KQED’s Arts & Culture desk brings daily, in-depth cultural commentary and coverage of the Bay Area with a mission to enrich lives and inspire participation. Who We Are
Bay Area Grammy Nominees: Sheila E., Ambrose Akinmusire, Green Day, More
Musicians from the Bay Area have secured over a dozen Grammy nominations.
A South Bay Pop-Up Is Reinventing the Doughnut
Eizel's Bakery is known for its wildly creative, multicultural flavor inspirations — from Filipino ube to Cajun crawfish.
Watch LaRussell Pay Tribute to the Bay During His Tiny Desk Concert
"I think I'm the first person to smeeze on Tiny Desk." The Vallejo rapper energized NPR with his famous backyard vibes.
How Kev Choice Made Room for Hip-Hop in Classical Music
The pianist and MC, who's worked with Lauryn Hill and the Oakland Symphony, tells his barrier-breaking story.
‘Juror #2’ Is a Thorny Legal Thriller — and Possibly Clint Eastwood’s Last Film
Eastwood takes aim at the American justice system in a film that centers on a murder trial and a juror who may be involved.
Close Your Phone, Leave the House: Things to Do This Post-Election Weekend
Don't despair at home alone. Here's are 25 ways to get outside and be among others this weekend.
‘Dahomey’ Follows Relics’ Return to Benin in a Moving Documentary
French filmmaker Mati Diop’s evocative documentary encompasses history, art, colonialism and identity.
Funding for KQED Arts & Culture is provided by:
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Akonadi Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Yogen and Peggy Dalal, Diane B. Wilsey, the William and Gretchen Kimball Fund, Campaign 21 and the members of KQED.
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ci>This story is part of The California Report Magazine’s series about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-composers\">California composers\u003c/a>. Listen to this and more in-depth storytelling by \u003ca href=\"http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545?mt=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">subscribing\u003c/a> to The California Report Magazine podcast.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a Wednesday morning in \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kevchoice/?hl=en\">Kev Choice\u003c/a>’s studio, tucked away in the back of an industrial warehouse in East Oakland. The small, dark-purple room looks something like a wizard’s lair out of a fantasy novel, with tall, epic columns and dark curtains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Kev Choice Ensemble is rehearsing for a conference that’s bringing 2,000 activists, artists and academics from across the nation to Oakland to discuss topics like the Indigenous Land Back movement and Palestinian liberation. Choice sits at his keyboard, rapping about the painful legacy of slavery before affirming the power of everyday people to make change. As his jazz band grooves, they alchemize devastation into hope.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What I try to bring is the purpose, the intention, of the message, and uplift the issues while giving people encouragement,” he says. “[I try] to create an environment where we can just have fun and be free and enjoy together for a moment in time, before we get back to the work.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice speaks with the ease of someone who knows who he is and owns it, but it took him decades to move comfortably between his roots in hip-hop culture, his love of jazz and his classical training. Classical music used to turn its nose up at hip-hop. But in recent years orchestras have begun looking to collaborate with rappers to appeal to younger, more diverse audiences — basically, to stay relevant in the 21st century.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, the world is finally catching up to the forward-thinking vision Kev Choice has had for decades.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/RMQbdElhnEo?si=itDr1mRXyofFuwJE\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Navigating separate musical worlds\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Choice, breaking boundaries wasn’t easy — and not just musical boundaries, but those of race, class and culture. Growing up in Oakland in the ’80s and ’90s, he began writing rhymes and studying piano seriously in middle school. Even back then, he knew he’d have to compartmentalize his two worlds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I couldn’t talk to any of my teachers about hip-hop or making beats. They had no connection to that,” he says. “And then my hip-hop friends would kind of tease me about playing the piano.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967710\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 960px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967710\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kev Choice at his graduation from Xavier University in 1998. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Kev Choice)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Still, Choice was undeterred: He excelled in high school orchestra and big band, and continued to rap and make beats after school. After nailing an audition at Xavier University, an HBCU in New Orleans, he got a full scholarship on the spot to study piano performance in the birthplace of jazz. Afterwards, he took off to Southern Illinois University for his master’s degree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice excelled in classical piano, but he couldn’t see himself going the traditional orchestral route.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Number one, because of the lack of diversity in that world,” he says. “It just seemed like it was such a narrow opportunity for a young African American pianist who wasn’t a prodigy at age four.” [ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>An international tour with Michael Franti\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After grad school, Choice decided it was time to return to his roots. In 2000, he moved back to Oakland with the ambition of becoming a rap star. It was a fertile time for Bay Area hip-hop. Artists like E-40 and Too Short had already reached major-label success in years prior. Alternative hip-hop artists like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13927692/del-funky-homosapien-no-need-for-alarm-30-years-anniversary\">Deltron 3030\u003c/a> were also making waves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967711\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967711\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144.jpg\" alt=\"A photocopied flyer reads: "88 Keys to the Mind, Body and Soul. A classical graduate piano recital presented by Kevin Choice. Most sought after pianist for campus occasions. Live you've never seen him before!!!!!!!!!!!! All the way live!!!!!!!!!!!! A must see for music lovers!!!!!!!!! This brotha is real!!!!!!!!"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The flyer for Kev Choice’s graduation recital at Southern Illinois University. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Kev Choice)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While working on his own music, Choice would also regularly pop up behind the keys at jam sessions, open mics or really anywhere there was a piano. Calls for auditions started coming, and he got hired to join Michael Franti and Spearhead on an international tour.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Franti had come out of the Bay Area’s underground hip-hop scene, and he attracted a global fan base with his fusion of hip-hop, reggae and funk. The opportunity expanded Choice’s world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Being a kid from Oakland and, you know, to be walking down the street in Switzerland or France or Belgium,” he reflects, “it blew my mind on what the world looked like and the connection of people to music as well. Like, how strong that was.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tour pushed Choice to grow his skillset — he had to trade his sheet music and piano for playing by ear on an electric keyboard. He had his own ambitions as a solo artist. But word got out after the Spearhead tour, and he became an in-demand sideman. In the years that followed, he went on the road with alternative and conscious hip-hop artists like Zion I and Lyrics Born.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Around the world with Lauryn Hill\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In 2006, Choice got the opportunity of a lifetime: performing with Lauryn Hill. He even worked with her on a demo for a track that became “\u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/kUvtyBW0Q_A?si=d3791VyTs2p4UAWJ\">Lose Myself\u003c/a>.” (It was featured on the soundtrack of \u003cem>Surf’s Up\u003c/em>, a 2007 animated film about surfing penguins.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967716\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 768px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967716\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-and-lauryn-hill.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-and-lauryn-hill.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-and-lauryn-hill-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kev Choice and Lauryn Hill on tour in 2006. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Kev Choice)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Choice says their collaboration came together in a complete whirlwind. One day he got a call to meet Hill at an Emeryville studio. She was one of his idols, so of course, he said yes. It turned out to be an audition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As she started playing her guitar, he began playing along on his keyboard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think the other guys were, like, just confused,” he says, laughing. “They were like, what the hell is going on?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Afterwards, Choice got another call: Could he put a band together for her? He scrambled, calling everyone he knew. Before long he was the musical director of an all-Bay Area band that accompanied Hill to shows in Hawaii, Japan and Brazil.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPjcgZPGAq8\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On tour, Choice was inspired by the way Hill carried herself, how she charted her own path and defied expectations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It gave me the courage that I could achieve anything in this industry,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Giving it his all as a solo artist\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Choice came back to Oakland fired up. He was ready to dedicate himself to his own music, wholeheartedly. It paid off in 2014 when he came out with an album that made waves: \u003ca href=\"https://kevchoice.bandcamp.com/album/oakland-riviera\">\u003cem>Oakland Riviera\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. With lyrics addressing racial injustice, healing and Oakland pride, the project’s elaborate, propulsive instrumentation has a funky, jazzy Afrofuturist vibe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJoftyUh8a0\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this point, Choice had cemented his reputation in hip-hop and jazz. And after \u003cem>Oakland Riviera\u003c/em>, he got the chance to show the world what he could do with his classical training. The opportunity arrived thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13901635/michael-morgan-visionary-oakland-symphony-conductor-dies-at-age-63\">Michael Morgan\u003c/a>, the late music director of the Oakland Symphony, who passed away in 2021.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Morgan was one of the nation’s few Black leaders of a major orchestra — and Choice had looked up to him since high school. When they met at a Recording Academy mixer, it turned out the maestro was already familiar with the younger man’s work. He invited Choice to compose his first piece for a full orchestra: 2018’s \u003cem>Soul Restoration Suite\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiv9_GovdHY\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The five-movement piece took that blend of hip-hop, classical and jazz that Choice had been trying to pull off for decades, and brought it to the next level. Choice conceptualized it as a love letter to Oakland through all of its struggles and triumphs. The first movement tells the story of the Spanish conquest of the area’s Ohlone inhabitants, and Choice’s words flow over lush orchestration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before this, Choice had composed for quartets and smaller ensembles, but he had never written for a full orchestra before. In Morgan, he found an open-minded mentor who took hip-hop seriously as an art form and appreciated Choice’s personal voice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I feel like he just kept encouraging me to take what I do as a band director, as a musician, as a hip-hop artist, and use the orchestra to enhance it,” he says. “And keep my original style. Like, don’t try to write like Beethoven. Don’t try to do Stravinsky, do your original music. But using the orchestra as another palette or as more colors to enhance.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13964203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13964203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kev Choice plays the piano at his studio in Oakland on Sept. 12, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Morgan had charted a path for Choice and so many others. He used his position and influence to create more space for Black musicians to be themselves in a largely white and notoriously elitist industry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, Choice sits on the Oakland Symphony’s board, and he’s made it his mission to create opportunities for the next generation. In fact, if you drive past the intersection of 51st Street and Shattuck Avenue in North Oakland, you’ll see Choice and Michael Morgan in a mural together, looking hopefully out at a starry sky.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like his mentor, who championed public music education, Choice spent nearly eight years teaching at Oakland School for the Arts. Today, he continues to serve the community in the music education program Elevate Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967779\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967779\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An Oakland mural by Hungry Ghost Studio features Michael Morgan (center left) and Kev Choice (center right). \u003ccite>(Nastia Voynovskaya/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A singular vision emerges\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Back at Choice’s rehearsal space, I chat with saxophonist \u003ca href=\"https://www.ayobrame.com/\">Ayo Brame\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Kev is definitely the reason I’m a musician today,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brame is one of Choice’s former students. At only 17 years old, he’s already headlined two sold-out shows at the jazz club Yoshi’s. He says it’s Choice’s versatility that inspires him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It shows how important that skillset is to know all genres of music and not be like, I don’t play classical or I don’t play rock music,” Brame adds. “He knows all of it. So yeah definitely, that’s one of my inspirations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These days, Choice might be busy with community work, but he hasn’t lost sight of his own music. His 2024 EP, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/album/2WoxdPZgSbsJ6lVlgCGBJe\">\u003cem>All My Love\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, is the clearest distillation yet of his personal voice and vision.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a vulnerable project that takes stock of how he’s shown up in relationships over the years. It examines his personal growth and maturation as a man.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The project culminates in the bittersweet song “Congratulations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/52eYIEiDLXw?si=eK08m1l0u9QtBx4Z\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice raps over moving piano arrangements, accompanied by a string quartet, harp and upright bass. In the lyrics, he speaks to an ex who is now getting married.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He’s happy for her and a little regretful, looking back at what went wrong and what could have been.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At his piano, Choice breaks down how his arrangements underscore the emotion of the track.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Whenever I play ninth chords or minor chords, sometimes it can be dark. Some people say it may be very sad,” he says. “But I almost feel like it’s more sentimental. I’m thinking about what I was going through. And that chord really offers a lot of space to me for reflection.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As I listen to him play, it’s hard not to feel an appreciation for the complicated beauty of the life lessons all of us go through.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice says \u003cem>All My Love\u003c/em> is just a teaser for a full-length project that’ll come out later this year. He also recently accepted a position as a tenure-track music professor at San Francisco State University. Over two decades into his career as a musician, educator and community advocate, Choice is finally getting the recognition he deserves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I feel like as a hip hop artist, I’m always trying to grow, try to get more expressive, try to stay relevant,” Choice affirms. “I don’t want my sound to ever get stale or not continue to evolve.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That growth mindset has been a theme in Choice’s career since the very beginning, and it’s propelled so much more than his personal evolution. The hundreds of students he’s taught, and the countless audience members who’ve seen him live, have left with a little piece of his vision: to look beyond arbitrary boundaries, to come together and to better ourselves and our communities through art.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ci>This story is part of The California Report Magazine’s series about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-composers\">California composers\u003c/a>. Listen to this and more in-depth storytelling by \u003ca href=\"http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545?mt=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">subscribing\u003c/a> to The California Report Magazine podcast.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a Wednesday morning in \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/kevchoice/?hl=en\">Kev Choice\u003c/a>’s studio, tucked away in the back of an industrial warehouse in East Oakland. The small, dark-purple room looks something like a wizard’s lair out of a fantasy novel, with tall, epic columns and dark curtains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Kev Choice Ensemble is rehearsing for a conference that’s bringing 2,000 activists, artists and academics from across the nation to Oakland to discuss topics like the Indigenous Land Back movement and Palestinian liberation. Choice sits at his keyboard, rapping about the painful legacy of slavery before affirming the power of everyday people to make change. As his jazz band grooves, they alchemize devastation into hope.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What I try to bring is the purpose, the intention, of the message, and uplift the issues while giving people encouragement,” he says. “[I try] to create an environment where we can just have fun and be free and enjoy together for a moment in time, before we get back to the work.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice speaks with the ease of someone who knows who he is and owns it, but it took him decades to move comfortably between his roots in hip-hop culture, his love of jazz and his classical training. Classical music used to turn its nose up at hip-hop. But in recent years orchestras have begun looking to collaborate with rappers to appeal to younger, more diverse audiences — basically, to stay relevant in the 21st century.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, the world is finally catching up to the forward-thinking vision Kev Choice has had for decades.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/RMQbdElhnEo'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/RMQbdElhnEo'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003ch2>Navigating separate musical worlds\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Choice, breaking boundaries wasn’t easy — and not just musical boundaries, but those of race, class and culture. Growing up in Oakland in the ’80s and ’90s, he began writing rhymes and studying piano seriously in middle school. Even back then, he knew he’d have to compartmentalize his two worlds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I couldn’t talk to any of my teachers about hip-hop or making beats. They had no connection to that,” he says. “And then my hip-hop friends would kind of tease me about playing the piano.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967710\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 960px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967710\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n.jpg 960w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/60325271_10155974893232027_2182473221847121920_n-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kev Choice at his graduation from Xavier University in 1998. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Kev Choice)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Still, Choice was undeterred: He excelled in high school orchestra and big band, and continued to rap and make beats after school. After nailing an audition at Xavier University, an HBCU in New Orleans, he got a full scholarship on the spot to study piano performance in the birthplace of jazz. Afterwards, he took off to Southern Illinois University for his master’s degree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice excelled in classical piano, but he couldn’t see himself going the traditional orchestral route.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Number one, because of the lack of diversity in that world,” he says. “It just seemed like it was such a narrow opportunity for a young African American pianist who wasn’t a prodigy at age four.” \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>An international tour with Michael Franti\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>After grad school, Choice decided it was time to return to his roots. In 2000, he moved back to Oakland with the ambition of becoming a rap star. It was a fertile time for Bay Area hip-hop. Artists like E-40 and Too Short had already reached major-label success in years prior. Alternative hip-hop artists like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13927692/del-funky-homosapien-no-need-for-alarm-30-years-anniversary\">Deltron 3030\u003c/a> were also making waves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967711\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967711\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144.jpg\" alt=\"A photocopied flyer reads: "88 Keys to the Mind, Body and Soul. A classical graduate piano recital presented by Kevin Choice. Most sought after pianist for campus occasions. Live you've never seen him before!!!!!!!!!!!! All the way live!!!!!!!!!!!! A must see for music lovers!!!!!!!!! This brotha is real!!!!!!!!"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_4260-scaled-e1730831891144-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The flyer for Kev Choice’s graduation recital at Southern Illinois University. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Kev Choice)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While working on his own music, Choice would also regularly pop up behind the keys at jam sessions, open mics or really anywhere there was a piano. Calls for auditions started coming, and he got hired to join Michael Franti and Spearhead on an international tour.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Franti had come out of the Bay Area’s underground hip-hop scene, and he attracted a global fan base with his fusion of hip-hop, reggae and funk. The opportunity expanded Choice’s world.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Being a kid from Oakland and, you know, to be walking down the street in Switzerland or France or Belgium,” he reflects, “it blew my mind on what the world looked like and the connection of people to music as well. Like, how strong that was.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tour pushed Choice to grow his skillset — he had to trade his sheet music and piano for playing by ear on an electric keyboard. He had his own ambitions as a solo artist. But word got out after the Spearhead tour, and he became an in-demand sideman. In the years that followed, he went on the road with alternative and conscious hip-hop artists like Zion I and Lyrics Born.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Around the world with Lauryn Hill\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In 2006, Choice got the opportunity of a lifetime: performing with Lauryn Hill. He even worked with her on a demo for a track that became “\u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/kUvtyBW0Q_A?si=d3791VyTs2p4UAWJ\">Lose Myself\u003c/a>.” (It was featured on the soundtrack of \u003cem>Surf’s Up\u003c/em>, a 2007 animated film about surfing penguins.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967716\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 768px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967716\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-and-lauryn-hill.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-and-lauryn-hill.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-and-lauryn-hill-160x200.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kev Choice and Lauryn Hill on tour in 2006. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Kev Choice)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Choice says their collaboration came together in a complete whirlwind. One day he got a call to meet Hill at an Emeryville studio. She was one of his idols, so of course, he said yes. It turned out to be an audition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As she started playing her guitar, he began playing along on his keyboard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think the other guys were, like, just confused,” he says, laughing. “They were like, what the hell is going on?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Afterwards, Choice got another call: Could he put a band together for her? He scrambled, calling everyone he knew. Before long he was the musical director of an all-Bay Area band that accompanied Hill to shows in Hawaii, Japan and Brazil.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/OPjcgZPGAq8'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/OPjcgZPGAq8'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>On tour, Choice was inspired by the way Hill carried herself, how she charted her own path and defied expectations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It gave me the courage that I could achieve anything in this industry,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Giving it his all as a solo artist\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Choice came back to Oakland fired up. He was ready to dedicate himself to his own music, wholeheartedly. It paid off in 2014 when he came out with an album that made waves: \u003ca href=\"https://kevchoice.bandcamp.com/album/oakland-riviera\">\u003cem>Oakland Riviera\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. With lyrics addressing racial injustice, healing and Oakland pride, the project’s elaborate, propulsive instrumentation has a funky, jazzy Afrofuturist vibe.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/aJoftyUh8a0'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/aJoftyUh8a0'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>At this point, Choice had cemented his reputation in hip-hop and jazz. And after \u003cem>Oakland Riviera\u003c/em>, he got the chance to show the world what he could do with his classical training. The opportunity arrived thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13901635/michael-morgan-visionary-oakland-symphony-conductor-dies-at-age-63\">Michael Morgan\u003c/a>, the late music director of the Oakland Symphony, who passed away in 2021.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Morgan was one of the nation’s few Black leaders of a major orchestra — and Choice had looked up to him since high school. When they met at a Recording Academy mixer, it turned out the maestro was already familiar with the younger man’s work. He invited Choice to compose his first piece for a full orchestra: 2018’s \u003cem>Soul Restoration Suite\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Tiv9_GovdHY'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Tiv9_GovdHY'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>The five-movement piece took that blend of hip-hop, classical and jazz that Choice had been trying to pull off for decades, and brought it to the next level. Choice conceptualized it as a love letter to Oakland through all of its struggles and triumphs. The first movement tells the story of the Spanish conquest of the area’s Ohlone inhabitants, and Choice’s words flow over lush orchestration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before this, Choice had composed for quartets and smaller ensembles, but he had never written for a full orchestra before. In Morgan, he found an open-minded mentor who took hip-hop seriously as an art form and appreciated Choice’s personal voice.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I feel like he just kept encouraging me to take what I do as a band director, as a musician, as a hip-hop artist, and use the orchestra to enhance it,” he says. “And keep my original style. Like, don’t try to write like Beethoven. Don’t try to do Stravinsky, do your original music. But using the orchestra as another palette or as more colors to enhance.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13964203\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13964203\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/240912-KEVCHOICE-08-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kev Choice plays the piano at his studio in Oakland on Sept. 12, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Morgan had charted a path for Choice and so many others. He used his position and influence to create more space for Black musicians to be themselves in a largely white and notoriously elitist industry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, Choice sits on the Oakland Symphony’s board, and he’s made it his mission to create opportunities for the next generation. In fact, if you drive past the intersection of 51st Street and Shattuck Avenue in North Oakland, you’ll see Choice and Michael Morgan in a mural together, looking hopefully out at a starry sky.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like his mentor, who championed public music education, Choice spent nearly eight years teaching at Oakland School for the Arts. Today, he continues to serve the community in the music education program Elevate Oakland.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967779\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967779\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/kev-choice-mural-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An Oakland mural by Hungry Ghost Studio features Michael Morgan (center left) and Kev Choice (center right). \u003ccite>(Nastia Voynovskaya/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A singular vision emerges\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Back at Choice’s rehearsal space, I chat with saxophonist \u003ca href=\"https://www.ayobrame.com/\">Ayo Brame\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Kev is definitely the reason I’m a musician today,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brame is one of Choice’s former students. At only 17 years old, he’s already headlined two sold-out shows at the jazz club Yoshi’s. He says it’s Choice’s versatility that inspires him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It shows how important that skillset is to know all genres of music and not be like, I don’t play classical or I don’t play rock music,” Brame adds. “He knows all of it. So yeah definitely, that’s one of my inspirations.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These days, Choice might be busy with community work, but he hasn’t lost sight of his own music. His 2024 EP, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/album/2WoxdPZgSbsJ6lVlgCGBJe\">\u003cem>All My Love\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, is the clearest distillation yet of his personal voice and vision.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a vulnerable project that takes stock of how he’s shown up in relationships over the years. It examines his personal growth and maturation as a man.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The project culminates in the bittersweet song “Congratulations.”\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/52eYIEiDLXw'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/52eYIEiDLXw'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>Choice raps over moving piano arrangements, accompanied by a string quartet, harp and upright bass. In the lyrics, he speaks to an ex who is now getting married.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He’s happy for her and a little regretful, looking back at what went wrong and what could have been.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At his piano, Choice breaks down how his arrangements underscore the emotion of the track.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Whenever I play ninth chords or minor chords, sometimes it can be dark. Some people say it may be very sad,” he says. “But I almost feel like it’s more sentimental. I’m thinking about what I was going through. And that chord really offers a lot of space to me for reflection.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As I listen to him play, it’s hard not to feel an appreciation for the complicated beauty of the life lessons all of us go through.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choice says \u003cem>All My Love\u003c/em> is just a teaser for a full-length project that’ll come out later this year. He also recently accepted a position as a tenure-track music professor at San Francisco State University. Over two decades into his career as a musician, educator and community advocate, Choice is finally getting the recognition he deserves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I feel like as a hip hop artist, I’m always trying to grow, try to get more expressive, try to stay relevant,” Choice affirms. “I don’t want my sound to ever get stale or not continue to evolve.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That growth mindset has been a theme in Choice’s career since the very beginning, and it’s propelled so much more than his personal evolution. The hundreds of students he’s taught, and the countless audience members who’ve seen him live, have left with a little piece of his vision: to look beyond arbitrary boundaries, to come together and to better ourselves and our communities through art.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Bay Area Grammy Nominees: Sheila E., Ambrose Akinmusire, Green Day, More",
