Hip Hop African Podcast Department of African Studies, Howard University

Go to the announcements page for information on events and albums discussed in the episode. In this episode, I break down the road to breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. I also have a solo debate about the topic of appropriation, referencing Ada Enechi’s 2023 article: Are Black People Being Pushed out of Hip Hop?Read More »

In this episode, Breeze Yoko provides an overview of the graffiti scene in S. Africa, highlighting its unique history and evolution. Breeze also shares his experiences traveling across Africa and talks about graffiti laws and ongoing struggles against government regulations in S. Africa. Breeze Yoko also discusses experiences with intellectual property theft in creative industries.

This episode we discuss a wide range of hip hop-related news and events, including political protests, dance competitions, and recognition in prestigious institutions like The Grammys and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We also discuss the upcoming 30th anniversary of Prophets of da City's performance at Nelson Mandela's inauguration, along with upcoming events in various locations.

A conversation featuring Cameroonian artist Astrid Mafogang explored her experience as part of the African diaspora in the music industry. They delved into identity, representation, and her incorporation of Cameroonian identity into her music despite being based in London.

“All of these different cultures are a part of me. I didn’t want to limit myself to one sound.” -Six SixSaidIt is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly flows across the borders between hip-hop’s hottest subgenres to create a sound that is uniquely her own. In this wide-ranging conversation, I had the opportunity to speak toRead More »

This year, our Spring Series covers South Africa. In this episode, we have a conversation with South African Hip-Hop pioneer Emile YX?. Emile is part of the pioneering Hip Hop group Black Noise, one of the earliest Hip Hop groups in South Africa. He later co-founded the Hip Hop NGO Heal the Hood, which isRead More »