KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

On Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with artist, musician and scholar Dani Cornejo to discuss his new album, Child of Exile, a deeply personal project shaped by family history, Indigenous identity, Oakland and the political power of Hip Hop. Created slowly over the course of a decade, the album survived multiple political eras and a global pandemic, allowing Cornejo to repeatedly revisit its writing, production and instrumentation. “The process was incredibly healing,” he explained, describing music-making as a meditative practice rather than simply a means of producing content for the marketplace.

The album’s title speaks directly to Cornejo’s family history. His father was forced to leave Chile following the 1973 U.S.-backed coup against President Salvador Allende. Growing up among other children whose families had been displaced from Chile, El Salvador and Guatemala placed Cornejo inside a highly politicized community. Child of Exile, he said, explores what happens when that child grows up and begins speaking through an adult voice shaped by displacement, resistance and solidarity.

Cornejo also discussed language as both a bridge and a site of struggle. While much of his earlier music was recorded primarily in Spanish—with elements of Portuguese, Quechua and Nahuatl—Child of Exile is his first full streaming album performed entirely in English. That decision was intended to connect with Black, Chicano, working-class, LGBTQ+ and other communities that might not easily access Spanish-language lyrics. At the same time, Cornejo acknowledged Spanish as a colonial language and reflected upon his continuing effort to reconnect with Mapudungun, an Indigenous language from his father’s side.

Davey D and Cornejo explored Hip Hop as a tool for recovering histories and languages threatened by erasure. Cornejo emphasized the culture’s African diasporic foundation and credited Davey with encouraging him to reconnect with Hip Hop’s Bronx roots. Songs such as “That Boom Bap Aesthetic,” featuring Deuce Eclipse, honor that lineage, while “Novocaine,” featuring Indigo Mateo, examines the emotional numbing people use to survive structural neglect in East Oakland.

The conversation later widened to include World Cup culture, anti-Blackness in Latin America, Argentina’s racial history, immigration enforcement and the exploitation of independent artists by streaming platforms. Cornejo closed with “Still the Sun,” a reminder that despite the weight people carry, tomorrow offers another opportunity to heal, resist and begin again.

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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On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D welcomed South Carolina journalist and political commentator Preach Jacobs for an in-depth conversation examining the political legacy of longtime U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and what his career reveals about the evolution of the Republican Party, the changing political landscape in the South, and the future of grassroots organizing.

Rather than offering a conventional tribute, the discussion placed Graham’s career within the broader history of South Carolina politics. Preach argued that understanding Graham requires understanding the political machine he inherited from segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond and the deeply entrenched conservative culture that has shaped statewide elections for decades. He noted that despite South Carolina’s large Black population, historical voting patterns, rural political power, and voter suppression have helped Republicans maintain control of statewide offices. Reflecting on Graham’s transformation after Donald Trump’s rise, Preach observed, “We don’t have to say anything. We can use your words,” referring to Graham’s own early condemnation of Trump before ultimately becoming one of his strongest allies.

Davey D expanded the conversation beyond South Carolina, drawing comparisons between political organizing in the South and California while challenging simplistic narratives about Black political power. Together, the two examined why many elected officials abandon principle in pursuit of political survival and questioned whether today’s Democratic leadership has kept pace with an increasingly impatient electorate. Preach argued that the country is ready for a new generation of leadership, stating, “The country has to say, ‘We’re going the other way,'” as frustration with establishment politics continues to grow.

The conversation also explored succession within both political parties, criticizing aging leadership, the lack of long-term planning, and what both guests described as a widening disconnect between elected officials and grassroots movements. They discussed the influence of coalition politics, recent progressive victories, and the importance of building authentic relationships instead of relying solely on media campaigns or fundraising.

The show concluded on a hopeful note by shifting from electoral politics to community organizing. Preach shared how hosting neighborhood gatherings has evolved into a form of local activism that connects artists, organizers, and political leaders. Davey D echoed that sentiment, arguing that meaningful change still begins with relationship-building, face-to-face conversations, and sustained community engagement.

Throughout the broadcast, Hard Knock Radio challenged listeners to look beyond political personalities and examine the systems that create them, while emphasizing that lasting change will require principled leadership, grassroots organizing, and communities willing to invest in one another.

and later on this episode, we speak with Bay Area based comedian Karinda Dobbins about the release of her debut comedy album, Black & Blue. In Black & Blue, Karinda shares personal stories – finding humor in the most ordinary moments of her daily life – including her girlfriends arbitrary policy on household pests, the changes hipsters have brought to Oakland, and a Black womans unique packing list for hiking. This is an encore presentation of a show that first aired August 14, 2024.

