Hard Knock Radio Summary: Davey D in Conversation with Dr. Rupa Marya
On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, Davey D spoke with Dr. Rupa Marya—physician, musician, and author of Inflamed—about her recent firing from UCSF. Marya asserts that her termination was retaliation for her outspoken support of Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza. She frames the dismissal as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in academia, especially targeting women of color, under pressure from pro-Israel forces and political allies like Senator Scott Wiener and billionaire donors such as the Diller family.
Marya detailed past institutional harassment for her advocacy work, including efforts to defend marginalized patients and call out systemic racism in healthcare. She described how groups like Canary Mission and Project Esther have sought to discredit and silence pro-Palestinian voices, and how UCSF leadership capitulated to these pressures. Despite UCSF’s stated support for free speech in other political contexts, Marya’s calls for ceasefire and health justice for Palestinians were met with disciplinary action.
She also raised concerns about the ties between UCSF, real estate interests, and conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, connecting her case to wider attacks on academic freedom and diversity efforts.
Davey D highlighted the double standard in how political doctors like Dr. Oz or Ben Carson are embraced, while Marya was punished for similar activism. Marya closed by urging listeners to ask their healthcare providers where they stand on genocide in Gaza and support healthcare workers fighting for equity and justice.
Hard Knock Radio Pays Tribute to Sly Stone’s Legacy with Professor Rickey Vincent
OAKLAND, CA — June 10, 2025
On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with music historian and professor Rickey Vincent to honor the life and legacy of Bay Area icon Sly Stone, who passed away at the age of 82.
Vincent, known as “The Uhuru Maggot,” framed Stone as one of the true architects of funk—placing him alongside James Brown and George Clinton. But unlike Brown’s disciplined, militaristic approach, Sly offered something looser, freer, and more colorful. “He gave artists permission to get funky with it,” said Vincent, crediting Stone with injecting both attitude and rhythm into Black music’s evolving narrative.
The conversation traced Stone’s regional roots, not just in San Francisco—where he gained fame as a DJ and artist—but also in Vallejo, East Oakland, and Sacramento. Vincent explained how the multicultural, gender-integrated lineup of Sly and the Family Stone reflected the ethos of the Bay Area’s countercultural explosion, touching on civil rights, psychedelia, and sonic experimentation.
“While Marvin Gaye asked ‘What’s Going On,’ Sly answered with ‘There’s a Riot Goin’ On,’” Davey D noted, hinting at the deeper social commentary embedded in Stone’s seemingly upbeat tracks. Vincent agreed, highlighting how mainstream hits like Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) carried defiant political messages—even as audiences danced to them.
The tribute also recognized Stone’s ability to straddle musical worlds—headlining both the Harlem Cultural Festival and Woodstock in 1969. “He was a superstar in Black America and White America at the same time,” said Vincent, noting the heavy toll such visibility took.
Listeners were encouraged to tune into Vincent’s upcoming tribute on The History of Funk this Friday, where he’ll dive deeper into Sly’s catalog and his rivalry—or synergy—with Marvin Gaye.
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.