South Asians Love Rap

In the lead-up to the Oscars, Mano Sundaresan and I interviewed Joseph Patel for No Bells Radio. We're sharing that conversation here and celebrating Joseph for becoming the first Patel to ever win an Oscar. Summer of Soul, the film he produced alongside first-time director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, won in the Best Documentary category. Check out the film on Hulu and be sure to follow No Bells Radio wherever you listen to podcasts!

We're back with a bonus episode featuring Mano Sundaresan, a freelance writer and an audio producer at NPR. We discuss the influence of LA rapper Drakeo the Ruler (RIP), links between South Indian film music and rap, and the blog Mano founded last year called No Bells. Below the timestamps, you will find some of Mano's work and some of Akash's work (including a piece for No Bells).

(3:08) Remembering Drakeo the Ruler

(7:36) Early days in Massachusetts

(9:52) Filmi music / 808s & Heartbreaks

(14:08) Identity / Mano's work

(23:07) College days / early career

(30:17) Massachusetts rap / No Bells

Mano's work

Akash's work

A family affair for the 10th episode! This one is extra special. It features Akash's dad reminiscing on his decades-old bond with Dr. Huey P Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Huey choose Papa to head his Ph.D committee in the late 1970s at UC Santa Cruz. Plenty of stories come pouring out from there. But mostly this episode is a tribute to teachers and an attempt to explore the legacy of an American icon through a family connection. 

Two college students of Berkeley B-Side (@berkeleybside) fame, Gautham Sathisan and Josh Jiwanmall, join the show to prove there is no right or wrong, only a song. 

Honestly. They might be like the new Ice Cube, meets the new Ice-T // meets 2 Live Crew, meets the new Spike Lee // meets Bruce like Wayne, meets Bruce like Lee // meets '02 Lil Wayne, in a new white tee // meets Steph Curry. BLAOOOW!

If you're a J Cole hater, this episode is for you. It'll restore your faith in his powers. You'll also learn about what's hot in UK Drill and the French rap scene. Listen long enough and you'll be moved. I guarantee it. If you want your money back, send us an email at [email protected]. Share a recommendation for who should be our next guest. Share feedback. 

Check out new content from Gautham and Josh every Friday on Instagram (@berkeleybside).

Check out the companion playlist for this episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jTG7va8iCiikM5kdtVwes?si=lxKGfeXNR4idQLvCs3VO_A

No interview this week! Instead, Akash will break down his top five favorite uses of Nina Simone in hip-hop. Artists include Kanye, No ID, Noname, and more that you'll have to listen for. Have your own favorite sample? Share it on Instagram at @southasiansloverap and don't forget to Subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts!

Check out the companion playlist for this episode HERE!

Dr. Anil Jagtiani (@DrJ_NoRelation on Twitter) finds time away from fighting COVID on the frontlines for this one. He talks about his grandfather's love of rhymes, keeping his Bay swagger alive after 20+ years in SoCal, and why the Roots are criminally underrated. 

Check out the companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5iqYVDTS2aWcIqdebXwVzj?si=Mo5AR69xRqG2EmvA_eXSng

Hip-Hop Marketing Manager and DJ extraordinaire, Zainab Hasnain, joins the show to share her story, from Lahore to Long Island. She touches on artists from across the pond, shares the best qualities of great DJs, and commits to being a ride-or-die for the multi-hyphenate. 

Follow her on Instagram: @zeemuffin

Check out her DJ mixes on Audiomack: audiomack.com/zeemuffin

Check out the companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7BxjyCU37a6ILw1Rvo4zJl?si=vfqwBJgrS6iQZqDlfVxyaQ

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