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 Part Two: A Legacy of Power, Politics, and Contradiction: Hard Knock Radio Examines Lindsey Graham’s Impact on South Carolina and Beyond / Comedian Karinda Dobbins appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D welcomed South Carolina journalist and political commentator Preach Jacobs for an in-depth conversation examining the political legacy of longtime U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and what his career reveals about the evolution of the Republican Party, the changing political landscape in the South, and the future of grassroots organizing.

Rather than offering a conventional tribute, the discussion placed Graham’s career within the broader history of South Carolina politics. Preach argued that understanding Graham requires understanding the political machine he inherited from segregationist Senator Strom Thurmond and the deeply entrenched conservative culture that has shaped statewide elections for decades. He noted that despite South Carolina’s large Black population, historical voting patterns, rural political power, and voter suppression have helped Republicans maintain control of statewide offices. Reflecting on Graham’s transformation after Donald Trump’s rise, Preach observed, “We don’t have to say anything. We can use your words,” referring to Graham’s own early condemnation of Trump before ultimately becoming one of his strongest allies.

Davey D expanded the conversation beyond South Carolina, drawing comparisons between political organizing in the South and California while challenging simplistic narratives about Black political power. Together, the two examined why many elected officials abandon principle in pursuit of political survival and questioned whether today’s Democratic leadership has kept pace with an increasingly impatient electorate. Preach argued that the country is ready for a new generation of leadership, stating, “The country has to say, ‘We’re going the other way,'” as frustration with establishment politics continues to grow.

The conversation also explored succession within both political parties, criticizing aging leadership, the lack of long-term planning, and what both guests described as a widening disconnect between elected officials and grassroots movements. They discussed the influence of coalition politics, recent progressive victories, and the importance of building authentic relationships instead of relying solely on media campaigns or fundraising.

The show concluded on a hopeful note by shifting from electoral politics to community organizing. Preach shared how hosting neighborhood gatherings has evolved into a form of local activism that connects artists, organizers, and political leaders. Davey D echoed that sentiment, arguing that meaningful change still begins with relationship-building, face-to-face conversations, and sustained community engagement.

Throughout the broadcast, Hard Knock Radio challenged listeners to look beyond political personalities and examine the systems that create them, while emphasizing that lasting change will require principled leadership, grassroots organizing, and communities willing to invest in one another.

The post A Legacy of Power, Politics, and Contradiction: Hard Knock Radio Examines Lindsey Graham’s Impact on South Carolina and Beyon appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D welcomed Christina Harb, an educator and organizer with the CalSTRS Divest campaign, and veteran teacher and activist Andrea Pritchett for an in-depth conversation about a growing statewide movement urging the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to divest from investments that campaign organizers say are tied to Israel’s war in Gaza. The discussion explored the intersection of education, ethics, labor organizing, public pensions, and political accountability while encouraging educators and community members to become more active in shaping how billions of dollars in retirement funds are invested.

Harb explained that the campaign began after educators researched CalSTRS’ investment portfolio and discovered holdings in companies they believe are connected to military operations and surveillance technologies. She said the effort quickly grew from a resolution passed by the Berkeley Federation of Teachers into a statewide campaign involving educators from across California. “We’re asking CalSTRS to stop making a million teachers and beneficiaries complicit in the genocide of Gaza and in warfare in general,” Harb said. She also argued that the pension fund has previously divested from industries such as tobacco, private prisons, firearms, and apartheid South Africa, demonstrating that ethical investment decisions are possible.

Throughout the interview, Davey D challenged his guests to examine the broader political landscape, pointing to battles over ethnic studies, free speech, and legislation that critics argue discourages open discussion of Palestine. He questioned why so many public officials and institutions appear reluctant to confront the issue despite growing public concern. Andrea Pritchett acknowledged the difficult political climate, describing efforts by educators to speak out while navigating institutional barriers, legal constraints, and public pressure. She also stressed that teachers deserve greater input into how their retirement funds are invested, calling for elected officials and future governors to appoint board members who prioritize ethical responsibility.

The conversation ultimately focused on the importance of sustained grassroots organizing. Harb argued that meaningful change requires moving beyond symbolic statements toward structural reforms. “We need masses of people to be loud… to make people feel empowered to do the right thing,” she said. She urged supporters to sign petitions, contact CalSTRS board members, educate themselves about the fund’s investments, and attend the upcoming CalSTRS board meeting in Millbrae. Pritchett closed by highlighting concerns over companies like Palantir and encouraging listeners to engage in future elections that will shape the composition of the CalSTRS board and California’s broader education leadership. Davey D concluded by emphasizing that lasting change depends on informed communities willing to organize, hold public officials accountable, and participate in civic action.

