KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

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 – June 20, 2025 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 – June 19, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Immigration Raids and Union Suppression Host: Davey D | Guest: John Reimann (OaklandSocialist.com) In this powerful episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with longtime labor activist John Reimann about the intersection of immigration raids and union suppression. Reimann reveals that recent ICE raids in Los Angeles, particularly around sweatshops near Home Depot, have targeted areas with active union organizing campaigns led by SEIU and allied NGOs. He suggests the raids are not just about immigration enforcement—they’re being used to intimidate workers and disrupt labor movements. Reimann points out the absence of employer pushback in L.A., unlike other cities, implying tacit employer approval or collaboration. He argues that the Trump administration, driven by figures like Stephen Miller, is using immigration policy as a weapon against labor and political opposition, especially in Democratic strongholds like Texas and California. The conversation highlights the arrest and mistreatment of union leader David Huerta, and the weak or absent response from many union leaders. Reimann critiques mainstream political figures like Bernie Sanders for offering rhetorical support but failing to mobilize concrete labor action. He stresses that real power lies with workers—especially immigrant laborers in agriculture—whose collective action could disrupt the food supply and challenge Trump’s perceived dominance. The interview ends with a call to action: Reimann urges listeners, especially union members, to demand mass rallies and broader labor solidarity campaigns. He emphasizes that true working-class unity requires standing with the most vulnerable—including immigrants, Black communities, and LGBTQ individuals. For more, Reimann can be reached at 1999wildcat@gmail.com or read at OaklandSocialist.com. Hard Knock Radio Highlights the Legacy of Hip Hop Pioneers Grandmaster Caz and MC Sha-Rock In a lively and deeply reflective conversation, host Davey D welcomed Hip Hop trailblazers Grandmaster Caz of the Cold Crush Brothers and MC Sha-Rock of the Funky 4 Plus One to Hard Knock Radio. The interview served as a lead-up to the Bronx Revolution event at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, honoring Hip Hop’s origins and its foundational figures. Caz, known for penning iconic rhymes and hosting NYC’s legendary Hush Tours, discussed the natural evolution of his radio career and how his love for writing helped shape his lyrical prowess. He emphasized the importance of preserving Hip Hop history, noting that his early rhyme books are now housed at Cornell University. Sha-Rock, often credited as Hip Hop’s first female MC, spoke on her South Bronx roots, her adaptive emceeing style, and her commitment to educating youth about the culture’s foundation. She shared how she strategically loans her artifacts, including rhyme books stored at the Smithsonian, to ensure her legacy is respected and visible—not buried. The two discussed ageism in Hip Hop, dismissing the notion that the culture is only for the young. Both see their current roles as elders as crucial to keeping the culture alive, engaged, and respected. The conversation ended with excitement for the upcoming live event, which will feature live performances, community ciphers, and rare archival photos by Joe Conzo. Both artists stressed the urgency of reclaiming and preserving Hip Hop’s roots amid growing efforts to erase Black and Brown history from public institutions. 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 Immigration Raids and Union Suppression and The Legacy of Hip Hop Pioneers Grandmaster Caz and MC Sha-Rock 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 – June 17, 2025 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 – June 16, 2025 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 – June 13, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Fighting Back Against Censorship On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Emerson Sykes, senior staff attorney at the ACLU, to unpack the growing wave of book bans and attacks on free speech sweeping across the U.S. The conversation spotlights the federal government’s removal of nearly 600 books—including Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: Young Adult Edition, co-authored by Davey D and Jeff Chang—from Department of Defense-run school libraries. The Bigger Picture Sykes draws a direct line between executive orders issued by the Trump administration and an aggressive purge of materials deemed connected to DEI, gender identity, and so-called “divisive concepts.” He explains how keyword searches—rather than thoughtful review—were used to yank hundreds of titles from circulation, many centering women, LGBTQ voices, and communities of color. Free Speech Under Siege Sykes outlines how the ACLU differentiates between broad ideas of free expression and the legal scope of First Amendment protections. He underscores that the First Amendment shields private speech from government censorship—not private moderation by platforms like Twitter. The current censorship campaign, he argues, is a clear violation of constitutional rights and part of a broader authoritarian push to whitewash history and suppress dissent. Court Battles & Legal Strategy The ACLU has successfully challenged similar laws in states like Florida and New Hampshire, particularly where public universities faced restrictions on curriculum. Sykes details how the federal government, in the current case, is arguing that it has unchecked authority to pull any material in the name of compliance with the Commander-in-Chief—a stance the courts have not yet upheld. What’s at Stake Davey D and Sykes explore how legal definitions—like those attempting to equate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism—could pave the way for dangerous precedents that criminalize dissent. They warn that the broader implications could extend to banning speech critical of police, the military, or U.S. institutions under the guise of “protecting” certain groups. Call to Action Sykes urges listeners to stay vigilant in their communities—whether in schools, workplaces, or local governments. He stresses the importance of pushing back on censorship at the local level and supporting organizations that are fighting for civil liberties nationwide. 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 ACLU’s Emerson Sykes on Book Bans, Free Speech, and Government Overreach appeared first on KPFA.

