We speak with Kev Choice about the evolution of live musicians within Hip Hop and their impact on the culture. We talk about Hip Hop celebrating 50 years..

HKR-(04-03-23) A Conversation w/ Kev Choice -The Evolution of Hip Hop and Live Music

Charles Barron: "Mamdani Didn't Earn the Black Vote. Cuomo Didn't Deserve It.

In a passionate and politically charged interview onHard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with veteran Black Panther and longtime New York politician Charles Barron to unpack the unexpected defeat of establishment favorite Andrew Cuomo by Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral primary.

Barron, who served alongside both candidates, described Cuomo as a political fraud who failed Black communities by slashing public benefits, underfunding education, and overseeing deadly COVID nursing home policies"all while dodging accountability for sexual harassment allegations. Mamdani, by contrast, was praised for his consistency on progressive issues, though Barron warned that Mamdani did not earn the Black vote and must now be held accountable by Black communities who were largely sidelined in his campaign.

Kev Choice on Art, Cuts, and Culture: A Hard Knock Radio Conversation

On this episode ofHard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Oakland-based musician, educator, and activistKev Choiceto discuss Black Music Month, his upcoming show at Yoshis, and the urgent threat to Oaklands arts and culture ecosystem.

Celebrating Black Music, Sounding the Alarm on Budget Cuts

Kev Choice is no stranger to the stage or to civic engagement. From working with Lauryn Hill to serving on commissions in Oakland, he represents a tradition of artist-activists deeply rooted in community. But this year, his Black Music Month celebration is bittersweet. Oaklands city budget proposes deep cuts to the arts " a move Kev and Davey both see as short-sighted and damaging.

Kev emphasized that art in Oakland isnt a luxury " its part of the citys identity, economic engine, and public safety infrastructure. When you travel the world and say Oakland, people think of the Panthers and our artists, Davey added, noting that the city has global cultural currency it isnt properly investing in.

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