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 Brave New Voices Part Two and California Teachers Push CalSTRS to ‘Retire Genocide’: Educators Demand Divestment and Ethical Accountability appeared first on KPFA.

Youth Speaks at 30: Brave New Voices Carries the Legacy of Poetry, Hip Hop and Social Change

As Youth Speaks celebrates its 30th anniversary, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with Youth Speaks Creative Youth Development leader Darius R. Parker and Youth Poet Laureate and Brave New Voices participant Sehinne Yohannes for a powerful conversation about poetry, activism, education, and the enduring influence of Hip Hop culture. The discussion highlighted how Youth Speaks has become one of the nation’s most important platforms for young people to transform their lived experiences into art and social action.

Parker traced the organization’s roots back to 1996, explaining that Youth Speaks was founded to provide young people with a safe space to “speak truth to power.” He described the organization as standing on the shoulders of the Black Arts Movement, the Black Panther Party, LGBTQ liberation struggles, and Hip Hop culture. According to Parker, “There would be no spoken word slam poetry without Hip Hop,” while emphasizing that today’s movement is strengthened by many traditions working together rather than a single influence.

Davey D explored the relationship between spoken word and Hip Hop, asking how today’s young poets connect with earlier generations of revolutionary artists such as Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, and Langston Hughes. Yohannes explained that her own journey began through San Leandro High School’s Social Justice Academy, where studying revolutionary poets inspired her to see writing as “its own form of revolution.” She credited her teachers and mentors for helping her recognize poetry as a bridge between history and the present.

The conversation also challenged common stereotypes about young people. When Davey D raised concerns about declining reading habits and the growing dependence on artificial intelligence, Parker pushed back against the narrative that today’s youth lack curiosity or discipline. Instead, he argued that young people arrive with wisdom born from their own experiences and that Youth Speaks helps sharpen”not create”their voices. Yohannes added that poetry rekindled her own love for reading by exposing her to literature that reflected her identity and community.

The guests also pulled back the curtain on the demanding preparation behind Brave New Voices. From intensive writing workshops and fact-checking to memorization, coaching, and performance techniques, they emphasized that excellence comes through discipline while still preserving each poet’s authentic voice. Yohannes explained that whether writing about immigration, racism, or joy, poetry serves as both a coping mechanism and a tool for social transformation. “We’re not just saying anything,” she said. “We’re writing for revolution.”

Throughout the interview, Davey D underscored the importance of organizations like Youth Speaks at a time when many communities feel silenced. Together, the conversation affirmed that Brave New Voices is far more than a poetry competition”it is a gathering of young leaders using language, creativity, and courage to shape a more just future while honoring the rich traditions that paved the way.

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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Today on Hard Knock Radio we present Saltwater Soundwalk, an Indigenous audio tour of Seattle featuring a watery audio experience, with streams of stories that ebb and flow that intermixes English and Coast Salish languages. Indigenous Coast Salish peoples continue to steward this land and preserve its language, despite settler colonialism, industrialization and gentrification. Part story, part sound collage, this piece is scored entirely with the sounds of the waters and animals who live in and around the Salish Sea. This episode first aired in April 2023.

And later we hear from Poor News Network about America’s War on disenfranchised populations.

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 Saltwater Soundwalk and Poor News Magazine appeared first on KPFA.

Sports have always reflected society, but during this Hard Knock Radio conversation, host Davey D and acclaimed sports journalist Dave Zirin argued that today’s global soccer stage has become a battleground where nationalism, immigration, race, corporate influence, and international politics collide. Drawing from the latest FIFA tournament, Zirin explained that the world’s biggest sporting event cannot be separated from the political realities shaping it.

Zirin noted that because billions of people watch the World Cup, every match carries political meaning. “There is no spectacle that is viewed in such a way that it creates a global monoculture around one event,” he said, explaining that international rivalries, colonial histories, and immigration all become part of the competition. He also criticized FIFA leadership, arguing that political relationships between powerful figures have compromised the integrity of the tournament while creating controversy around officiating and governance.

Throughout the discussion, Davey D highlighted how sports can unite communities across race, nationality, and class, pointing to the massive crowds gathering to watch matches throughout California. Yet both agreed that those moments of unity are often overshadowed by political interference, racism, and corporate power. They examined racist attacks directed at French superstar Kylian Mbappé, the influence of nationalism, and the lingering effects of colonialism on many of the competing nations. Zirin praised athletes who have responded with dignity despite becoming targets of political attacks, emphasizing that sports often reveal the same struggles playing out in society at large.

