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 – April 25, 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 Cat Brooks on American Politcking and Kamel Bell discusses Unity Supper appeared first on KPFA.

Hip-hop and R&B lost a pioneering voice with the passing of Angie Stone. Hard Knock Radio host Davey D recently convened a conversation with music historian Jay Quan and Hip-Hop museum curator and X-Clan founding member Paradise Gray to honor her legacy. This tribute delved deep into Stone’s early days as a rapper, her transition into neo-soul, and her enduring impact on Black music and culture. Angie Stone: A Pioneer in Hip-Hop Before she became an R&B sensation, Angie Stone was Angie B, a formidable MC and a member of the groundbreaking female rap trio Sequence. Formed in Columbia, South Carolina, Sequence made history in 1979 by becoming the first female rap group to release a record, Funk You Up, which also marked hip-hop’s first Southern representation on wax. Jay Quan reflected on how Sequence got their break: “They snuck backstage at Township Auditorium, auditioned for Sylvia Robinson on the spot, and within weeks, ‘Funk You Up’ was pressed and on the radio.” He emphasized the importance of Sequence’s contributions, stating, “They wrote for Sugar Hill artists, including ‘8th Wonder’ by the Sugarhill Gang, and were sampled extensively, yet many don’t know their full impact.” Paradise Gray also noted the significance of their Southern roots, saying, “Coming from the Bronx, we assumed hip-hop was a New York thing. When Sequence emerged from South Carolina, it was a game-changer.” The Transition to Neo-Soul As the hip-hop landscape evolved, Angie Stone seamlessly transitioned into R&B, becoming a leading figure in the neo-soul movement of the late 1990s. Her albums, including Black Diamond and Mahogany Soul, set a new standard for soul music, blending hip-hop’s raw energy with the rich vocal traditions of gospel and classic R&B. Jay Quan explained how Stone’s songwriting was crucial to her career evolution: “She had an incredible pen game, writing for Sugar Hill, then later working with icons like D’Angelo on ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Voodoo.’” Paradise Gray praised her ability to blend hip-hop and soul seamlessly: “Angie set the precedent for artists like Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill. She could rhyme with the best and sing like an angel.” A Legacy of Influence and Recognition Despite her influence, Stone often felt overlooked. Jay Quan shared, “She was frustrated that Salt-N-Pepa got recognized as the first mainstream female rap group when Sequence paved the way.” Her impact extended far beyond music. Paradise Gray recalled her powerful presence on stage, particularly with Brother, a song that resonated deeply with Black men. “That song was medicine for me,” he said. “I told her that personally, and she just smiled and hugged me.” Even in her later years, Stone continued to create and inspire. Jay Quan recounted her work with Prince: “She had a unique gift, and major artists recognized it. She worked with Prince, and he even gave her a custom guitar and piano.” Final Reflections Angie Stone’s passing was a tragic and sudden loss, occurring in a vehicular accident that left the music world in mourning. Yet, her contributions remain undeniable, spanning decades and genres. As Jay Quan summed up, “It took her passing for people to truly appreciate her, but we’ve been telling her story. She deserves all the flowers.” Her legacy lives on through the artists she inspired, the music she left behind, and the love she poured into every note. Angie Stone was more than a singer—she was a movement. And through tributes like this, her story continues to be told. 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 Honoring Angie Stone: A Hard Knock Radio Tribute appeared first on KPFA.