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"headTitle": "Bay Area Grammy Nominees: Sheila E., Ambrose Akinmusire, Green Day, More | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The Recording Academy announced the nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards on Friday, led by an outstanding 11 nominations for the winningest artist in history herself, Beyoncé.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More than a few Bay Area artists managed to nab nominations across the 94 award categories, with Green Day and Kehlani scoring 3 nominations each and Sheila E., Taj Mahal and the San Francisco Symphony each landing a pair.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The winners of the 67th Grammy Awards will be announced on Feb. 2, 2025, before and during the televised ceremony.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/green-day\">Green Day\u003c/a>, the five-time Grammy-winning pop-punk band \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12005849/pinole-honors-punk-icons-green-day-with-key-to-the-city\">recently honored in Pinole\u003c/a> with a key to the city, earned three nominations in the rock genre categories after their last two albums were overlooked. \u003cem>Saviors\u003c/em>, the band’s fourteenth studio album, landed a nomination for Best Rock Album. Two of its singles, “The American Dream Is Killing Me” and “Dilemma,” were recognized in Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song categories, bringing the band’s all-time total to a staggering 20 nominations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13957856\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1688\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13957856\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-800x527.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-1020x673.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-768x506.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-1536x1013.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-2048x1350.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-1920x1266.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kehlani performs during the Sol Blume Music festival at Discovery Park on August 20, 2023 in Sacramento, California. \u003ccite>(Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Oakland’s own \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/kehlani\">Kehlani\u003c/a>, who still proudly reps the Bay despite relocating to Los Angeles, scored three nominations as well. The R&B superstar, whose homecoming show at Chase Center last week featured surprise appearances from LaRussell, Mistah F.A.B. and Kamaiyah, found success with her latest studio album \u003cem>Crash\u003c/em>. The album was nominated in the Best Progressive R&B Album category, while its lead single, “After Hours,” landed in the Best R&B Song category. In addition, Kehlani’s featured role in the remixed version of British rapper Jordan Adetunji’s song “KEHLANI,” dedicated to the star, earned her a spot in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category. Yes, that’s right — Kehlani got a nomination for a song named after her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another Oakland artist picking up multiple nominations is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966525/sheila-e-tiny-desk-concert-npr-bailar\">Sheila E.\u003c/a>, who, alongside her father, percussionist Pete Escovedo, was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. This year, her album \u003cem>Bailar\u003c/em> is nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album, while “Bemba Colorá,” her collaboration with Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar, was chosen in the Best Global Music Performance category.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco-based \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/metallica\">Metallica\u003c/a>, who added a tenth Grammy Award to their ever-growing list of accolades earlier this year, scored another nomination in the Best Metal Performance category with “Screaming Suicide.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13895353\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans.jpg\" alt=\"A jazz quartet performs onstage in a modern theater with purple lighting.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13895353\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taj Mahal performs on the SFJAZZ Center’s Robert N. Miner Auditorium stage in San Francisco, CA on March 1, 2020. \u003ccite>(Bill Evans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Blues musician \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2013/06/30/196647551/taj-mahal-still-cooking-up-heirloom-music-his-own-way\">Taj Mahal\u003c/a>, who lives in Berkeley, landed a nomination with the Taj Mahal Sextet for \u003cem>Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa\u003c/em> in the Best Traditional Blues Album category. Mahal also earned a nomination for Best American Roots Performance for his featured role on The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ “Nothing in Rambling,” bringing up his career total to 17 nominations and four wins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13940505/julian-lage-sfjazz-san-francisco\">Julian Lage\u003c/a>, a Santa Rosa-bred jazz guitarist, was nominated for his album \u003cem>Speak to Me\u003c/em> in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category — his seventh nomination, which could turn into his first-ever Grammy win.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco-symphony\">San Francisco Symphony\u003c/a> and conductor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/esa-pekka-salonen\">Esa-Pekka Salonen\u003c/a> notched two nominations for Best Orchestral Performance and Best Opera Recording for his recording of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” and Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s “Adriana Mater,” respectively. (Saariaho, who died last year, was also nominated in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition category for the recording).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also in the Best Opera Recording category is longtime Berkeley resident \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/john-adams\">John Adams\u003c/a>, the world-renowned composer and conductor. The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s recording of Adams’ \u003cem>Girls Of The Golden West\u003c/em>, which he conducted, secured Adams his 15th nomination.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"title": "Bay Area Grammy Nominees: Sheila E., Ambrose Akinmusire, Green Day, More | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The Recording Academy announced the nominees for the 2025 Grammy Awards on Friday, led by an outstanding 11 nominations for the winningest artist in history herself, Beyoncé.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More than a few Bay Area artists managed to nab nominations across the 94 award categories, with Green Day and Kehlani scoring 3 nominations each and Sheila E., Taj Mahal and the San Francisco Symphony each landing a pair.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The winners of the 67th Grammy Awards will be announced on Feb. 2, 2025, before and during the televised ceremony.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/green-day\">Green Day\u003c/a>, the five-time Grammy-winning pop-punk band \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12005849/pinole-honors-punk-icons-green-day-with-key-to-the-city\">recently honored in Pinole\u003c/a> with a key to the city, earned three nominations in the rock genre categories after their last two albums were overlooked. \u003cem>Saviors\u003c/em>, the band’s fourteenth studio album, landed a nomination for Best Rock Album. Two of its singles, “The American Dream Is Killing Me” and “Dilemma,” were recognized in Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song categories, bringing the band’s all-time total to a staggering 20 nominations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13957856\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1688\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13957856\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-800x527.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-1020x673.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-768x506.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-1536x1013.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-2048x1350.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/GettyImages-1638215938-1920x1266.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kehlani performs during the Sol Blume Music festival at Discovery Park on August 20, 2023 in Sacramento, California. \u003ccite>(Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Oakland’s own \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/kehlani\">Kehlani\u003c/a>, who still proudly reps the Bay despite relocating to Los Angeles, scored three nominations as well. The R&B superstar, whose homecoming show at Chase Center last week featured surprise appearances from LaRussell, Mistah F.A.B. and Kamaiyah, found success with her latest studio album \u003cem>Crash\u003c/em>. The album was nominated in the Best Progressive R&B Album category, while its lead single, “After Hours,” landed in the Best R&B Song category. In addition, Kehlani’s featured role in the remixed version of British rapper Jordan Adetunji’s song “KEHLANI,” dedicated to the star, earned her a spot in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category. Yes, that’s right — Kehlani got a nomination for a song named after her.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another Oakland artist picking up multiple nominations is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966525/sheila-e-tiny-desk-concert-npr-bailar\">Sheila E.\u003c/a>, who, alongside her father, percussionist Pete Escovedo, was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. This year, her album \u003cem>Bailar\u003c/em> is nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album, while “Bemba Colorá,” her collaboration with Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar, was chosen in the Best Global Music Performance category.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco-based \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/metallica\">Metallica\u003c/a>, who added a tenth Grammy Award to their ever-growing list of accolades earlier this year, scored another nomination in the Best Metal Performance category with “Screaming Suicide.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13895353\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans.jpg\" alt=\"A jazz quartet performs onstage in a modern theater with purple lighting.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13895353\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Taj-Mahal-Quartet-at-the-SFJAZZ-Center-in-San-Francisco-CA-on-March-1-2020-credit-Bill-Evans-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taj Mahal performs on the SFJAZZ Center’s Robert N. Miner Auditorium stage in San Francisco, CA on March 1, 2020. \u003ccite>(Bill Evans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Blues musician \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2013/06/30/196647551/taj-mahal-still-cooking-up-heirloom-music-his-own-way\">Taj Mahal\u003c/a>, who lives in Berkeley, landed a nomination with the Taj Mahal Sextet for \u003cem>Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa\u003c/em> in the Best Traditional Blues Album category. Mahal also earned a nomination for Best American Roots Performance for his featured role on The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ “Nothing in Rambling,” bringing up his career total to 17 nominations and four wins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13940505/julian-lage-sfjazz-san-francisco\">Julian Lage\u003c/a>, a Santa Rosa-bred jazz guitarist, was nominated for his album \u003cem>Speak to Me\u003c/em> in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category — his seventh nomination, which could turn into his first-ever Grammy win.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/san-francisco-symphony\">San Francisco Symphony\u003c/a> and conductor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/esa-pekka-salonen\">Esa-Pekka Salonen\u003c/a> notched two nominations for Best Orchestral Performance and Best Opera Recording for his recording of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” and Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s “Adriana Mater,” respectively. (Saariaho, who died last year, was also nominated in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition category for the recording).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Also in the Best Opera Recording category is longtime Berkeley resident \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/john-adams\">John Adams\u003c/a>, the world-renowned composer and conductor. The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s recording of Adams’ \u003cem>Girls Of The Golden West\u003c/em>, which he conducted, secured Adams his 15th nomination.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "eizels-bakery-pop-up-donuts-san-jose",
"title": "A South Bay Pop-Up Is Reinventing the Doughnut",
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"headTitle": "A South Bay Pop-Up Is Reinventing the Doughnut | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The contents of a pink doughnut box are usually pretty predictable — chocolate- or sprinkle-covered rings that offer a bit of sweetness and chewiness to get you through your morning. But at \u003ca href=\"https://www.eizelsbakery.com/\">Eizel’s Bakery\u003c/a>, a pop-up in the South Bay, some of the doughnuts are glazed with crackly caramelized sugar while others are filled with saucy crustaceans. Another Korean-inspired, doughnut-adjacent treat erupts with garlicky custard when you bite in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, Eizel’s isn’t the first bakery to try to reinvent the doughnut. But the way the pop-up blends classical pastry techniques with a wildly multicultural palette of flavors and ingredients sets it apart from the crowd.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like so many other home bakers, Eizel Mafnas started her pop-up in 2021 as a way to connect with her community during the pandemic. Then, as now, she juggled the bakery with an IT job at the Stanford Children’s Hospital. “I thought, what’s the harm in starting a business?” says Mafnas. “If it works out, great I’ll keep doing it while it’s still fun for me. Three years later, I’m still having a lot of fun — though it is a lot of work.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967920\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967920\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas.jpg\" alt=\"A baker poses at her farmers market display of doughnuts and other baked treats.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eizel Mafnas draws inspiration from her native Philippines and from other restaurants and cuisines she loves. \u003ccite>(Octavio Peña)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mafnas began by selling brownies, using a recipe she refined over years of baking for family and friends. Now, the business has evolved to include Bombay chex mix, bacon jam empanadas and, as of this year, a creative collection of both sweet and savory doughnuts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A couple of Mafnas’s doughnuts are inspired by the flavors of the Philippines, where she grew up. “I’m most proud of my ube doughnut,” says Mafnas. “I wanted to make something for the person who hasn’t had any exposure to Filipino culture.” The purple doughnut features ube in three ways: She fills ube brioche with creamy ube jam and sprinkles the outside with ube polvorón, a common shortbread she grew up eating in the Philippines. Another doughnut features calamansi, or Filipino lime. The final product feels like a hybrid between sponge cake and key lime pie, oozing with tangy custard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For some of her more multicultural doughnuts, Mafnas draws inspiration from dishes at some of her favorite restaurants. One of the most striking examples is a crawfish doughnut inspired by the crawfish beignets at Brenda’s French Soul Food in San Francisco. In Mafnas’s version, crawfish meat is stuffed into a savory brioche doughnut along with a garlicky Cajun sauce and gooey cheese so that the inside of the pastry gets a little bit soggy. It’s like the inverse of using crusty bread to soak up the sauce on a seafood plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967922\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967922\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun.jpg\" alt=\"A savory bun dusted with Parmesan cheese.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A savory Korean garlic bun, dusted with Parmesan cheese. \u003ccite>(Octavio Peña)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When \u003ca href=\"https://www.thekitchn.com/dubai-knafeh-pistachio-chocolate-bar-review-23676829\">Dubai chocolate bars\u003c/a> went viral on social media earlier this year, Mafnas spun a doughnut version complete with homemade pistachio cream. And for the pumpkin spice season, she created a pumpkin cake doughnut topped with pecan praline, pumpkin caramel and a cream cheese glaze. “It’s a nice challenge to see what you can make into a doughnut,” says Mafnas. “Before it would take me weeks to figure out a doughnut. Now, it takes me a few days.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-weight: 400\">[aside postID='arts_13965215,arts_13958172,arts_13965475']\u003c/span>\u003c/span>By watching \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/jacques-pepin-cooking-at-home\">Jacques Pépin\u003c/a> and other PBS cooking shows like \u003ci>America’s Test Kitchen, \u003c/i>Mafnas learned to think about how ingredients interact with each other rather than simply following a recipe. “Baking allows me to get creative and break that mold that things have to be precise, “ says Mafnas. “But I’m having a hard time with apple fritters — I fried it, and it just disintegrated.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She’s persistent, though, and commits to developing recipes even when faced with hurdles. (She’s still working on those apple fritters!) Her ability to turn anything into a doughnut might seem like magic, but really, she’s gotten the process down to a science. Every single detail is carefully considered, like the balance between sweetness and acidity or whether a pastry needs some element to add textural contrast. Every doughnut’s filling complements its exterior — for example, the crème brûlée doughnut has a sticky, shattering top with a touch of bitterness that’s counteracted by the dollop of sweet custard inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967924\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967924\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead view of an ube doughnut and creme brulee doughnut in a takeout container.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A crème brûlée doughnut (left) and ube doughnut. \u003ccite>(Octavio Peña)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mafnas and her team produce their goods out of a commercial kitchen, but Mafnas says they’re close to outgrowing the space. Aside from popping up at farmers markets and events, Eizel’s baked goods are also stocked at coffee shops in San Jose. During a recent Sunday morning pop-up at the Japantown Farmers Market, a crowd of customers waited patiently in line — and many of the most popular doughnuts sell out within the first two hours of any given event, Mafnas says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I hope to one day open my own doughnut shop and bring in other things,” says Mafnas, “There’s so much more in my head I want to bring out to folks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/eizelsbakery/?hl=en\">\u003ci>Eizel’s Bakery\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci> pops up at farmers markets and events around the South Bay. The next pop-up is at \u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.pourdecisionscraft.com/\">\u003ci>Pour Decisions\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci> (5700 Village Oaks Dr. #20) in San Jose Saturday, Nov. 9. For information about future pop-ups, check out Eizel’s \u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/eizelsbakery/?hl=en\">\u003ci>Instagram page\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>. It will attend the \u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjosemade.com/pages/sjmade-holiday-fair-2024\">\u003ci>SJ Made Holiday Fair\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci> (Santa Clara Convention Center) on Nov. 29–30.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"title": "Eizel's Bakery Is Reinventing the Donut in San Jose | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The contents of a pink doughnut box are usually pretty predictable — chocolate- or sprinkle-covered rings that offer a bit of sweetness and chewiness to get you through your morning. But at \u003ca href=\"https://www.eizelsbakery.com/\">Eizel’s Bakery\u003c/a>, a pop-up in the South Bay, some of the doughnuts are glazed with crackly caramelized sugar while others are filled with saucy crustaceans. Another Korean-inspired, doughnut-adjacent treat erupts with garlicky custard when you bite in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, Eizel’s isn’t the first bakery to try to reinvent the doughnut. But the way the pop-up blends classical pastry techniques with a wildly multicultural palette of flavors and ingredients sets it apart from the crowd.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Like so many other home bakers, Eizel Mafnas started her pop-up in 2021 as a way to connect with her community during the pandemic. Then, as now, she juggled the bakery with an IT job at the Stanford Children’s Hospital. “I thought, what’s the harm in starting a business?” says Mafnas. “If it works out, great I’ll keep doing it while it’s still fun for me. Three years later, I’m still having a lot of fun — though it is a lot of work.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967920\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967920\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas.jpg\" alt=\"A baker poses at her farmers market display of doughnuts and other baked treats.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Eizel-Mafnas-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eizel Mafnas draws inspiration from her native Philippines and from other restaurants and cuisines she loves. \u003ccite>(Octavio Peña)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mafnas began by selling brownies, using a recipe she refined over years of baking for family and friends. Now, the business has evolved to include Bombay chex mix, bacon jam empanadas and, as of this year, a creative collection of both sweet and savory doughnuts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A couple of Mafnas’s doughnuts are inspired by the flavors of the Philippines, where she grew up. “I’m most proud of my ube doughnut,” says Mafnas. “I wanted to make something for the person who hasn’t had any exposure to Filipino culture.” The purple doughnut features ube in three ways: She fills ube brioche with creamy ube jam and sprinkles the outside with ube polvorón, a common shortbread she grew up eating in the Philippines. Another doughnut features calamansi, or Filipino lime. The final product feels like a hybrid between sponge cake and key lime pie, oozing with tangy custard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For some of her more multicultural doughnuts, Mafnas draws inspiration from dishes at some of her favorite restaurants. One of the most striking examples is a crawfish doughnut inspired by the crawfish beignets at Brenda’s French Soul Food in San Francisco. In Mafnas’s version, crawfish meat is stuffed into a savory brioche doughnut along with a garlicky Cajun sauce and gooey cheese so that the inside of the pastry gets a little bit soggy. It’s like the inverse of using crusty bread to soak up the sauce on a seafood plate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967922\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967922\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun.jpg\" alt=\"A savory bun dusted with Parmesan cheese.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Korean-Garlic-Bun-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A savory Korean garlic bun, dusted with Parmesan cheese. \u003ccite>(Octavio Peña)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When \u003ca href=\"https://www.thekitchn.com/dubai-knafeh-pistachio-chocolate-bar-review-23676829\">Dubai chocolate bars\u003c/a> went viral on social media earlier this year, Mafnas spun a doughnut version complete with homemade pistachio cream. And for the pumpkin spice season, she created a pumpkin cake doughnut topped with pecan praline, pumpkin caramel and a cream cheese glaze. “It’s a nice challenge to see what you can make into a doughnut,” says Mafnas. “Before it would take me weeks to figure out a doughnut. Now, it takes me a few days.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-weight: 400\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/span>\u003c/span>By watching \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/jacques-pepin-cooking-at-home\">Jacques Pépin\u003c/a> and other PBS cooking shows like \u003ci>America’s Test Kitchen, \u003c/i>Mafnas learned to think about how ingredients interact with each other rather than simply following a recipe. “Baking allows me to get creative and break that mold that things have to be precise, “ says Mafnas. “But I’m having a hard time with apple fritters — I fried it, and it just disintegrated.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She’s persistent, though, and commits to developing recipes even when faced with hurdles. (She’s still working on those apple fritters!) Her ability to turn anything into a doughnut might seem like magic, but really, she’s gotten the process down to a science. Every single detail is carefully considered, like the balance between sweetness and acidity or whether a pastry needs some element to add textural contrast. Every doughnut’s filling complements its exterior — for example, the crème brûlée doughnut has a sticky, shattering top with a touch of bitterness that’s counteracted by the dollop of sweet custard inside.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967924\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967924\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead view of an ube doughnut and creme brulee doughnut in a takeout container.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Creme-Brulee-and-Ube-Donut-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A crème brûlée doughnut (left) and ube doughnut. \u003ccite>(Octavio Peña)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Mafnas and her team produce their goods out of a commercial kitchen, but Mafnas says they’re close to outgrowing the space. Aside from popping up at farmers markets and events, Eizel’s baked goods are also stocked at coffee shops in San Jose. During a recent Sunday morning pop-up at the Japantown Farmers Market, a crowd of customers waited patiently in line — and many of the most popular doughnuts sell out within the first two hours of any given event, Mafnas says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I hope to one day open my own doughnut shop and bring in other things,” says Mafnas, “There’s so much more in my head I want to bring out to folks.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/eizelsbakery/?hl=en\">\u003ci>Eizel’s Bakery\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci> pops up at farmers markets and events around the South Bay. The next pop-up is at \u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.pourdecisionscraft.com/\">\u003ci>Pour Decisions\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci> (5700 Village Oaks Dr. #20) in San Jose Saturday, Nov. 9. For information about future pop-ups, check out Eizel’s \u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/eizelsbakery/?hl=en\">\u003ci>Instagram page\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>. It will attend the \u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjosemade.com/pages/sjmade-holiday-fair-2024\">\u003ci>SJ Made Holiday Fair\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci> (Santa Clara Convention Center) on Nov. 29–30.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>A few years ago my dad mentioned an up-and-coming artist by the name of LaRussell. “No, seriously,” he said. “This dude is \u003cem>different! \u003c/em>You gotta check him out.” So I gave him a listen and I’ve been a fan ever since.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13966525']Vallejo’s LaRussell has infiltrated the hip-hop industry in a way so many artists only dream of doing. Determined to stay “majorly independent,” the rapper built his own musical infrastructure right in his Bay Area home. LaRussell’s popular “Backyard Residency” concerts are quite literally held in his backyard, and the artist and his homies bring his backyard vibes to the Tiny Desk for what feels like a party with your most fun friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>LaRussell makes sure to please both day one fans and new listeners with a jam-packed setlist that melds some of his best tracks together. He smiles and dances his way through a high-energy performance that solidifies his spot as one of the most memorable Tiny Desk Concerts I’ve attended thus far.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w40XbPyotj8\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SET LIST\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>“Glory”/“Do That Lil Dance You Be Doing”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“GIVE ME A BEAT!”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“Caught Up in My Head”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“Hood Cry”/“Perfect”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“10s, 20s, 50s, 100s”/“Test Ya Nuts”/“Once Upon a Time”/“WHAT WE DOIN!?”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“When I Come Home”/“GT Coupe”\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>MUSICIANS\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>LaRussell: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hokage Simon: piano, keys\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ClayDough: keys\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>MadeByHarry: guitar\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Michael Prince: violin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tione: saxophone\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Jimmy Toor: flute\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Shante: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Malachi: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tietta: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Splash: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>TINY DESK TEAM\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Producer: Alanté Serene\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Estefania Mitre, Michael Zamora\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Audio Engineer: Tiffany Viera Castro\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tiny Desk Team: Hazel Chills, Maia Stern\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Vallejo’s LaRussell has infiltrated the hip-hop industry in a way so many artists only dream of doing. Determined to stay “majorly independent,” the rapper built his own musical infrastructure right in his Bay Area home. LaRussell’s popular “Backyard Residency” concerts are quite literally held in his backyard, and the artist and his homies bring his backyard vibes to the Tiny Desk for what feels like a party with your most fun friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>LaRussell makes sure to please both day one fans and new listeners with a jam-packed setlist that melds some of his best tracks together. He smiles and dances his way through a high-energy performance that solidifies his spot as one of the most memorable Tiny Desk Concerts I’ve attended thus far.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/w40XbPyotj8'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/w40XbPyotj8'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cstrong>SET LIST\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>“Glory”/“Do That Lil Dance You Be Doing”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“GIVE ME A BEAT!”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“Caught Up in My Head”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“Hood Cry”/“Perfect”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“10s, 20s, 50s, 100s”/“Test Ya Nuts”/“Once Upon a Time”/“WHAT WE DOIN!?”\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>“When I Come Home”/“GT Coupe”\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>MUSICIANS\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>LaRussell: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Hokage Simon: piano, keys\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>ClayDough: keys\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>MadeByHarry: guitar\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Michael Prince: violin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tione: saxophone\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Jimmy Toor: flute\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Shante: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Malachi: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tietta: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Splash: vocals\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>TINY DESK TEAM\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Producer: Alanté Serene\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Estefania Mitre, Michael Zamora\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Audio Engineer: Tiffany Viera Castro\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tiny Desk Team: Hazel Chills, Maia Stern\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Last week, Warner Bros. opened \u003cem>Juror #2 \u003c/em>in limited release, with minimal fanfare, and no plans to report the film’s domestic box office. It’s not the typical treatment for a Clint Eastwood movie, especially one that some think might be the \u003cem>last \u003c/em>Clint Eastwood movie. I hope they’re wrong.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Either way, the fact that Eastwood’s longtime studio would bury his latest speaks to the various crises that have befallen the industry in general and Warner Bros. in particular. At 94, Eastwood seems ever more like an anomaly in American filmmaking: a Hollywood legend with nothing left to prove, still cranking out his unfussy, mid-budget dramas for a grown-up audience that the major studios have all but abandoned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13967805']\u003cem>Juror #2\u003c/em> is actually one of his better-directed efforts of late, certainly compared with recent disappointments like \u003cem>Cry Macho\u003c/em> and \u003ca href=\"https://video.kqed.org/video/clint-eastwood-for-the-mule-ejnwjt/\">\u003cem>The Mule\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. There’s a little old-school \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966911/john-grisham-dan-slepian-books-wrongfully-convicted-us-prison-injustice-sing-sing\">John Grisham\u003c/a> in this movie’s legal-thriller DNA, even though it features an original screenplay, by Jonathan Abrams.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nicholas Hoult stars as Justin Kemp, a Georgia-based magazine writer who’s expecting a baby with his wife, played by Zoey Deutch. It’s a high-risk pregnancy, and so the timing isn’t ideal when Justin gets selected as a juror in a major murder trial.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The defendant, James Sythe, stands accused of killing his girlfriend, Kendall Carter, after the two had a heated argument in a bar one night. As the facts of the case emerge, Justin, who is recovering from alcoholism, realizes that he was at that same bar on the very night in question — and that he hit something he had assumed was a deer while driving home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Suddenly alarmed that he could be more involved in Kendall’s death than he thought, Justin seeks advice from his AA sponsor, Larry, who also happens to be a lawyer. Larry, played by Kiefer Sutherland, advises Justin to keep quiet, lest he face serious prison time. But Justin, worried that his silence could send an innocent man to prison, tries to plead Sythe’s case during deliberations, which quickly turn contentious.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viA35xH5KO8\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s a creakiness to the writing here; the bickering sounds forced, and some of the jurors veer toward cultural stereotypes. But others are more sharply drawn: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/10144000/bang-the-drum-ever-faster-in-the-different-sports-arena-of-whiplash\">J.K. Simmons\u003c/a> brings his hard-nosed intelligence to the role of one of Justin’s few allies, while Cedric Yarbrough finds the simmering tension in every line as a juror convinced of the defendant’s guilt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It all plays like a barbed riff on \u003cem>12 Angry Men\u003c/em>, where one man seeks to sway his fellow jurors, not to bring about justice so much as assuage his own conscience. But Justin isn’t the only character held up for moral scrutiny. The courtroom’s most compelling figure is the prosecutor, Faith, played with terrific nuance by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13834624/with-cunning-casting-hereditary-dials-up-the-horror\">Toni Collette\u003c/a>. Faith does her job with skill, integrity and a great deal of ambition; she’s running for district attorney, and she knows that securing a conviction could help her chances.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13967869']Collette and Hoult played a mother and son in the 2002 comedy \u003cem>About a Boy\u003c/em>. And while the actors don’t share too much screen time in \u003cem>Juror #2\u003c/em>, beyond one doozy of a late scene, it’s still a pleasure to see them reunited more than 20 years later. Hoult is especially strong as a man wrestling quietly with past demons and present dilemmas, and whose response is to rationalize like crazy. After all, maybe Sythe, a man known for his rough past, really did kill his girlfriend. And even if he didn’t, how can Justin turn himself in, just as he and his wife are about to start a family?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eastwood may take his characters to task, but he also sees the bigger picture. He’s long had a skeptical view of institutions and their failings, whether it’s a corrupt police force in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/23586/changeling\">\u003cem>Changeling\u003c/em>\u003c/a> or the manipulations of the media in movies like \u003cem>Sully\u003c/em> and \u003cem>Richard Jewell\u003c/em>\u003cem>.\u003c/em> In \u003cem>Juror #2\u003c/em>, he takes measured aim at the American justice system, from the dogged attorneys muddling their way through the evidence to the exhausted jurors who just want to deliver a quick verdict to the procedural fault lines and blind spots that can make the truth seem so elusive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a thorny, thoughtful film, and I wish its own studio had more confidence in it. If Eastwood does make another one, I wouldn’t mind seeing him take on another broken American system rife with cynicism, self-interest and compromise — and that, of course, is Hollywood itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Juror #2’ is out, nationwide, now.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Suddenly alarmed that he could be more involved in Kendall’s death than he thought, Justin seeks advice from his AA sponsor, Larry, who also happens to be a lawyer. Larry, played by Kiefer Sutherland, advises Justin to keep quiet, lest he face serious prison time. But Justin, worried that his silence could send an innocent man to prison, tries to plead Sythe’s case during deliberations, which quickly turn contentious.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/viA35xH5KO8'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/viA35xH5KO8'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>There’s a creakiness to the writing here; the bickering sounds forced, and some of the jurors veer toward cultural stereotypes. But others are more sharply drawn: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/10144000/bang-the-drum-ever-faster-in-the-different-sports-arena-of-whiplash\">J.K. Simmons\u003c/a> brings his hard-nosed intelligence to the role of one of Justin’s few allies, while Cedric Yarbrough finds the simmering tension in every line as a juror convinced of the defendant’s guilt.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It all plays like a barbed riff on \u003cem>12 Angry Men\u003c/em>, where one man seeks to sway his fellow jurors, not to bring about justice so much as assuage his own conscience. But Justin isn’t the only character held up for moral scrutiny. The courtroom’s most compelling figure is the prosecutor, Faith, played with terrific nuance by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13834624/with-cunning-casting-hereditary-dials-up-the-horror\">Toni Collette\u003c/a>. Faith does her job with skill, integrity and a great deal of ambition; she’s running for district attorney, and she knows that securing a conviction could help her chances.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Collette and Hoult played a mother and son in the 2002 comedy \u003cem>About a Boy\u003c/em>. And while the actors don’t share too much screen time in \u003cem>Juror #2\u003c/em>, beyond one doozy of a late scene, it’s still a pleasure to see them reunited more than 20 years later. Hoult is especially strong as a man wrestling quietly with past demons and present dilemmas, and whose response is to rationalize like crazy. After all, maybe Sythe, a man known for his rough past, really did kill his girlfriend. And even if he didn’t, how can Justin turn himself in, just as he and his wife are about to start a family?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eastwood may take his characters to task, but he also sees the bigger picture. He’s long had a skeptical view of institutions and their failings, whether it’s a corrupt police force in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/23586/changeling\">\u003cem>Changeling\u003c/em>\u003c/a> or the manipulations of the media in movies like \u003cem>Sully\u003c/em> and \u003cem>Richard Jewell\u003c/em>\u003cem>.\u003c/em> In \u003cem>Juror #2\u003c/em>, he takes measured aim at the American justice system, from the dogged attorneys muddling their way through the evidence to the exhausted jurors who just want to deliver a quick verdict to the procedural fault lines and blind spots that can make the truth seem so elusive.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a thorny, thoughtful film, and I wish its own studio had more confidence in it. If Eastwood does make another one, I wouldn’t mind seeing him take on another broken American system rife with cynicism, self-interest and compromise — and that, of course, is Hollywood itself.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Juror #2’ is out, nationwide, now.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "things-to-do-bay-area-election-weekend-leave-the-house",
"title": "Close Your Phone, Leave the House: Things to Do This Post-Election Weekend",
