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For somebody that works in podcasting, I hardly ever listen to them. NPR’s new show Louder Than a Riot, however, is the rare exception. Hosted by Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael, the show interrogates the relationship between mass incarceration and hip-hop by diving deep into the experiences that artists like Bobby Shmurda and DJ Drama have had with the criminal justice system. I’ve been fucking with Rodney and Sid’s music coverage for a while now and this pod really highlights their skills as storytellers.
Dec 8, 2020
Related Recs
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I don’t really mess with pods too much but I recently worked with Eric Rahill (on Middle-Sized Things by Michael Rees) and ♾️quickly grew to be a huge fan. I decided to check out his podcast on my flight back. The woman next to me on the plane asked me what I was laughing at in my headphones. I told her Jeff Foxworthy, for some reason. On Joy Tactics, Jack Bensinger, Eric Rahill and Nate Varrone sort of riff on topics centered around the concept of “joy”. Kind ass real ass funny ass guys that stay trippin me out.
May 15, 2023
It’s black history month. Support your black friends and learn the origin of like every American popular musical genre everrr.
Once I’m done with the 40 + genres, we’re diving into the diasporaaaa.
And then at some point I’m talking cash shit about the summer of love and what was cooler than stinky trust fund kids…I mean hippies in San Francisco... I’ll give you some hints, same time period but across the bridge in Oakland. There’s also 1980s Washington DC, fuck it even 1960s Detroit.
I just really fucking hate the Grateful Dead fans. Sorry. Not sorry.
Perfect listening for cleaning the house and doing art projects.
Tell a friend.
Feb 2, 2024
Top Recs from @shyam-mervana
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I recently revisited this book of photos by Michael Jang, an incredible photographer who’s been documenting life in California since the early 70s. Jang’s photos distinctively capture the sincere humanity that exists in San Francisco but is often overshadowed by today’s pervasive tech bro agenda. There’s something extremely tight about how he was able to capture high-energy situations––from parties at the Beverly Hilton to punk shows at the Civic Center Plaza––in a way that just feels so tranquil. As a Bay Area native, I deeply appreciate his work and hope you will too.
Dec 8, 2020
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Gonna kick things off with a tune I’ve had on repeat pretty much all year long. Everyday, I Don’t by Anna Domino is one of those rare tracks that makes you feel warm, isolated, hopeful, and subdued all at the same time. It’s been a go-to source of respite for me throughout this historically shitty year. Not to like, be a total “my life a movie fr” dude but listening to this song while biking through the city at night really is an inimitable vibe. Truly cathartic. I will be listening to it on repeat while I write the rest of this newsletter.
Dec 8, 2020
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Okay, I know everyone’s been recommending this, but it really is that good. Lovers Rock is the second film in Small Axe, Steve McQueen’s five-part series about Black life in West London in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The movie follows a crew of West Indian Londoners through a night at the coolest party I’d probably never get invited to. They’re spinning jams, drinking Red Stripes, and falling in love. I weirdly really fuck with all movies that take place over the course of one night and this one is no exception. It’s visually gorgeous, the soundtrack is vibey as fuck, and the fits are astounding. Check it out on Amazon Prime Video now.
Dec 8, 2020