On today’s episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D is in conversation with longtime activist and strategist Ethel Long-Scott of the Women’s Economic Agenda Project (WEAP). Together, they explore the urgent need for deeper civic engagement and voter education, especially in underserved communities. Long-Scott breaks down how economic justice is inseparable from political power and why mobilizing marginalized voters is key to advancing transformative change. The discussion also turns local, as they examine the political landscape in Oakland and the need to protect progressive leadership, particularly Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who is widely regarded as a people’s candidate and the newly elected mayor of Oakland. This conversation cuts through the noise to uplift the grassroots power that is already moving and organizing in the East Bay and beyond. 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 Ethel Long Scott Womens Economic Agenda Project 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 – April 21, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On this episode Hard Knock Radio correspondent, Greg Bridges sits down with acclaimed soul and jazz artist Jarrod Lawson ahead of his upcoming performance at Yoshi’s Oakland on April 27th at 7 PM. Lawson shares insights into his musical journey, the spiritual and social themes behind his work, and what fans can expect from his live show. We also air a powerful segment from Poor News Network, diving into America’s ongoing war on disenfranchised communities. From the criminalization of poverty to systemic neglect, the report sheds light on stories too often ignored by mainstream media. Tune in for music, truth, and community-centered storytelling. 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 Music Notes: Jarrod Lawson & Poor News Expose Inequity appeared first on KPFA.

https://www.instagram.com/mumiafreedomtour/ In a poignant episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged with Jamal Ibn Mumia, the activist son of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. During this Black History Month special, they delve into the ongoing struggles faced by political prisoners and the systemic issues of racial injustice and corruption in the criminal justice system. Celebrating Black History and Confronting InjusticeThe episode kicked off with Davey D acknowledging Black History Month and the need to celebrate figures like Huey P. Newton. The conversation quickly shifted to the plight of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a former Black Panther and journalist who has been imprisoned for over four decades. Jamal Ibn Mumia’s PerspectiveJamal shared personal insights into the challenges of growing up with a father behind bars, painting a vivid picture of his father’s resilience and the emotional toll on their family. He discussed the broader implications of his father’s case, emphasizing the racial tensions and police brutality prevalent during Mumia’s arrest and subsequent trial. The Role of Media and JournalismJamal criticized the mainstream media’s failure to adequately cover issues affecting Black and Brown communities, highlighting his father’s efforts to give a voice to the voiceless through journalism. He stressed the importance of independent media in challenging the prevailing narratives crafted by those in power. Systemic Corruption and Political WarfareThe discussion also touched on the corrupt practices within the legal and political systems that have kept Mumia imprisoned. Jamal detailed how laws and regulations are manipulated to maintain control over political dissidents, referring to this manipulation as “political lawfare.” The Impact of Political ActivismThrough their dialogue, Davey D and Jamal explored how the activism of figures like Mumia Abu-Jamal has paved the way for current movements and debates around justice and equity. They connected past struggles with present challenges, noting the cyclical nature of oppression and resistance. Conclusion: Reflections and Continuing the FightThe episode concluded with a powerful call to action, urging listeners to educate themselves about the history and current realities of political prisoners like Mumia Abu-Jamal. Jamal’s narrative served as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and the need to support those who have sacrificed their freedom for the betterment of society. This detailed account of the conversation on Hard Knock Radio underscores the ongoing relevance of the issues discussed and the power of media to enlighten and mobilize communities for change. 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 A Conversation with Jamal Ibn Mumia the son of Mumia Abu-Jamal Update and HellaTown Oakland appeared first on KPFA.