The conversation also explored the growing commercialization of youth sports in the United States. Zirin argued that the country’s pay-to-play soccer system shuts out countless talented young players from immigrant and working-class communities. “There’s no reason a country of 300 million people… can’t be fielding a team that makes it to the quarters or even the semis on a regular basis,” he said. “Except they’ve made it cost-prohibitive.” According to Zirin, privatized youth academies and expensive club systems have transformed what has traditionally been the world’s “people’s sport” into an exclusive pipeline that favors wealth over talent.

As the interview concluded, the discussion turned toward reform. Zirin argued that meaningful change in international sports will not come from FIFA itself but from broader grassroots movements demanding accountability. Referencing sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards, he reminded listeners that lasting change begins outside the stadium. “If you’re gonna get people over the turnstiles, over the walls, and out of the bleachers, and into the streets,” he said, “it better start outside the stadium.”

More than a conversation about soccer, this Hard Knock Radio interview challenged listeners to see sports as a reflection of the larger struggles over democracy, justice, economic inequality, and global power. The scoreboard may capture the final score, but as Davey D and Dave Zirin demonstrated, the real story often unfolds far beyond the field.

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 Beyond the Scoreboard: Dave Zirin Explains Why the World Cup Is About Power, Politics and the People’s Game appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio host Davey D marked the 50th anniversary of Go-Go music with an in-depth conversation that celebrated one of America’s most influential, yet often overlooked, musical traditions. Joined by Go-Go historian and publisher Kevin “Cato” Hammond of Take Me Out to the Go-Go and music historian JayQuan, the discussion traced the genre’s origins, its deep connection to Hip Hop, and why Go-Go remains one of the most unique live musical experiences in the country.

The conversation opened with Rare Essence’s signature sound before Davey D explained why he considers Go-Go to be Hip Hop’s “first cousin.” While Hip Hop was developing in New York, Washington, D.C. was cultivating its own vibrant youth music scene centered around live bands, percussion, and community gatherings. Rather than viewing music history as a straight line beginning in New York, the guests emphasized that cities across the country were developing their own cultural movements simultaneously.

Cato explained that modern Go-Go was born in 1976 through the innovations of the legendary Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers. Brown revolutionized live performances by eliminating the pauses between songs, using continuous percussion and rhythmic grooves to keep dancers moving without interruption. That nonstop flow became the defining characteristic of Go-Go and inspired younger bands such as Rare Essence, Trouble Funk, E.U., and Junkyard Band to develop the sound even further.

Throughout the discussion, both guests stressed that Go-Go cannot truly be understood through studio recordings alone. JayQuan noted that while many songs stretched well beyond ten minutes, commercial radio favored much shorter records, making it difficult for the genre to receive widespread national exposure. Instead, Go-Go thrived as a live experience where musicians, vocalists, and audiences created the performance together. As Cato explained, every show is different because the lead talker acts almost like a conductor, directing the band in real time based on the crowd’s energy.

Davey D also explored the parallels between Go-Go and Hip Hop, comparing Chuck Brown’s extended grooves to DJ Kool Herc’s famous breakbeats. The guests highlighted how records like Bustin’ Loose, Trouble Funk’s Pump Me Up, and E.U.’s recordings became foundational influences for Hip Hop DJs and producers. They also discussed how independent labels, live recordings, and party atmospheres shaped both musical cultures, with even Sugar Hill Records recognizing Go-Go’s commercial potential by signing Trouble Funk during the early years of rap.

The conversation ultimately framed Go-Go as far more than a regional style of music. It is a living cultural tradition built on musicianship, improvisation, community participation, and Black musical innovation. Fifty years after Chuck Brown first developed the signature groove, Hard Knock Radio reminded listeners that Go-Go remains an essential chapter in the story of American music and an indispensable bridge connecting funk, jazz, soul, and Hip Hop.

The post Go-Go at 50: Hard Knock Radio Explores the Soundtrack of Washington, D.C. PT. 2 appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio host Davey D marked the 50th anniversary of Go-Go music with an in-depth conversation that celebrated one of America’s most influential, yet often overlooked, musical traditions. Joined by Go-Go historian and publisher Kevin “Cato” Hammond of Take Me Out to the Go-Go and music historian JayQuan, the discussion traced the genre’s origins, its deep connection to Hip Hop, and why Go-Go remains one of the most unique live musical experiences in the country.

