation—an essential listen that is as timely now as it was then.

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 Hard Knock Radio Presents: A Conversation with Paul Mooney and Dick Gregory. A KPFA Fund Drive Birthday Special 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.

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