Introduction: A Deep Dive into African Spirituality Host Davey D speaks with Ehime Ora, an author and spiritual practitioner, about traditional African spirituality, ancestral veneration, and her book Spirits Come From Water: An Introduction to Ancestral Veneration and Reclaiming African Spiritual Practices. Their discussion explores the impact of colonization, the search for spiritual connection, and the significance of honoring ancestors. The Inspiration Behind Spirits Come From Water Ehime Ora, born in Ibadan, Nigeria, explains that her book is a call to reconnect with ancestral roots. She shares how her mother, struggling with homesickness after moving to the U.S., found healing through stories of water spirits and ancestral lands. These childhood stories became a spiritual guide, helping Ehime reclaim her African traditions. Colonization and Religious Assimilation Davey D and Ehime discuss the forced Christianization of African communities. Missionaries in Nigeria convinced children to destroy ancestral shrines in exchange for money. Colonial-era boarding schools reinforced anti-African spiritual narratives. Despite this, Ehime’s mother practiced both Christianity and African spirituality, proving that dual beliefs can coexist. The Search for Spiritual Connection Ehime highlights how many people are seeking deeper spiritual meaning. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this need, forcing people into self-reflection. She believes African spirituality fosters self-acceptance, unlike religious doctrines that teach original sin. Ancestral veneration allows people to embrace their authenticity. African Spirituality in the Black Church Davey D notes similarities between Black church traditions and African spiritual practices. He mentions spirit possession, communal worship, and rhythmic music as direct holdovers from African traditions. Ehime agrees, citing the use of holy oils, water, and prayer in Nigerian churches. She also notes how Hoodoo and Conjure preserved African spiritual elements within Christianity. Call and Response: A Cultural Legacy African spirituality is deeply interactive, emphasizing call-and-response, dance, and music. Unlike Western religious traditions that promote stillness, African worship involves full-body engagement. Missionaries tried to suppress these traditions, but Africans retained their communal and spiritual practices. Sacred Texts in African Spirituality Unlike Christianity, African spirituality does not rely on a single book. Instead, knowledge is passed down orally through elders. However, Ifa and Orisha traditions contain Odu Ifa, a system of 256 sacred texts with thousands of verses. These teachings guide spiritual alignment and destiny. Ancestral Veneration: Building a Connection Ehime explains that talking to ancestors is an African tradition. People can build an ancestral altar with water, candles, fruit, and family photos. Prayer is simply intentional conversation with ancestors. She encourages daily rituals to strengthen this bond. Spirituality as a Tool for Liberation Davey D raises a crucial question: If spirituality is so powerful, why are Black people still oppressed? Ehime responds that deliverance takes time. She references Haitian Vodou’s role in overthrowing French rule and how Hoodoo protected enslaved Africans. African spirituality has always been a force for resistance and survival. The Role of Capitalism in Spirituality Capitalism has infiltrated religion and spiritual practices, often prioritizing profit over community. Ehime warns against exploitative spiritual leaders who charge excessive fees for rituals. In Ifa, wealth should flow like water—pure and untainted by greed. Final Thoughts: Reclaiming Ancestral Wisdom Ehime urges people to open their hearts to spiritual connection. She emphasizes that African spirituality is not about worshiping a distant god, but about recognizing the divine within. By honoring ancestors, embracing history, and practicing good character,...

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 – April 15, 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 – April 14, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In this powerful episode, organizer and independent journalist Rosa Clemente speaks with Vijay Prashad, historian and Co-Director of the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. Together, they dive into the urgent global and domestic issues shaping our time—Trumpism, the U.S. role in Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the fight for Palestinian sovereignty, the ongoing realities of police terrorism, and the work of grassroots community building. Tricontinental is an international institute rooted in popular movements and dedicated to bridging academic thought with political and social action. Through a global lens and an emancipatory perspective, Prashad and Clemente explore the interconnected struggles facing oppressed communities and the radical possibilities that emerge when movements work in solidarity. Tune in for a critical conversation that challenges dominant narratives and uplifts collective resistance. 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 Presents: Rosa Clemente Speaking with Vijay Prashad, the Co-Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research appeared first on KPFA.