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"headTitle": "Close Your Phone, Leave the House: Things to Do This Post-Election Weekend | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>There’s no way to sugar-coat it: here in the Bay Area this week, a lot of people are holed up, feeling despair at another Trump presidency and doomscrolling on their phones.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the more introverted among us prefer to stay home, and \u003ca href=\"https://introvertdear.com/news/id-rather-be-home-and-i-dont-feel-bad-about-it/\">that’s fine\u003c/a>. But man, there is no feeling so refreshing as getting outside and being among others, many of whom are probably feeling just the same as you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s a quick list of 25 outdoor events, concerts, exhibitions and more, all offering company or community, and all happening this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967872\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967872\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The View from Mission Peak trail. \u003ccite>(Sarah Mohamad/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995033/12-bay-area-hikes-for-escaping-the-election-even-for-a-few-hours\">\u003cstrong>Take a Hike\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nNot to be all “touch grass,” but c’mon, you already know that going on a hike is helpful for anxiety. Call up that friend you haven’t seen in a while and consult our guide \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995033/12-bay-area-hikes-for-escaping-the-election-even-for-a-few-hours\">12 Bay Area Hikes and Nature Spots for Escaping the Election This Week\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 7, 6–8 p.m.: \u003ca href=\"https://altmansiegel.com/exhibitions/troy-lamarr-chew-ii/\">\u003cstrong>Troy Lamarr Chew II at Altman Siegel\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe former Bay Area artist returns with a solo show of portraits that depict people as glassy, translucent outlines (à la \u003ci>The Secret World of Alex Mack\u003c/i>), underscoring their “invisibility” in contemporary society.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13959808/golden-boy-pizza-north-beach-sf-late-night\">\u003cstrong>Grab a slice at the new Golden Boy Pizza\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nEveryone’s favorite San Francisco square slice shop just opened a brand new location. Golden Boy’s long-awaited Sunset location is slinging the same crunchy-bottomed, idiosyncratic pizzas that have been locally beloved since 1978, for takeout only. (Or you can, of course, always opt to head back to the North Beach original.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967810\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967810\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj.png\" alt=\"An older Black man sits in an armchair, glancing over his shoulder disapprovingly.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1295\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-800x518.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-1020x660.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-160x104.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-768x497.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-1536x995.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-1920x1243.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Samuel L. Jackson stars in ‘The Piano Lesson.’ \u003ccite>(Netflix via AP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967805/the-piano-lesson-august-wilson-malcolm-washington-samuel-jackson-streaming-netflix\">\u003cstrong>‘The Piano Lesson’\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nBased on the recent Broadway production, this film version of August Wilson’s award-winning play should be excellent. With a cast including Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington, it’s been getting good reviews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967549/heretic-movie-review-hugh-grant-horror-mormon-missionaries-monopoly\">\u003cstrong>‘Heretic’\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThere are those of us who can turn our brains off by watching Hugh Grant being dashing in rom-coms like \u003cem>Notting Hill\u003c/em>, and there are those of us who would rather see him cardigan-clad, chilling and chattering about religion in this new horror from A24. \u003cem>Heretic\u003c/em> will keep your nerves and brain in high gear for its unnerving entirety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 8–10: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967748/klay-thompson-art-show\">\u003cstrong>Klay Thompson Art Show at SoleSpace in Oakland\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe great Splash Brother makes his return to the Bay Area this weekend in — sigh — a Mavericks uniform. Before he plays against his former team, this sneaker shop and creative space hosts an art show dedicated to the beloved ex-Warriors player.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967161/crass-logo-david-king-center-for-the-book-san-francisco-zines-flyers\">\u003cstrong>‘David King Publications 1977–2019’ at San Francisco Center for the Book \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nBest known for designing the logo for punk band Crass, artist David King also illustrated zines and flyers, many of which make up this exhibit. In her review, Rae Alexandra said it “can only act as a sort of tasting menu — but oh, what a delicious introduction it is.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13966669\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13966669\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king.jpg\" alt='A giant, plastic \"durian king\" mascot with a spiky shell and a crown on his head.' width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The shop’s “durian king” mascot. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966665/durian-east-bay-richmond-99-ranch-malaysian\">\u003cstrong>Buy a whole Malaysian durian at Liu Shang Pin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nBecause surely there’s someone in your life who would feel comforted by some ripe, pungent tropical fruit. And if so, this new durian shop in Richmond is the swankiest spot to get your stink on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://museumca.org/on-view/born-of-the-bear-dance-dugan-aguilars-photographs-of-native-california/\">\u003cstrong>‘Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California’ at the Oakland Museum of California\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThis show of photographs by Dugan Aguilar (just a fraction of the museum’s recently acquired collection of the late artist’s personal archive) documents the vibrancy of Native life in the state between 1982 to 2018.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13955628\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13955628\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A conductor waves his baton as orchestra musicians look on,\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kedrick Armstrong conducts the Oakland Symphony in February 2024. \u003ccite>(Scott Chernis)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandsymphony.org/event/two-black-churches-carmina-burana/\">\u003cstrong>Oakland Symphony’s ‘Two Black Churches + Carmina Burana’ at the Paramount Theatre\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nNew music director Kedrick Armstrong leads the Oakland Symphony in his second program, featuring two pieces from living composer Shawn Okpebholo. (A post-election note, presented without comment: one of the first sections of Orff’s Carmina Burana is titled “I lament the wounds that fortune deals.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.chinatownvolunteercoalition.org/\">\u003cstrong>Chinatown Night Market\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFriday nights in San Francisco Chinatown are never as packed and lively as they are during this monthly \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13963258/bay-area-night-markets-food-fall-guide-2024\">night market\u003c/a> — and this edition will be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.chinatownvolunteercoalition.org/\">last market of the year\u003c/a>. Come early to avoid the longest lines, and enjoy the dim sum and boba stands, cultural performances and fun, family-friendly atmosphere. (5:30–9 p.m. on Grant Avenue, b/w Sacramento and Jackson)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://www.thenewparkway.com/?action=tribe_event_day&tribe_event_display=day&tribe-bar-date=2024-11-09\">\u003cstrong>Cereal Cinema at Oakland’s New Parkway\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nNostalgia is comforting, so mentally travel back to your childhood (and take your own kids with you, if you have them) to Cereal Cinema. The New Parkway Theater’s Saturday morning screening of classic cartoons is accompanied by — what else? — all-you-can-eat cereal. The retro fun starts at 10:30 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967093/marinmoca-san-rafael-opening-the-mountain-review\">\u003cstrong>Visit a brand new museum: MarinMOCA San Rafael\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nIn this expansion beyond their Novato home base, MarinMOCA has curated an inaugural, intergenerational show that celebrates the exceptional art made in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967848/dahomey-review-mati-diop-benin-documentary\">\u003cstrong>‘Dahomey’ opens at the Roxie, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nMati Diop’s followup to her narrative film \u003ci>Atlantics\u003c/i> follows 26 statues and cultural objects on their repatriation journey from France to Benin. Our film critic calls it an “unexpectedly inspiring documentary” that “movingly captures the immediacy of art in contemporary life.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967858\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967858\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000.jpg\" alt=\"woman looks at rows of yellow printed paper\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor to 41 Ross views Ho Tam’s work during his artist residency. \u003ccite>(Robert Borsdorf)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9, 12–4 p.m.: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967856/chinatown-ross-alley-zine-festival-hotam-press\">\u003cstrong>Chinatown Ross Alley Zine Festival, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nCheck out work by 10 local publishers and 41 Ross Artist-in-Residence Hotam Press (all the way from Vancouver) in this afternoon-long event filled with art, zines, books and other cultural goodies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://sflivefest.com/afrolicious-ggp-nov9\">\u003cstrong>Afrolicious at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nAfrolicious always brings a dance party, and Saturday should be no exception in this, the final concert in the SF Live series. The Golden Gate Park bandshell sits right between the de Young and the California Academy of Sciences — two places to consider visiting to make a day of it. Los Calderones open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/white-crate-4-year-anniversary-party-tickets-1048372108197\">\u003cstrong>White Crate Anniversary Party at El Rio, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nPicking up where the Bay Bridged left off, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13960718/white-crate-bay-area-live-music\">White Crate\u003c/a> is a music site covering Bay Area indie music and beyond. Their fourth anniversary party at El Rio features bands Sour Widows, Tony Jay, Pocket Full of Crumbs and Margot James.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://rootdivision.org/exhibition/huq-i-seek-no-favor/\">\u003cstrong>‘HUQ: I Seek No Favor’ at San Francisco’s Root Division\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nIf solidarity is what you seek this weekend, consider joining Root Division on Saturday for the opening reception of this exhibit that brings together more than 100 artists and writers to collectively respond to the impact of 2022’s Dobbs decision on reproductive rights. ‘Huq’ is an Urdu/Arabic word that means both ‘rights’ and ‘truth.’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9–10: \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhiphopdancefest.com/dancefest\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco International Hip-Hop Dance Fest\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nForget breakdancing in the Olympics. As part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967488/san-francisco-hip-hop-month-november-2024\">San Francisco Hip-Hop Month\u003c/a>, this three-day fest brings dance troupes from all over the world together to battle for cash prizes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9–10: \u003ca href=\"https://wl.seetickets.us/event/a-special-spoken-word-matinee-lydia-lunch-eugene-robinson/623722?afflky=GreatAmericanMusicHall\">\u003cstrong>Lydia Lunch’s ‘Verbal Burlesque’ at the Great American Music Hall in SF\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> \u003cstrong>and the\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.ivyroom.com/#/events/117948\">\u003cstrong>Ivy Room in Albany\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nOn any given day, Lydia Lunch’s provocative observations about herself, her life and the world around her are primed to provide solid distractions. This weekend she’s upping the ante with two spoken word sets of exclusively raunchy material. Lunch will perform a matinee show in San Francisco on Saturday and another in Albany on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13899160\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13899160\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_.jpg\" alt=\"Josef Alfonso, singer of Sunami, at the Real Bay Shit show in San Jose on June 19, 2021.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Josef Alfonso, singer of Sunami, at the Real Bay Shit show in San Jose on June 19, 2021. \u003ccite>(Gabe Meline/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nov. 10–11: \u003ca href=\"https://sanjosetheaters.org/event/sunami-ingrown-torena-monster-energy-outbreak-tour/\">\u003cstrong>Sunami at the San Jose Civic Auditorium\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> \u003cstrong>and\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/924gilmanstreet/p/C-Vi2S0u0kE/\">\u003cstrong>Berkeley’s 924 Gilman\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSometimes you just gotta get mad. Enter Sunami, one of the Bay Area’s best and most aggressive hardcore bands, known for their crowd’s insane pits. If \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13899154/sunami-review-san-jose-drain-gulch-show\">slamming your body against hundreds of others\u003c/a> is your preferred method of catharsis, this is the show for you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967722/personal-space-slipper-vallejo-review\">\u003cstrong>‘Slipper’ at Personal Space, Vallejo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe artist-run space packs plenty of art viewing into its small footprint, bringing together a group of artists who make objects that slip between registers: flesh and machine, digital and handmade, 2D and 3D. Also: a giant “fur” coat made, in part, from human hair!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 11: \u003ca href=\"https://gracecathedral.org/calendar-events/sound-meditation-11-11/\">\u003cstrong>The Sound Healing Symphony at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nIf you need to simply chill out this weekend — but among others — the Sound Healing Symphony uses gongs, crystal bowls, vibraphone and didgeridoo to help attendees at scenic Grace Cathedral “go beyond the veil in a celebration of unity.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 11: \u003ca href=\"https://www.axs.com/uk/events/670853/blood-incantation-tickets\">\u003cstrong>Blood Incantation at Cornerstone, Berkeley\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHow did this proggy metal band behind the landmark album \u003cem>Hidden History of the Human Race\u003c/em> kick things up a notch this year? With an even more complex, dizzying outing, \u003cem>Absolute Elsewhere\u003c/em>: a collision of death metal and krautrock.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Through Nov. 24: \u003ca href=\"https://haightstreetart.org/pages/home-show-a-chuck-sperry-retrospective\">\u003cstrong>A Chuck Sperry Retrospective at the Haight Street Art Center, SF\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSperry’s flower-power-infused visions of beauty are always a colorful shot of much-needed dopamine. The Haight Street Art Center is currently displaying a collection of the San Francisco artist’s silkscreen prints, rock posters and tapestries stretching across his 40-year career.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "Don't despair at home alone. Here's are 25 ways to get outside and be among others this weekend.",
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"title": "Close Your Phone, Leave the House: Things to Do This Post-Election Weekend | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>There’s no way to sugar-coat it: here in the Bay Area this week, a lot of people are holed up, feeling despair at another Trump presidency and doomscrolling on their phones.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the more introverted among us prefer to stay home, and \u003ca href=\"https://introvertdear.com/news/id-rather-be-home-and-i-dont-feel-bad-about-it/\">that’s fine\u003c/a>. But man, there is no feeling so refreshing as getting outside and being among others, many of whom are probably feeling just the same as you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s a quick list of 25 outdoor events, concerts, exhibitions and more, all offering company or community, and all happening this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967872\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967872\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/IMG_7908-scaled-1-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The View from Mission Peak trail. \u003ccite>(Sarah Mohamad/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995033/12-bay-area-hikes-for-escaping-the-election-even-for-a-few-hours\">\u003cstrong>Take a Hike\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nNot to be all “touch grass,” but c’mon, you already know that going on a hike is helpful for anxiety. Call up that friend you haven’t seen in a while and consult our guide \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995033/12-bay-area-hikes-for-escaping-the-election-even-for-a-few-hours\">12 Bay Area Hikes and Nature Spots for Escaping the Election This Week\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 7, 6–8 p.m.: \u003ca href=\"https://altmansiegel.com/exhibitions/troy-lamarr-chew-ii/\">\u003cstrong>Troy Lamarr Chew II at Altman Siegel\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe former Bay Area artist returns with a solo show of portraits that depict people as glassy, translucent outlines (à la \u003ci>The Secret World of Alex Mack\u003c/i>), underscoring their “invisibility” in contemporary society.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13959808/golden-boy-pizza-north-beach-sf-late-night\">\u003cstrong>Grab a slice at the new Golden Boy Pizza\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nEveryone’s favorite San Francisco square slice shop just opened a brand new location. Golden Boy’s long-awaited Sunset location is slinging the same crunchy-bottomed, idiosyncratic pizzas that have been locally beloved since 1978, for takeout only. (Or you can, of course, always opt to head back to the North Beach original.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967810\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967810\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj.png\" alt=\"An older Black man sits in an armchair, glancing over his shoulder disapprovingly.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1295\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj.png 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-800x518.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-1020x660.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-160x104.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-768x497.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-1536x995.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/slj-1920x1243.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Samuel L. Jackson stars in ‘The Piano Lesson.’ \u003ccite>(Netflix via AP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967805/the-piano-lesson-august-wilson-malcolm-washington-samuel-jackson-streaming-netflix\">\u003cstrong>‘The Piano Lesson’\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nBased on the recent Broadway production, this film version of August Wilson’s award-winning play should be excellent. With a cast including Samuel L. Jackson and John David Washington, it’s been getting good reviews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967549/heretic-movie-review-hugh-grant-horror-mormon-missionaries-monopoly\">\u003cstrong>‘Heretic’\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThere are those of us who can turn our brains off by watching Hugh Grant being dashing in rom-coms like \u003cem>Notting Hill\u003c/em>, and there are those of us who would rather see him cardigan-clad, chilling and chattering about religion in this new horror from A24. \u003cem>Heretic\u003c/em> will keep your nerves and brain in high gear for its unnerving entirety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 8–10: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967748/klay-thompson-art-show\">\u003cstrong>Klay Thompson Art Show at SoleSpace in Oakland\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe great Splash Brother makes his return to the Bay Area this weekend in — sigh — a Mavericks uniform. Before he plays against his former team, this sneaker shop and creative space hosts an art show dedicated to the beloved ex-Warriors player.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967161/crass-logo-david-king-center-for-the-book-san-francisco-zines-flyers\">\u003cstrong>‘David King Publications 1977–2019’ at San Francisco Center for the Book \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nBest known for designing the logo for punk band Crass, artist David King also illustrated zines and flyers, many of which make up this exhibit. In her review, Rae Alexandra said it “can only act as a sort of tasting menu — but oh, what a delicious introduction it is.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13966669\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13966669\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king.jpg\" alt='A giant, plastic \"durian king\" mascot with a spiky shell and a crown on his head.' width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/durian-king-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The shop’s “durian king” mascot. \u003ccite>(Luke Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13966665/durian-east-bay-richmond-99-ranch-malaysian\">\u003cstrong>Buy a whole Malaysian durian at Liu Shang Pin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nBecause surely there’s someone in your life who would feel comforted by some ripe, pungent tropical fruit. And if so, this new durian shop in Richmond is the swankiest spot to get your stink on.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Opening Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://museumca.org/on-view/born-of-the-bear-dance-dugan-aguilars-photographs-of-native-california/\">\u003cstrong>‘Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California’ at the Oakland Museum of California\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThis show of photographs by Dugan Aguilar (just a fraction of the museum’s recently acquired collection of the late artist’s personal archive) documents the vibrancy of Native life in the state between 1982 to 2018.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13955628\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13955628\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A conductor waves his baton as orchestra musicians look on,\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Kedrick-Armstrong-conducts-Oakland-Symphony-credit-Scott-Chernis-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kedrick Armstrong conducts the Oakland Symphony in February 2024. \u003ccite>(Scott Chernis)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandsymphony.org/event/two-black-churches-carmina-burana/\">\u003cstrong>Oakland Symphony’s ‘Two Black Churches + Carmina Burana’ at the Paramount Theatre\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nNew music director Kedrick Armstrong leads the Oakland Symphony in his second program, featuring two pieces from living composer Shawn Okpebholo. (A post-election note, presented without comment: one of the first sections of Orff’s Carmina Burana is titled “I lament the wounds that fortune deals.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 8: \u003ca href=\"https://www.chinatownvolunteercoalition.org/\">\u003cstrong>Chinatown Night Market\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nFriday nights in San Francisco Chinatown are never as packed and lively as they are during this monthly \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13963258/bay-area-night-markets-food-fall-guide-2024\">night market\u003c/a> — and this edition will be the \u003ca href=\"https://www.chinatownvolunteercoalition.org/\">last market of the year\u003c/a>. Come early to avoid the longest lines, and enjoy the dim sum and boba stands, cultural performances and fun, family-friendly atmosphere. (5:30–9 p.m. on Grant Avenue, b/w Sacramento and Jackson)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://www.thenewparkway.com/?action=tribe_event_day&tribe_event_display=day&tribe-bar-date=2024-11-09\">\u003cstrong>Cereal Cinema at Oakland’s New Parkway\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nNostalgia is comforting, so mentally travel back to your childhood (and take your own kids with you, if you have them) to Cereal Cinema. The New Parkway Theater’s Saturday morning screening of classic cartoons is accompanied by — what else? — all-you-can-eat cereal. The retro fun starts at 10:30 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967093/marinmoca-san-rafael-opening-the-mountain-review\">\u003cstrong>Visit a brand new museum: MarinMOCA San Rafael\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nIn this expansion beyond their Novato home base, MarinMOCA has curated an inaugural, intergenerational show that celebrates the exceptional art made in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967848/dahomey-review-mati-diop-benin-documentary\">\u003cstrong>‘Dahomey’ opens at the Roxie, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nMati Diop’s followup to her narrative film \u003ci>Atlantics\u003c/i> follows 26 statues and cultural objects on their repatriation journey from France to Benin. Our film critic calls it an “unexpectedly inspiring documentary” that “movingly captures the immediacy of art in contemporary life.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967858\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967858\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000.jpg\" alt=\"woman looks at rows of yellow printed paper\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/A-visitor-views-Ho-Tams-work-at-41-Ross-credit-Robert-Borsdorf_2000-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A visitor to 41 Ross views Ho Tam’s work during his artist residency. \u003ccite>(Robert Borsdorf)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9, 12–4 p.m.: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967856/chinatown-ross-alley-zine-festival-hotam-press\">\u003cstrong>Chinatown Ross Alley Zine Festival, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nCheck out work by 10 local publishers and 41 Ross Artist-in-Residence Hotam Press (all the way from Vancouver) in this afternoon-long event filled with art, zines, books and other cultural goodies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://sflivefest.com/afrolicious-ggp-nov9\">\u003cstrong>Afrolicious at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nAfrolicious always brings a dance party, and Saturday should be no exception in this, the final concert in the SF Live series. The Golden Gate Park bandshell sits right between the de Young and the California Academy of Sciences — two places to consider visiting to make a day of it. Los Calderones open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/white-crate-4-year-anniversary-party-tickets-1048372108197\">\u003cstrong>White Crate Anniversary Party at El Rio, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nPicking up where the Bay Bridged left off, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13960718/white-crate-bay-area-live-music\">White Crate\u003c/a> is a music site covering Bay Area indie music and beyond. Their fourth anniversary party at El Rio features bands Sour Widows, Tony Jay, Pocket Full of Crumbs and Margot James.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9: \u003ca href=\"https://rootdivision.org/exhibition/huq-i-seek-no-favor/\">\u003cstrong>‘HUQ: I Seek No Favor’ at San Francisco’s Root Division\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nIf solidarity is what you seek this weekend, consider joining Root Division on Saturday for the opening reception of this exhibit that brings together more than 100 artists and writers to collectively respond to the impact of 2022’s Dobbs decision on reproductive rights. ‘Huq’ is an Urdu/Arabic word that means both ‘rights’ and ‘truth.’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9–10: \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhiphopdancefest.com/dancefest\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco International Hip-Hop Dance Fest\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nForget breakdancing in the Olympics. As part of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967488/san-francisco-hip-hop-month-november-2024\">San Francisco Hip-Hop Month\u003c/a>, this three-day fest brings dance troupes from all over the world together to battle for cash prizes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 9–10: \u003ca href=\"https://wl.seetickets.us/event/a-special-spoken-word-matinee-lydia-lunch-eugene-robinson/623722?afflky=GreatAmericanMusicHall\">\u003cstrong>Lydia Lunch’s ‘Verbal Burlesque’ at the Great American Music Hall in SF\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> \u003cstrong>and the\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.ivyroom.com/#/events/117948\">\u003cstrong>Ivy Room in Albany\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nOn any given day, Lydia Lunch’s provocative observations about herself, her life and the world around her are primed to provide solid distractions. This weekend she’s upping the ante with two spoken word sets of exclusively raunchy material. Lunch will perform a matinee show in San Francisco on Saturday and another in Albany on Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13899160\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13899160\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_.jpg\" alt=\"Josef Alfonso, singer of Sunami, at the Real Bay Shit show in San Jose on June 19, 2021.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Sunami.MAIN_-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Josef Alfonso, singer of Sunami, at the Real Bay Shit show in San Jose on June 19, 2021. \u003ccite>(Gabe Meline/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Nov. 10–11: \u003ca href=\"https://sanjosetheaters.org/event/sunami-ingrown-torena-monster-energy-outbreak-tour/\">\u003cstrong>Sunami at the San Jose Civic Auditorium\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> \u003cstrong>and\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/924gilmanstreet/p/C-Vi2S0u0kE/\">\u003cstrong>Berkeley’s 924 Gilman\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSometimes you just gotta get mad. Enter Sunami, one of the Bay Area’s best and most aggressive hardcore bands, known for their crowd’s insane pits. If \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13899154/sunami-review-san-jose-drain-gulch-show\">slamming your body against hundreds of others\u003c/a> is your preferred method of catharsis, this is the show for you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13967722/personal-space-slipper-vallejo-review\">\u003cstrong>‘Slipper’ at Personal Space, Vallejo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nThe artist-run space packs plenty of art viewing into its small footprint, bringing together a group of artists who make objects that slip between registers: flesh and machine, digital and handmade, 2D and 3D. Also: a giant “fur” coat made, in part, from human hair!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 11: \u003ca href=\"https://gracecathedral.org/calendar-events/sound-meditation-11-11/\">\u003cstrong>The Sound Healing Symphony at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nIf you need to simply chill out this weekend — but among others — the Sound Healing Symphony uses gongs, crystal bowls, vibraphone and didgeridoo to help attendees at scenic Grace Cathedral “go beyond the veil in a celebration of unity.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nov. 11: \u003ca href=\"https://www.axs.com/uk/events/670853/blood-incantation-tickets\">\u003cstrong>Blood Incantation at Cornerstone, Berkeley\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nHow did this proggy metal band behind the landmark album \u003cem>Hidden History of the Human Race\u003c/em> kick things up a notch this year? With an even more complex, dizzying outing, \u003cem>Absolute Elsewhere\u003c/em>: a collision of death metal and krautrock.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Through Nov. 24: \u003ca href=\"https://haightstreetart.org/pages/home-show-a-chuck-sperry-retrospective\">\u003cstrong>A Chuck Sperry Retrospective at the Haight Street Art Center, SF\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSperry’s flower-power-infused visions of beauty are always a colorful shot of much-needed dopamine. The Haight Street Art Center is currently displaying a collection of the San Francisco artist’s silkscreen prints, rock posters and tapestries stretching across his 40-year career.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "rightnowishs-grand-finale-words-of-wisdom-from-timothy-b",
"title": "Rightnowish’s Grand Finale: Words of Wisdom from Timothy B.",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#episode-transcript\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">View the full episode transcript.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On this final episode of the Rightnowish podcast, we end back where we started — but with some pretty significant updates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the fall of 2019, renowned visual artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/timothyb_art/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Timothy B.\u003c/a> gave us the first full Rightnowish interview for an episode titled ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13868502/from-d-boys-to-dope-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">From D-Boys to Dope Art.\u003c/a>’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During that interview, Timothy B. was flanked by his mother Dana Bluitt and his father Timothy Bluitt Sr. as he shared with us his perspective on mural making, community building and his work in Oakland. We also discussed how Timothy B.’s colorful paintings on the streets of the Town differ drastically from the work his father did in Oakland during the ’80s and early ’90s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Timothy Sr., a representative of East Oakland’s legendary 69 Mob, was incarcerated in a federal penitentiary for over two decades. During that time, Mrs. Bluitt held the family down. Timothy B. took notes from both his mother and father, and flourished because of the strength of his parents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, five years after our last conversation on tape, Timothy B. is a father too. Stepping into parenthood has changed his painting schedule and personal priorities. But he remains creative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13961247\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13961247 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56%E2%80%AFPM-800x1100.png\" alt=\"Timothy B. stands on a lift in front of a mural he painted at the East Oakland Youth Center dedicated to journalist and political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.\" width=\"800\" height=\"1100\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM-800x1100.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM-160x220.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM-768x1056.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM.png 972w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Timothy B. stands on a lift in front of a mural he painted at the East Oakland Youth Center dedicated to journalist and political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Timothy B. )\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In fact, having painted numerous murals around the Town and beyond, his work is getting out there more than ever. In Oakland, his work can be seen at places like the corner store on Grand and Ellita, as well as the broad side of buildings on 7th and Washington, 82nd and International, and 15th and Webster. He has more murals in the works, plus he’s expanding beyond walls: this past February, his designs were commissioned, printed on T-shirts and given away at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RDwNIPJNl/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a Golden State Warriors home game\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This week, we discuss how Timothy B. has grown, and how Oakland has changed. And then Timothy B. gives us some advice on how to deal with major life transitions; advice I needed to hear as we end the Rightnowish podcast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=KQINC4636659965\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>Rightnowish is an arts and culture podcast produced at KQED. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or click the play button at the top of this page and subscribe to the show on \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish\">NPR One\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I\">Spotify\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648\">Apple Podcasts\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Rightnowish-p1258245/\">TuneIn\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish\">Stitcher\u003c/a> or wherever you get your podcasts. \u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 id=\"episode-transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw, Host: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What’s up Rightnowish listeners, I’m your host Pendarvis Harshaw.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We are here. At the grand finale, the final episode of Rightnowish. We’ve had an amazing 5 year run, so much love, so many memories. Thank you all for rocking with us. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To host an arts and culture show in the Bay Area, it’s been so dope, I haven’t fully processed it. But for now I can say that I’m extremely grateful…grateful for the emails, comments on social posts and conversations at bars and coffee shops…grateful that we’ve had the support from KQED and from the community…grateful to the people who shared their stories with us, and to everyone who listened. I could go on but, yeah, grateful. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That being said, to bookend this Rightnowish podcast, we’re going back to where we started: a conversation with the very first guest on the show– renowned visual artist, Timothy B. We caught up with him via zoom from his Oakland studio.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Timothy’s work can be found all around the Bay, and beyond. He’s painted images of community members, goddesses and of Huey P. Newton. His mural of the late Nipsey Hussle on Grand and Perkins in Oakland is a trademark piece. Another mural on a wall further down Grand pays homage to the memory of Nia Wilson, a young woman who was slain on a BART platform in July of 2018.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the first episode of Rightnowish, Timothy B. and I discussed how his work on the streets of the town differs drastically from the work his father did. His dad, Timothy Bliutt Sr., is a factor from East Oakland’s legendary 69 Mob, and he also served a significant amount of time in a federal penitentiary. And from there Mrs. Dana Bluitt, Timothy B.’s mother, held the family down. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which brings us to today– over the last five years a lot has changed for Timothy B. He’s a father now. So, for this final episode, we chop it up about Oakland, art and mental health, as well as fatherhood, personal relationships and the process of dealing with life’s big transitions.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you might imagine, I could use that advice right now… ish. Yeah, more after this. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There we go, there we go, there we go, Timothy B! I’m really excited to talk to you today for a number of reasons, really because you were the first interview in the Rightnowish series. You started us off on a good note, and so much has changed over the past 5 years. And when I think of all the changes that you have experienced, the biggest one is fatherhood. And our past conversation was about family and your parents and how they poured into you, and how that shows up in your artistry and given your relationship with your parents, what does it mean to you to be a father now? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, my son, he’s, he’s going to be the first to experience having a father and grandfather in I don’t know in how many generations, you know. So, you know, that’s power in itself. Because my father was incarcerated for 24 years of my life, to receive the opportunity to be a father now is monumental. I could give, ya know, my son, he’s…he won’t ever know what it’s like to not have a father around, you know? God forbid anything happens to me. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you know, being a father yourself, I’m learning a lot around patience. Being a father is probably like, one of my hardest tasks, you know, just trying to balance everything. And I don’t cook to often, right? I think that’s probably like, my biggest challenge is just cooking different meals \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[laughs] \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">that he would eat.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gotta gotta learn more than just the spaghetti. I remember I stepped my game up. \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[laughs]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I’m tired of having spaghetti, Dawg. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah, for me, man, it’s mashed potatoes and broccoli \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[laughs]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> But that’s clutch, that’s clutch yeah. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But yeah, it’s been an amazing journey so far. You know, just seeing how, how much joy he bring, not to just myself, but everybody around. I feel like he was just, he was brought at the perfect time. He gave my family hope. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You mentioned the balance, the balancing act and, I mean, you are a renowned artist. How has parenthood changed your schedule as an artist?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Considering that I have my son four days a week,\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I don’t have much time to focus on my work like I used to. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When I’m off father-duty, I’m a lot more focused than I used to be. Whereas before I used to cat-off a little bit. But these days, time management skills is a lot much better, ya feel me? So, I think I’m a little more disciplined now than I was back then.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are some of the things that you’re dealing with with life right now? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B:\u003c/b> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It’s a trip because you know all these great things are happening in the art department. You know a lot of people, they see me accomplishing great things every month. I’m having unveiling, there’s a celebration, I’m being honored by The Warriors and Allen Temple Baptist Church and it’s just love being thrown my way, but at the, on the flip side of it, man I’ve been feeling like sh*t. I’m feeling terrible, you know, just for the reasons that my personal relationships to the people I love the most, you know are in sh*t. It’s like, I don’t know man. Just trying to find that balance. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What’s your method to the madness? How do you deal with it all? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Martial arts, you know, has really helped. I’ve been, you know, getting some sun. And also just accepting that people are going to feel how they feel, you know. Like, there’s nothing, you know, there’s certain things you just can’t do. You know, you can’t control how people think of you. You know, like, if your intentions is to do right by people, but they don’t, they can’t receive it for whatever reason, yo, that’s outside of you. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But I’m learning, you know, these days to, you know, continue to just show the love that I want to receive and if they could receive it from you. Cool. You know, if they not, if they can’t, I’m still going to try to pour as much as I can. You feel me? But, you know, just set my boundaries to protect my heart. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, the last thing I want to do is like, be here, be out here angry or frustrated. You feel me? So, you know, as of late I’ve been, like, moving in gratitude. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You once told me that your artwork is an escape for you. Does it still provide that same escape? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah man, it really does. It really does. Because I mean, essentially, you know, I create worlds, you know whenever, you know, I’m logging into the arts, I’m in a whole different zone. Like, I’m in a whole different thinking space, \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can you describe your style? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think I have, like a Afro-futuristic, surrealist style. I love, like, a stylistic, illustrative type of art, you know, similar to, like, you know, like, comic book style. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’m thinking of, like, I’ll read, like, you know, like the \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Black Panther\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the one that was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I can’t think of who the illustrator is right now, but his work is is tight. You know, it’s like it’s highly detailed, kind of wanderlust. And whenever I think of my work, you know, I try to give that kind of a Candyland type feel, you know, but with, you know, a real sense of reality, \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That makes perfect sense. But I like what you say like surrealism, Afrofuturism, a little, you know, flavor to make it shine. And I could fully see that in your work, man. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’m thinking about a design you did earlier this year that debuted for The Warriors during Black History Month, real big deal, man. Walk me through the process of designing that image. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I usually start with looking at different references. I would write down, like my intentions for the design, how I want it to feel, what I want it to represent. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That piece was like, it was themed around manifesting your life, your destiny, your dreams. And it was of a boy, you know, with his hands out and like his strength, his power is in his hands. Right? And my, you know, thinking about myself, you know, I’ve been able to manifest everything I want in life, you know, like I’m living the dream right now. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Man, it all came from my hands. You know, I’ve been able to travel the world. I’ve been able to buy the cars I want. I’ve been able to live in the space I want to live in. All because of these hands. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Behind him was, the elders, you know, that were standing together in prayer, praying over the boy. You know, I come from a big village as you know. My family has always been, ya know, real good at uplifting me in whatever I wanted to do. And, so, you know, that’s what that piece was about. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Having that image printed on hundreds of thousands of t-shirts inside of The Warriors’ Chase Center, what was it like for you to walk in that evening and see your art?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was unreal. I would say it was unreal. Like, I don’t even think it really like resonated until afterwards. It was a reminder that I’ve came a long way. You know, like I, you know, I remember, you know, being in college telling myself that one day all this is going to make sense. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So now, to be in this position where, like you say, I got t-shirts, I’m doing.. got t-shirts all over the arena, the Chase. You know, I could barely even afford to be in the arena but now, you know, I’m in partnership with The Warriors, you feel me. It was like, man, like, it’s just it’s euphoric. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You had your son with you? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">My son going everywhere with me. You feel me? Like he needs to know that anything is possible at a very young age.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What does it mean for someone to come up to you and compliment your work and give you your flowers? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What that means to me is that one… people, people see me. And that feels good in itself to be seen, to be recognized, and also to be appreciated for the things that you love to do that you think no one sees. It’d be one thing if I was out here popular for, like, putting out negativity. But when you’re not with that, when you out here putting, you know, spreading love, that’s what you receive. Everywhere you go is just love. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beyond putting paint where it ain’t and just doing an immaculate job at it, you’re also the founder of Good Air Studios, where you host live events and workshops for artists. Bringing it back a little bit, the last time we talked you were at Mouse Cat, and five years, a lot has changed. How was Good Air different from Mouse Cat? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Mouse Cat, personal studio is just all about…it’s my living space, you know. This is where I create, where I sleep, you know, but I needed a space for the community. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the longest time I’ve been doing this arts stuff, running this business by myself. I wanted to share this with other people. There’s a bunch of artists that look up to me and want to work by my side. And I want to be there to work in collaboration with them and teach them and learn from them. So I wanted to, you know, create a space for, you know, me and the community to connect and build. That’s how Good Air Studios came about. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For months, I was looking in this space, and I was just trying to, you know, figure out how I was going to pay that rent. So I reached out to all my closest friends and, you know, I pitched the idea to them, and then they believed in what I was talking about and now we here. \u003c/span>\u003cb> \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We makin’ enough money to pay rent, you know, but that’s a milestone. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That’s gotta be dope to see it happening, the wheels are turning.\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’ve been to the space it’s high ceilings, you know, like old warehouse just covered in art everywhere, the ping pong tables out front. You got the vibes and all of that is important. But the… what you just said beyond just the esthetics, this is about having space for creatives to come together. Why do you think that’s important for creatives in the Bay area right now? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I feel like we as Black artists need a space for us, you know? And that’s what Good Air Studio is, you know? And it’s not just for Black artists, of course, but we are trying to encourage the Black community to come out and even those who don’t really draw like that and who want to learn, you know, we want to host workshops for them so they could develop the confidence to, you know, express themselves through that medium. We doing something really dope. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I feel like you personally, and also the larger ideas that come from you and your circle are very representative of creatives in the Bay Area right now. And also like, looking forward, I feel like y’all have a foot on the pulse of the now and also have some say in what’s to come down the pipeline.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And we’re coming to the end of producing this show. With that, there’s a slight relief that I don’t do the same thing over and over again and there’s some sadness of like losing this thing that I love, right? And you as a person who’s gone through some transitions in your life, what advice would you give to myself and the Rightnowish team as we go through this transition? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We all creatives here. So no matter what we doing, we are doing something..we gon do something dope. So I guess my advice is to, continue to move in purpose, you know, and continue to move, towards whatever it is that is fulfilling your spirit, you know, because that is the thing that is going to wake us all up. That’s the… you like, you starting this show, this is the thing that we all needed. We needed to hear these stories of, you know, all these local celebrities. We use these stories that just, you know, remind us of maybe what we doing or, maybe get an insight of, you know, what is out there. Yeah man, continue to explore and experiment, it will happen for you, I promise you. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you. Thank you for sharing some insight into your life as a parent and also your life as an artist, man. And like, yeah, I can’t thank you enough because, you know, you changed the visual landscape at a place that we love. And that’s, that’s a hell of a task. So thank you. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There’s this thing that happens in journalism sometimes, where the person you’re interviewing speaks your truths. And all you can do is nod in agreement as the tape rolls. Timothy B.’s thoughts on community interaction — how it’s fueled his art and community service, even while dealing with all that life can throw at him. Yeah, bingo. That’s been a big part of this Rightnowish experience. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So Timothy B, Thank you again for your words of wisdom, your story and your work. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To keep up with Timothy B’s visual arts, live events and more follow him on Instagram at timothyb underscore art. That’s t-i-m-o-t-h-y-b underscore art. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And, wow…. for the last time here go the show credits:\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This episode was hosted by me, Pendarvis Harshaw\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Marisol Medina-Cadena is the Rightnowish producer. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the music you heard in the episode was sourced from Audio Network.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\nChris Hambrick and Chris Egusa edited this episode.\u003cbr>\nChristopher Beale is our engineer.\u003cbr>\nThe Rightnowish team is also supported by Jen Chien, Ugur Dursun, Holly Kernan and Katie Sprenger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aight yall. This is the end. Thanks again. As a wise person once told me: keep it lit. Peace. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rightnowish is a KQED production.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#episode-transcript\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">View the full episode transcript.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On this final episode of the Rightnowish podcast, we end back where we started — but with some pretty significant updates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the fall of 2019, renowned visual artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/timothyb_art/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Timothy B.\u003c/a> gave us the first full Rightnowish interview for an episode titled ‘\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13868502/from-d-boys-to-dope-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">From D-Boys to Dope Art.\u003c/a>’\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During that interview, Timothy B. was flanked by his mother Dana Bluitt and his father Timothy Bluitt Sr. as he shared with us his perspective on mural making, community building and his work in Oakland. We also discussed how Timothy B.’s colorful paintings on the streets of the Town differ drastically from the work his father did in Oakland during the ’80s and early ’90s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Timothy Sr., a representative of East Oakland’s legendary 69 Mob, was incarcerated in a federal penitentiary for over two decades. During that time, Mrs. Bluitt held the family down. Timothy B. took notes from both his mother and father, and flourished because of the strength of his parents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, five years after our last conversation on tape, Timothy B. is a father too. Stepping into parenthood has changed his painting schedule and personal priorities. But he remains creative.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13961247\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13961247 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56%E2%80%AFPM-800x1100.png\" alt=\"Timothy B. stands on a lift in front of a mural he painted at the East Oakland Youth Center dedicated to journalist and political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal.\" width=\"800\" height=\"1100\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM-800x1100.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM-160x220.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM-768x1056.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-16-at-11.40.56 PM.png 972w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Timothy B. stands on a lift in front of a mural he painted at the East Oakland Youth Center dedicated to journalist and political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Timothy B. )\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In fact, having painted numerous murals around the Town and beyond, his work is getting out there more than ever. In Oakland, his work can be seen at places like the corner store on Grand and Ellita, as well as the broad side of buildings on 7th and Washington, 82nd and International, and 15th and Webster. He has more murals in the works, plus he’s expanding beyond walls: this past February, his designs were commissioned, printed on T-shirts and given away at \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RDwNIPJNl/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a Golden State Warriors home game\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This week, we discuss how Timothy B. has grown, and how Oakland has changed. And then Timothy B. gives us some advice on how to deal with major life transitions; advice I needed to hear as we end the Rightnowish podcast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=KQINC4636659965\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>Rightnowish is an arts and culture podcast produced at KQED. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or click the play button at the top of this page and subscribe to the show on \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish\">NPR One\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I\">Spotify\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648\">Apple Podcasts\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Rightnowish-p1258245/\">TuneIn\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish\">Stitcher\u003c/a> or wherever you get your podcasts. \u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 id=\"episode-transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw, Host: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What’s up Rightnowish listeners, I’m your host Pendarvis Harshaw.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We are here. At the grand finale, the final episode of Rightnowish. We’ve had an amazing 5 year run, so much love, so many memories. Thank you all for rocking with us. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To host an arts and culture show in the Bay Area, it’s been so dope, I haven’t fully processed it. But for now I can say that I’m extremely grateful…grateful for the emails, comments on social posts and conversations at bars and coffee shops…grateful that we’ve had the support from KQED and from the community…grateful to the people who shared their stories with us, and to everyone who listened. I could go on but, yeah, grateful. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That being said, to bookend this Rightnowish podcast, we’re going back to where we started: a conversation with the very first guest on the show– renowned visual artist, Timothy B. We caught up with him via zoom from his Oakland studio.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Timothy’s work can be found all around the Bay, and beyond. He’s painted images of community members, goddesses and of Huey P. Newton. His mural of the late Nipsey Hussle on Grand and Perkins in Oakland is a trademark piece. Another mural on a wall further down Grand pays homage to the memory of Nia Wilson, a young woman who was slain on a BART platform in July of 2018.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the first episode of Rightnowish, Timothy B. and I discussed how his work on the streets of the town differs drastically from the work his father did. His dad, Timothy Bliutt Sr., is a factor from East Oakland’s legendary 69 Mob, and he also served a significant amount of time in a federal penitentiary. And from there Mrs. Dana Bluitt, Timothy B.’s mother, held the family down. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which brings us to today– over the last five years a lot has changed for Timothy B. He’s a father now. So, for this final episode, we chop it up about Oakland, art and mental health, as well as fatherhood, personal relationships and the process of dealing with life’s big transitions.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you might imagine, I could use that advice right now… ish. Yeah, more after this. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There we go, there we go, there we go, Timothy B! I’m really excited to talk to you today for a number of reasons, really because you were the first interview in the Rightnowish series. You started us off on a good note, and so much has changed over the past 5 years. And when I think of all the changes that you have experienced, the biggest one is fatherhood. And our past conversation was about family and your parents and how they poured into you, and how that shows up in your artistry and given your relationship with your parents, what does it mean to you to be a father now? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, my son, he’s, he’s going to be the first to experience having a father and grandfather in I don’t know in how many generations, you know. So, you know, that’s power in itself. Because my father was incarcerated for 24 years of my life, to receive the opportunity to be a father now is monumental. I could give, ya know, my son, he’s…he won’t ever know what it’s like to not have a father around, you know? God forbid anything happens to me. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you know, being a father yourself, I’m learning a lot around patience. Being a father is probably like, one of my hardest tasks, you know, just trying to balance everything. And I don’t cook to often, right? I think that’s probably like, my biggest challenge is just cooking different meals \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[laughs] \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">that he would eat.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gotta gotta learn more than just the spaghetti. I remember I stepped my game up. \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[laughs]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I’m tired of having spaghetti, Dawg. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah, for me, man, it’s mashed potatoes and broccoli \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[laughs]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> But that’s clutch, that’s clutch yeah. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But yeah, it’s been an amazing journey so far. You know, just seeing how, how much joy he bring, not to just myself, but everybody around. I feel like he was just, he was brought at the perfect time. He gave my family hope. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You mentioned the balance, the balancing act and, I mean, you are a renowned artist. How has parenthood changed your schedule as an artist?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Considering that I have my son four days a week,\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I don’t have much time to focus on my work like I used to. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">When I’m off father-duty, I’m a lot more focused than I used to be. Whereas before I used to cat-off a little bit. But these days, time management skills is a lot much better, ya feel me? So, I think I’m a little more disciplined now than I was back then.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are some of the things that you’re dealing with with life right now? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B:\u003c/b> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It’s a trip because you know all these great things are happening in the art department. You know a lot of people, they see me accomplishing great things every month. I’m having unveiling, there’s a celebration, I’m being honored by The Warriors and Allen Temple Baptist Church and it’s just love being thrown my way, but at the, on the flip side of it, man I’ve been feeling like sh*t. I’m feeling terrible, you know, just for the reasons that my personal relationships to the people I love the most, you know are in sh*t. It’s like, I don’t know man. Just trying to find that balance. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What’s your method to the madness? How do you deal with it all? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Martial arts, you know, has really helped. I’ve been, you know, getting some sun. And also just accepting that people are going to feel how they feel, you know. Like, there’s nothing, you know, there’s certain things you just can’t do. You know, you can’t control how people think of you. You know, like, if your intentions is to do right by people, but they don’t, they can’t receive it for whatever reason, yo, that’s outside of you. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But I’m learning, you know, these days to, you know, continue to just show the love that I want to receive and if they could receive it from you. Cool. You know, if they not, if they can’t, I’m still going to try to pour as much as I can. You feel me? But, you know, just set my boundaries to protect my heart. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You know, the last thing I want to do is like, be here, be out here angry or frustrated. You feel me? So, you know, as of late I’ve been, like, moving in gratitude. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You once told me that your artwork is an escape for you. Does it still provide that same escape? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah man, it really does. It really does. Because I mean, essentially, you know, I create worlds, you know whenever, you know, I’m logging into the arts, I’m in a whole different zone. Like, I’m in a whole different thinking space, \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can you describe your style? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I think I have, like a Afro-futuristic, surrealist style. I love, like, a stylistic, illustrative type of art, you know, similar to, like, you know, like, comic book style. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’m thinking of, like, I’ll read, like, you know, like the \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Black Panther\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, the one that was written by Ta-Nehisi Coates.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I can’t think of who the illustrator is right now, but his work is is tight. You know, it’s like it’s highly detailed, kind of wanderlust. And whenever I think of my work, you know, I try to give that kind of a Candyland type feel, you know, but with, you know, a real sense of reality, \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That makes perfect sense. But I like what you say like surrealism, Afrofuturism, a little, you know, flavor to make it shine. And I could fully see that in your work, man. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’m thinking about a design you did earlier this year that debuted for The Warriors during Black History Month, real big deal, man. Walk me through the process of designing that image. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I usually start with looking at different references. I would write down, like my intentions for the design, how I want it to feel, what I want it to represent. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That piece was like, it was themed around manifesting your life, your destiny, your dreams. And it was of a boy, you know, with his hands out and like his strength, his power is in his hands. Right? And my, you know, thinking about myself, you know, I’ve been able to manifest everything I want in life, you know, like I’m living the dream right now. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Man, it all came from my hands. You know, I’ve been able to travel the world. I’ve been able to buy the cars I want. I’ve been able to live in the space I want to live in. All because of these hands. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Behind him was, the elders, you know, that were standing together in prayer, praying over the boy. You know, I come from a big village as you know. My family has always been, ya know, real good at uplifting me in whatever I wanted to do. And, so, you know, that’s what that piece was about. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Having that image printed on hundreds of thousands of t-shirts inside of The Warriors’ Chase Center, what was it like for you to walk in that evening and see your art?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It was unreal. I would say it was unreal. Like, I don’t even think it really like resonated until afterwards. It was a reminder that I’ve came a long way. You know, like I, you know, I remember, you know, being in college telling myself that one day all this is going to make sense. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So now, to be in this position where, like you say, I got t-shirts, I’m doing.. got t-shirts all over the arena, the Chase. You know, I could barely even afford to be in the arena but now, you know, I’m in partnership with The Warriors, you feel me. It was like, man, like, it’s just it’s euphoric. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You had your son with you? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">My son going everywhere with me. You feel me? Like he needs to know that anything is possible at a very young age.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What does it mean for someone to come up to you and compliment your work and give you your flowers? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">What that means to me is that one… people, people see me. And that feels good in itself to be seen, to be recognized, and also to be appreciated for the things that you love to do that you think no one sees. It’d be one thing if I was out here popular for, like, putting out negativity. But when you’re not with that, when you out here putting, you know, spreading love, that’s what you receive. Everywhere you go is just love. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beyond putting paint where it ain’t and just doing an immaculate job at it, you’re also the founder of Good Air Studios, where you host live events and workshops for artists. Bringing it back a little bit, the last time we talked you were at Mouse Cat, and five years, a lot has changed. How was Good Air different from Mouse Cat? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Mouse Cat, personal studio is just all about…it’s my living space, you know. This is where I create, where I sleep, you know, but I needed a space for the community. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For the longest time I’ve been doing this arts stuff, running this business by myself. I wanted to share this with other people. There’s a bunch of artists that look up to me and want to work by my side. And I want to be there to work in collaboration with them and teach them and learn from them. So I wanted to, you know, create a space for, you know, me and the community to connect and build. That’s how Good Air Studios came about. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For months, I was looking in this space, and I was just trying to, you know, figure out how I was going to pay that rent. So I reached out to all my closest friends and, you know, I pitched the idea to them, and then they believed in what I was talking about and now we here. \u003c/span>\u003cb> \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We makin’ enough money to pay rent, you know, but that’s a milestone. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That’s gotta be dope to see it happening, the wheels are turning.\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I’ve been to the space it’s high ceilings, you know, like old warehouse just covered in art everywhere, the ping pong tables out front. You got the vibes and all of that is important. But the… what you just said beyond just the esthetics, this is about having space for creatives to come together. Why do you think that’s important for creatives in the Bay area right now? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I feel like we as Black artists need a space for us, you know? And that’s what Good Air Studio is, you know? And it’s not just for Black artists, of course, but we are trying to encourage the Black community to come out and even those who don’t really draw like that and who want to learn, you know, we want to host workshops for them so they could develop the confidence to, you know, express themselves through that medium. We doing something really dope. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I feel like you personally, and also the larger ideas that come from you and your circle are very representative of creatives in the Bay Area right now. And also like, looking forward, I feel like y’all have a foot on the pulse of the now and also have some say in what’s to come down the pipeline.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And we’re coming to the end of producing this show. With that, there’s a slight relief that I don’t do the same thing over and over again and there’s some sadness of like losing this thing that I love, right? And you as a person who’s gone through some transitions in your life, what advice would you give to myself and the Rightnowish team as we go through this transition? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Timothy B: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We all creatives here. So no matter what we doing, we are doing something..we gon do something dope. So I guess my advice is to, continue to move in purpose, you know, and continue to move, towards whatever it is that is fulfilling your spirit, you know, because that is the thing that is going to wake us all up. That’s the… you like, you starting this show, this is the thing that we all needed. We needed to hear these stories of, you know, all these local celebrities. We use these stories that just, you know, remind us of maybe what we doing or, maybe get an insight of, you know, what is out there. Yeah man, continue to explore and experiment, it will happen for you, I promise you. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Thank you. Thank you for sharing some insight into your life as a parent and also your life as an artist, man. And like, yeah, I can’t thank you enough because, you know, you changed the visual landscape at a place that we love. And that’s, that’s a hell of a task. So thank you. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">There’s this thing that happens in journalism sometimes, where the person you’re interviewing speaks your truths. And all you can do is nod in agreement as the tape rolls. Timothy B.’s thoughts on community interaction — how it’s fueled his art and community service, even while dealing with all that life can throw at him. Yeah, bingo. That’s been a big part of this Rightnowish experience. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So Timothy B, Thank you again for your words of wisdom, your story and your work. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To keep up with Timothy B’s visual arts, live events and more follow him on Instagram at timothyb underscore art. That’s t-i-m-o-t-h-y-b underscore art. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And, wow…. for the last time here go the show credits:\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This episode was hosted by me, Pendarvis Harshaw\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Marisol Medina-Cadena is the Rightnowish producer. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the music you heard in the episode was sourced from Audio Network.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cbr>\nChris Hambrick and Chris Egusa edited this episode.\u003cbr>\nChristopher Beale is our engineer.\u003cbr>\nThe Rightnowish team is also supported by Jen Chien, Ugur Dursun, Holly Kernan and Katie Sprenger.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aight yall. This is the end. Thanks again. As a wise person once told me: keep it lit. Peace. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rightnowish is a KQED production.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#episode-transcript\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">View the full episode transcript.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The dense green woods of Sonoma County’s Forestville are home to a two-story music studio and residence that runs on solar energy. Known as \u003ca href=\"https://nestbuildcreate.com/\">The NEST\u003c/a>, the mocha colored building is made completely of wood, clay and cob; and it was created for the purpose of serving Native artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/raskdee/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ras K’dee\u003c/a>, a Pomo-African hip-hop musician who grew up in the area, is the caretaker of the space, but he didn’t build it alone. He worked with over 350 people, many of them young folks from youth groups like \u003ca href=\"http://podersf.org\">PODER\u003c/a>, who took the 70-mile trip from San Francisco to this town by the Russian River, or Bidapte, “big river” in the Pomo language.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13960798\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13960798 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Ras K'dee stands in front of the NEST, a solar powered hub for Native artists in Forestville, CA. \" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ras K’dee stands in front of the NEST, a solar powered hub for Native artists in Forestville, CA. \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In addition to being the founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/snagmagazine/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SNAG Magazine\u003c/a>, an Indigenous periodical that has been in print for over two decades, Ras K’dee is also a DJ and emcee in the group \u003ca href=\"https://www.audiopharmacy.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audiopharmacy\u003c/a>. This week on Rightnowish, we talk about the importance of working together to create spaces for artists to grow, and the ins and outs of land reclamation in the North Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=KQINC7274032882\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>Rightnowish is an arts and culture podcast produced at KQED. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or click the play button at the top of this page and subscribe to the show on \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish\">NPR One\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I\">Spotify\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648\">Apple Podcasts\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Rightnowish-p1258245/\">TuneIn\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish\">Stitcher\u003c/a> or wherever you get your podcasts. \u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 id=\"episode-transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Host:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> What’s up Rightnowish listeners, it’s your host Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I don’t know about you but being in a forest soothes my soul. I got to feel that special bliss a few weeks back when I was in Sonoma County, specifically in the town of Forestville. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rightnowish producer Marisol Medina-Cadena and I got to visit a place called “The Nest.” It’s a quarter acre of land nestled among lush trees, and it serves as an arts and culture hub built by and for Indigenous folks. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Over the last 6 years, it’s been the publishing home of a Native arts magazine called SNAG, which features poems, essays, photographs, and collages about Native identity and activism. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Nest has also been a space for Indigenous folks across Northern California to convene for permaculture workshops, ceremonies and community feasts, as well as trainings on natural building. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And what came out of those training sessions is the construction of a two story art studio made from cob.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Facilitating these trainings is a DJ and musician who started SNAG magazine. His name is Ras K’dee. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee, Guest\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">: I’m Pomo. My ancestry is from right here. The river that flows down that we’re on right now is Bidapte, Big River. And then Ashokawna is where our people are from. And so we’re on our traditional lands right here, this is our traditional grounds.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee sees The Nest as the intersection of creativity and environmental responsibility. And so he, with the help of other Indigenous folks have built this place to be completely fueled by solar panels. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We’ll hear how Indigenous creativity is taking shape at The Nest right after this. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music playing]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> About 15 minutes away from the Russian River is The Nest, a space built by and for Native people. Ras K’dee who was born and raised in Sonoma County was able to purchase this plot of land with the inheritance he got from his grandmother selling her house. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee, Marisol and I stand outside and take in the beauty.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We had a land blessing from my, from my grandmother and my aunt, came and did like a land blessing, in the Pomo way, where they sing songs and offer prayers and, and, had our had our community here that were coming to help\u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We got the land in 2012. But slowly, we’ve been building building it up. We actually intentionally didn’t build for, like, four years. We just kind of, like, watch the land and, during in the winter, during the spring, during the summer and just kind of in the fall, kind of see the different seasons and… Four years of that and like slowly just kind of clearing and like putting garden beds and stuff and planting trees.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This slow process of tending the land allowed Ras K’dee to be intentional about how to build out the space.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The first structure he envisioned was the art studio. It’s brown, and 2 stories tall with hexagon sides and has a roof that extends over the sides. It kinda looks like a trumpet mushroom. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">He designed it by thinking about what would be conducive for creating. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I was visualizing “what do painters or artists need?” You know, taller ceilings, you know, like, open like, clay wall where they can, like, you know, put their stuff up. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And the construction of this is completely made from cob.\u003c/span> \u003cb>\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The building is sitting on mortared stone. And then it goes up about three feet. And then, on top of that is cob, which is the plaster of clay and straw and sand, mixed together. And it makes like a kind you know, really strong, like, kind of like concrete, almost. And so then you have, like, a foot of that and then from that going up is all pallet wall. So those are like pallets that are, that are stuffed with straw and plastered over.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Structurally it’s got wood and it’s got these big lumber, lumber pieces that are holding it up. And inside you’ll see there’s beams going across. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena, Rightnowish Producer: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Is it redwood beams?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee : \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah Redwood. Yeah. Wanna go and check it out?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Yeah, let’s go inside.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[sounds of footsteps]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee encourages us to touch the cob walls to feel all the love that was poured into making it. We do and it has a calming quality to it. He says, it’s the energy of all the people who he invited to help build it. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We had about 350 people work on the structure, over 350 people and mostly youth. There’s a lot of young people, a lot of youth groups. We had PODER and their youth group come up. We had a bunch of families, like friends with families came up.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K Dee: \u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We had my friend Tomaggio and his family… were some of the first people here helping. They had a three year old and a one year old at the time. Inside is like a plastering and mixing area. And so you just put a tarp down and put all the ingredients in. And so the youth are just in there, just, you know jumping around, having fun. And like, we went to lunch and we were eating and, you know, just visiting and having a break and we came back and like the whole thing is like, mixed. We’re like, “oh man, you guys, you guys did the work, you know”?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But it was really cool like seeing the young people, yeah, just bringing in the clay. Like, the three year old is like giving it to the one year old or the one year old giving it to the three year old and three year old is like, bringing it in to the parents and then the parents are like, putting it on the wall. So that’s kind of like how this started in here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> How did you even know how to do sustainable type of building?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I’m pretty self-taught. I also like went to a lot of workshops. But, really got my chops in Hoopa. At the Hoopa Rez, we built a straw bale structure. It was little bit different of, of a kind of a building. But you basically use the straw bales and you cut them and make them look kind of like Legos. So they’re like… and stack them and then you plaster that. And that that structure is still, still standing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That really like gave me a perspective like what it takes and the amount of people and the amount of work that it takes to do this kind of building. But this is my first building that I built from scratch.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> When I was touching the wall, like you said, I noticed it was very cool. Can you talk about how the material itself is good for winter and summer? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Yeah, you know, the walls themselves absorb you know, the humidity, the moisture. And the clay walls, they’re like, really they’re known to, be a great barrier in terms of like, creating a more, just relaxed temperature inside. And what the clay does is it absorbs like the humidity and the kind of the, the heat, the moisture and kind of captures it. And when it starts to cool at night, it starts to release it inside. And so it keeps the building naturally fluctuating between just a comfortable temperature. But you’ll notice when we walk outside even, you know that it’s much cooler inside of here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Yeah\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ya know, behind building a structure like this is that it’s nontoxic. You don’t have all the waste chemicals. You don’t have all the waste number one from from the construction industry. There’s a lot of waste. Like, I don’t know if you ever been to a construction site, but you look in the dumpsters, it’s like, full of, like, perfectly good, usable materials, but it’s just stuff they cut off or stuff they’re not going to use. So it’s it’s… I pulled a lot of the lumber for this structure out of dumpsters actually, because people just throw away perfectly good two by sixes.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This room is essentially a sleeping den for Ras K’dee. A mattress takes up the full space and original art pieces from visiting artists hang on the walls. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Next Ras K’dee invites us to check the upstairs level of this structure. For the last couple of years it’s served as a creative studio for visiting artists to retreat and work on their own visual art. Most recently, they had an Anishinaabe artist from Detroit stay and create graphics and articles for SNAG magazine.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cb>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Ras’Kdee talking]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We walk up a flight of stairs made from redwood trees.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Okay. Watch your head here this is a little low this side. Gotta duck down there. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It’s cool up here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It’s a fully fleshed out recording space. There’s acoustic and electric guitars hanging on the walls. a desk with 2 keyboards, sound mixers and recording microphones. The wooden roof has a skylight so the sun shines into the studio and provides beautiful natural lighting that feels conducive for getting the creative juices flowing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee has even recorded a couple albums here with his group Audiopharmacy. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K Dee\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">:\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The founders of the group are all kind of like rooted in hip hop and hip hop, I would say is, you know, really a music that’s founded on sampling. And so it literally sampled every genre, you know, and so that’s kind of like what we are. We’re like, we are every genre, you know. But I play keys, is my main instrument that I, that I grew up playing. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">After this short tour, we sit down to talk more about the vision behind The Nest.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You live here as well? What’s your day to day life like here?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Taking care of the garden is a big part of my day. Waking up in the morning, watering the garden, doing some weeding. I like to, I like to do a little bit of work. Work in the garden in the morning, and then jumping on my other work that I do. I’m also a musician and artist, so it’s a busy time. You know, we got gigs and stuff, so there’s a lot of calls and stuff happening around negotiating and figuring out gigs. But yeah, just supporting artists, you know is kind of what I do here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right now, I’m working on a mural project in Windsor, we’re, we’ve got like, a 100 foot wall over there and so bringing in the artists for that. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> So, juggling the arts, also juggling all that comes with managing nature. You’re in the middle of nowhere. What’s nightlife like out here?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Quiet. it’s quiet. Like all those scary movies start creeping in, you know, you’re like, man, it’s dark out here. Like, what’s out here, like, you know, mountain lions, bears, you know, like you start thinking about things. And so it took me a while to like to like, unlearn that programing, you know, like to like, get out of that like, cycle, like fear and just be like, oh, it’s just nature.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Being out here alone and just kind of like in the elements, I started to really enjoy it and really enjoy that that peace,connecting to to that darkness in a different way. But, there’s constantly people coming through, especially during this, this time of year. We do like a men’s healing circle. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> As a kid, were you the builder type?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I grew up in Sonoma County. I grew up, not too far from. And in northern Santa Rosa. Where we grew up, it was like the end of town, like our street was like the last street in town, basically. And like, as soon as you leave there, it’s just like hills,and so like, we would be off in the hills, you know, with our B-B guns, our slingshots. And it was like, you know, we go out all our homies, like 4 or 5 of us, you know, me and my brother, my older brother. And we would, we would just be out all day long. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We’d have different forts built. It was always kind of like in my, back of my head is like, got to get to the forest, got to get back to the forest and build that tree fort. As an adult, you know, this is kind of like a representation of that I think.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In this part of the region in Sonoma County, there’s a couple of other organizations that are doing similar work, like EARTHseed, like Heron Shadow. Are you in communication with these organizations? And is there like a movement occurring?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> There’s definitely a movement. Yeah. It’s pretty special, actually, to be be a part of it. I am in community with a lot of a lot of the organizations you mentioned. I was just deejaying, actually, at EARTHseed’s “Black to Land” event last week. They open up their, their space to, you know, to, to the Black community. We we all collaborate. We all connect. And Heron Shadow has a farm, so they have more food and, they do like, Indigenous food and Indigenous seeds. They bring back seeds. And so it’s perfect because, you know, like we go over there like, do an exchange or do a collaboration and they gift us this with seeds and gift us with plants to bring back here to plant. So it’s kind of like this, you know, this sharing of resources.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Being in your space and you talking about all the community groups that come here, it makes me think about how other land back efforts we’re seeing in NorCal are very different, in that it’s like a city, you know, giving a plot of land to a formal nonprofit to steward and tend. But this is like your private space built from your like, family equity. And talk to us about that decision to open up your personal space so that it is a collective thing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This building couldn’t have been made without, you know, people coming. I think it was more of a prayer, you know, like I want to I want to put the prayer here, for this space to be a community space and for it to be, a resource for the community,\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And so we put the prayer in and like, you know, kind of like not knowing, you know, if the community was going to show up, just like, oh, let’s start doing this, this crazy project and see, see who shows up kind of thing and the community, community showed up.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I’m wondering when you’re either in the garden or just sitting here with your dog Panda taking in the breeze, the sounds, how do you feel? Or what are you thinking about what this land means for you?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">: What I’ve gained is, I guess, a sense of peace. And coming into this land with also like a lot of work to do to like prepare it, it felt like overwhelming, you know, and it felt like, you know, like impossible at first because it was an empty lot and it was just overgrown. And, you know, trees had fallen and it hadn’t been taken care for many years. And yeah, just doing the work to, like, slowly heal the land and steward it in a good way, you know, has really just helped me to like, to heal myself,\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As Indigenous people, you know, we see it as like as, like a generational commitment to the land. You know, like, we’re going to be here for generations. We’re not just here for build our house right now and then sell it and then, you know, move somewhere else, you know, or to Mexico or whatever, you know. What do they call them? Digital nomads. You know, like we’re not thinking in terms of that. We’re thinking in terms of generations.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So what are we building here right now that that we can leave generationally for, for our for our youth in the future, right. I don’t have youth of my own right now, but I have young people that I that I work with. This is a lifelong project. It’s not a temporary thing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We were creating this space as kind of a showcase place where people can come and see, you know, a building that’s that’s cob. And they could touch the wall and feel and see what it looks like and what the different building techniques are and learn about the different building techniques and then be like, oh, I want to, I want to build an adobe, you know, adobe dome. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But really, really just incubate, incubate art that changes the world, you know, that’s that’s that’s why the space is here. So those are, those are the things that we want to do here and invite the artists that can bring about that change that we need in this world.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ras K’dee, we can’t thank you enough. Much appreciation to you for welcoming us to your corner of Sonoma County to see and experience The Nest.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Nest is still evolving and Ras K’dee has plans to build a yurt and a dance studio to be able to host more classes and workshops. To stay updated on The Nest follow along on Instagram @SNAG.magazine.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And to keep up Ras K’dee’s art and music projects, you can check out his IG @raskdee that’s spelled R-A-S-K-D-E-E.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This episode was hosted by me, Pendarvis Harshaw. Marisol Medina-Cadena produced this episode. Chris Hambrick held it down for edits on this one. Christopher Beale engineered this joint. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Rightnowish team is also supported by Jen Chien, Ugur Dursun, Holly Kernan, Cesar Saldaña, and Katie Sprenger. Rightnowish is a KQED production.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Until next time, peace!\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#episode-transcript\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">View the full episode transcript.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The dense green woods of Sonoma County’s Forestville are home to a two-story music studio and residence that runs on solar energy. Known as \u003ca href=\"https://nestbuildcreate.com/\">The NEST\u003c/a>, the mocha colored building is made completely of wood, clay and cob; and it was created for the purpose of serving Native artists.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/raskdee/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ras K’dee\u003c/a>, a Pomo-African hip-hop musician who grew up in the area, is the caretaker of the space, but he didn’t build it alone. He worked with over 350 people, many of them young folks from youth groups like \u003ca href=\"http://podersf.org\">PODER\u003c/a>, who took the 70-mile trip from San Francisco to this town by the Russian River, or Bidapte, “big river” in the Pomo language.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13960798\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13960798 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Ras K'dee stands in front of the NEST, a solar powered hub for Native artists in Forestville, CA. \" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Ras-KDee-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-7-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ras K’dee stands in front of the NEST, a solar powered hub for Native artists in Forestville, CA. \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In addition to being the founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/snagmagazine/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SNAG Magazine\u003c/a>, an Indigenous periodical that has been in print for over two decades, Ras K’dee is also a DJ and emcee in the group \u003ca href=\"https://www.audiopharmacy.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Audiopharmacy\u003c/a>. This week on Rightnowish, we talk about the importance of working together to create spaces for artists to grow, and the ins and outs of land reclamation in the North Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=KQINC7274032882\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>Rightnowish is an arts and culture podcast produced at KQED. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or click the play button at the top of this page and subscribe to the show on \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish\">NPR One\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I\">Spotify\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648\">Apple Podcasts\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Rightnowish-p1258245/\">TuneIn\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish\">Stitcher\u003c/a> or wherever you get your podcasts. \u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 id=\"episode-transcript\">Episode Transcript\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is a computer-generated transcript. While our team has reviewed it, there may be errors.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, \u003c/span>\u003cb>Host:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> What’s up Rightnowish listeners, it’s your host Pendarvis Harshaw\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">I don’t know about you but being in a forest soothes my soul. I got to feel that special bliss a few weeks back when I was in Sonoma County, specifically in the town of Forestville. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rightnowish producer Marisol Medina-Cadena and I got to visit a place called “The Nest.” It’s a quarter acre of land nestled among lush trees, and it serves as an arts and culture hub built by and for Indigenous folks. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Over the last 6 years, it’s been the publishing home of a Native arts magazine called SNAG, which features poems, essays, photographs, and collages about Native identity and activism. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Nest has also been a space for Indigenous folks across Northern California to convene for permaculture workshops, ceremonies and community feasts, as well as trainings on natural building. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And what came out of those training sessions is the construction of a two story art studio made from cob.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Facilitating these trainings is a DJ and musician who started SNAG magazine. His name is Ras K’dee. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee, Guest\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">: I’m Pomo. My ancestry is from right here. The river that flows down that we’re on right now is Bidapte, Big River. And then Ashokawna is where our people are from. And so we’re on our traditional lands right here, this is our traditional grounds.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee sees The Nest as the intersection of creativity and environmental responsibility. And so he, with the help of other Indigenous folks have built this place to be completely fueled by solar panels. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We’ll hear how Indigenous creativity is taking shape at The Nest right after this. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music playing]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> About 15 minutes away from the Russian River is The Nest, a space built by and for Native people. Ras K’dee who was born and raised in Sonoma County was able to purchase this plot of land with the inheritance he got from his grandmother selling her house. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee, Marisol and I stand outside and take in the beauty.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We had a land blessing from my, from my grandmother and my aunt, came and did like a land blessing, in the Pomo way, where they sing songs and offer prayers and, and, had our had our community here that were coming to help\u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We got the land in 2012. But slowly, we’ve been building building it up. We actually intentionally didn’t build for, like, four years. We just kind of, like, watch the land and, during in the winter, during the spring, during the summer and just kind of in the fall, kind of see the different seasons and… Four years of that and like slowly just kind of clearing and like putting garden beds and stuff and planting trees.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This slow process of tending the land allowed Ras K’dee to be intentional about how to build out the space.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The first structure he envisioned was the art studio. It’s brown, and 2 stories tall with hexagon sides and has a roof that extends over the sides. It kinda looks like a trumpet mushroom. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">He designed it by thinking about what would be conducive for creating. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I was visualizing “what do painters or artists need?” You know, taller ceilings, you know, like, open like, clay wall where they can, like, you know, put their stuff up. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And the construction of this is completely made from cob.\u003c/span> \u003cb>\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The building is sitting on mortared stone. And then it goes up about three feet. And then, on top of that is cob, which is the plaster of clay and straw and sand, mixed together. And it makes like a kind you know, really strong, like, kind of like concrete, almost. And so then you have, like, a foot of that and then from that going up is all pallet wall. So those are like pallets that are, that are stuffed with straw and plastered over.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Structurally it’s got wood and it’s got these big lumber, lumber pieces that are holding it up. And inside you’ll see there’s beams going across. \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena, Rightnowish Producer: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Is it redwood beams?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee : \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah Redwood. Yeah. Wanna go and check it out?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Yeah, let’s go inside.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[sounds of footsteps]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee encourages us to touch the cob walls to feel all the love that was poured into making it. We do and it has a calming quality to it. He says, it’s the energy of all the people who he invited to help build it. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We had about 350 people work on the structure, over 350 people and mostly youth. There’s a lot of young people, a lot of youth groups. We had PODER and their youth group come up. We had a bunch of families, like friends with families came up.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K Dee: \u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We had my friend Tomaggio and his family… were some of the first people here helping. They had a three year old and a one year old at the time. Inside is like a plastering and mixing area. And so you just put a tarp down and put all the ingredients in. And so the youth are just in there, just, you know jumping around, having fun. And like, we went to lunch and we were eating and, you know, just visiting and having a break and we came back and like the whole thing is like, mixed. We’re like, “oh man, you guys, you guys did the work, you know”?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But it was really cool like seeing the young people, yeah, just bringing in the clay. Like, the three year old is like giving it to the one year old or the one year old giving it to the three year old and three year old is like, bringing it in to the parents and then the parents are like, putting it on the wall. So that’s kind of like how this started in here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> How did you even know how to do sustainable type of building?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I’m pretty self-taught. I also like went to a lot of workshops. But, really got my chops in Hoopa. At the Hoopa Rez, we built a straw bale structure. It was little bit different of, of a kind of a building. But you basically use the straw bales and you cut them and make them look kind of like Legos. So they’re like… and stack them and then you plaster that. And that that structure is still, still standing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That really like gave me a perspective like what it takes and the amount of people and the amount of work that it takes to do this kind of building. But this is my first building that I built from scratch.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> When I was touching the wall, like you said, I noticed it was very cool. Can you talk about how the material itself is good for winter and summer? \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Yeah, you know, the walls themselves absorb you know, the humidity, the moisture. And the clay walls, they’re like, really they’re known to, be a great barrier in terms of like, creating a more, just relaxed temperature inside. And what the clay does is it absorbs like the humidity and the kind of the, the heat, the moisture and kind of captures it. And when it starts to cool at night, it starts to release it inside. And so it keeps the building naturally fluctuating between just a comfortable temperature. But you’ll notice when we walk outside even, you know that it’s much cooler inside of here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Yeah\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeah\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ya know, behind building a structure like this is that it’s nontoxic. You don’t have all the waste chemicals. You don’t have all the waste number one from from the construction industry. There’s a lot of waste. Like, I don’t know if you ever been to a construction site, but you look in the dumpsters, it’s like, full of, like, perfectly good, usable materials, but it’s just stuff they cut off or stuff they’re not going to use. So it’s it’s… I pulled a lot of the lumber for this structure out of dumpsters actually, because people just throw away perfectly good two by sixes.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This room is essentially a sleeping den for Ras K’dee. A mattress takes up the full space and original art pieces from visiting artists hang on the walls. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Next Ras K’dee invites us to check the upstairs level of this structure. For the last couple of years it’s served as a creative studio for visiting artists to retreat and work on their own visual art. Most recently, they had an Anishinaabe artist from Detroit stay and create graphics and articles for SNAG magazine.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/span>\u003cb>\u003cbr>\n\u003c/b>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Ras’Kdee talking]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We walk up a flight of stairs made from redwood trees.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Okay. Watch your head here this is a little low this side. Gotta duck down there. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It’s cool up here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It’s a fully fleshed out recording space. There’s acoustic and electric guitars hanging on the walls. a desk with 2 keyboards, sound mixers and recording microphones. The wooden roof has a skylight so the sun shines into the studio and provides beautiful natural lighting that feels conducive for getting the creative juices flowing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ras K’dee has even recorded a couple albums here with his group Audiopharmacy. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K Dee\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">:\u003c/span> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The founders of the group are all kind of like rooted in hip hop and hip hop, I would say is, you know, really a music that’s founded on sampling. And so it literally sampled every genre, you know, and so that’s kind of like what we are. We’re like, we are every genre, you know. But I play keys, is my main instrument that I, that I grew up playing. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">After this short tour, we sit down to talk more about the vision behind The Nest.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw: \u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">You live here as well? What’s your day to day life like here?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Taking care of the garden is a big part of my day. Waking up in the morning, watering the garden, doing some weeding. I like to, I like to do a little bit of work. Work in the garden in the morning, and then jumping on my other work that I do. I’m also a musician and artist, so it’s a busy time. You know, we got gigs and stuff, so there’s a lot of calls and stuff happening around negotiating and figuring out gigs. But yeah, just supporting artists, you know is kind of what I do here.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Right now, I’m working on a mural project in Windsor, we’re, we’ve got like, a 100 foot wall over there and so bringing in the artists for that. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> So, juggling the arts, also juggling all that comes with managing nature. You’re in the middle of nowhere. What’s nightlife like out here?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Quiet. it’s quiet. Like all those scary movies start creeping in, you know, you’re like, man, it’s dark out here. Like, what’s out here, like, you know, mountain lions, bears, you know, like you start thinking about things. And so it took me a while to like to like, unlearn that programing, you know, like to like, get out of that like, cycle, like fear and just be like, oh, it’s just nature.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Being out here alone and just kind of like in the elements, I started to really enjoy it and really enjoy that that peace,connecting to to that darkness in a different way. But, there’s constantly people coming through, especially during this, this time of year. We do like a men’s healing circle. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> As a kid, were you the builder type?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I grew up in Sonoma County. I grew up, not too far from. And in northern Santa Rosa. Where we grew up, it was like the end of town, like our street was like the last street in town, basically. And like, as soon as you leave there, it’s just like hills,and so like, we would be off in the hills, you know, with our B-B guns, our slingshots. And it was like, you know, we go out all our homies, like 4 or 5 of us, you know, me and my brother, my older brother. And we would, we would just be out all day long. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We’d have different forts built. It was always kind of like in my, back of my head is like, got to get to the forest, got to get back to the forest and build that tree fort. As an adult, you know, this is kind of like a representation of that I think.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In this part of the region in Sonoma County, there’s a couple of other organizations that are doing similar work, like EARTHseed, like Heron Shadow. Are you in communication with these organizations? And is there like a movement occurring?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> There’s definitely a movement. Yeah. It’s pretty special, actually, to be be a part of it. I am in community with a lot of a lot of the organizations you mentioned. I was just deejaying, actually, at EARTHseed’s “Black to Land” event last week. They open up their, their space to, you know, to, to the Black community. We we all collaborate. We all connect. And Heron Shadow has a farm, so they have more food and, they do like, Indigenous food and Indigenous seeds. They bring back seeds. And so it’s perfect because, you know, like we go over there like, do an exchange or do a collaboration and they gift us this with seeds and gift us with plants to bring back here to plant. So it’s kind of like this, you know, this sharing of resources.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Being in your space and you talking about all the community groups that come here, it makes me think about how other land back efforts we’re seeing in NorCal are very different, in that it’s like a city, you know, giving a plot of land to a formal nonprofit to steward and tend. But this is like your private space built from your like, family equity. And talk to us about that decision to open up your personal space so that it is a collective thing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This building couldn’t have been made without, you know, people coming. I think it was more of a prayer, you know, like I want to I want to put the prayer here, for this space to be a community space and for it to be, a resource for the community,\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And so we put the prayer in and like, you know, kind of like not knowing, you know, if the community was going to show up, just like, oh, let’s start doing this, this crazy project and see, see who shows up kind of thing and the community, community showed up.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Marisol Medina-Cadena:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> I’m wondering when you’re either in the garden or just sitting here with your dog Panda taking in the breeze, the sounds, how do you feel? Or what are you thinking about what this land means for you?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Ras K’dee\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">: What I’ve gained is, I guess, a sense of peace. And coming into this land with also like a lot of work to do to like prepare it, it felt like overwhelming, you know, and it felt like, you know, like impossible at first because it was an empty lot and it was just overgrown. And, you know, trees had fallen and it hadn’t been taken care for many years. And yeah, just doing the work to, like, slowly heal the land and steward it in a good way, you know, has really just helped me to like, to heal myself,\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">As Indigenous people, you know, we see it as like as, like a generational commitment to the land. You know, like, we’re going to be here for generations. We’re not just here for build our house right now and then sell it and then, you know, move somewhere else, you know, or to Mexico or whatever, you know. What do they call them? Digital nomads. You know, like we’re not thinking in terms of that. We’re thinking in terms of generations.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So what are we building here right now that that we can leave generationally for, for our for our youth in the future, right. I don’t have youth of my own right now, but I have young people that I that I work with. This is a lifelong project. It’s not a temporary thing.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">We were creating this space as kind of a showcase place where people can come and see, you know, a building that’s that’s cob. And they could touch the wall and feel and see what it looks like and what the different building techniques are and learn about the different building techniques and then be like, oh, I want to, I want to build an adobe, you know, adobe dome. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">But really, really just incubate, incubate art that changes the world, you know, that’s that’s that’s why the space is here. So those are, those are the things that we want to do here and invite the artists that can bring about that change that we need in this world.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[Music]\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Pendarvis Harshaw:\u003c/b>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Ras K’dee, we can’t thank you enough. Much appreciation to you for welcoming us to your corner of Sonoma County to see and experience The Nest.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Nest is still evolving and Ras K’dee has plans to build a yurt and a dance studio to be able to host more classes and workshops. To stay updated on The Nest follow along on Instagram @SNAG.magazine.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">And to keep up Ras K’dee’s art and music projects, you can check out his IG @raskdee that’s spelled R-A-S-K-D-E-E.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">This episode was hosted by me, Pendarvis Harshaw. Marisol Medina-Cadena produced this episode. Chris Hambrick held it down for edits on this one. Christopher Beale engineered this joint. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Rightnowish team is also supported by Jen Chien, Ugur Dursun, Holly Kernan, Cesar Saldaña, and Katie Sprenger. Rightnowish is a KQED production.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Until next time, peace!\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "‘All The Nights We Got to Dance’ is a Tribute to Queer Nightlife in SF",
