Rocky and Madinah talk hoopties, racist doctors, and new age marketing. Rocky shares his theory on the Diddy Saga. Special guest appearance by Oscar-Award winning actor Denzel Warshington.

Episode 1 - We Got The Prize feat. Denzel Warshington (10/6/2024)

[Verse]
You walk in with your swagger thinking you’re so rad
Borrow my rhythm then dismiss my struggle it’s sad
You wear the symbols but ignore the deeper tones
Rocking the vibe while stepping on our bones

[Chorus]
Can you hear the plea in every note we sing
Does it mean a thing or just a pretty ring
Wrapped up in glitter can you feel our voice
Is it just a costume or a conscious choice

[Verse 2]
You say it's just fashion but it’s our lifeline tight
My history’s not your latest dance move in the light
The roots run deeper than the surface you scrape
You borrow our joy but take none of our pain

[Chorus]
Can you hear the plea in every note we sing
Does it mean a thing or just a pretty ring
Wrapped up in glitter can you feel our voice
Is it just a costume or a conscious choice

[Bridge]
Stolen beats and borrowed lines can’t buy soul
You take a piece but you never take the whole
See me more than just a trend on your sleeve
My culture’s no commodity it’s what we believe

[Chorus]
Can you hear the plea in every note we sing
Does it mean a thing or just a pretty ring
Wrapped up in glitter can you feel our voice
Is it just a costume or a conscious choice

Pretty Ring (ruff draft)

Rocky and Madinah talk bears in trees, unsung heroes of history, and how nothing is special anymore. Rocky shares how comedy has and hasn’t changed over the years. Special guest appearance by Dr. Martine Luther King, Jr.

Episode 2 - Rocky not Rambo feat. Dr. Martine Luther King, Jr. (10/20/2024)

As Vice President Kamala Harris pointed out last week, as she prepared to face voters in a CNN Town Hall, Trump promises to rule violently, something his rally goers and right-wing media supporters have repeatedly cheered.

But the use of violence against political enemies is, unfortunately, not unprecedented in the United States. Although it is illegal to deploy the military against American citizens as Trump has promised to do, police, hired security, and Ku Klux Klan mobs have assaulted strikers, protesters, and civil rights activists since the 19thcentury. On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guard troops murdered four peaceful antiwar protesters at Kent State University.

Perhaps the most sustained use of political violence against American citizens has been the deployment of police and deputized mobs against Black Americans. This violence intensified in the 1950s and 1960s as a Black-led, interracial, coalition of students and activists across the Jim Crow South organized and demonstrated nonviolently for the right to vote, and to desegregate public accommodations, transportation, and public schools. Politicians unhesitatingly deployed armed men against these brave souls, and refused to intervene when vigilantes beat, murdered, and raped activists.

It's hard not to think of John Lewis, his fight for justice and against violence as voters in the United States face their most consequential election in 150 years. I think Lewis’s spirit is watching over Vice President Kamala Harris in this last week of the campaign, and that’s why I invited David Greenberg, the author of John Lewis: A Life (Simon and Schuster, 2024) to come and talk to us about a civil rights icon who helped to transform the Democratic Party that Harris now leads.

Why Now? Episode 62: We Shall Not Be Moved

Black History 
Reggae mix By laidblak 
djbunjy & mc joe peng 
Live now Share ❤️ 
#reggaemusic #studioone  
#inthemix #2024 #blackhistorymonth

Laidblak - Black History Reggae Mix

In 1963, Malcolm X appeared on the popular Chicago television program City Desk, where he engaged in a dynamic and bold interview that highlighted his views on race relations, the civil rights movement, and the Nation of Islam. Hosted by journalists including Jim Hurlbut, the interview has become one of the most remembered appearances of Malcolm X, showing his intellectual clarity, eloquence, and his willingness to speak uncomfortable truths about the state of Black Americans in the United States.

During this interview, Malcolm X discussed his opposition to the approach taken by mainstream civil rights organizations, arguing that nonviolent integration would not solve the deeply ingrained issues of racism and oppression. He famously described the African American community as facing continued oppression, likening it to “slaves on an American plantation.” Malcolm also pointedly criticized the political system, suggesting that neither Democrats nor Republicans genuinely represented Black interests.

This appearance was critical in bringing Malcolm X’s views to a wider American audience and displayed his stance that African Americans should seek self-reliance and self-defense over integrationist tactics. The interview showcased Malcolm's rhetorical skills and fearlessness, solidifying his position as a revolutionary thinker and a key figure in the movement for Black liberation.

Malcolm X on Race, Politics, and Self-Reliance (1963 City Desk Interview)

Rocky and Madinah talk Halloween, their day jobs, and Lil' rappers. We didn't ask for applause, we asked for rhythm. Rocky shares stories about some of the famous people who he met working as a bellman. Madinah complains about kids these days. Special guest appearance by Republican Presidential nominee Donald A. Trump.

Episode 3 - I Must Really Be Old feat. Donald A Trump (10/26/2024)

Rocky and Madinah talk floating garbage, bad statues, and bad drivers. Rocky shares parenting advice. Madinah reviews Lenny Kravitz live in Atlantic City. Special guest appearances by TLC reality stars Amy and Tammy Slaytons.



