Tarik Moody is one-of-one. An expression we have used and heard used countless times and this case it actually applies. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia and living and growing in 8 different cities before making Milwaukee his home, Tarik has been responsible for many thngs in his lifetime and we touch on all of those things here on another edition of YTT.

We are also excited to celebrate 20 years of his syndicated radio show, RHYTHM LAB RADIO. The show began in Minneapolis in 2005 and has grown into a reputable staple in Transforming the Urban Sound.  The tapestry of artsts that have been featured on this program is mmense as the show has explored countless genres of music and artists in its 20-year run.

Tarik also shares his journey to Milwaukee and being one of the RadioMilwaukee OGs, as he has been with the organzition since its inception. We explore his various roles over the years at RadioMilwaukee and talk about his passion and drive that brought us HYFIN. Wisconsin's only urban alternative radio station.

Tarik shares hs visions and plans for the future while remaining firmly entrenched in the now.

Enjoy!!!

YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW. returns with another engaging episode as we welcome guests, co-Executive Directors of TrueSkool, Shalina Ali and Fidel Verdin, celebrating their long-standing presence in the community and their upcoming "Summer Park Jam Weekend 2025." The event, kicks off on Friday, August 8th, with exclusive CEO Sessions. An opportunity for  networking among creatives, media makers, young professionals, and entrepreneurs. A highlight of these sessions will be an exclusive convo with hip-hop legends EPMD (Eric Sermon and Parrish Smith), who will share their extensive expertise on topics ranging from production and publishing to longevity and touring in the music industry. The event seeks to provide immense value to attendees, particularly artists and creative industries in Milwaukee, with limited seating available through RSVP at trueskool.org/summerparkjam.

Shalina and Fidel share their personal inspirations for dedicating themselves to this work. Fidel attributes his drive to his parents, who instilled in him the importance of action and creativity, fostering an artistic environment where "everything was creative as possible." Shalina, whose mother was a seamstress and cook and her father a "serial entrepreneur," learned resourcefulness and resilience. She also highlights her experience growing up in a "highly racially charged childhood" as a mixed-race individual (Pakistani father, Mexican mother), which fueled her "love for culture, diversity, and flavor" and led her to find healing and community through poetry, photography, and hip-hop culture. Their early engagement with hip-hop, from breaking and graffiti to forming crews and understanding its power to mobilize, laid the foundation for their commitment to fostering community and education through TrueSkool.Enjoy this fun, rollicking and informative conversation that delves into our subjects, yesterday, today and tomorrow!!

In this episode of 'Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow,' the host introduces their special guest, Brittany Freeman-Farr also known as Be Free—a multi-talented musician and creative force. The discussion revolves around Be Free’s journey from Milwaukee to California, detailing her early experiences in music and education. She vividly recounts her transition from singing and playing flute to producing her own music, even during a challenging period when she lost her voice due to a severe throat infection. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including a critical surgery and the physical and psychological toll it took, Be Free highlights her perseverance and adaptability. Her first project, 'Open Mic, Open Heart,' emerged from her self-taught production skills, and her sophomore album was an emotional exploration of her relationship with her voice during its recovery. Be Free also touches on her role as the program director of Grace Weber's Music Lab, emphasizing its mission to nurture young talent and provide them with unique opportunities to develop their artistic skills. She reflects on the importance of giving back to the community and expresses her aspirations for future projects and continued growth as an artist and mentor.

This edition of YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW explores an engaging interview with the esteemed MC, Brother Ali, a steady and solid presence in the hip-hop game for decades. The conversation kicks off with praise for Ali's impressive career, boasting seven LPs, four EPs, and numerous collaborations since his debut in 2000. Based now in Istanbul, Turkey, Ali reflects on his independent journey of over two decades, expressing gratitude for making a living doing what he loves and cherishing his current inspired and blessed stage of life.

We also delve into the meaning behind Ali's music, particularly his line about not rhyming to escape reality from his new album, "Satisfied Soul." He elaborates on the diverse landscape of hip-hop he encountered, from joyful and fun artists to those focused on street life, artistic excellence, education, and even purely sexual expression. Ali contrasts this with the mainstream music industry's later focus on a narrower spectrum, which led to the rise of the underground and independent scenes where artists like him aim to explore deeper meanings rather than provide escapism.

