SONIC CYCLE EP. 117 : Black History Month Pt. 2

On this week's Cycle, we keep our Black History Month exploration going and talk about the history of hip hop and how the genre connects with larger topics that it often addresses head on. Tune in for a blast from the past, mixed with some newer tracks that fit the bill!

I use the book "Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip Hop Generation" by Jeff Chang to look into the roots of hip hop being born by DJs like DJ Kool Herc (the episode features a Internet Archive find of one of his 1981 Live performances), Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash. From there, we expand into some more modern examples of hip hop elements that I think have remained constant since the genre's inception.

Next week, we'll be turning the spotlight back towards Canada and exploring some of the history of Black Canadians, in the format of books, films and tv series created through their own lens.



Playlist:

• Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)
• Alexis Baró Y La Big Band - Afro Cubanía
• Afrika Bambaataa, The Soulsonic Force - They Made A Mistake
• DJ Kool Herc & The Herculords - T-Connection 1981
• Grandmaster Flash - P.L.U. (Peace, Love and Unity)
• Black Star - Children's Story
• Chance the Rapper, featuring BJ The Chicago Kid - The Negro Problem
• Tea Fannie, Black Pride YYC, catfishthewizard, Nasty G - We Up
• Noname - Blaxploitation
• A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation