KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

As 2024 comes to a close, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D engages in an insightful conversation with KQED music columnist Nastia Voynovskaya, producer and Golden State Warriors official DJ D-Sharp, Bay Area favorite DJ Lady Ryan, and KALW radio host. Together, they explore the music trends that shaped the year—from the resurgence of veteran hip-hop artists and the rise of regional sounds to the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats. This end-of-year discussion provides a fresh and dynamic perspective on the evolving music landscape. Veteran Hip-Hop Artists Take Center Stage One of the standout trends in 2024 was the increasing prominence of veteran hip-hop artists, defying the industry’s ageist tendencies. Davey D highlights how icons like Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, and Public Enemy continue to produce music that resonates deeply with listeners. DJ D–Sharp adds that as DJs and producers, experience enhances their craft, likening it to seasoned rock bands like The Rolling Stones. Both agree that the industry’s barrier of limiting hip-hop to younger artists is no longer relevant. Nastia Voynovskaya shares her admiration for Bamboo, a rapper known for his politically charged lyrics. She notes how his album brought back the old-school political hip-hop vibe, which aligns with the rising class consciousness among listeners. The Bay Area’s Growing Influence Throughout the discussion, the Bay Area’s cultural impact on music is a recurring theme. DJ D–Sharp points out how artists like LaRussell and Larry June have continued to rise in prominence, asserting their dominance in the national scene. Nastia praises LaRussell for his grassroots approach, notably his “pay-what-you-want” concert model and his viral Tiny Desk performance. The Bay Area’s sound and style continue to gain respect, both locally and nationally, as these artists break new ground. The Global Takeover of Afrobeats Afrobeats continues to gain momentum globally, transcending boundaries and genres. Davey D talks about the cross-genre appeal of Afrobeats and its growing presence in mainstream music. From collaborations with big names like Drake to its infusion into hip-hop and pop, Afrobeats has become a force to be reckoned with. DJ D–Sharp shares a memorable experience DJing for Guapole at South by Southwest, where the crowd went wild for an Afrobeats remix of her track “Closer.” As global artists continue to collaborate, the genre continues to blur the lines between different musical styles. Nastia also mentions the rise of “Amapiano,” a South African genre making waves worldwide. She highlights how artists are incorporating Amapiano into their sets, adding an international flavor to their performances. Breakout Artists and the Future of R&B While hip-hop and Afrobeats dominate much of the conversation, R&B has not been left behind. Nastia praises artists like Kehlani for her intimate songwriting and soulful tracks that are bringing a sense of vulnerability back to the genre. D–Sharp highlights Leon Thomas’ album Mutt as a standout, noting the album’s blend of classic R&B with modern sensibilities. Both experts agree that R&B is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to its ability to blend elements of Afrobeat and modern soul. The Battle Between Drake and Kendrick Lamar The ongoing battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar also takes center stage in the conversation. Nastia reflects on how Kendrick Lamar took the entire West Coast with him on his journey, from incorporating Bay Area turf dancers into his “Squabble Up” video to honoring the legacy of Bay Area hip-hop. D–Sharp, however, remarks that while Kendrick’s reign is undeniable, Drake’s global reach remains impressive. Despite their differences, both artists have shaped 2024’s music landscape. The End of Genre Boundaries As streaming continues to change the way we listen to music, the traditional boundaries between genres continue to fade. Davey D talks about how listeners are no longer confined to one genre...

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 – December 23, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

As 2024 draws to a close, Hard Knock Radio hosts a powerful conversation that delves deep into the intersection of Black culture, resistance, and speculative futures—Afrofuturism. The discussion includes insights from a diverse panel of guests: journalist Jenee Darden, artist and educator Ras Ceylon, and scholar/artist Kwadwo Deterville, with host Davey D leading the way. What is Afrofuturism? Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement that combines science fiction, technology, and Black identity. It envisions futures where Black people and cultures thrive, often by reimagining history and challenging dominant narratives. In this Hard Knock Radio conversation, the panel reflects on the past year of Afrofuturism, unpacking how speculative fiction, sci-fi, and superhero media represent Black people and envision the future. Dystopia or Hope? The conversation touches on the recurring dystopian themes in popular media. Host Davey D opens by noting the rise of authoritarian politics, with communities being erased and histories rewritten. But there’s also a glimmer of resistance, as Kwadwo Deterville reminds us that Afrofuturism—particularly the exploration of Afro-dystopia—helps Black communities imagine new ways of survival. The State of Sci-Fi and Representation The panelists reflect on their experiences with pop culture and Afrofuturism over the past year. Jenee Darden highlights her attendance at Fan Expo in San Francisco, where she engaged with Afrofuturism at a larger scale. She notes the increasing visibility of Black characters in media, but also expresses concern over mainstream media’s potential retreat from diversity. As Davey D explains, post-George Floyd, there’s been a shift toward more “family-friendly” content that often sidelines diverse narratives in favor of white-centric stories, with series like The Marvels and Star Trek Discovery being canceled despite their positive reception. Ras Ceylon and Kwadwo Deterville both reflect on the ways Black creativity continues to thrive despite these challenges. Ras points out how the X-Men 97 series drew powerful parallels to real-world geopolitical issues, including the genocide of Palestinians, and celebrated the resilience of oppressed peoples. Deterville also brings up Supercell, a powerful Netflix series about Black people with superpowers, which he feels didn’t get the attention it deserved due to biases in the tech and entertainment industries. Imagination as Resistance Throughout the discussion, the panelists return to the theme of imagination as resistance. They highlight how Black people, even in the harshest conditions, have consistently used creativity to build and innovate. From the origins of Hip-Hop to the reimagining of space in Afrofuturism, there is a constant thread of using imagination to overcome systemic oppression. Kwadwo Deterville discusses how the radical Black imagination has always been under attack and needs to be nurtured, particularly in today’s world of increasing technology and artificial intelligence. He highlights the importance of reclaiming spaces and narratives, drawing parallels between Black artists using analog technology in Detroit’s techno scene and contemporary Afrofuturist creators. AI and Technology: Tools for Liberation? Artificial intelligence, with its biases and implications, is also part of the conversation. As technologies like ChatGPT become more ubiquitous, there are concerns about its impact on creativity and imagination. Jenee Darden raises concerns about AI scraping the work of artists without compensation, while Ras Ceylon acknowledges that AI is a tool that can be used either for liberation or oppression, depending on how it’s applied. Kwadwo Deterville underscores that while AI is often framed as an objective force, it’s deeply rooted in Eurocentric, white-dominated narratives and frameworks. He calls for an “African Intelligence,” where Black people create their own technological and intellectual frameworks...

As 2024 draws to a close, Hard Knock Radio hosts a powerful conversation that delves deep into the intersection of Black culture, resistance, and speculative futures—Afrofuturism. The discussion includes insights from a diverse panel of guests: journalist Jenee Darden, artist and educator Ras Ceylon, and scholar/artist Kwadwo Deterville, with host Davey D leading the way. What is Afrofuturism? Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement that combines science fiction, technology, and Black identity. It envisions futures where Black people and cultures thrive, often by reimagining history and challenging dominant narratives. In this Hard Knock Radio conversation, the panel reflects on the past year of Afrofuturism, unpacking how speculative fiction, sci-fi, and superhero media represent Black people and envision the future. Dystopia or Hope? The conversation touches on the recurring dystopian themes in popular media. Host Davey D opens by noting the rise of authoritarian politics, with communities being erased and histories rewritten. But there’s also a glimmer of resistance, as Kwadwo Deterville reminds us that Afrofuturism—particularly the exploration of Afro-dystopia—helps Black communities imagine new ways of survival. The State of Sci-Fi and Representation The panelists reflect on their experiences with pop culture and Afrofuturism over the past year. Jenee Darden highlights her attendance at Fan Expo in San Francisco, where she engaged with Afrofuturism at a larger scale. She notes the increasing visibility of Black characters in media, but also expresses concern over mainstream media’s potential retreat from diversity. As Davey D explains, post-George Floyd, there’s been a shift toward more “family-friendly” content that often sidelines diverse narratives in favor of white-centric stories, with series like The Marvels and Star Trek Discovery being canceled despite their positive reception. Ras Ceylon and Kwadwo Deterville both reflect on the ways Black creativity continues to thrive despite these challenges. Ras points out how the X-Men 97 series drew powerful parallels to real-world geopolitical issues, including the genocide of Palestinians, and celebrated the resilience of oppressed peoples. Deterville also brings up Supercell, a powerful Netflix series about Black people with superpowers, which he feels didn’t get the attention it deserved due to biases in the tech and entertainment industries. Imagination as Resistance Throughout the discussion, the panelists return to the theme of imagination as resistance. They highlight how Black people, even in the harshest conditions, have consistently used creativity to build and innovate. From the origins of Hip-Hop to the reimagining of space in Afrofuturism, there is a constant thread of using imagination to overcome systemic oppression. Kwadwo Deterville discusses how the radical Black imagination has always been under attack and needs to be nurtured, particularly in today’s world of increasing technology and artificial intelligence. He highlights the importance of reclaiming spaces and narratives, drawing parallels between Black artists using analog technology in Detroit’s techno scene and contemporary Afrofuturist creators. AI and Technology: Tools for Liberation? Artificial intelligence, with its biases and implications, is also part of the conversation. As technologies like ChatGPT become more ubiquitous, there are concerns about its impact on creativity and imagination. Jenee Darden raises concerns about AI scraping the work of artists without compensation, while Ras Ceylon acknowledges that AI is a tool that can be used either for liberation or oppression, depending on how it’s applied. Kwadwo Deterville underscores that while AI is often framed as an objective force, it’s deeply rooted in Eurocentric, white-dominated narratives and frameworks. He calls for an “African Intelligence,” where Black people create their own technological and intellectual frameworks...

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D led a thought-provoking conversation with sports journalist Dave Zirin and film producer Sarah Allen. The discussion centered around the intersection of sports and politics in 2024, touching on various key events, athletes’ activism, and the ongoing challenges athletes face both on and off the field. The Politics of Sports in 2024 Dave Zirin, renowned for his Edge of Sports column, kicked off the conversation by reflecting on the 2024 Paris Olympics, particularly the political unrest surrounding displacement and militarization in the host city. He highlighted the profound silence in U.S. sports media regarding the ongoing genocide in Palestine, despite athletes’ activism on other social justice issues like Black Lives Matter. Zirin emphasized that sports media had, unfortunately, failed to address these critical issues, with only a handful of voices speaking out. Athletes’ Silence and the End of the Black Lives Matter Movement in Sports Sarah Allen, executive producer of the Emmy-nominated documentary Stand: The Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf Story, also contributed her perspective on the state of sports activism. She pointed out several high-profile moments from 2024, including NBA coach Steve Kerr’s endorsement of Kamala Harris and the backlash faced by football player Nick Bosa for supporting MAGA movements. Allen also expressed concerns about the future of athlete-driven social justice movements, noting that the fervor of Black Lives Matter activism among athletes seems to have waned, with athletes now largely quiet on pressing issues. Women in Sports: Caitlin Clark and the Future of Women’s Basketball A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to the rising prominence of women’s basketball, particularly due to the success of athletes like Caitlin Clark. Zirin and Allen discussed Clark’s undeniable skill and the media attention she’s garnered, but also addressed the controversial elements of her popularity, including support from right-wing circles. They debated whether Clark’s rise was a reflection of genuine growth in women’s sports or a product of external political forces. Despite the controversies, both guests agreed that women’s basketball, especially with figures like Clark and Angel Reese, has a bright future, citing increasing ratings and the launch of the WNBA’s Valkyries team in the Bay Area. The Monetization of Young Athletes Both Zirin and Allen voiced concerns over the increasing costs associated with youth sports, which have become a significant barrier for many aspiring athletes. Allen shared a troubling story about her son being approached by an agent at an upscale gym, underscoring the predatory nature of certain individuals seeking to profit off young athletes. Zirin added that the commercialization of college sports, particularly through the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, has led to both opportunities and challenges for athletes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between empowerment and exploitation. Deion Sanders and the Impact of NIL in College Sports The discussion also touched on Deion Sanders’ impact on college football, particularly at the University of Colorado. Zirin and Allen debated Sanders’ legacy and his role in reshaping college sports, with Sanders capitalizing on the new NIL landscape to attract top talent and media attention. While Allen expressed some skepticism about Sanders, Zirin highlighted how his approach has forced college sports programs to adapt to a more commercially driven model, with players now able to profit from their names and likenesses. Conclusion In wrapping up, Davey D reflected on the shifting dynamics within sports, emphasizing that athletes, teams, and leagues are increasingly influenced by both political forces and the commercialization of the industry. The conversation underscored the significant role sports play in shaping and reflecting broader societal issues, as...

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 – December 17, 2024 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 – December 16, 2024 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 – December 13, 2024 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 – December 12, 2024 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 – December 11, 2024 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 – December 10, 2024 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 – December 9, 2024 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 – December 6, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D hosted an in-depth conversation about the ongoing prison justice issues in Virginia, specifically the disturbing conditions at Red Onion State Prison. Joined by Phil Wilayto of the Virginia Prison Justice Network and Woods Ervin from Critical Resistance, the discussion delved into the harsh realities faced by incarcerated individuals, including protests through self-immolation, systemic abuse, and the ongoing fight for prison reform and abolition. The Red Onion Crisis: Self-Immolation as Protest Phil Wilayto began the discussion by shedding light on the extreme conditions at Red Onion Prison, a supermax facility known for its notorious reputation. Prisoners have been protesting their dire conditions, including solitary confinement and severe mistreatment by guards, through self-immolation. Wilayto explained that many prisoners, trapped in these conditions, intentionally injure themselves to be transferred to medical facilities, often far from the prison, in hopes of escaping the abuse they face. The prison, which holds predominantly Black individuals, is located in a rural part of Virginia far from urban centers. As Wilayto described, the systemic racism at play, combined with a lack of adequate healthcare and human rights protections, results in an environment where prisoners’ lives are treated as expendable. The issues have been compounded by the state’s refusal to investigate allegations properly and the general public’s negligence in addressing the conditions. The Power of Grassroots Organizing: Critical Resistance’s Role Woods Ervin provided a broader perspective on the situation, contextualizing it within the larger framework of prison abolition. As a member of Critical Resistance, Ervin emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing in exposing the inhumanity of the prison system. Critical Resistance has been a consistent force in advocating for the end of solitary confinement and the dismantling of supermax prisons across the country. Ervin noted that while some progress has been made—such as the reduction in solitary confinement numbers at Red Onion in previous years—true justice will only be achieved when the prison system itself is abolished. He also pointed to the rise of right-wing rhetoric and policies, which have made the fight for reform more difficult but not insurmountable. Organizing, public pressure, and maintaining a clear focus on abolition are key elements in shifting the political climate. A Call to Action: How You Can Help Both Wilayto and Ervin called on listeners to take action, urging them to support the ongoing efforts of grassroots organizations that are leading the charge for prison justice. Wilayto highlighted a public meeting taking place on December 7, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia, to continue pushing for investigations into Red Onion’s conditions and to maintain pressure on local legislators. At the same time, Critical Resistance is organizing a correspondence day on December 8, 2024, encouraging volunteers to write letters of solidarity to those incarcerated. Both organizations stressed the importance of building a mass movement to combat the deeply entrenched prison industrial complex and the systems of oppression that sustain it. They also pointed out the importance of direct action, from letter writing to public rallies, as ways to keep the momentum going. Closing Thoughts: The Ongoing Struggle for Abolition The conversation on Hard Knock Radio highlighted the disturbing realities inside prisons like Red Onion and the systemic efforts needed to address them. Wilayto and Ervin agreed that the path to true justice requires more than just reform—it requires a complete overhaul of the prison system. Abolition is the end goal, and until then, grassroots activism remains a powerful tool in the fight for incarcerated individuals’ rights. Listeners were encouraged to stay involved, whether by attending rallies, writing letters, or...