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"content": "\u003cp>Human memory can be triggered by certain smells, sounds or even a photo. It’s funny how the mind works; one small symbol can lead to the rehashing of feelings from years ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The latest work from artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/marcelpardoa/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marcel Pardo Ariza\u003c/a> urges people to take a trip down memory lane by using images of gone-but-not-forgotten bar signs. Pardo Ariza is clear: these bars served more than booze. They were sanctuaries for folks from San Francisco’s queer and trans community, and should be celebrated as such.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13960327\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13960327 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-800x535.jpg\" alt='Marcel Pardo Ariza wears a blue button-up shirt while standing in front of their latest work behind a windowfront, \"All The Nights We Got To Dance.\"' width=\"800\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-800x535.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-1020x682.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2.jpg 1616w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artist Marcel Pardo Ariza and their latest installation, ‘All The Nights We Got To Dance.’ \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13960341\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13960341 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-800x583.jpg\" alt=\"On a yellow background, are illustrations of historic Queer and Trans bar signs including Gene Compton’s Cafeteria, Esta Noche, Amelia’s, The Pendulum and more. \" width=\"800\" height=\"583\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-800x583.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-1020x743.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-768x559.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-1536x1119.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-2048x1491.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-1920x1398.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mockup of the site specific installation ‘All The Nights We Got to Dance.’ \u003ccite>(courtesy of Marcel Pardo Ariza)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>All The Nights We Got To Dance\u003c/em> is a site-specific installation in the ground-floor window of The Line Hotel in San Francisco’s Transgender Cultural District. A sunset orange backdrop is covered in hand-painted wooden replicas of bar signs, such as The Lexington, Esta Noche and \u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/primary-source-set-finocchios#:~:text=Finocchio's%20opened%20in%20the%20late,tourists%20and%20the%20queer%20community.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Finocchio’s\u003c/a> — a club credited as one of the earliest incubators of drag shows in the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13936474']Born in Colombia and based in Oakland, Pardo Ariza worked closely with \u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society \u003c/a>for their latest project\u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">, \u003c/a>leveraging the center’s rich archives to inform their work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This week on Rightnowish, we catch up with Pardo Ariza to take a look at their latest installation before heading over to the GLBT Historical Society’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/archives-about-visitor-info\">archives\u003c/a>. There, we meet up with Issac Fellman, the center’s managing reference archivist, who brings us files full of actual handbills, photos, flyers and ephemera from all the nights people danced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=KQINC7628242492\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>Rightnowish is an arts and culture podcast produced at KQED. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or click the play button at the top of this page and subscribe to the show on \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish\">NPR One\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I\">Spotify\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648\">Apple Podcasts\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Rightnowish-p1258245/\">TuneIn\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish\">Stitcher\u003c/a> or wherever you get your podcasts. \u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Human memory can be triggered by certain smells, sounds or even a photo. It’s funny how the mind works; one small symbol can lead to the rehashing of feelings from years ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The latest work from artist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/marcelpardoa/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marcel Pardo Ariza\u003c/a> urges people to take a trip down memory lane by using images of gone-but-not-forgotten bar signs. Pardo Ariza is clear: these bars served more than booze. They were sanctuaries for folks from San Francisco’s queer and trans community, and should be celebrated as such.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13960327\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13960327 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-800x535.jpg\" alt='Marcel Pardo Ariza wears a blue button-up shirt while standing in front of their latest work behind a windowfront, \"All The Nights We Got To Dance.\"' width=\"800\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-800x535.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-1020x682.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Marcel-Pardo-Ariza-by-Pendarvis-Harshaw-2.jpg 1616w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artist Marcel Pardo Ariza and their latest installation, ‘All The Nights We Got To Dance.’ \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13960341\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13960341 size-medium\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-800x583.jpg\" alt=\"On a yellow background, are illustrations of historic Queer and Trans bar signs including Gene Compton’s Cafeteria, Esta Noche, Amelia’s, The Pendulum and more. \" width=\"800\" height=\"583\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-800x583.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-1020x743.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-160x117.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-768x559.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-1536x1119.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-2048x1491.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/All-The-Nights-copy-1920x1398.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mockup of the site specific installation ‘All The Nights We Got to Dance.’ \u003ccite>(courtesy of Marcel Pardo Ariza)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>All The Nights We Got To Dance\u003c/em> is a site-specific installation in the ground-floor window of The Line Hotel in San Francisco’s Transgender Cultural District. A sunset orange backdrop is covered in hand-painted wooden replicas of bar signs, such as The Lexington, Esta Noche and \u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/primary-source-set-finocchios#:~:text=Finocchio's%20opened%20in%20the%20late,tourists%20and%20the%20queer%20community.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Finocchio’s\u003c/a> — a club credited as one of the earliest incubators of drag shows in the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Born in Colombia and based in Oakland, Pardo Ariza worked closely with \u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society \u003c/a>for their latest project\u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">, \u003c/a>leveraging the center’s rich archives to inform their work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This week on Rightnowish, we catch up with Pardo Ariza to take a look at their latest installation before heading over to the GLBT Historical Society’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.glbthistory.org/archives-about-visitor-info\">archives\u003c/a>. There, we meet up with Issac Fellman, the center’s managing reference archivist, who brings us files full of actual handbills, photos, flyers and ephemera from all the nights people danced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"200\" scrolling=\"no\" src=\"https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=KQINC7628242492\" width=\"100%\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>\u003cem>Rightnowish is an arts and culture podcast produced at KQED. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or click the play button at the top of this page and subscribe to the show on \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish\">NPR One\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I\">Spotify\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648\">Apple Podcasts\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/Rightnowish-p1258245/\">TuneIn\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish\">Stitcher\u003c/a> or wherever you get your podcasts. \u003c/em>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "blessd-ryan-castro-reggaeton-harris-trump-bay-area-fans-election",
"title": "Reggaeton Is Now Part of the 2024 Election. What Do Fans Think?",
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"headTitle": "Reggaeton Is Now Part of the 2024 Election. What Do Fans Think? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of the KQED series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/fandomvote\">The Fandom Vote\u003c/a>, exploring the election-year concerns and voting preferences of pop culture fanbases.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Halloween night, Colombian stars Blessd and Ryan Castro played a sold-out show at the San Jose Civic to nearly 3,000 reggaeton fans that sang along to every verse. San José was their first stop on the ¡Ay Bendito Ghetto! Tour — a city that in the past few years has become the home of a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11994119/colombia-copa-america-final-san-jose-argentina\">rapidly growing Colombian community\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The concert came just days after reggaeton was thrust into the political arena. At a Donald Trump campaign rally on Oct. 27, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made crude jokes about Latinos and referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Global reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny subsequently \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/superstar-bad-bunny-backs-harris-for-president-after-trump-event-features-comedians-racist-cracks\">signaled his support for Kamala Harris\u003c/a>, citing the comments at the rally. Nicky Jam, the reggaetonero who surprised fans when he endorsed Trump in September, \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/nicky-jam-donald-trump-endorsement-rescinded-1502ebc97adf28be8e22bb01d41a3e42\">retracted his endorsement\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967607\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967607\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ryan Castro performs at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>How do reggaeton fans feel about their genre being thrust to the forefront of the presidential campaign, just days before Election Day? As the last major reggaeton concert in the Bay Area before Nov. 5, Thursday’s concert proved an ideal opportunity to ask just that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Indeed, most of the crowd at the San Jose Civic were young people who have recently migrated from Colombia to the United States. Blessd and Castro’s music, and reggaeton overall, are more than bops — they’re the soundtrack of their migration journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When you listen to reggaeton, you feel like you’re back in your home country again,” said Valeria Bou, originally from Colombia but now living in Seattle. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967613\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967613\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-1229x1536.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Maria Sanchez (left) and Andres Naruaez pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Andrés Nárvaez, now living in San Jose, says he listens to Blessd’s “CONDENADO AL EXITO II” all the time since he migrated. “That song says that all is possible with time and hard work,” he said. “I identify with that. I want to stay in this country and work so I can buy myself a Mercedes and a home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Courting the Latino Vote With Reggaeton\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Over 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote this year, and many analysts consider the demographic \u003ca href=\"https://time.com/7096983/election-latino-voters-swing-states-harris-trump-campaigns-economy-immigration/\">a key to victory in important swing states like Nevada, Arizona and Pennsylvania\u003c/a>. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump know this; their campaigns have \u003ca href=\"https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-10-19/trump-harris-fight-for-latino-2024-vote-seen-by-record-spanish-ads\">invested millions in courting Latino voters\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gone are the days of Gerald Ford trying to eat a tamal (and failing miserably: he bit into it \u003ca href=\"https://remezcla.com/food/ford-tamal-eating-1976/\">without taking the corn husk off first\u003c/a>). Or Hillary Clinton’s 2016 list of “7 things Hillary Clinton has in common with your abuela,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/us/politics/hillary-clinton-is-not-my-abuela-critics-say.html\">widely criticized\u003c/a> as pandering. This year, both Harris and Trump have tapped reggaeton stars for support.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967623\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1333px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967623\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED.jpg 1333w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paola Melo poses for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>First it was Puerto Rican superstars Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, who \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/reggaeton-donald-trump-endorsements-explained-1235103592/\">endorsed Trump at a rally\u003c/a> in Pennsylvania in August. Then it was their fellow boricua Nicky Jam, who surprised fans and peers when he \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/15/donald-trump-nicky-jam-las-vegas-rally/75237185007/\">endorsed Trump at a September rally in Las Vegas\u003c/a>. (Before Nicky walked on stage, Trump referring to him repeatedly as “she.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it would be Harris that finally received the \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/2024/09/19/bad-bunny-kamala-harris-endorsement/\">highly coveted\u003c/a> support of Bad Bunny in a series of Instagram videos shortly after Hinchcliffe’s “floating island of garbage” comment at Madison Square Garden.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13967133']\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘What Resources Are You Investing to Support Us?’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Pittsburg friends Evelyn Suárez, Elaine Torres and Brianna Ruiz, reggaeton as a genre has changed in recent years to center self-empowerment. “It’s authentic,” said Torres, “It’s a lot about showing who you are and putting yourself out there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Suárez’s eyes, when an artist speaks about an issue they care about, it makes them a more complete person. “When it’s someone I love, I ask myself, ‘What’s this about? Is this something that I should be caring about that I didn’t know about before?’” she said. For her, that includes the 2024 election.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I saw that Bad Bunny is supporting Kamala, I’m all for it because Kamala is a lot better than Trump,” Suárez said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967610\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Elaine Torres, Bryanda Ruiz and Evelin Suarez, pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Knowing where an artist stands also helps her know if she wants to keep rooting for them. “I listen to Nicky Jam and when I saw that he was supporting Trump, I was like, ‘Oh no, I don’t support Trump,’” she said. “Seeing him, a Latino, back Trump and forget about all his fans that are Latinos who have suffered from the stuff that Trump has done, I was just like, ‘No.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the three agreed that it’s important for candidates to invest energy in understanding Latino voters, they also want actual results after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not only about having Bad Bunny on your side to get our votes,” Suárez explained, “but what also matters is what you’re continuously doing in power to support the Latino community. What resources are you investing to support us?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967618\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967618\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Juan Jose Troncoso (left) and Juan Diego Naranjo pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A Music That’s ‘So Pure and Beautiful’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Other fans at the show said they feel protective of reggaeton against U.S. politicians co-opting Latin American music for personal gain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think all of this is out of convenience,” said Juan Troncoso of San José. A dancer who recently migrated from Colombia, Troncoso was first drawn to reggaeton because it reflected the reality of growing up Colombian. “For me, reggaeton represents the cultural mixture we have as a people, all the different histories we have.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What politicians may want out of these artists is to just reach their audiences for votes,” he added. “I don’t see it as something genuine.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967616\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967616\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Juan Pablo Quesada, Valeria Arteaga Bou and Santiago Quesada from Seattle pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Others said they wanted reggaeton and politics to stay separate. “I think [reggaetoneros] shouldn’t get involved in all of this, to be honest,” said Juan Ríos of San José. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ríos said he was drawn to artists like Blessd and Ryan Castro for their style, swagger and music. He also approved of \u003ca href=\"https://www.elespectador.com/revista-vea/famosos/blessd-compro-un-equipo-de-futbol-cual-es-y-cuanto-cuesta/\">Blessd’s recent purchase, alongside other investors, of Vendsyssel FF\u003c/a>, a professional soccer team from Denmark.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But he thinks that “many of the people that follow reggaeton are too young to vote, so I don’t know if supporting candidates actually works out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967611\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967611\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Emanuel Parra, Melannie Zapata and Sebastian Londoño pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>All in It Together\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dressed as Blade-style vampires, Sebastián Fox and his friends drove over 100 miles from Santa Rosa to see Blessd. Fox is a house and electronic music DJ and producer originally from Colombia who came to the United States to pursue his dreams. The long drive was worth it, he said, to see one of his inspirations. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I see Blessd’s journey of coming from the streets, moving up and becoming a hit, and that motivates me,” he said. “Because if he can, then I can also do the same with my music.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As someone who creates music for a living, he thinks politics should stay separate. “Music is something that needs to be respected. It’s something so pure and beautiful,” said Fox. “Mixing it with politics and influence, that doesn’t match up for me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967614\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967614\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Brothers Adrian (left) and Ricardo Abonce pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>One thing was clear at the San Jose Civic: the power of reggaeton exists thanks to the dedication of its fans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brothers Ricardo and Adrian Abonce from Dublin showed up to the performance in Halloween costumes, with Ricardo dressed as the Pope and his brother as a priest. (“All of this made possible by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11965792/spirit-halloween-unleashed-its-first-bay-area-store-in-1983\">Spirit Halloween\u003c/a>,” they joked.) \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They said they both grew up listening to reggaeton, listening to everything by Daddy Yankee and La Factoria. “It makes me very proud to see that Latin American music has come so far in the United States,” said Ricardo. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His brother agreed. “As Latinos, it’s incredible that we’ve come so far,” Adrian said. “We’re all in this together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967609\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The crowd at the Blessd and Ryan Castro concert during the“ Ay Bendito Ghetto” tour at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "At a Ryan Castro and Blessd concert, fans talk about the heightened role the music plays in U.S. politics.",
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"title": "Reggaeton Is Now Part of the 2024 Election. What Do Fans Think? | KQED",
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"headline": "Reggaeton Is Now Part of the 2024 Election. What Do Fans Think?",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story is part of the KQED series \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/fandomvote\">The Fandom Vote\u003c/a>, exploring the election-year concerns and voting preferences of pop culture fanbases.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">O\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>n Halloween night, Colombian stars Blessd and Ryan Castro played a sold-out show at the San Jose Civic to nearly 3,000 reggaeton fans that sang along to every verse. San José was their first stop on the ¡Ay Bendito Ghetto! Tour — a city that in the past few years has become the home of a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11994119/colombia-copa-america-final-san-jose-argentina\">rapidly growing Colombian community\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The concert came just days after reggaeton was thrust into the political arena. At a Donald Trump campaign rally on Oct. 27, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made crude jokes about Latinos and referred to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Global reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny subsequently \u003ca href=\"https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/superstar-bad-bunny-backs-harris-for-president-after-trump-event-features-comedians-racist-cracks\">signaled his support for Kamala Harris\u003c/a>, citing the comments at the rally. Nicky Jam, the reggaetonero who surprised fans when he endorsed Trump in September, \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/nicky-jam-donald-trump-endorsement-rescinded-1502ebc97adf28be8e22bb01d41a3e42\">retracted his endorsement\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967607\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967607\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-08-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ryan Castro performs at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>How do reggaeton fans feel about their genre being thrust to the forefront of the presidential campaign, just days before Election Day? As the last major reggaeton concert in the Bay Area before Nov. 5, Thursday’s concert proved an ideal opportunity to ask just that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Indeed, most of the crowd at the San Jose Civic were young people who have recently migrated from Colombia to the United States. Blessd and Castro’s music, and reggaeton overall, are more than bops — they’re the soundtrack of their migration journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When you listen to reggaeton, you feel like you’re back in your home country again,” said Valeria Bou, originally from Colombia but now living in Seattle. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967613\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1600px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967613\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-26-103124-KQED-1229x1536.jpg 1229w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Maria Sanchez (left) and Andres Naruaez pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Andrés Nárvaez, now living in San Jose, says he listens to Blessd’s “CONDENADO AL EXITO II” all the time since he migrated. “That song says that all is possible with time and hard work,” he said. “I identify with that. I want to stay in this country and work so I can buy myself a Mercedes and a home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Courting the Latino Vote With Reggaeton\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Over 36 million Latinos are eligible to vote this year, and many analysts consider the demographic \u003ca href=\"https://time.com/7096983/election-latino-voters-swing-states-harris-trump-campaigns-economy-immigration/\">a key to victory in important swing states like Nevada, Arizona and Pennsylvania\u003c/a>. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump know this; their campaigns have \u003ca href=\"https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-10-19/trump-harris-fight-for-latino-2024-vote-seen-by-record-spanish-ads\">invested millions in courting Latino voters\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gone are the days of Gerald Ford trying to eat a tamal (and failing miserably: he bit into it \u003ca href=\"https://remezcla.com/food/ford-tamal-eating-1976/\">without taking the corn husk off first\u003c/a>). Or Hillary Clinton’s 2016 list of “7 things Hillary Clinton has in common with your abuela,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/us/politics/hillary-clinton-is-not-my-abuela-critics-say.html\">widely criticized\u003c/a> as pandering. This year, both Harris and Trump have tapped reggaeton stars for support.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967623\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1333px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"2000\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967623\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED.jpg 1333w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-1020x1530.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-160x240.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-46-103124-KQED-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Paola Melo poses for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>First it was Puerto Rican superstars Anuel AA and Justin Quiles, who \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/reggaeton-donald-trump-endorsements-explained-1235103592/\">endorsed Trump at a rally\u003c/a> in Pennsylvania in August. Then it was their fellow boricua Nicky Jam, who surprised fans and peers when he \u003ca href=\"https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/15/donald-trump-nicky-jam-las-vegas-rally/75237185007/\">endorsed Trump at a September rally in Las Vegas\u003c/a>. (Before Nicky walked on stage, Trump referring to him repeatedly as “she.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it would be Harris that finally received the \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/power/2024/09/19/bad-bunny-kamala-harris-endorsement/\">highly coveted\u003c/a> support of Bad Bunny in a series of Instagram videos shortly after Hinchcliffe’s “floating island of garbage” comment at Madison Square Garden.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘What Resources Are You Investing to Support Us?’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>For Pittsburg friends Evelyn Suárez, Elaine Torres and Brianna Ruiz, reggaeton as a genre has changed in recent years to center self-empowerment. “It’s authentic,” said Torres, “It’s a lot about showing who you are and putting yourself out there.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Suárez’s eyes, when an artist speaks about an issue they care about, it makes them a more complete person. “When it’s someone I love, I ask myself, ‘What’s this about? Is this something that I should be caring about that I didn’t know about before?’” she said. For her, that includes the 2024 election.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I saw that Bad Bunny is supporting Kamala, I’m all for it because Kamala is a lot better than Trump,” Suárez said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967610\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967610\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-22-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Elaine Torres, Bryanda Ruiz and Evelin Suarez, pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Knowing where an artist stands also helps her know if she wants to keep rooting for them. “I listen to Nicky Jam and when I saw that he was supporting Trump, I was like, ‘Oh no, I don’t support Trump,’” she said. “Seeing him, a Latino, back Trump and forget about all his fans that are Latinos who have suffered from the stuff that Trump has done, I was just like, ‘No.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the three agreed that it’s important for candidates to invest energy in understanding Latino voters, they also want actual results after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not only about having Bad Bunny on your side to get our votes,” Suárez explained, “but what also matters is what you’re continuously doing in power to support the Latino community. What resources are you investing to support us?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967618\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967618\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-34-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Juan Jose Troncoso (left) and Juan Diego Naranjo pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>A Music That’s ‘So Pure and Beautiful’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Other fans at the show said they feel protective of reggaeton against U.S. politicians co-opting Latin American music for personal gain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think all of this is out of convenience,” said Juan Troncoso of San José. A dancer who recently migrated from Colombia, Troncoso was first drawn to reggaeton because it reflected the reality of growing up Colombian. “For me, reggaeton represents the cultural mixture we have as a people, all the different histories we have.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What politicians may want out of these artists is to just reach their audiences for votes,” he added. “I don’t see it as something genuine.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967616\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967616\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-30-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Juan Pablo Quesada, Valeria Arteaga Bou and Santiago Quesada from Seattle pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Others said they wanted reggaeton and politics to stay separate. “I think [reggaetoneros] shouldn’t get involved in all of this, to be honest,” said Juan Ríos of San José. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ríos said he was drawn to artists like Blessd and Ryan Castro for their style, swagger and music. He also approved of \u003ca href=\"https://www.elespectador.com/revista-vea/famosos/blessd-compro-un-equipo-de-futbol-cual-es-y-cuanto-cuesta/\">Blessd’s recent purchase, alongside other investors, of Vendsyssel FF\u003c/a>, a professional soccer team from Denmark.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But he thinks that “many of the people that follow reggaeton are too young to vote, so I don’t know if supporting candidates actually works out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967611\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967611\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-23-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(From left) Emanuel Parra, Melannie Zapata and Sebastian Londoño pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>All in It Together\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dressed as Blade-style vampires, Sebastián Fox and his friends drove over 100 miles from Santa Rosa to see Blessd. Fox is a house and electronic music DJ and producer originally from Colombia who came to the United States to pursue his dreams. The long drive was worth it, he said, to see one of his inspirations. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I see Blessd’s journey of coming from the streets, moving up and becoming a hit, and that motivates me,” he said. “Because if he can, then I can also do the same with my music.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As someone who creates music for a living, he thinks politics should stay separate. “Music is something that needs to be respected. It’s something so pure and beautiful,” said Fox. “Mixing it with politics and influence, that doesn’t match up for me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967614\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967614\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-27-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Brothers Adrian (left) and Ricardo Abonce pose for a photograph before the concert of Colombian artists Blessd and Ryan Castro at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>One thing was clear at the San Jose Civic: the power of reggaeton exists thanks to the dedication of its fans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brothers Ricardo and Adrian Abonce from Dublin showed up to the performance in Halloween costumes, with Ricardo dressed as the Pope and his brother as a priest. (“All of this made possible by \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11965792/spirit-halloween-unleashed-its-first-bay-area-store-in-1983\">Spirit Halloween\u003c/a>,” they joked.) \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They said they both grew up listening to reggaeton, listening to everything by Daddy Yankee and La Factoria. “It makes me very proud to see that Latin American music has come so far in the United States,” said Ricardo. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His brother agreed. “As Latinos, it’s incredible that we’ve come so far,” Adrian said. “We’re all in this together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967609\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967609\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/BLESSD-FANDOMVOTE-20-103124-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The crowd at the Blessd and Ryan Castro concert during the“ Ay Bendito Ghetto” tour at the San Jose Civic in San Jose on Oct. 31, 2024. \u003ccite>(Josie Lepe for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "mac-dre-20-years-death-furly-ghost-bay-area",
"title": "20 Years After Mac Dre’s Death, the Furly Ghost Still Lingers",
"publishDate": 1730332391,