We cover a lot here, per usual, for YTT and unearth some fascinating insights, and anecdotes from the brother himself, as well as some funny moments and stories throughout his illustrious career. You can also bear witness to his sprawling LIVE show as he will be gracing the stage tomorrow, May 9th at Shank Hall along with the insanely

Another special edition of YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW with spectacular guest, SHONN HINTON .From rocking the drums in his grandfather's church as a kid in Milwaukee to sharing a stage with legends, Shonn Hinton's musical journey is pure inspiration. This 414 native, a ridiculously talented bass guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer, Shonn has been making waves globally with his undeniable musical gifts. Even back in sixth grade, while his peers were navigating the awkwardness of teenage years in Milwaukee, Shonn was already mastering the guitar, a sign of the extraordinary talent that was to come.
Fast forward to today, and Shonn is riding high from a flurry of recent releases along with his latest album, "Khadijah,” a project born from a fun, lighthearted space, inspired by Queen Latifah's iconic character from "Living Single." Unlike his previous more personal projects, "Khadijah” was a burst of creative energy, written and recorded in a mere three weeks! This album, which he playfully considered naming "Me and Big Booty Judy" before settling on the more musically-focused "Khadijah,” is a testament to his ability to create incredible music when he lets loose and wilds out a bit. The lead single, the infectious "Too Much Shaking Going On," is already making serious noise, and with Shonn having played all the instruments on the album himself, it adds a whole new layer of appreciation for his artistry.
Shonn's talent isn't confined to his solo work. This Milwaukee maestro has an impressive history of collaborating with a who's who of the music industry, a journey that surprisingly began before he even released his own recordings. His first big break came through a chance encounter at Summer Fest with Rex Hardy, who was playing for Jersey Ave. A VHS tape showcasing Shonn's skills led to an unexpected call and a gig with the legendary Dave Hollister! From there, his reputation as a phenomenal musician from the 414 only grew, leading to incredible opportunities and collaborations with artists like Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, John Legend, Patti Labelle and a myriad of others. Grounded in his early experiences playing in church and fueled by the timeless sounds of artists like Earth, Wind & Fire and Heatwave, Shonn Hinton is a force to be reckoned with, and his dedication to leaving his artistic well "empty" promises even more amazing music to come.

Join us as Milwaukee's own IshDARR sits down with HYFIN to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of his groundbreaking debut project "Old Soul, Young Spirit." In this revealing conversation, IshDARR traces his journey from recording with friends using a digital camera to performing at Summerfest and landing a role alongside Matthew McConaughey in "White Boy Rick."

Discover how his father's DJing and the Wu-Tang Clan sparked his musical ambitions, and how his experiences in Milwaukee schools shaped his artistic vision. IshDARR opens up about the formation of his first groups, the creation of Milwaukee anthems, and navigating the music industry while staying true to his authentic sound.

Don't miss this intimate look into one of Milwaukee's most respected and prolific MCs as he reflects on a decade of music, unexpected acting opportunities, and what's next in his remarkable creative journey.

In an intimate conversation with Milwaukee's hip-hop pioneer Antoine "Twan Mack" Mack, recorded just months before his untimely passing, listeners are granted unprecedented access to the reflections of a visionary who helped shape the genre's evolution from its nascent stages to its contemporary form. This profound dialogue, captured for HYFIN's Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow podcast, traverses four decades of hip-hop history through the lens of an artist who witnessed its transformation from urban phenomenon to global cultural force.

From his early experiences in 1979 New Jersey to his groundbreaking work with Kali Tribe and later advocacy for "Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop," Mack's narrative weaves together personal history with astute cultural analysis. The conversation explores the nuanced dynamics of generational dialogue within hip-hop culture, examining how age, experience, and artistic maturity intersect in an ever-evolving genre.

Recorded as Mack prepared for hip replacement surgery while touring with Arrested Development, this interview serves as both historical document and forward-looking manifesto. His insights on ageism in American hip-hop, contrasted with international perspectives, offer a compelling examination of the genre's cultural dynamics. Through candid reflections on his role as Milwaukee's hip-hop ambassador and his vision for the genre's future, Mack provides a masterclass in artistic integrity, community responsibility, and the importance of preserving hip-hop's foundational values while embracing its evolution.

This episode stands as a testament to Mack's enduring legacy and his commitment to creating space for every voice in hip-hop's ongoing narrative. His final recorded thoughts now serve as both a celebration of his pioneering spirit and a blueprint for future generations of artists and cultural stewards.

In this episode, we sit down with the eclectic Jean Dawson, an artist redefining boundaries with his latest album, Glimmer God. Dawson shares the deeply personal inspiration behind the project—a tribute to his mother, a Mexican immigrant who used music to learn English—and how it blends influences from legends like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Radiohead. He reflects on growing up in a multicultural household with a Black father and Mexican mother, highlighting how their experiences shaped his artistry. From his recent collaboration with Lil Yachty to performing in Milwaukee for the first time, Dawson discusses the connections between his cultural roots, family, and creative process. This intimate conversation showcases the vibrant spirit and authenticity that make Jean Dawson a voice of the present and the future.