Hard Knock Radio

In Conversation with musician Kassa Overall

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We speak with Kassa Overall about hip-hop and Jazz music and his latest projects. Later Poor News Network explores America’s war on the poor. 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.


Hard Knock Radio

Annual ThingsTaken (Special Programming)

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Our annual Thanksgiving mix featuring the voices of John Trudell, Leonard Peltier, and Wilma Mankiller. We later speak with DJ Free Leonard and Brother Ernie about political prisoner Leonard Peltier. 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 … Continued


In a compelling episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), for an insightful conversation on the future of public education, labor rights, and the pressing challenges facing teachers and students in the United States. Public Education at a Crossroads Weingarten began … Continued


In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with Emery Wright, Executive Director of Project South, for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s mission, the enduring legacy of the Black Radical Tradition, and the critical role of grassroots organizing in the face of systemic oppression. Together, they explored the often-overlooked … Continued


Hard Knock Radio

Saafir the Saucy Nomad

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In this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D shared an unforgettable conversation with Bay Area hip-hop legend Saafir. Renowned for his innovative lyricism and contributions to West Coast hip-hop, Saafir opened up about his extraordinary journey, from his West Oakland roots to his impactful collaborations with figures like 2Pac and Digital Underground. The … Continued


Hard Knock Radio

Ishmael Reed on ‘Jazz Martyrs’: Exploring the Struggles of Jazz and Hip-Hop Artists

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In a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D engaged in a profound conversation with acclaimed author and playwright Ishmael Reed about his poem “Jazz Martyrs.” The poem serves as a poignant reflection on the struggles faced by jazz musicians throughout history, drawing parallels to contemporary artists in the hip-hop genre. Reed, who … Continued


In a compelling Hard Knock Radio interview, host Davey D speaks with Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, artistic director of the Lower Bottom Playaz, and long-time activist and actress Cat Brooks about their new play, Government Housing. The play, currently being performed at Oakland’s BAM House, delves into themes of systemic oppression, white supremacy, and resilience. Rooted in … Continued


Hard Knock Radio

Hard Knock Radio Hosts Critical Discussion on HR 9495 and the Fight for Civil Rights with Lara Kiswani and Ethel Long-Scott

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On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D delved into a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to civil liberties in the United States—House Resolution Bill HR 9495. This bill, if passed, could grant the executive branch the authority to label and target nonprofit organizations as terrorist groups based on their … Continued