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"headTitle": "20 Years After Mac Dre’s Death, the Furly Ghost Still Lingers | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen I ask the security guard at Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery for directions to Plot 47, he replies, “You lookin’ for Dre?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He’s an older brown-skinned man in a crossing guard vest, sporty sunglasses and an afro protruding from a trucker hat, his hair seasoned by strands of grey. As I talk to the thin, tall, square-shouldered brotha, I wonder: Is this what Mac Dre would’ve looked like had he been able to see elderhood?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-13833985\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/OGPenn.Cap_-160x184.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/OGPenn.Cap_-160x184.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/OGPenn.Cap_.jpg 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 160px) 100vw, 160px\">As he hands me a map, he says folks always come looking for Mac Dre’s burial site, usually to take pictures and leave tokens of appreciation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those visitors are about to arrive in large numbers. On Nov. 1, 2004, Mac Dre was shot and killed in Kansas City at age 34. Which means that Friday, Nov. 1, will mark 20 years since his death, and a loss felt in every pocket of the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A week before the anniversary, I get to the gravesite and take in each letter engraved in the mahogany-colored marble headstone. ANDRE ‘MAC DRE’ HICKS.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967460\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Mac Dre's headstone, located at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. \" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre’s headstone, located at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The gravesite has character. Two small pinwheels blow in the wind. There’s a couple coins, a piece of quartz and a small figurine of Ernie from Sesame Street. Two feathers stand atop the headstone, and at the center sits a six-inch metallic statuette of Mac Dre on a scooter in a straw hat and stunna shades — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fo4k38u80jc741.jpg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3D923dc928f710936d8da6933dee7f5a723585bb94\">classic image\u003c/a> of the legend in Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Born in Oakland on July 5, 1970, Dre grew up in Vallejo and became a proud representative of the Crestside neighborhood. But in reality, he held it down for the entire Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His decorated rap career spanned 15 years. He recorded album after album, toured continuously and created a subculture within a subculture. His \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Lo0aiUxJ34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Treal T.V.\u003c/a>\u003c/em> documentary is a cultural cornerstone. And his contributions to our lexicon are undeniable. If the Bay Area had its say, “Thizz” would be in Webster’s Dictionary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967496\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1668px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967496\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1668\" height=\"2388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal.png 1668w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-800x1145.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-1020x1460.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-160x229.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-768x1100.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-1073x1536.png 1073w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-1431x2048.png 1431w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1668px) 100vw, 1668px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(\u003cem>Illustration by Noah Haytin/\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/noh8tin/\">NOH8TIN\u003c/a>)\u003c/em>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Despite serving a five-year stint in a federal prison after being charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery (a trial during which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954252/did-mac-dre-really-go-to-prison-because-of-his-lyrics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">his lyrics were played for the jury\u003c/a>), Mac Dre had a prolific music career unlike any other.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And it’s still going.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A decade after his death, aerosol artists \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/illuminaries/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Illuminaries\u003c/a> put up a mural of \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/warriors/status/609932704205766657\">Steph Curry in a classic Thizz face pose\u003c/a> for the NBA Finals in Oakland. Last year, Curry’s company Unanimous Media announced a forthcoming \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13935501/steph-curry-mac-dre-documentary-bay-area-hip-hop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mac Dre documentary\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And just last month, NFL star-turned-media personality Marshawn Lynch was in Cuba for Amazon TV’s NFL coverage, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX2tJKo6wgs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">he taught locals the Thizz Dance\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967462\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967462\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-800x449.jpg\" alt=\"Thizz Face Steph Curry, painted in 2015 on 27th Street and Northgate Avenue in Oakland by The Illuminaries (the mural is no longer standing). \" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-800x449.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-1020x573.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-768x431.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thizz Face Steph Curry, painted in 2015 on 27th Street and Northgate Avenue in Oakland by The Illuminaries (the mural is no longer standing). \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And here I am, two decades after Mac Dre’s death, at his gravesite asking questions to the wind blowing through the pinwheels by his headstone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>You know you influenced everything from fashion to media, drug culture to car culture, spoken language to body language, right?\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mac Dre was a man of many aliases — Andre Macassi, Ronald Dregan and more — but I was speaking to “Furl,” a.k.a. “The Furly Ghost.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How did you do it, Furl? How do you become immortal? How do you influence generations of artists? How do you represent a region even after your demise? What does that mean for us? Are we haunted by the ghost of Furl, or are we enchanted by the legacy of a Mac named Dre? \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967465\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967465\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-800x535.jpg\" alt=\"The image of Mac Dre's 'Ronald Dregan: Dreganomics' album cover is shown in the background, as veteran Vallejo MC B-Legit performs at History of The Bay Day in San Francisco. \" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-800x535.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-1020x682.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1.jpg 1616w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre’s ‘Ronald Dregan’ album cover hovers over veteran Vallejo MC B-Legit at History of The Bay Day in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he History of The Bay Day, an annual day party organized by podcast production duo, rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dregs_one/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dregs One\u003c/a> and audio engineer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/deo415/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DEO\u003c/a>, is a collage of Bay Area hip-hop culture. Graffiti writers, MCs, media makers and more rub shoulders as panel discussions and live performances take place on the main stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, I walk in with Mac Dre on my mind.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Is Furl’s spirit still here? What does Mac Dre mean to fans of Bay Area hip-hop history? Is the lingering presence of “hyphy culture” impeding the progress of current Bay Area rap?\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='news_11954252']When \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djshellheart/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>DJ ShellHeart\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> plays Mac Dre during her events, she says, “it brings the party up to a whole ‘nother level, even in 2024.” Behind her dark-tinted sunglasses, ShellHeart’s eyes widen as she adds, “I get chills talking about it, that’s how I know his spirit is still here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the snack line, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theringer.com/authors/logan-murdock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Logan Murdock\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, writer for \u003cem>The Ringer\u003c/em> and co-host of \u003cem>The Real Ones\u003c/em>, tells me Mac Dre’s legacy lives on because there were “so many different versions of Dre, just like there are so many different versions of the Bay.” And as far as moving beyond the hyphy era, Murdock urges people to acknowledge the variety of Bay Area artists since Dre’s passing. “Artists like 22nd Jim, AllBlack, SOB x RBE, and others who’ve taken the genre forward,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13930745\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13930745\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre.png\" alt=\"Mac Dre performs on stage in the early 2000s, wearing giant sunglasses, a striped polo shirt and Adidas jacket.\" width=\"999\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre.png 999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre-800x601.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre-160x120.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre-768x577.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre onstage in the early 2000s. \u003ccite>(D-Ray)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>I run into producer \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/trackademicks/?hl=en\">\u003cstrong>Trackademicks\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>, who compares Dre’s contribution to Bay Area hip-hop to the corn tortilla’s place in Mexican cuisine. “It’s part of our cultural fabric.” And just like there’s so much more to Mexican cuisine, there’s more to Bay Area hip-hop culture. “When folks decide to fixate,” says Trackademicks, “thinking you can only be the corn tortilla, that’s where the problems lie.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for Mac Dre being a vital ingredient in our cultural roux, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/a.m.a.lllllll/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>DJ Amal\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> tells me that “Mac Dre gave us weird. He gave us different. He gave us obscure.” His influence, and the imprint of the hyphy era, is present in new artists both in and out of the Bay, she says. “It’s a reference point, it’s a foundation for a lot of stuff that we do now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13930686']On the venue’s back patio, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djhholla/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DJ H Holla\u003c/a> plays Mac Dre’s “Get Stupid.” Upstairs on the terrace, Oakland-based lyricist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/aliasharrief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Alia Sharrief\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> doesn’t hesitate to tell me, “Mac Dre is the reason we’re \u003ca href=\"https://genius.com/198388\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dipped in A.1.\u003c/a>”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People are going to have their positives and negatives as far as impact and music and message,” Sharrief adds, referring to Dre’s promotion of pimping and pandering. “But when it comes to being happy, having heart and soul for the Bay Area… Mac Dre did that. And he still got us feeling ourselves today.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TepB8KXVZIk\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco photographer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stson_/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Stetson Hines\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> notes that Mac Dre’s work brought economic growth. Talking about Dre’s \u003cem>Treal T.V.\u003c/em> and other media endeavors, Hines asks, “You ever think about the \u003ca href=\"https://48hills.org/2022/12/meet-the-videographer-behind-mac-dres-historic-90s-treal-t-v/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">videographers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13951122/d-ray-bay-area-hip-hop-photographer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">photographers\u003c/a> it created?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Well-known Pittsburg rapper and Mac Dre collaborator \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/golasoaso/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Husalah\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> says Dre’s spirit has persevered because he represents a fading identity, “the street guys.” Akin to mobsters in Chicago, Husalah says they were once looked down upon, but now they’re celebrated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s an outlaw life,” says Husalah, before going on stage. “We was cutthroats, pirates. Mac Dre was a pirate,” he says, explaining how as free-spirited artists with street ties they’d live freely, eating off of the land, drinking wine and playing their metaphorical “fiddle or violin.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>People romanticize artists from the true underground, Husalah says, and “Mac Dre represents one of the most authentic subcultures.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967501\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967501\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9.jpg 1500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mural of Mac Dre in Langton Alley in San Francisco, circa 2005. \u003ccite>(Elizabeth Seward)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Before leaving, I talk with rapper, producer and studio engineer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13897503/rapper-and-audio-engineer-xarina-opens-a-studio-of-her-own-in-east-oakland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Xarina\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When asked if she hears Mac Dre’s influence in the rappers she works with, she says matter-of-factly: “I record Mistah F.A.B. … When he feels like rapping like Mac Dre, he will rap like Mac Dre. In 2024.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She adds that other artists — Seiji Oda, LaRussell, and Nef the Pharoah to name a few — have taken aspects of Dre’s style and “flipped it and made it new and fresh.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He’s hyphy,” Xarina says of Seiji Oda. “But it’s not same hyphy. It’s a refined new hyphy that fits into 2024.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967464\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967464\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-800x1185.jpg\" alt=\"Artist Billy Blaze says his image of Mac Dre as the Furly Ghost is one of his most popular illustrations.\" width=\"800\" height=\"1185\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-800x1185.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-1020x1511.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-160x237.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-768x1138.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-1037x1536.jpg 1037w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1.jpg 1061w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artist Billy Blaze says his image of Mac Dre as the Furly Ghost is one of his most popular illustrations. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Billy Blaze)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/seijioda/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Seiji Oda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> is a 26 year-old Japanese and Panamanian guy from Oakland who makes “lo-fi hyphy” music; it’s tranquil yet saucy, and it’s recently gained momentum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After he produced the beat for his latest track, “\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/seijioda/peaceful\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peaceful\u003c/a>,” a friend pointed out that Oda had inadvertently flipped Mac Dre’s “Thizzle Dance” without realizing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Intrinsically,” he says, “I heard it and I felt it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seiji Oda was just six when Mac Dre was killed, and says he got Mac Dre vibes secondhand from the artists who were popular in the 2010s. “I was listening to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ezalecantseewell/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ezale\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p_lo/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">P-Lo\u003c/a>,” says Seiji Oda during a phone call. He watched their videos, noticing how they embodied aspects of Dre’s music. “The way that it was passed down to us,” says Seiji Oda, “was through that lineage.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967498\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"991\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_.jpg 1000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_-800x793.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_-160x159.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_-768x761.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre’s ‘Young Black Brotha,’ recorded around the time he first met Ray Luv. \u003ccite>(Young Black Brotha Records)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Few can speak to Bay Area hip-hop lineage like \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/therealrayluv/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Ray Luv\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>. Raised in Santa Rosa, as a teen he was close friends with Tupac, as a young adult he had his own career as an MC and nowadays Luv is the COO of Thizz Entertainment, managing Mac Dre’s estate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luv even has a story of Mac Dre and Tupac sharing the the same space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In high school, Luv and Tupac once cut class to visit a video shoot for a Too Short song featuring Ice Cube. As Luv, Tupac and Shock G of The Digital Underground were being interviewed by famed comedian Mark Curry, Mac Dre arrived.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When Mac Dre got to the door, everybody stopped, and all you heard was ‘Mac Dre!'” exclaims Luv, elevating the pitch in his tone to imitate the guests. “This was a room full of stars and celebrities, but Mac Dre was one of those figures, like Pac in a way; a star among stars.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13886730\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1198px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13886730\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM.png\" alt=\"V White and Mac Dre in Big Pimpin' Turf Clothes\" width=\"1198\" height=\"1184\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM.png 1198w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-800x791.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-1020x1008.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-160x158.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-768x759.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1198px) 100vw, 1198px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">V White and Mac Dre in Big Pimpin’ Turf Clothes. \u003ccite>(Big Printing Archives)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Luv says that these days, Dre’s brand is active, with companies regularly reaching out for potential action figures and hologram collaborations. “Without any marketing or promotion,” adds Luv, “he does millions of streams every month.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Why has Dre’s brand and spirit stood the test of time?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The reason we haven’t, per se, grown past Mac Dre, is because I don’t think that he’s someone to grow past,” says Luv, before remixing an iconic Maya Angelou quote. “People may not remember the words to your songs — they might not remember \u003cem>any\u003c/em> of your songs — but they will always remember the way you made them feel.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Mac Dre made us feel ourselves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13924556\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13924556\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured.jpg\" alt=\"a spraypainted mural of the rap artist mac dre\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Mac Dre mural on Foothill Boulevard in Oakland by artist Chez. \u003ccite>(Laurence Madrigal/We Were Hyphy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>[dropcap]T[/dropcap]o understand Mac Dre’s impact, I revisited his discography and looked at old photos. I drove around, taking note of murals and stickers with with Mac Dre’s imagery, as well as people wearing Thizz gear. In 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I spent time listening to a wide array of artists eager to discuss Dre’s legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Famed Oakland-born actor \u003ca href=\"https://daveeddiggs.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Daveed Diggs\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> asserts that Mac Dre “is under-appreciated as a lyricist and as a originator of cadences.” His hip-hop group \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/clppng/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clipping.\u003c/a> often uses Mac Dre songs as a reference for a particular feel, Diggs says, and deeper cuts like “Since ’84” and “Me Damac” are some of his favorite Mac Dre tracks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13934874']“If I ever had written a verse as good as any of those,” Diggs testifies, “I would have stopped, I would’ve just stopped.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Angelically hyphy extraterrestrial Frisco native \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/alienmackitty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alien Mac Kitty\u003c/a> (AMK) attributes the “Mac” in her name to Mac Dre. In a voice note, she says she carries on that spirit, just as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13928057/alien-mac-kitty-cougnut-daughter-san-francisco-frisco-rap-legacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">she carries on the legacy of her late father\u003c/a>, pioneering San Francisco rapper Cougnut. “He and Dre were actually really cool,” says AMK, adding that Mac Dre made everything fun, funky and colorful, in the most respectful way. The underground lyricist says that “Furl is still alive, and his spirit runs through the entire Bay Area renaissance right now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The journey — all of the conversations — were worth it. But the answers to my questions were in the soil at Mac Dre’s gravesite all along. The cigarette butts and tiny trinkets, the holistic stones and loose change donated to the patron saint of the hyphy movement. All evidence that Mac Dre’s spirt, the ghost of Furl, is still alive — and it lives in the people.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">W\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>hen I ask the security guard at Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery for directions to Plot 47, he replies, “You lookin’ for Dre?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He’s an older brown-skinned man in a crossing guard vest, sporty sunglasses and an afro protruding from a trucker hat, his hair seasoned by strands of grey. As I talk to the thin, tall, square-shouldered brotha, I wonder: Is this what Mac Dre would’ve looked like had he been able to see elderhood?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-13833985\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/OGPenn.Cap_-160x184.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"160\" height=\"184\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/OGPenn.Cap_-160x184.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/05/OGPenn.Cap_.jpg 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 160px) 100vw, 160px\">As he hands me a map, he says folks always come looking for Mac Dre’s burial site, usually to take pictures and leave tokens of appreciation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those visitors are about to arrive in large numbers. On Nov. 1, 2004, Mac Dre was shot and killed in Kansas City at age 34. Which means that Friday, Nov. 1, will mark 20 years since his death, and a loss felt in every pocket of the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A week before the anniversary, I get to the gravesite and take in each letter engraved in the mahogany-colored marble headstone. ANDRE ‘MAC DRE’ HICKS.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967460\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-800x1067.jpg\" alt=\"Mac Dre's headstone, located at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. \" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Mac-Dre-RIP-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre’s headstone, located at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The gravesite has character. Two small pinwheels blow in the wind. There’s a couple coins, a piece of quartz and a small figurine of Ernie from Sesame Street. Two feathers stand atop the headstone, and at the center sits a six-inch metallic statuette of Mac Dre on a scooter in a straw hat and stunna shades — a \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fo4k38u80jc741.jpg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3D923dc928f710936d8da6933dee7f5a723585bb94\">classic image\u003c/a> of the legend in Hawaii.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Born in Oakland on July 5, 1970, Dre grew up in Vallejo and became a proud representative of the Crestside neighborhood. But in reality, he held it down for the entire Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His decorated rap career spanned 15 years. He recorded album after album, toured continuously and created a subculture within a subculture. His \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Lo0aiUxJ34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Treal T.V.\u003c/a>\u003c/em> documentary is a cultural cornerstone. And his contributions to our lexicon are undeniable. If the Bay Area had its say, “Thizz” would be in Webster’s Dictionary.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967496\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1668px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967496\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1668\" height=\"2388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal.png 1668w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-800x1145.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-1020x1460.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-160x229.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-768x1100.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-1073x1536.png 1073w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.NoahHaytin.FINALfinal-1431x2048.png 1431w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1668px) 100vw, 1668px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">(\u003cem>Illustration by Noah Haytin/\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/noh8tin/\">NOH8TIN\u003c/a>)\u003c/em>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Despite serving a five-year stint in a federal prison after being charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery (a trial during which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954252/did-mac-dre-really-go-to-prison-because-of-his-lyrics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">his lyrics were played for the jury\u003c/a>), Mac Dre had a prolific music career unlike any other.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And it’s still going.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A decade after his death, aerosol artists \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/illuminaries/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Illuminaries\u003c/a> put up a mural of \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/warriors/status/609932704205766657\">Steph Curry in a classic Thizz face pose\u003c/a> for the NBA Finals in Oakland. Last year, Curry’s company Unanimous Media announced a forthcoming \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13935501/steph-curry-mac-dre-documentary-bay-area-hip-hop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mac Dre documentary\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And just last month, NFL star-turned-media personality Marshawn Lynch was in Cuba for Amazon TV’s NFL coverage, where \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX2tJKo6wgs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">he taught locals the Thizz Dance\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967462\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967462\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-800x449.jpg\" alt=\"Thizz Face Steph Curry, painted in 2015 on 27th Street and Northgate Avenue in Oakland by The Illuminaries (the mural is no longer standing). \" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-800x449.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-1020x573.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa-768x431.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/CHbqj0GUcAAFcNa.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Thizz Face Steph Curry, painted in 2015 on 27th Street and Northgate Avenue in Oakland by The Illuminaries (the mural is no longer standing). \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And here I am, two decades after Mac Dre’s death, at his gravesite asking questions to the wind blowing through the pinwheels by his headstone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>You know you influenced everything from fashion to media, drug culture to car culture, spoken language to body language, right?\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mac Dre was a man of many aliases — Andre Macassi, Ronald Dregan and more — but I was speaking to “Furl,” a.k.a. “The Furly Ghost.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How did you do it, Furl? How do you become immortal? How do you influence generations of artists? How do you represent a region even after your demise? What does that mean for us? Are we haunted by the ghost of Furl, or are we enchanted by the legacy of a Mac named Dre? \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967465\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967465\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-800x535.jpg\" alt=\"The image of Mac Dre's 'Ronald Dregan: Dreganomics' album cover is shown in the background, as veteran Vallejo MC B-Legit performs at History of The Bay Day in San Francisco. \" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-800x535.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-1020x682.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/unnamed-1.jpg 1616w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre’s ‘Ronald Dregan’ album cover hovers over veteran Vallejo MC B-Legit at History of The Bay Day in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Pendarvis Harshaw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">T\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>he History of The Bay Day, an annual day party organized by podcast production duo, rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/dregs_one/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dregs One\u003c/a> and audio engineer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/deo415/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DEO\u003c/a>, is a collage of Bay Area hip-hop culture. Graffiti writers, MCs, media makers and more rub shoulders as panel discussions and live performances take place on the main stage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, I walk in with Mac Dre on my mind.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Is Furl’s spirit still here? What does Mac Dre mean to fans of Bay Area hip-hop history? Is the lingering presence of “hyphy culture” impeding the progress of current Bay Area rap?\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>When \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djshellheart/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>DJ ShellHeart\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> plays Mac Dre during her events, she says, “it brings the party up to a whole ‘nother level, even in 2024.” Behind her dark-tinted sunglasses, ShellHeart’s eyes widen as she adds, “I get chills talking about it, that’s how I know his spirit is still here.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the snack line, \u003ca href=\"https://www.theringer.com/authors/logan-murdock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Logan Murdock\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, writer for \u003cem>The Ringer\u003c/em> and co-host of \u003cem>The Real Ones\u003c/em>, tells me Mac Dre’s legacy lives on because there were “so many different versions of Dre, just like there are so many different versions of the Bay.” And as far as moving beyond the hyphy era, Murdock urges people to acknowledge the variety of Bay Area artists since Dre’s passing. “Artists like 22nd Jim, AllBlack, SOB x RBE, and others who’ve taken the genre forward,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13930745\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 999px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13930745\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre.png\" alt=\"Mac Dre performs on stage in the early 2000s, wearing giant sunglasses, a striped polo shirt and Adidas jacket.\" width=\"999\" height=\"751\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre.png 999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre-800x601.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre-160x120.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/mac-dre-768x577.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre onstage in the early 2000s. \u003ccite>(D-Ray)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>I run into producer \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/trackademicks/?hl=en\">\u003cstrong>Trackademicks\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>, who compares Dre’s contribution to Bay Area hip-hop to the corn tortilla’s place in Mexican cuisine. “It’s part of our cultural fabric.” And just like there’s so much more to Mexican cuisine, there’s more to Bay Area hip-hop culture. “When folks decide to fixate,” says Trackademicks, “thinking you can only be the corn tortilla, that’s where the problems lie.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for Mac Dre being a vital ingredient in our cultural roux, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/a.m.a.lllllll/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>DJ Amal\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> tells me that “Mac Dre gave us weird. He gave us different. He gave us obscure.” His influence, and the imprint of the hyphy era, is present in new artists both in and out of the Bay, she says. “It’s a reference point, it’s a foundation for a lot of stuff that we do now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>On the venue’s back patio, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/djhholla/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DJ H Holla\u003c/a> plays Mac Dre’s “Get Stupid.” Upstairs on the terrace, Oakland-based lyricist \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/aliasharrief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Alia Sharrief\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> doesn’t hesitate to tell me, “Mac Dre is the reason we’re \u003ca href=\"https://genius.com/198388\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dipped in A.1.\u003c/a>”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People are going to have their positives and negatives as far as impact and music and message,” Sharrief adds, referring to Dre’s promotion of pimping and pandering. “But when it comes to being happy, having heart and soul for the Bay Area… Mac Dre did that. And he still got us feeling ourselves today.”\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/TepB8KXVZIk'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/TepB8KXVZIk'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>San Francisco photographer \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/stson_/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Stetson Hines\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> notes that Mac Dre’s work brought economic growth. Talking about Dre’s \u003cem>Treal T.V.\u003c/em> and other media endeavors, Hines asks, “You ever think about the \u003ca href=\"https://48hills.org/2022/12/meet-the-videographer-behind-mac-dres-historic-90s-treal-t-v/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">videographers\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13951122/d-ray-bay-area-hip-hop-photographer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">photographers\u003c/a> it created?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Well-known Pittsburg rapper and Mac Dre collaborator \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/golasoaso/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Husalah\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> says Dre’s spirit has persevered because he represents a fading identity, “the street guys.” Akin to mobsters in Chicago, Husalah says they were once looked down upon, but now they’re celebrated.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s an outlaw life,” says Husalah, before going on stage. “We was cutthroats, pirates. Mac Dre was a pirate,” he says, explaining how as free-spirited artists with street ties they’d live freely, eating off of the land, drinking wine and playing their metaphorical “fiddle or violin.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>People romanticize artists from the true underground, Husalah says, and “Mac Dre represents one of the most authentic subcultures.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967501\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967501\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9.jpg 1500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/009_9-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mural of Mac Dre in Langton Alley in San Francisco, circa 2005. \u003ccite>(Elizabeth Seward)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Before leaving, I talk with rapper, producer and studio engineer \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13897503/rapper-and-audio-engineer-xarina-opens-a-studio-of-her-own-in-east-oakland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Xarina\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When asked if she hears Mac Dre’s influence in the rappers she works with, she says matter-of-factly: “I record Mistah F.A.B. … When he feels like rapping like Mac Dre, he will rap like Mac Dre. In 2024.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She adds that other artists — Seiji Oda, LaRussell, and Nef the Pharoah to name a few — have taken aspects of Dre’s style and “flipped it and made it new and fresh.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He’s hyphy,” Xarina says of Seiji Oda. “But it’s not same hyphy. It’s a refined new hyphy that fits into 2024.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967464\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13967464\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-800x1185.jpg\" alt=\"Artist Billy Blaze says his image of Mac Dre as the Furly Ghost is one of his most popular illustrations.\" width=\"800\" height=\"1185\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-800x1185.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-1020x1511.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-160x237.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-768x1138.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1-1037x1536.jpg 1037w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/0-1.jpg 1061w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artist Billy Blaze says his image of Mac Dre as the Furly Ghost is one of his most popular illustrations. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Billy Blaze)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/seijioda/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Seiji Oda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> is a 26 year-old Japanese and Panamanian guy from Oakland who makes “lo-fi hyphy” music; it’s tranquil yet saucy, and it’s recently gained momentum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After he produced the beat for his latest track, “\u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/seijioda/peaceful\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Peaceful\u003c/a>,” a friend pointed out that Oda had inadvertently flipped Mac Dre’s “Thizzle Dance” without realizing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Intrinsically,” he says, “I heard it and I felt it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seiji Oda was just six when Mac Dre was killed, and says he got Mac Dre vibes secondhand from the artists who were popular in the 2010s. “I was listening to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/ezalecantseewell/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ezale\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p_lo/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">P-Lo\u003c/a>,” says Seiji Oda during a phone call. He watched their videos, noticing how they embodied aspects of Dre’s music. “The way that it was passed down to us,” says Seiji Oda, “was through that lineage.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967498\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967498\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"991\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_.jpg 1000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_-800x793.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_-160x159.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/MacDre.YBB_-768x761.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mac Dre’s ‘Young Black Brotha,’ recorded around the time he first met Ray Luv. \u003ccite>(Young Black Brotha Records)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Few can speak to Bay Area hip-hop lineage like \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/therealrayluv/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Ray Luv\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>. Raised in Santa Rosa, as a teen he was close friends with Tupac, as a young adult he had his own career as an MC and nowadays Luv is the COO of Thizz Entertainment, managing Mac Dre’s estate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Luv even has a story of Mac Dre and Tupac sharing the the same space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In high school, Luv and Tupac once cut class to visit a video shoot for a Too Short song featuring Ice Cube. As Luv, Tupac and Shock G of The Digital Underground were being interviewed by famed comedian Mark Curry, Mac Dre arrived.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When Mac Dre got to the door, everybody stopped, and all you heard was ‘Mac Dre!'” exclaims Luv, elevating the pitch in his tone to imitate the guests. “This was a room full of stars and celebrities, but Mac Dre was one of those figures, like Pac in a way; a star among stars.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13886730\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1198px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13886730\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM.png\" alt=\"V White and Mac Dre in Big Pimpin' Turf Clothes\" width=\"1198\" height=\"1184\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM.png 1198w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-800x791.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-1020x1008.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-160x158.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-23-at-10.02.09-AM-768x759.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1198px) 100vw, 1198px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">V White and Mac Dre in Big Pimpin’ Turf Clothes. \u003ccite>(Big Printing Archives)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Luv says that these days, Dre’s brand is active, with companies regularly reaching out for potential action figures and hologram collaborations. “Without any marketing or promotion,” adds Luv, “he does millions of streams every month.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Why has Dre’s brand and spirit stood the test of time?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The reason we haven’t, per se, grown past Mac Dre, is because I don’t think that he’s someone to grow past,” says Luv, before remixing an iconic Maya Angelou quote. “People may not remember the words to your songs — they might not remember \u003cem>any\u003c/em> of your songs — but they will always remember the way you made them feel.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Mac Dre made us feel ourselves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13924556\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13924556\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured.jpg\" alt=\"a spraypainted mural of the rap artist mac dre\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/MacDre.chez_.featured-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Mac Dre mural on Foothill Boulevard in Oakland by artist Chez. \u003ccite>(Laurence Madrigal/We Were Hyphy)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">T\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>o understand Mac Dre’s impact, I revisited his discography and looked at old photos. I drove around, taking note of murals and stickers with with Mac Dre’s imagery, as well as people wearing Thizz gear. In 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I spent time listening to a wide array of artists eager to discuss Dre’s legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Famed Oakland-born actor \u003ca href=\"https://daveeddiggs.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u003cstrong>Daveed Diggs\u003c/strong>\u003c/a> asserts that Mac Dre “is under-appreciated as a lyricist and as a originator of cadences.” His hip-hop group \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/clppng/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clipping.\u003c/a> often uses Mac Dre songs as a reference for a particular feel, Diggs says, and deeper cuts like “Since ’84” and “Me Damac” are some of his favorite Mac Dre tracks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“If I ever had written a verse as good as any of those,” Diggs testifies, “I would have stopped, I would’ve just stopped.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Angelically hyphy extraterrestrial Frisco native \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/alienmackitty/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alien Mac Kitty\u003c/a> (AMK) attributes the “Mac” in her name to Mac Dre. In a voice note, she says she carries on that spirit, just as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13928057/alien-mac-kitty-cougnut-daughter-san-francisco-frisco-rap-legacy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">she carries on the legacy of her late father\u003c/a>, pioneering San Francisco rapper Cougnut. “He and Dre were actually really cool,” says AMK, adding that Mac Dre made everything fun, funky and colorful, in the most respectful way. The underground lyricist says that “Furl is still alive, and his spirit runs through the entire Bay Area renaissance right now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The journey — all of the conversations — were worth it. But the answers to my questions were in the soil at Mac Dre’s gravesite all along. The cigarette butts and tiny trinkets, the holistic stones and loose change donated to the patron saint of the hyphy movement. All evidence that Mac Dre’s spirt, the ghost of Furl, is still alive — and it lives in the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "remembering-adela-vazquez-beloved-trans-activist-and-performer",
