KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, we dive into the hidden biases of the digital age with Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble, author of the groundbreaking book, Algorithms of Oppression. Dr. Noble unpacks how search engines, often seen as neutral tools, can reinforce harmful stereotypes and limit access to critical knowledge. Join us as we explore the forces shaping our digital experiences and discuss the urgent need for accountability in technology.

Later we hear from political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal about the passing of James Earl Carter. James Earl Carter Jr. was an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. And lastly we play a speech from Immortal Technique.

Featuring:

Dr. Safiya U. Noble is the David O. Sears Presidential Endowed Chair of Social Sciences and Professor of Gender Studies, African American Studies, and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is the Director of the Center on Race & Digital Justice and Co-Director of the Minderoo Initiative on Tech & Power at the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry (C2i2). She currently serves as Interim Director of the UCLA DataX Initiative, leading work in critical data studies for the campus.

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.

Decoding Algorithmic Racism with Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble

The post Decoding Algorithmic Racism with Dr. Safiya Umoja Noble and Voices of Resistance appeared first on KPFA.

Davey D sits down with acclaimed hip-hop artist, journalist, and activist Rocky Rivera to discuss her latest collaborative project, Long Kiss Goodnight, an album created in partnership with fellow Bay Area artist Otayo Dubb. In this candid and insightful conversation, Rocky Rivera delves into the creative process behind the album, its inspirations, and the themes it explores—ranging from resistance and resilience to love and liberation.

As a pioneering figure in feminist hip-hop, Rocky shares her perspective on the intersection of music and activism, reflecting on her evolution as an artist and her role in using storytelling as a tool for social change. The album, a testament to the dynamic artistry of both Rocky and Otayo Dubb, weaves personal narratives with sharp political commentary, offering listeners a soundtrack for these turbulent times.

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 Davey D in Conversation with Rocky Rivera: Exploring Long Kiss Goodnight appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D hosted an in-depth conversation about the ongoing prison justice issues in Virginia, specifically the disturbing conditions at Red Onion State Prison. Joined by Phil Wilayto of the Virginia Prison Justice Network and Woods Ervin from Critical Resistance, the discussion delved into the harsh realities faced by incarcerated individuals, including protests through self-immolation, systemic abuse, and the ongoing fight for prison reform and abolition.

The Red Onion Crisis: Self-Immolation as Protest

Phil Wilayto began the discussion by shedding light on the extreme conditions at Red Onion Prison, a supermax facility known for its notorious reputation. Prisoners have been protesting their dire conditions, including solitary confinement and severe mistreatment by guards, through self-immolation. Wilayto explained that many prisoners, trapped in these conditions, intentionally injure themselves to be transferred to medical facilities, often far from the prison, in hopes of escaping the abuse they face.

The prison, which holds predominantly Black individuals, is located in a rural part of Virginia far from urban centers. As Wilayto described, the systemic racism at play, combined with a lack of adequate healthcare and human rights protections, results in an environment where prisoners’ lives are treated as expendable. The issues have been compounded by the state’s refusal to investigate allegations properly and the general public’s negligence in addressing the conditions.

The Power of Grassroots Organizing: Critical Resistance’s Role

Ervin noted that while some progress has been made”such as the reduction in solitary confinement numbers at Red Onion in previous years”true justice will only be achieved when the prison system itself is abolished. He also pointed to the rise of right-wing rhetoric and policies, which have made the fight for reform more difficult but not insurmountable. Organizing, public pressure, and maintaining a clear focus on abolition are key elements in shifting the political climate.

A Call to Action: How You Can Help

Both organizations stressed the importance of building a mass movement to combat the deeply entrenched prison industrial complex and the systems of oppression that sustain it. They also pointed out the importance of direct action, from letter writing to public rallies, as ways to keep the momentum going.

Closing Thoughts: The Ongoing Struggle for Abolition

Listeners were encouraged to stay involved, whether by attending rallies, writing letters, or contacting legislators to ensure that the voices of those suffering behind bars are not ignored. The fight for prison justice is far from over, but with continued public pressure and collective action, change is possible.

To learn more about the Virginia Prison Justice Network and Critical Resistance, and to get involved, visit their respective websites at Virginia Prison Justice Network and Critical Resistance.

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 Prison Justice in Virginia: A Hard Knock Radio Discussion with Phil Wilayto and Woods Ervin 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 – December 31, 2024 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 – December 30, 2024 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 – December 27, 2024 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 – December 26, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

The title, Goodbye Sticky Rice, reference his Asian-American heritage, with “sticky rice” symbolizing a cultural connection. Lyrics Born has always woven his personal experiences into his music. This album dives into themes like cultural duality and transitions in both his personal life and musical journey.

The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of sustaining a long-term career in music, as well as Lyrics Born’s creative process behind this new release.

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 In Conversation with Lyrics Born (Encore) appeared first on KPFA.