In a special edition of Rootwork on KPFK, Thandi Chimurenga of Black Liberation Media sat down with Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson to explore bold strategies for grassroots survival and resistance. Part of the ongoing “Build and Fight Formula” series, the conversation unpacked the urgency of food sovereignty, mutual aid, and community-based power in the face of mounting economic and political instability. “We’ve been warning that hard times were coming—and now they’re here,” said Akuno, co-founder of the Jackson, Mississippi-based organization. The conversation centered on how capitalism weaponizes food, land, and trade, especially under what Akuno dubbed “Trumpflation”—a fusion of inflation, nationalist economic policy, and neoliberal collapse. Akuno stressed that food is not scarce—it’s withheld. “The U.S. produces and throws away more food than most countries consume,” he said. “It’s not about supply, but control.” Referencing historic famines in India and Ireland, and the burning of surplus crops during the Dust Bowl era, he pointed to the deliberate commodification of food as a tool of domination. At the heart of the “Build and Fight Formula” is food sovereignty—the ability for communities to produce what they need, free from corporate or state dependence. Akuno advocates for agroecological practices rooted in Afro-Indigenous traditions, rather than extractive industrial farming. “We’re talking about production that heals the land, nourishes our people, and builds self-reliance.” But production requires land. Akuno challenged listeners to decommodify it: transform lawns into gardens, repurpose churches and vacant lots, and pressure local governments to turn over abandoned spaces for community use. “Make every yard a farm, every garage a factory,” he urged. Chimurenga echoed the call, noting the vast number of unused properties in cities like Los Angeles and Detroit. “If it’s sitting empty in our neighborhood and not serving the people, we should be able to reclaim it.” The conversation also touched on broader geopolitical threats, including rising tensions with China and the risk of war. Akuno warned that trade wars often precede military ones. “We must prepare—not just physically but politically—for what’s ahead,” he said. Ultimately, the message was clear: local action must scale into collective power. “Don’t rely on the Democrats. Don’t wait for permission,” Akuno said. “We need autonomous movements that federate, build solidarity, and confront the forces of capital and the state.” The series continues with future sessions focused on land access, political organizing, and creating sustainable infrastructure. 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 – April 10, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In a special edition of Rootwork on KPFK, Thandi Chimurenga of Black Liberation Media sat down with Kali Akuno of Cooperation Jackson to explore bold strategies for grassroots survival and resistance. Part of the ongoing “Build and Fight Formula” series, the conversation unpacked the urgency of food sovereignty, mutual aid, and community-based power in the face of mounting economic and political instability. “We’ve been warning that hard times were coming—and now they’re here,” said Akuno, co-founder of the Jackson, Mississippi-based organization. The conversation centered on how capitalism weaponizes food, land, and trade, especially under what Akuno dubbed “Trumpflation”—a fusion of inflation, nationalist economic policy, and neoliberal collapse. Akuno stressed that food is not scarce—it’s withheld. “The U.S. produces and throws away more food than most countries consume,” he said. “It’s not about supply, but control.” Referencing historic famines in India and Ireland, and the burning of surplus crops during the Dust Bowl era, he pointed to the deliberate commodification of food as a tool of domination. At the heart of the “Build and Fight Formula” is food sovereignty—the ability for communities to produce what they need, free from corporate or state dependence. Akuno advocates for agroecological practices rooted in Afro-Indigenous traditions, rather than extractive industrial farming. “We’re talking about production that heals the land, nourishes our people, and builds self-reliance.” But production requires land. Akuno challenged listeners to decommodify it: transform lawns into gardens, repurpose churches and vacant lots, and pressure local governments to turn over abandoned spaces for community use. “Make every yard a farm, every garage a factory,” he urged. Chimurenga echoed the call, noting the vast number of unused properties in cities like Los Angeles and Detroit. “If it’s sitting empty in our neighborhood and not serving the people, we should be able to reclaim it.” The conversation also touched on broader geopolitical threats, including rising tensions with China and the risk of war. Akuno warned that trade wars often precede military ones. “We must prepare—not just physically but politically—for what’s ahead,” he said. Ultimately, the message was clear: local action must scale into collective power. “Don’t rely on the Democrats. Don’t wait for permission,” Akuno said. “We need autonomous movements that federate, build solidarity, and confront the forces of capital and the state.” The series continues with future sessions focused on land access, political organizing, and creating sustainable infrastructure. 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 Grow or Die: Build and Fight Formula for Survival in a Collapsing System appeared first on KPFA.