Watch Madinah Live at Helium Philadelphia with Headliner EJ Speaks 11/10/24 https://philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com/shows/275284

Watch Rocky Live at Bootless Stageworks in Wilmington, DE with Headliner Tarikh Malik 11/16/24
https://tinyurl.com/comedycornernovember

Watch "Stand Up for Madinah", New Documentary on Al Jazeera English
https://www.aljazeera.com/program/witness/2024/11/2/stand-up-for-madinah-the-us-politician-pushing-for-peace-in-gaza

Episode 4 - Fried Chicken Got Me feat. Amy and Tammy Slaytons (11/3/2024)

Throughout the duration of the 2019 exhibition, Hewitt invited friends, colleagues and thought partners to activate the space in a series of semi-public gestures in response to the notion of a collective archiving. The series included historian/writer Sharifa Rhodes Pitts, Saturday, October 5 at 12pm; curator/writer Omar Berrada, Thursday, October 10; musician Tariq
Trotter/Black Thought, Monday, October 21; cinematographer Bradford Young, Thursday, October 24; and DJ/collagist Ayana Contreras, Saturday, October 26.

Featuring archival audio interviews from Jean Carne, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, various radio stations and much more, The Black Radio Talk delved into the story that Black radio tells about our history, collectively and as Black people specifically, because it was one of the first free mass media forms that told our story uncut, and in real time. 


Black Radio Talk, Perrotin Gallery (in conjunction with Leslie HEWITT Reading Room, 2019)

Crispus Attucks
Lyrics by Nik Bear Brown
https://soundcloud.com/nik-bear-brown

In the streets of Boston town
A man stood tall, with no fear around
Crispus Attucks, brave and strong
Fighting for justice, wouldn't back down

On that fateful night of March
The air was filled with sorrow and dark
Crispus Attucks, in the line of fire
He gave his life, his purpose inspired

Blessed by sacrifice, a martyr's song we sing
Crispus Attucks, our hero, your spirit will never cease
In the face of hatred, you stood tall and strong
Blessed by sacrifice, your legacy lives on

Crispus Attucks, in the line of fire
He gave his life, his purpose inspired
Blessed by sacrifice, a martyr's song we sing
Crispus Attucks, our hero, your spirit will never cease
In the face of hatred, you stood tall and strong
Blessed by sacrifice, your legacy lives on
Blessed by sacrifice, your legacy lives on

Main Characters:

Crispus Attucks: A man of courage and strength, the first to fall in the Boston Massacre, inspiring others with his unwavering stance for justice.

Summary of the Story
The song pays homage to Crispus Attucks, a figure who stood fearlessly in the face of oppression in Boston. On a dark night in March, he faced the line of fire and sacrificed his life for a cause greater than himself. His legacy, as the first martyr of the American Revolution, continues to inspire strength, courage, and a lasting pursuit of justice.

Nik Bear Brown – A contemporary poet and lyricist, Nik Bear Brown is known for storytelling that fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, particularly in ballads and narrative songs.

Crispus Attucks (YouTube)

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Veteran comedian & Baby Boomer Rocky Wilson & his niece, Millennial budding stand-up comedian and politician Madinah Wilson-Anton, hang out and discuss pop culture, history, and comedy.

dj BOOKINGS / linktr.ee/Bunjy
DJ BUNJY / PRODUCER / LAID BLAK 
OFFSIDE / X-AMNT / GRATITUDE

Nik Bear Brown – Known for his unique storytelling style, Nik Bear Brown fuses traditional folk themes with modern insights, especially in ballads and narrative songs.

Nik Bear Brown is a songwriter seamlessly blending the roles of poet, lyricist, and digital artist to craft immersive sonic experiences.  Nik Bear writes new songs and novel arraignment's of public domain classics. With a deep appreciation for the power of words, he weaves intricate narratives and evocative imagery into his lyrics, capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences.

Embracing the digital age, Nik utilizes cutting-edge electronic tools to enhance every facet of his music. From manipulating his vocals with innovative effects to exploring unique arrangements, he creates a rich tapestry of sound that elevates the poetry within his songs. This fusion of traditional poetic elements and modern technology not only amplifies the emotional depth of his work but also invites listeners to engage with his artistry in new and exciting ways.

Just a southern rapper with a Bi-Polar flow.

My name is Ayana Contreras, and I’m passionate about sound and color. I work in sound, and until 2023 I hosted and produced a show called “Reclaimed Soul” on Vocalo.org (a sister station of WBEZ). From 2017 until mid-2020, I also helped produce a show called Sound Opinions. When I'm not making radio, I'm a writer, a DJ, and a music historian.

to listen to selected full Reclaimed Soul Podcasts visit: https://www.mixcloud.com/vocaloradio/playlists/reclaimed-soul/

Professor of History emeritus at The New School for Social Research and contributing editor at Public Seminar. Find me on my Substack at https://clairepotter.substack.com

New tracks tagged #blackhistory