Voices of Spirit, Resistance, and Revival: Jennifer Johns and Rev. Dereca Blackmon on Unity, Media, and Movement-Building In this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with singer-activist Jennifer Johns and Reverend Dereca Blackmon about the upcoming East Bay Freedom Revival, a four-day celebration blending Juneteenth, Pride, Winter Solstice, and cultural resistance. The conversation moves from media distortion of LA protests to deep spiritual reflections on collective healing, justice, and the need to reclaim sacred joy in movement spaces. Jennifer Johns critiques sensational media narratives and emphasizes the spiritual and strategic grounding behind much of today’s organizing. She speaks on the power of small, intentional acts and the importance of keeping love and unity at the center. Rev. Blackmon reflects on her role in the National Hip Hop Political Convention and the Oscar Grant movement, noting that healing, community, and shared ritual are not separate from resistance—they are resistance. Both speakers uplift the idea that joy, music, and togetherness are essential weapons against oppression. They invite listeners to the East Bay Freedom Revival—a multi-day festival featuring house music, film screenings, sacred rituals, wellness spaces, and teachings rooted in collective liberation. Events take place at East Bay Church of Religious Science, with details at eastbayfreedomrevival.com. 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 Voices of Spirit, Resistance, and Revival: Jennifer Johns and Rev. Dereca Blackmon on Unity, Media, and Movement-Building appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio Summary: Davey D in Conversation with Dr. Rupa Marya On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with Dr. Rupa Marya—physician, musician, and author of Inflamed—about her recent firing from UCSF. Marya asserts that her termination was retaliation for her outspoken support of Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza. She frames the dismissal as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in academia, especially targeting women of color, under pressure from pro-Israel forces and political allies like Senator Scott Wiener and billionaire donors such as the Diller family. Marya detailed past institutional harassment for her advocacy work, including efforts to defend marginalized patients and call out systemic racism in healthcare. She described how groups like Canary Mission and Project Esther have sought to discredit and silence pro-Palestinian voices, and how UCSF leadership capitulated to these pressures. Despite UCSF’s stated support for free speech in other political contexts, Marya’s calls for ceasefire and health justice for Palestinians were met with disciplinary action. She also raised concerns about the ties between UCSF, real estate interests, and conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, connecting her case to wider attacks on academic freedom and diversity efforts. Davey D highlighted the double standard in how political doctors like Dr. Oz or Ben Carson are embraced, while Marya was punished for similar activism. Marya closed by urging listeners to ask their healthcare providers where they stand on genocide in Gaza and support healthcare workers fighting for equity and justice. Hard Knock Radio Pays Tribute to Sly Stone’s Legacy with Professor Rickey Vincent OAKLAND, CA — June 10, 2025 On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with music historian and professor Rickey Vincent to honor the life and legacy of Bay Area icon Sly Stone, who passed away at the age of 82. Vincent, known as “The Uhuru Maggot,” framed Stone as one of the true architects of funk—placing him alongside James Brown and George Clinton. But unlike Brown’s disciplined, militaristic approach, Sly offered something looser, freer, and more colorful. “He gave artists permission to get funky with it,” said Vincent, crediting Stone with injecting both attitude and rhythm into Black music’s evolving narrative. The conversation traced Stone’s regional roots, not just in San Francisco—where he gained fame as a DJ and artist—but also in Vallejo, East Oakland, and Sacramento. Vincent explained how the multicultural, gender-integrated lineup of Sly and the Family Stone reflected the