As 2024 comes to a close, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D engages in an insightful conversation with KQED music columnist Nastia Voynovskaya, producer and Golden State Warriors official DJ D-Sharp, Bay Area favorite DJ Lady Ryan, and KALW radio host. Together, they explore the music trends that shaped the year—from the resurgence of veteran hip-hop artists and the rise of regional sounds to the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats. This end-of-year discussion provides a fresh and dynamic perspective on the evolving music landscape.

One of the standout trends in 2024 was the increasing prominence of veteran hip-hop artists, defying the industry’s ageist tendencies. Davey D highlights how icons like Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, and Public Enemy continue to produce music that resonates deeply with listeners. DJ D–Sharp adds that as DJs and producers, experience enhances their craft, likening it to seasoned rock bands like The Rolling Stones. Both agree that the industry’s barrier of limiting hip-hop to younger artists is no longer relevant.

Nastia Voynovskaya shares her admiration for Bamboo, a rapper known for his politically charged lyrics. She notes how his album brought back the old-school political hip-hop vibe, which aligns with the rising class consciousness among listeners.

Throughout the discussion, the Bay Area’s cultural impact on music is a recurring theme. DJ D–Sharp points out how artists like LaRussell and Larry June have continued to rise in prominence, asserting their dominance in the national scene. Nastia praises LaRussell for his grassroots approach, notably his “pay-what-you-want” concert model and his viral Tiny Desk performance. The Bay Area’s sound and style continue to gain respect, both locally and nationally, as these artists break new ground.

Afrobeats continues to gain momentum globally, transcending boundaries and genres. Davey D talks about the cross-genre appeal of Afrobeats and its growing presence in mainstream music. From collaborations with big names like Drake to its infusion into hip-hop and pop, Afrobeats has become a force to be reckoned with. DJ D–Sharp shares a memorable experience DJing for Guapole at South by Southwest, where the crowd went wild for an Afrobeats remix of her track “Closer.”

As global artists continue to collaborate, the genre continues to blur the lines between different musical styles. Nastia also mentions the rise of “Amapiano,” a South African genre making waves worldwide. She highlights how artists are incorporating Amapiano into their sets, adding an international flavor to their performances.

While hip-hop and Afrobeats dominate much of the conversation, R&B has not been left behind. Nastia praises artists like Kehlani for her intimate songwriting and soulful tracks that are bringing a sense of vulnerability back to the genre. D–Sharp highlights Leon Thomas’ album Mutt as a standout, noting the album’s blend of classic R&B with modern sensibilities. Both experts agree that R&B is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to its ability to blend elements of Afrobeat and modern soul.

The ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar also takes center stage in the conversation. Nastia reflects on how Kendrick Lamar took the entire West Coast with him on his journey, from incorporating Bay Area turf dancers into his “Squabble Up” video to honoring the legacy of Bay Area hip-hop. D–Sharp, however, remarks that while Kendrick’s reign is undeniable, Drake’s global reach remains impressive. Despite their differences, both artists have shaped 2024’s music landscape.

As streaming continues to change the way we listen to music, the traditional boundaries between genres continue to fade. Davey D talks about how listeners are no longer confined to one genre based on demographics. He points out that music lovers are embracing an eclectic mix, from Taylor Swift to Kendrick Lamar, and even country music. Nastia also emphasizes the role of streaming platforms in promoting genre-crossovers, allowing artists to blend sounds without restrictions.

The year also saw the passing of several music legends, including the likes of DJ Clark Kent, Frankie Beverly, and Tito Jackson. Nastia and D–Sharp reflect on how these losses have impacted the music community, particularly the legacy of DJ Clark Kent, who was known for his pivotal role in the rise of artists like Biggie and Jay-Z. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing these icons while celebrating the legacy they’ve left behind.

Looking ahead, both Nastia and D–Sharp predict more genre fusion, with artists continuing to experiment and push boundaries. DJ D–Sharp emphasizes the importance of energy in music, particularly in live settings. He suggests that the key to success in 2025 will be producing tracks that elevate the mood and connect with listeners on a deep level. Nastia, on the other hand, predicts a continued focus on political and social issues within music, as artists like Bamboo lead the way with politically charged albums.

As the conversation winds down, both Nastia and D–Sharp offer some final recommendations. D–Sharp urges listeners to check out Leon Thomas’ Mutt, Freddie Gibbs’ latest release, and his own project with St. Spitting, Risk and Reward. Nastia encourages people to listen to Kev Choice’s All My Love, Glorilla’s Glorious, and the politically poignant work of Sammy Shablack.

2024 has been a transformative year for music, with old-school veterans and emerging talents reshaping the landscape. As we head into 2025, it’s clear that the evolution of music is far from over.

Guests:

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 End-of-Year Music Wrap-Up PT.2 appeared first on KPFA.