Davey D speaks with Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), about a disturbing trend impacting international students across the U.S. In this conversation, they examine the recent cases of students—many of them from the Middle East and South Asia—who have had their visas suddenly revoked by U.S. immigration authorities. The revocations appear to be directly tied to students’ political engagement and participation in protests calling for an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Billoo discusses how these revocations reflect a broader crackdown on dissent, the chilling effect this has on academic freedom and free speech, and the weaponization of immigration policy to suppress solidarity movements. She also highlights CAIR’s efforts to defend students’ rights, the legal and political implications of this federal overreach, and the urgent need for academic institutions and civil liberties organizations to respond. 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 Zahra Billoo on Political Repression and Visa Revocations 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 – April 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode of Hard Knock Radio, we begin with a report from Free Willing Frank Sterling on the quiet release of former Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Hall, who served less than half of his six-year sentence for the fatal shooting of Laudemer Arboleda. The news has sparked outrage among community members and families of Hall’s victims, who see his early release from San Quentin as a deep injustice. Jennifer Arboleda Leong, sister of Laudemer Arboleda, calls it a “slap in the face” to those who fought tirelessly for accountability. We hear from her, along with voices from the community who continue to demand justice. The episode also features interviews with Bella Quinto-Collins—sister of Angelo Quinto, who died while in police custody—and GiGi Crowder of NAMI Contra Costa, as they reflect on the ongoing trauma, mental health challenges, and the need for systemic change. In the second half of the episode, we turn to Poor News Network for a powerful segment on the systemic injustices facing marginalized communities. POOR Magazine, a grassroots organization led by poor and Indigenous people, is committed to amplifying the voices of those living in poverty worldwide. Through revolutionary media, art, and education, they challenge oppressive systems and disrupt dominant narratives that silence society’s most vulnerable members. 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 System Failure: From Police Violence to Poverty Resistance appeared first on KPFA.

Over the past few months, deeply unsettling images have emerged showing men with shaved heads, shackled, and made to kneel”lined up in scenes disturbingly reminiscent of war prisons. These arent images from a foreign battlefield, but snapshots of whats happening in El Salvador. Even more disturbing? Many of those detained were picked up in the U.S. and deported without due process, dumped into a prison system designed to disappear people. To unpack the severity of this situation, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with long-time peacemaker and activist Alex Sanchez of Homies Unidos. Based in Los Angeles but rooted in the struggles of Central America, Sanchez has been raising alarms for decades about the dangerous intersection of immigration policy, criminal justice, and international politics. Later we speak with Claudia Walker, the author of The ABC’s of HBCU’s. The first ABC book dedicated to historically Black colleges and universities. 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 U.S. Deportations to El Salvadors Mega-Prison PT. 2 and ABC’s of HBCU’s with Claudia Walker 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 – April 2, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with Professor Butch Ware—hip hop artist, activist, and Green Party vice presidential candidate—about the deep links between culture, politics, and resistance. Ware opened the convo by emphasizing that music and hip hop aren’t just art—they’re tools for spiritual and political survival. Drawing on West African griot traditions, he called out what he terms an “epistemicide”—a systemic effort to erase Black and brown ways of knowing, from defunding arts to censoring DEI initiatives. He warned Californians not to get comfortable. Despite its progressive rep, the state is seeing ICE raids on campuses, university crackdowns on protests, and bipartisan support for repression. “This is a war on culture and resistance,” he said. Ware spoke on the power of student encampments, comparing them to past movements that helped end apartheid and the Vietnam War. What made them dangerous? They were organized, not just mobilized. He also broke down how both major parties have failed the people, especially the working class and youth. “We don’t just need votes—we need to build community power,” he said. His gubernatorial campaign blends mutual aid with electoral strategy, drawing on the legacy of the Black Panthers. Ware called on listeners to: Support mutual aid and direct action Get involved in organizing, not just elections Push back on both parties’ corporate agendas “There’s enough for everyone—we just need the will to redistribute power,” Ware said. “If we don’t fight back now, comfort won’t protect you later.” Follow Butch Ware at butchwareforgov.org or on Instagram for more. 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 Butch Ware on Culture, Resistance & Building Power 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 – March 31, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.