The conversation opened with Rare Essence’s signature sound before Davey D explained why he considers Go-Go to be Hip Hop’s “first cousin.” While Hip Hop was developing in New York, Washington, D.C. was cultivating its own vibrant youth music scene centered around live bands, percussion, and community gatherings. Rather than viewing music history as a straight line beginning in New York, the guests emphasized that cities across the country were developing their own cultural movements simultaneously.

Cato explained that modern Go-Go was born in 1976 through the innovations of the legendary Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers. Brown revolutionized live performances by eliminating the pauses between songs, using continuous percussion and rhythmic grooves to keep dancers moving without interruption. That nonstop flow became the defining characteristic of Go-Go and inspired younger bands such as Rare Essence, Trouble Funk, E.U., and Junkyard Band to develop the sound even further.

Throughout the discussion, both guests stressed that Go-Go cannot truly be understood through studio recordings alone. JayQuan noted that while many songs stretched well beyond ten minutes, commercial radio favored much shorter records, making it difficult for the genre to receive widespread national exposure. Instead, Go-Go thrived as a live experience where musicians, vocalists, and audiences created the performance together. As Cato explained, every show is different because the lead talker acts almost like a conductor, directing the band in real time based on the crowd’s energy.

Davey D also explored the parallels between Go-Go and Hip Hop, comparing Chuck Brown’s extended grooves to DJ Kool Herc’s famous breakbeats. The guests highlighted how records like Bustin’ Loose, Trouble Funk’s Pump Me Up, and E.U.’s recordings became foundational influences for Hip Hop DJs and producers. They also discussed how independent labels, live recordings, and party atmospheres shaped both musical cultures, with even Sugar Hill Records recognizing Go-Go’s commercial potential by signing Trouble Funk during the early years of rap.

The conversation ultimately framed Go-Go as far more than a regional style of music. It is a living cultural tradition built on musicianship, improvisation, community participation, and Black musical innovation. Fifty years after Chuck Brown first developed the signature groove, Hard Knock Radio reminded listeners that Go-Go remains an essential chapter in the story of American music and an indispensable bridge connecting funk, jazz, soul, and Hip Hop.

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 Go-Go at 50: Hard Knock Radio Explores the Soundtrack of Washington, D.C. appeared first on KPFA.

From Vallejo to Newark: Hard Knock Radio Explores How Community Leaders Are Building a Culture of Peace

On this edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D welcomed three respected voices committed to ending community violence: Miami Da Most, Vallejo community leader and founder of Honey Buns for the Homeless Ones, Rudy Corpuz, founder and executive director of United Playaz, and Hakim Green, educator, activist, and member of the legendary Hip Hop group Channel Live. Together, they discussed the upcoming Ceasefire Vallejo 707 Day initiative while exploring how mentorship, Hip Hop culture, and grassroots organizing can help reduce violence and restore hope in communities across the country.

Davey D opened the conversation by noting that gun violence has become a national crisis, pointing to recent shootings across several cities and challenging the notion that violence is confined to places like Oakland or Vallejo. Rather than relying solely on policing, he asked what communities themselves could do to create lasting peace.

Rudy Corpuz emphasized the urgency of the work by reminding listeners that “The number one cause of death for children that are 18 years and younger is gun violence.” He explained that the goal of the 24-Hour Ceasefire is simple but powerful: encourage everyone to put their differences aside for one day and commit to avoiding gun violence. “Sit on their hands for 24 hours,” Corpuz said, describing the campaign as a starting point for changing community culture and demonstrating that peace is possible.

For Miami Da Most, the conversation was deeply personal. Once known for influencing the streets through music and lifestyle, he now uses that same influence to uplift young people. “I lead by example,” he said. “I want to be influential on the kids… and even some grown people.” Through his nonprofit and daily community work, Miami Da Most encourages youth to believe in themselves, embrace purpose, and understand that the credibility they earn in the streets can instead be used to build stronger neighborhoods.

Joining from Newark, New Jersey, Hakim Green shared lessons from 24 Hours of Peace, a movement that has united artists, educators, activists, and local government for more than a decade. He explained that “understanding the power of Hip Hop culture and reaching out to these kids in a way that they understand through culture” has helped reduce violence while creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Green stressed that real change comes from consistent programming, structure, and showing up every day”not one-time events.

Throughout the discussion, all three guests agreed that peace begins with trusted community voices willing to mentor, educate, and lead by example. Whether in Vallejo, Newark, or any other city, they argued that investing in young people and reclaiming Hip Hop’s original spirit of unity offers a pathway toward breaking cycles of violence and creating safer communities for future 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.

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