As 2024 comes to a close, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D engages in an insightful conversation with KQED music columnist Nastia Voynovskaya, producer and Golden State Warriors official DJ D-Sharp, Bay Area favorite DJ Lady Ryan, and KALW radio host. Together, they explore the music trends that shaped the year—from the resurgence of veteran hip-hop artists and the rise of regional sounds to the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats. This end-of-year discussion provides a fresh and dynamic perspective on the evolving music landscape.

One of the standout trends in 2024 was the increasing prominence of veteran hip-hop artists, defying the industry’s ageist tendencies. Davey D highlights how icons like Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, and Public Enemy continue to produce music that resonates deeply with listeners. DJ D–Sharp adds that as DJs and producers, experience enhances their craft, likening it to seasoned rock bands like The Rolling Stones. Both agree that the industry’s barrier of limiting hip-hop to younger artists is no longer relevant.

Nastia Voynovskaya shares her admiration for Bamboo, a rapper known for his politically charged lyrics. She notes how his album brought back the old-school political hip-hop vibe, which aligns with the rising class consciousness among listeners.

Throughout the discussion, the Bay Area’s cultural impact on music is a recurring theme. DJ D–Sharp points out how artists like LaRussell and Larry June have continued to rise in prominence, asserting their dominance in the national scene. Nastia praises LaRussell for his grassroots approach, notably his “pay-what-you-want” concert model and his viral Tiny Desk performance. The Bay Area’s sound and style continue to gain respect, both locally and nationally, as these artists break new ground.

Afrobeats continues to gain momentum globally, transcending boundaries and genres. Davey D talks about the cross-genre appeal of Afrobeats and its growing presence in mainstream music. From collaborations with big names like Drake to its infusion into hip-hop and pop, Afrobeats has become a force to be reckoned with. DJ D–Sharp shares a memorable experience DJing for Guapole at South by Southwest, where the crowd went wild for an Afrobeats remix of her track “Closer.”

As global artists continue to collaborate, the genre continues to blur the lines between different musical styles. Nastia also mentions the rise of “Amapiano,” a South African genre making waves worldwide. She highlights how artists are incorporating Amapiano into their sets, adding an international flavor to their performances.

While hip-hop and Afrobeats dominate much of the conversation, R&B has not been left behind. Nastia praises artists like Kehlani for her intimate songwriting and soulful tracks that are bringing a sense of vulnerability back to the genre. D–Sharp highlights Leon Thomas’ album Mutt as a standout, noting the album’s blend of classic R&B with modern sensibilities. Both experts agree that R&B is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to its ability to blend elements of Afrobeat and modern soul.

The ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar also takes center stage in the conversation. Nastia reflects on how Kendrick Lamar took the entire West Coast with him on his journey, from incorporating Bay Area turf dancers into his “Squabble Up” video to honoring the legacy of Bay Area hip-hop. D–Sharp, however, remarks that while Kendrick’s reign is undeniable, Drake’s global reach remains impressive. Despite their differences, both artists have shaped 2024’s music landscape.

As streaming continues to change the way we listen to music, the traditional boundaries between genres continue to fade. Davey D talks about how listeners are no longer confined to one genre based on demographics. He points out that music lovers are embracing an eclectic mix, from Taylor Swift to Kendrick Lamar, and even country music. Nastia also emphasizes the role of streaming platforms in promoting genre-crossovers, allowing artists to blend sounds without restrictions.

The year also saw the passing of several music legends, including the likes of DJ Clark Kent, Frankie Beverly, and Tito Jackson. Nastia and D–Sharp reflect on how these losses have impacted the music community, particularly the legacy of DJ Clark Kent, who was known for his pivotal role in the rise of artists like Biggie and Jay-Z. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing these icons while celebrating the legacy they’ve left behind.

Looking ahead, both Nastia and D–Sharp predict more genre fusion, with artists continuing to experiment and push boundaries. DJ D–Sharp emphasizes the importance of energy in music, particularly in live settings. He suggests that the key to success in 2025 will be producing tracks that elevate the mood and connect with listeners on a deep level. Nastia, on the other hand, predicts a continued focus on political and social issues within music, as artists like Bamboo lead the way with politically charged albums.

As the conversation winds down, both Nastia and D–Sharp offer some final recommendations. D–Sharp urges listeners to check out Leon Thomas’ Mutt, Freddie Gibbs’ latest release, and his own project with St. Spitting, Risk and Reward. Nastia encourages people to listen to Kev Choice’s All My Love, Glorilla’s Glorious, and the politically poignant work of Sammy Shablack.

2024 has been a transformative year for music, with old-school veterans and emerging talents reshaping the landscape. As we head into 2025, it’s clear that the evolution of music is far from over.

Guests:

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 End-of-Year Music Wrap-Up PT.1 appeared first on KPFA.