ethos of the Bay Area’s countercultural explosion, touching on civil rights, psychedelia, and sonic experimentation. “While Marvin Gaye asked ‘What’s Going On,’ Sly answered with ‘There’s a Riot Goin’ On,’” Davey D noted, hinting at the deeper social commentary embedded in Stone’s seemingly upbeat tracks. Vincent agreed, highlighting how mainstream hits like Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) carried defiant political messages—even as audiences danced to them. The tribute also recognized Stone’s ability to straddle musical worlds—headlining both the Harlem Cultural Festival and Woodstock in 1969. “He was a superstar in Black America and White America at the same time,” said Vincent, noting the heavy toll such visibility took. Listeners were encouraged to tune into Vincent’s upcoming tribute on The History of Funk this Friday, where he’ll dive deeper into Sly’s catalog and his rivalry—or synergy—with Marvin Gaye. 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 Dr. Rupa Marya and Hard Knock Radio Pays Tribute to Sly Stone’s Legacy with Professor Rickey Vincent 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 – June 9, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

New Beginnings: 16-Year-Old Jayydon Debuts Bold, Reflective EP on Hard Knock Radio A Rising Voice from Richmond On this special edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with 16-year-old Richmond-based emcee Jayydon, a standout talent emerging from the Kingmakers artist development program. With wisdom well beyond his years, Jayydon discussed his creative process, artistic inspiration, and his determination to carve out a lane grounded in authenticity—not stereotypes. Debut EP ‘New Beginnings’ Drops Friday Jayydon’s debut EP, New Beginnings, drops Friday, June 6 on Bandcamp, showcasing six tracks that combine lyrical introspection with a mission to uplift. The project is a product of Kingmakers Music and was engineered by Grammy-winner Kevin McCann at Cool Labs in West Oakland. Not Just an Artist—A Whole Human Jayydon’s growth as an artist is inseparable from his growth as a person. Guided by Kingmakers director Jahi, he’s been developing not just bars, but character. “We’re not trying to make the best rapper,” said Jahi, “we’re trying to develop better human beings.” Their first collaboration was a track on environmental justice created with Hip Hop Public Health, tackling issues like climate change and community health through a Black cultural lens. “That was my first time recording,” Jayydon recalled, “and Jahi helped me build confidence from the jump.” Music with Purpose, Not Posturing Inspired by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, and KRS-One, Jayydon rejects the pressure to produce songs about violence and materialism. “I just want to speak truth,” he said. “I never lived that street life, so I’m not going to fake it. This EP is me—my struggles, my growth, my healing.” Tracks like Walls and Mirrors offer inner reflections about breaking mental barriers and silencing self-doubt. The closer, Gratitude, pays homage to the artists who paved the way without receiving their due, connecting today’s youth to Hip Hop’s deeper legacy. Ownership and Integrity In a moment that drew laughter and respect, Davey D jokingly offered Jayydon cash, cars, and contracts if he would pivot to rapping about pimping and violence. Jayydon’s firm response: “I’m not in it.” As Jahi noted, “He owns his masters, his publishing. We’re setting him up like Sam Cooke.” Celebrating the Launch The album release party will take place Friday from 6–8 PM at Cool Labs (1035 7th St, West Oakland), featuring live performances and the premiere of Jayydon’s new video for Walls, shot at Oakland Tech. Also on deck: the release of Kingmakers Beat Tape Vol. 1 showcasing fellow producers Dyson, Raymond, and Dice. Jayydon is the Future At a time when Black youth are often boxed into narrow narratives, Jayydon represents a bold countercurrent—artistic agency, lyrical depth, and cultural integrity. As Jahi puts it, “We’ll look back on this moment 10–20 years from now and say it started right here, in Oakland.” 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 16-year-old Richmond-based emcee Jayydon, a standout talent emerging from Kingmakers appeared first on KPFA.