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 – December 4, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

In a powerful episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Dorsey Nunn, the co-founder of “All of Us or None,” to discuss his memoir “What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection.” The conversation was an in-depth exploration of Nunn’s life, his activism, and the systemic issues faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. ### Discussing “The Bird That Couldn’t Fly” Memoir Davey D began the conversation by praising the engaging nature of Nunn’s memoir, comparing its impact to Malcolm X’s autobiography. He highlighted the vividness and relatability of Nunn’s journey from East Palo Alto to prison and back, noting that it should be required reading for many. Nunn revealed that he was initially reluctant to write the book, but was encouraged by his colleague Manuel to share his story to ensure it was told accurately. He emphasized that his life has been a continuous journey of resilience, paralleling many of the themes discussed in his letters from the 1970s. ### Dorsey’s Journey to Voting Rights Advocacy Nunn shared the profound impact of letters from a friend in prison, which discussed topics like voting rights. These letters inspired him to campaign for voting rights for people in county jail and on parole. Reflecting on his childhood in Menlo Park, a predominantly white area that experienced blockbusting due to his family’s move, Nunn emphasized the importance of sharing his story to prevent misconceptions and to shed light on the systemic issues faced by Black communities. ### Formerly Incarcerated Voices and Challenges The conversation highlighted the importance of formerly incarcerated individuals sharing their experiences as a political force. Nunn, despite not having a law degree, was offered the role of executive director at a public legal service office. He discussed the successes of the organization he led and the need to challenge dominant narratives that defer to individuals with formal education. Davey D noted how formerly incarcerated individuals have become a significant political force, demanding the right to speak in their own voice and challenging the language used to dehumanize them. ### Discussing Michelle Alexander’s Impact and Restoration of Rights Davey D and Nunn spoke about Michelle Alexander, a Stanford law professor, and her influential book, **”The New Jim Crow.”** Nunn shared his experiences in Alexander’s class and her recognition of his story. He emphasized Alexander’s impact on the restoration of women’s rights and her acknowledgment of Susan Burton. Nunn also discussed the importance of distributing books by Black authors in Black communities and his efforts to introduce Alexander to various communities in California. Davey D echoed Nunn’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of Alexander’s message. ### Discussing Original Sources, Transparency, and Resilience The participants delved into the importance of acknowledging original sources of ideas, transparency in academic research, and making substantive works accessible to a broader audience. Nunn shared how recognizing structural discrimination and substantive writings impacted his life. His memoir, based on personal letters and diary entries, portrays issues related to race and policy in the Bay Area. The discussion also covered Nunn’s experiences as a young Black man incarcerated in the 1970s and the lasting effects on his life. ### Discriminatory Tactics and Black Communities Davey D and Nunn discussed discriminatory tactics like blockbusting and redlining used by real estate agents against Black communities. Nunn shared his experience in San Mateo County, where few Black officials have been elected historically. Despite rising property values from gentrification, he held onto his home, rejecting offers that aimed to displace the Black community. Concerns about Facebook’s role in erasing Black heritage were also raised. ### Powerful Individuals, Enclaves, and Transistor Radios The conversation touched...

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 – December 2, 2024 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 – November 29, 2024 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 – November 28, 2024 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 – November 27, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.