Hard Knock Radio with Reverend Allison Tanner In this powerful conversation, Davey D speaks with Reverend Allison Tanner about the upcoming Right of Return Pilgrimage, a 22-mile interfaith walk taking place Sunday, June 8, from 7 AM to 7 PM. The journey begins at the Islamic Cultural Center in Alameda and ends at the West Berkeley Shellmound, honoring Palestinian rights and connecting global struggles to local action. Rev. Tanner explains that the pilgrimage is more than symbolic—it’s a bold act of faith-based resistance grounded in calls for justice. Rooted in the tradition of “praying with our feet,” the event echoes civil rights-era activism while directly confronting genocide, displacement, and the weaponization of religion. Each of the seven walk segments will include distinct political calls to action, including: Restoring UNRWA funding Enacting an arms embargo against Israel Opposing California’s AB 715, which would erase Palestinian history from schools Supporting Alameda County’s ethical investment initiative Rev. Tanner also challenges the misuse of anti-semitism accusations to silence Palestine solidarity, especially as Christian Zionism—often driven by apocalyptic theology—co-opts both Christianity and Jewish identity. She points to Project Esther, a shadow campaign working to suppress pro-Palestinian voices under the guise of anti-hate measures, while ignoring actual antisemitism from high-profile political actors. Throughout the interview, Tanner stresses that this movement is about reclaiming faith, standing against empire, and lifting up the right to return, remain, and migrate—for Palestinians and all displaced peoples. Listeners are encouraged to register for the walk at bit.ly/RightOfReturnPilgrimage to receive a detailed guide with prayers, walking segments, and concrete actions to take—even if they can’t attend in person. 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 Right of Return Pilgrimage with Reverend Allison Tanner appeared first on KPFA.

In this powerful and timely episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with civil rights attorney, writer, and abolitionist Alec Karakatsanis for an unflinching conversation about his groundbreaking new book, Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News. Karakatsanis, founder of Civil Rights Corps and a long-time advocate against mass incarceration and structural injustice, joins us to pull back the curtain on how law enforcement agencies use media to shape public perception, distract from systemic abuses, and distort our understanding of crime, safety, and justice. Drawing on years of legal advocacy and investigative work, Karakatsanis details how the police strategically push narratives that center individual crimes—often out of context or exaggerated—while obscuring the routine violence, constitutional violations, and economic exploitation that are part of the everyday machinery of policing in the U.S. He discusses how journalists, sometimes unwittingly and other times through cultivated relationships with police PR teams, amplify these stories without asking the critical questions that might reveal the deeper structural forces at play. Davey D and Karakatsanis explore real-world examples of how “copaganda” plays out in newsrooms and headlines—from viral “feel-good” videos of officers doing charity work to fear-mongering coverage of so-called crime waves. They also break down the impact this media manipulation has on public policy, jury decisions, election outcomes, and marginalized communities—particularly Black, Brown, Indigenous, and low-income populations. The conversation dives into the broader implications of media complicity in upholding carceral logic and offers strategies for both journalists and consumers of news to resist and challenge these narratives. Karakatsanis also speaks to the urgency of building alternative systems of safety and care, and why interrogating the stories we’re told about crime is crucial to building a just society. Whether you’re a journalist, organizer, policymaker, or someone trying to make sense of what justice really looks like, this episode is a vital listen. Tune in for an honest, eye-opening dialogue that unpacks one of the most insidious tools of modern policing—and what we can do to dismantle it. 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 Copaganda and the Crisis of Truth: Davey D in Conversation with Alec Karakatsanis 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 – June 3, 2025 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 – June 2, 2025 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 – May 30, 2025 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 – May 29, 2025 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 – May 28, 2025 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 – May 27, 2025 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 – May 26, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.