"title": "Remembering Adela Vázquez, Beloved Trans Activist and Performer",
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"content": "\u003cp>Adela Vázquez, a beloved San Francisco transgender activist, died on Oct. 11 at 66 years old, her chosen family confirmed to KQED. The cause of death was a heart attack. Vázquez dedicated her career to advocating for HIV/AIDS healthcare and prevention, and paved the way for transgender Latinas in nightlife with her performance group, Las AtreDivas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez studied to be a teacher in her native Cuba before arriving to the U.S. by boat as an asylum seeker in 1980. In the early ’80s, she made her way from Florida to a refugee center in Arkansas, then to Dallas and Los Angeles, where she began her gender transition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Dallas, she became roommates with Catherine Nelson D’Alerta, a drag performer who arrived from Cuba the same year. D’Alerta put Vázquez in drag and invited her to perform for the first time. When D’Alerta moved to San Francisco, Vázquez joined her in 1983.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, the charismatic, stylish Vázquez became instantly popular. “She was everywhere, everybody knows her,” D’Alerta said. “It was amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 720px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967308\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Miss_Gay_Latina_1993.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Miss_Gay_Latina_1993.jpg 720w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Miss_Gay_Latina_1993-160x113.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adela Vázquez began her health advocacy after being crowned Miss Gay Latina in 1992. \u003ccite>(Wikimedia Commons)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 1992, Vázquez won the title of Miss Gay Latina from the community health organization Instituto Familiar de la Raza, which led her to her calling in health advocacy. As the AIDS epidemic raged on, she lost friends and loved ones, and decided to devote herself to uplifting trans people who were being misgendered, mistreated or ignored in the healthcare system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“At the time there were hospitals that were housing people that were dying of AIDS,” Vázquez told KQED in a 2023 interview. “And I found the transgender people were unhappy in these places because they were not represented. They know that they didn’t have a voice in the community yet. So I thought to myself, ‘I need to get involved with it,’ because it bothered me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez joined forces with a Mexican performer who went by La Condonera (the Condom Queen), who’d hand out free condoms to queer people and sex workers. Together with several other trans and gender-nonconforming Latinas, they founded Las AtreDivas (the Daring Divas). The drag group would use their 1:30 a.m. performance slot at the gay Latinx bar Esta Noche to educate people about safer sex. They also fundraised for the HIV/AIDS healthcare organization Proyecto ContraSIDA Por Vida, where Vázquez eventually got a job to further her community outreach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967307\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 604px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967307\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/AtreDivas.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/AtreDivas.jpg 604w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/AtreDivas-160x119.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adela Vázquez performing with Las AtreDivas in the early ’90s. \u003ccite>(Wikimedia Commons)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“She was one of the people who was [breaking] ceilings, being the first trans Latina to do a bunch of things, including talking for the first time in front of the Human Rights Commission to advocate for trans people in hospices,” said writer Julian Delgado Lopera in a speech at San Francisco Pride’s Ken Jones Awards earlier this year, when Vázquez received the José Sarria History Maker award.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez’s care for others also extended to her personal life. She was a mother figure to several queer and trans immigrants from Latin America.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I met her 13 years ago, I was running away, like many queer kids in San Francisco, from homophobia and transphobia in my family,” said Delgado Lopera, who grew up in Colombia, when presenting the award. “I found my mom. And in my mom, I found somebody who really taught me how to say, ‘I don’t give a fuck.’ I have so much love and so much respect for this woman who has really taught me how to hustle, how to be a bad bitch and how to love unconditionally.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez and D’Alerta were roommates for over 30 years and became a chosen family. D’Alerta recalls Vázquez playing flamenco records and cooking delicious Cuban dishes like roasted pork. “Every morning she’d wake up singing and making jokes,” D’Alerta said. “She was amazing to me. Never a problem. She took care of me like she was my mother.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artist Marcel Pardo Ariza, who also became part of the family, featured Vázquez in several of their projects. Portraits they shot of her appeared in their 2022 SECA Award show at SFMOMA. At Pardo Ariza’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13936474/marcel-pardo-ariza-orquideas-500-capp-street\">exhibition about transgender history last year at 500 Capp Street\u003c/a>, they invited Vázquez for an AtreDivas revival performance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hearing from someone who left their home country to be who they are and to be in San Francisco and to organize for the trans community felt so inspiring to me,” said Pardo Ariza, who is originally from Colombia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It almost always felt like she was just really in one way or another looking out for us,” they added. “And she just loved to cook. She loved to dance. She used to love to party.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13936482\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1456px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13936482\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem.png\" alt=\"Flyer with event info, black text on cream paper, photos of three storytellers at top of page\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1928\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem.png 1456w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-800x1059.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-1020x1351.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-160x212.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-768x1017.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-1160x1536.png 1160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A 1997 flyer by Laylani Wong (photo by Freddie Niems) for Adela Vázquez, Tamara Ching and Connie Amarathithada’s live storytelling event promoting safe sex behavior. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Adela Vazquez)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Pardo Ariza’s projects weren’t the first time Vázquez’s life inspired works of art. Artist Jaime Cortez published a graphic novel based on her life, \u003ci>Sexile/Sexilio\u003c/i>, in 2004. Her story was also featured in \u003ci>¡Cuéntamelo!: Oral Histories by LGBT Latino Immigrants\u003c/i>, edited by Delgado Lopera; \u003ci>Queer Brown Voices\u003c/i>, edited by Letitia Gomez, Uriel Quesada and Salvador Vidal-Ortiz; and Juana Maria Rodriguez’s 2023 book, \u003ci>Puta Life: Seeing Latinas, Working Sex\u003c/i>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After decades of working in community health and nightlife, Vázquez retired but found herself feeling lonely. In 2023, she started 50 and Fabulous, a support group for transgender women over 50 at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. As facilitator, she’d bring the women clothes and throw them birthday parties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a lot of fun. I found community again. It’s so fantastic,” Vázquez told KQED last year. “It’s a group that has no form. Sometimes we talk; sometimes we eat; sometimes we cry. I don’t think transgender people over a certain age have a lot of representation … So now they have a place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pardo Ariza and Delgado Lopera have plans to tell Vázquez’s story through their trans historical archive, \u003ca href=\"https://www.juliandlopera.com/memoria-trans-sf\">Memoria Trans SF\u003c/a>. Vázquez’s loved ones are \u003ca href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-adela-vazquez-a-dignified-farewell\">fundraising for burial costs on GoFundMe\u003c/a>, and on Oct. 27 at the Women’s Building in San Francisco, there will be a celebration of life open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“She was very private,” said D’Alerta, “but the community needs to say goodbye to somebody so special.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Adela Vázquez’s celebration of life takes place at the Women’s Building in San Francisco on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Adela Vázquez, a beloved San Francisco transgender activist, died on Oct. 11 at 66 years old, her chosen family confirmed to KQED. The cause of death was a heart attack. Vázquez dedicated her career to advocating for HIV/AIDS healthcare and prevention, and paved the way for transgender Latinas in nightlife with her performance group, Las AtreDivas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez studied to be a teacher in her native Cuba before arriving to the U.S. by boat as an asylum seeker in 1980. In the early ’80s, she made her way from Florida to a refugee center in Arkansas, then to Dallas and Los Angeles, where she began her gender transition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Dallas, she became roommates with Catherine Nelson D’Alerta, a drag performer who arrived from Cuba the same year. D’Alerta put Vázquez in drag and invited her to perform for the first time. When D’Alerta moved to San Francisco, Vázquez joined her in 1983.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, the charismatic, stylish Vázquez became instantly popular. “She was everywhere, everybody knows her,” D’Alerta said. “It was amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 720px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967308\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Miss_Gay_Latina_1993.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Miss_Gay_Latina_1993.jpg 720w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Miss_Gay_Latina_1993-160x113.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adela Vázquez began her health advocacy after being crowned Miss Gay Latina in 1992. \u003ccite>(Wikimedia Commons)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 1992, Vázquez won the title of Miss Gay Latina from the community health organization Instituto Familiar de la Raza, which led her to her calling in health advocacy. As the AIDS epidemic raged on, she lost friends and loved ones, and decided to devote herself to uplifting trans people who were being misgendered, mistreated or ignored in the healthcare system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“At the time there were hospitals that were housing people that were dying of AIDS,” Vázquez told KQED in a 2023 interview. “And I found the transgender people were unhappy in these places because they were not represented. They know that they didn’t have a voice in the community yet. So I thought to myself, ‘I need to get involved with it,’ because it bothered me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez joined forces with a Mexican performer who went by La Condonera (the Condom Queen), who’d hand out free condoms to queer people and sex workers. Together with several other trans and gender-nonconforming Latinas, they founded Las AtreDivas (the Daring Divas). The drag group would use their 1:30 a.m. performance slot at the gay Latinx bar Esta Noche to educate people about safer sex. They also fundraised for the HIV/AIDS healthcare organization Proyecto ContraSIDA Por Vida, where Vázquez eventually got a job to further her community outreach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967307\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 604px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967307\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/AtreDivas.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"604\" height=\"448\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/AtreDivas.jpg 604w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/AtreDivas-160x119.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adela Vázquez performing with Las AtreDivas in the early ’90s. \u003ccite>(Wikimedia Commons)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“She was one of the people who was [breaking] ceilings, being the first trans Latina to do a bunch of things, including talking for the first time in front of the Human Rights Commission to advocate for trans people in hospices,” said writer Julian Delgado Lopera in a speech at San Francisco Pride’s Ken Jones Awards earlier this year, when Vázquez received the José Sarria History Maker award.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez’s care for others also extended to her personal life. She was a mother figure to several queer and trans immigrants from Latin America.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I met her 13 years ago, I was running away, like many queer kids in San Francisco, from homophobia and transphobia in my family,” said Delgado Lopera, who grew up in Colombia, when presenting the award. “I found my mom. And in my mom, I found somebody who really taught me how to say, ‘I don’t give a fuck.’ I have so much love and so much respect for this woman who has really taught me how to hustle, how to be a bad bitch and how to love unconditionally.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Vázquez and D’Alerta were roommates for over 30 years and became a chosen family. D’Alerta recalls Vázquez playing flamenco records and cooking delicious Cuban dishes like roasted pork. “Every morning she’d wake up singing and making jokes,” D’Alerta said. “She was amazing to me. Never a problem. She took care of me like she was my mother.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artist Marcel Pardo Ariza, who also became part of the family, featured Vázquez in several of their projects. Portraits they shot of her appeared in their 2022 SECA Award show at SFMOMA. At Pardo Ariza’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13936474/marcel-pardo-ariza-orquideas-500-capp-street\">exhibition about transgender history last year at 500 Capp Street\u003c/a>, they invited Vázquez for an AtreDivas revival performance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hearing from someone who left their home country to be who they are and to be in San Francisco and to organize for the trans community felt so inspiring to me,” said Pardo Ariza, who is originally from Colombia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It almost always felt like she was just really in one way or another looking out for us,” they added. “And she just loved to cook. She loved to dance. She used to love to party.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13936482\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1456px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13936482\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem.png\" alt=\"Flyer with event info, black text on cream paper, photos of three storytellers at top of page\" width=\"1456\" height=\"1928\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem.png 1456w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-800x1059.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-1020x1351.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-160x212.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-768x1017.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Photo-by-Freddie-Niem-1160x1536.png 1160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A 1997 flyer by Laylani Wong (photo by Freddie Niems) for Adela Vázquez, Tamara Ching and Connie Amarathithada’s live storytelling event promoting safe sex behavior. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Adela Vazquez)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Pardo Ariza’s projects weren’t the first time Vázquez’s life inspired works of art. Artist Jaime Cortez published a graphic novel based on her life, \u003ci>Sexile/Sexilio\u003c/i>, in 2004. Her story was also featured in \u003ci>¡Cuéntamelo!: Oral Histories by LGBT Latino Immigrants\u003c/i>, edited by Delgado Lopera; \u003ci>Queer Brown Voices\u003c/i>, edited by Letitia Gomez, Uriel Quesada and Salvador Vidal-Ortiz; and Juana Maria Rodriguez’s 2023 book, \u003ci>Puta Life: Seeing Latinas, Working Sex\u003c/i>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After decades of working in community health and nightlife, Vázquez retired but found herself feeling lonely. In 2023, she started 50 and Fabulous, a support group for transgender women over 50 at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. As facilitator, she’d bring the women clothes and throw them birthday parties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a lot of fun. I found community again. It’s so fantastic,” Vázquez told KQED last year. “It’s a group that has no form. Sometimes we talk; sometimes we eat; sometimes we cry. I don’t think transgender people over a certain age have a lot of representation … So now they have a place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pardo Ariza and Delgado Lopera have plans to tell Vázquez’s story through their trans historical archive, \u003ca href=\"https://www.juliandlopera.com/memoria-trans-sf\">Memoria Trans SF\u003c/a>. Vázquez’s loved ones are \u003ca href=\"https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-adela-vazquez-a-dignified-farewell\">fundraising for burial costs on GoFundMe\u003c/a>, and on Oct. 27 at the Women’s Building in San Francisco, there will be a celebration of life open to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“She was very private,” said D’Alerta, “but the community needs to say goodbye to somebody so special.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Recently pulled from the archives,\u003cem> Jacques Pépin Celebrates: Thanksgiving\u003c/em> features Jacques Pépin at his most skilled and thoughtful as he prepares an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner with his family. This holiday special opens with Jacques’ late wife Gloria helping to prepare a salmon appetizer while daughter Claudine assists with the turkey dinner and sides. Many friends drop in along the way and lend their expertise on everything from mushroom foraging to apple cider fermentation. True to form, Jacques peppers in pieces of kitchen wisdom throughout the video: why to cook the stuffing separately, why you should steam the turkey before roasting, how to bone fish, and more. The holidays can be stressful and filled with feelings, let the soothing voice of Jacques Pépin guide you through it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Recipes in this video include salmon appetizers, chocolate bourbon prune cake, roast turkey with mushroom stuffing, butternut squash gratin, brussels sprouts, and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find other \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_PgxS3FkP7BmeKsJYmwmhblB3O-zpzAr\">Jacques Pépin holiday recipes on our YouTube channel\u003c/a> including brussels sprouts with bacon, mashed potato casserole, and many others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Recently pulled from the archives,\u003cem> Jacques Pépin Celebrates: Thanksgiving\u003c/em> features Jacques Pépin at his most skilled and thoughtful as he prepares an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner with his family. This holiday special opens with Jacques’ late wife Gloria helping to prepare a salmon appetizer while daughter Claudine assists with the turkey dinner and sides. Many friends drop in along the way and lend their expertise on everything from mushroom foraging to apple cider fermentation. True to form, Jacques peppers in pieces of kitchen wisdom throughout the video: why to cook the stuffing separately, why you should steam the turkey before roasting, how to bone fish, and more. The holidays can be stressful and filled with feelings, let the soothing voice of Jacques Pépin guide you through it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Recipes in this video include salmon appetizers, chocolate bourbon prune cake, roast turkey with mushroom stuffing, butternut squash gratin, brussels sprouts, and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find other \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_PgxS3FkP7BmeKsJYmwmhblB3O-zpzAr\">Jacques Pépin holiday recipes on our YouTube channel\u003c/a> including brussels sprouts with bacon, mashed potato casserole, and many others.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen Benjamin Glover visited Chicago’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.atelier-chicago.com/\">Atelier\u003c/a> at the end of 2023, he didn’t know what to expect. He left a changed man.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Never having experienced a fine dining tasting menu before, Glover figured he would have to get McDonald’s on the way home — there was no way those tiny plates would do the trick. But over the course of the meal, his mind was fully blown, his spirit stimulated alongside his stomach’s satiation. The thoughtful sequencing of dishes conjured to mind music. “It was like eating my way through an album,” Glover says. “I wanted to make an album that sounded like a tasting menu.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because when Glover is not eating gourmet dinners, he performs as the rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/blvcksvm/?hl=en\">Blvck Svm\u003c/a>. And he really did wind up creating an entire album that’s inspired by fine dining. It’s called \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i>, and it drops on Nov. 11. In keeping with the theme, Glover shot the music videos for the album in upscale kitchens around the country, milling between sauciers and line cooks while he raps into a mic that drapes down from the ceiling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Given Northern California’s fine-dining bona fides, it should come as no surprise that the project has strong Bay Area connections: Glover himself is based in Chicago, but one of the album’s main producers is from the East Bay. San Francisco fine dining restaurant \u003ca href=\"https://www.restaurantnisei.com/\">Nisei\u003c/a> gets a name drop on \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i>’s first track, “greymatter,” and its kitchen — and kitchen team — is featured in the music video for the song.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The songs on \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i> weave a concentric circle between high-level rapping and high-level cooking, bouncing between basketball references and tuna belly with ease. Tracks are riddled with samples from cooking shows and chefs pleading with diners to pay attention to their palate. On “irongate” Glover details the camel bone spoon he’ll use for Beluga caviar before comparing his duffel bag to a “Twix sans nougat.” On “mikealstott,” he raps in a near-whisper about how he will “trim the fat and drop it on the heat like a Pat Riley contract” — a reference to how the Miami Heat executive was notorious for monitoring his players’ body fat percentage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAjb2ruk1SM\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The songs are both about fine dining and not, shifting between instructions for searing meat and processing grief with ease. Through the 13-song, nearly 40-minute album, Glover’s flow is a low-rolling storm, breathless and quiet as each song’s larger picture emerges minute by minute.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Glover wrote the album between April and September of this year and shot the music videos in the same timeframe. Inspired by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/fromtheblockperformance/\">From the Block Performance’s\u003c/a> viral outdoor rap videos, the music videos for \u003ci>michelinman \u003c/i>have a certain Humans of New York feeling to them, as strangers peel around the artist while he raps in public — in this case, inside prominent fine dining kitchens including Oklahoma City’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.nonesuchokc.com/\">NONESUCH\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thebutcheryyeg.ca/\">The Butchery by RGE RD\u003c/a> in Alberta, Canada.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the videos, Glover plays the part of an interloper praising the work he sees around him. In the one for “greymatter,” shot at Nisei in black and white, the kitchen crew makes quick work of several whole fish, slicing and deboning behind Glover in his puffy jacket. Over a tinkling piano loop, Glover waxes poetic about the Russian Hill restaurant’s raw fish preparations: “I ran out of excuses, I had to make something happen / Break a backend at Nisei or Momotaro / Sashimi otoro, chutoro, cleansing all of my sorrows / Soy sauce only an option if flavor need to be borrowed.” There’s a noir ambiance to the scene, Glover barely visible, the mic hanging in front of him an anchor through the rushing energy of the Nisei kitchen staff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=488DcyAaXV4\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Glover has been chasing his rap dreams since he was a kid in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Back then, he modeled himself after the Southern icon Lil Wayne — but that was just for fun during lunch. It was while he was a student at the University of Chicago, shaking like a leaf during his first performances, that he finally rapped in front of an actual audience. His handle’s changed over the years, finally landing on Blvck Svm as a nod to Cartoon Network’s \u003ci>Samurai Jack\u003c/i>. It’s also an homage to Yasuke, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-yasuke-japans-first-black-samurai-180981416/\">first Black samurai\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-weight: 400\">[aside postID='arts_13907726']\u003c/span>\u003c/span>During the pandemic, Glover lost his day job as an assistant manager at the university’s gym just before his rap career started to go big: His 2020 single “\u003ca href=\"https://blvcksvm.bandcamp.com/track/bleach\">bleach\u003c/a>,” a brief, lyrically dense track, now has millions of streams.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i>, Glover linked up with Los Angeles–based producer MIKE SUMMERS, but he tapped Fremont musician Max He for sample interpolation. He has been working with Glover for about a year and says that while the Bay Area’s music scene is vast, not a lot of action happens in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13965193/fremont-immigrant-suburb-idealism-my-hometown\">Fremont\u003c/a> — so he was starstruck, for instance, to be working on the same project as Terrace Martin, who plays sax on the album’s outro. “[Blvck Svm’s] music is about redefining luxury into something accessible,” He says, “not something reserved just for the upper class. He talks about the waiter sprinkling lemon pepper on his wings at Wing Stop in the same way he does about sashimi from Nisei.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967664\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967664\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef.jpg\" alt=\"A rapper in a black puffy jacket poses with a chef in the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glover poses with Nisei chef-owner David Yoshimura. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Blvck Svm)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For David Yoshimura, Nisei’s chef-owner, it was wonderful to be involved in the album at all. Nisei is a fitting restaurant to highlight on the topic of “accessible luxury” — after all, not many other San Francisco restaurants pair \u003ca href=\"https://sf.eater.com/2024/5/2/24133340/savory-mochi-san-francisco-restaurants\">caviar with mochi\u003c/a>. Glover had reached out to the \u003ca href=\"https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/nisei\">Michelin-starred restaurant\u003c/a> directly via Instagram, and while a lot of people hit him up with offers to collaborate, Yoshimura was struck by the rapper’s politeness and professionalism. The shoot itself was an easy affair. There’s not usually much yelling in Nisei’s kitchen, he says, so they amped up the energy for the video.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Afterwards, Glover and He came in for dinner, and both of them raved about the mochi caviar course and the miso soup. “They were the nicest guests,” Yoshimura says. “And I think his album is going to be the first of its kind.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967673\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967673\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront.jpg\" alt='A man in a red baseball cap and white \"A Timeless Ape\" T-shirt poses in front of the Chicago waterfront.' width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1920x2400.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glover in front of the Chicago waterfront. \u003ccite>(Michael Tinley, courtesy of Blvck Svm)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Of course, Glover is hardly the\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13955802/bay-area-rappers-food-lyrics-illustrations-e-40-larry-june\"> first rapper to consider food\u003c/a>. The late great MF Doom was famous for his lyrical odes to “Doritos, Cheetos or Fritos.” Earlier this fall, New York experimental rappers Phiik and Lungs put out a dense project called \u003ca href=\"https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/phiik-lungs-carrot-season/\">\u003ci>Carrot Season\u003c/i>\u003c/a> that includes a track about psychedelic herbal tea. And the Bay’s own Larry June raps about health food and orange juice, and even \u003ca href=\"https://brokeassstuart.com/2023/04/24/larry-june-and-the-alchemists-love-letter-to-the-bay-area-is-a-delight/\">owns a boba shop\u003c/a> in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-weight: 400\">[aside postID='arts_13955802,arts_13934248']\u003c/span>\u003c/span>But Glover hopes to be the first full bridge between the mediums — like a fan of flex rap finding a track that gets them deeper into hip-hop, or a diner who heads to Benu for the Instagram pic but leaves weeping like Keanu Reeves in \u003ci>Always Be My Maybe\u003c/i>. His inspirations include MF DOOM and the Griselda hip-hop collective (Boldy James is featured on the album). He cites Action Bronson as another muse, in the way he de-escalates luxurious experiences through irreverent, abstract bars.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Glover’s training to get to that level is, fittingly, spent at the chef’s table.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All those things people see as art in food are also in rap. So I spend my time watching how they move through the space,” he says. “The timing, the precision.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003ca href=\"https://too.fm/michelinman?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZwbE2w0QgkWzig03KGJJwvFGQh60VyVR65a7G7W0ZLRC1uzS1H7buao00_aem_JNNYZ0-t6kek9RcG8zCqtg\">michelinman\u003c/a> will be available to stream on all platforms on Nov. 11. \u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">W\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>hen Benjamin Glover visited Chicago’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.atelier-chicago.com/\">Atelier\u003c/a> at the end of 2023, he didn’t know what to expect. He left a changed man.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Never having experienced a fine dining tasting menu before, Glover figured he would have to get McDonald’s on the way home — there was no way those tiny plates would do the trick. But over the course of the meal, his mind was fully blown, his spirit stimulated alongside his stomach’s satiation. The thoughtful sequencing of dishes conjured to mind music. “It was like eating my way through an album,” Glover says. “I wanted to make an album that sounded like a tasting menu.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because when Glover is not eating gourmet dinners, he performs as the rapper \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/blvcksvm/?hl=en\">Blvck Svm\u003c/a>. And he really did wind up creating an entire album that’s inspired by fine dining. It’s called \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i>, and it drops on Nov. 11. In keeping with the theme, Glover shot the music videos for the album in upscale kitchens around the country, milling between sauciers and line cooks while he raps into a mic that drapes down from the ceiling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Given Northern California’s fine-dining bona fides, it should come as no surprise that the project has strong Bay Area connections: Glover himself is based in Chicago, but one of the album’s main producers is from the East Bay. San Francisco fine dining restaurant \u003ca href=\"https://www.restaurantnisei.com/\">Nisei\u003c/a> gets a name drop on \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i>’s first track, “greymatter,” and its kitchen — and kitchen team — is featured in the music video for the song.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The songs on \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i> weave a concentric circle between high-level rapping and high-level cooking, bouncing between basketball references and tuna belly with ease. Tracks are riddled with samples from cooking shows and chefs pleading with diners to pay attention to their palate. On “irongate” Glover details the camel bone spoon he’ll use for Beluga caviar before comparing his duffel bag to a “Twix sans nougat.” On “mikealstott,” he raps in a near-whisper about how he will “trim the fat and drop it on the heat like a Pat Riley contract” — a reference to how the Miami Heat executive was notorious for monitoring his players’ body fat percentage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/FAjb2ruk1SM'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/FAjb2ruk1SM'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>The songs are both about fine dining and not, shifting between instructions for searing meat and processing grief with ease. Through the 13-song, nearly 40-minute album, Glover’s flow is a low-rolling storm, breathless and quiet as each song’s larger picture emerges minute by minute.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Glover wrote the album between April and September of this year and shot the music videos in the same timeframe. Inspired by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/fromtheblockperformance/\">From the Block Performance’s\u003c/a> viral outdoor rap videos, the music videos for \u003ci>michelinman \u003c/i>have a certain Humans of New York feeling to them, as strangers peel around the artist while he raps in public — in this case, inside prominent fine dining kitchens including Oklahoma City’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.nonesuchokc.com/\">NONESUCH\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thebutcheryyeg.ca/\">The Butchery by RGE RD\u003c/a> in Alberta, Canada.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the videos, Glover plays the part of an interloper praising the work he sees around him. In the one for “greymatter,” shot at Nisei in black and white, the kitchen crew makes quick work of several whole fish, slicing and deboning behind Glover in his puffy jacket. Over a tinkling piano loop, Glover waxes poetic about the Russian Hill restaurant’s raw fish preparations: “I ran out of excuses, I had to make something happen / Break a backend at Nisei or Momotaro / Sashimi otoro, chutoro, cleansing all of my sorrows / Soy sauce only an option if flavor need to be borrowed.” There’s a noir ambiance to the scene, Glover barely visible, the mic hanging in front of him an anchor through the rushing energy of the Nisei kitchen staff.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/488DcyAaXV4'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/488DcyAaXV4'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>Glover has been chasing his rap dreams since he was a kid in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Back then, he modeled himself after the Southern icon Lil Wayne — but that was just for fun during lunch. It was while he was a student at the University of Chicago, shaking like a leaf during his first performances, that he finally rapped in front of an actual audience. His handle’s changed over the years, finally landing on Blvck Svm as a nod to Cartoon Network’s \u003ci>Samurai Jack\u003c/i>. It’s also an homage to Yasuke, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/who-was-yasuke-japans-first-black-samurai-180981416/\">first Black samurai\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-weight: 400\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/span>\u003c/span>During the pandemic, Glover lost his day job as an assistant manager at the university’s gym just before his rap career started to go big: His 2020 single “\u003ca href=\"https://blvcksvm.bandcamp.com/track/bleach\">bleach\u003c/a>,” a brief, lyrically dense track, now has millions of streams.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For \u003ci>michelinman\u003c/i>, Glover linked up with Los Angeles–based producer MIKE SUMMERS, but he tapped Fremont musician Max He for sample interpolation. He has been working with Glover for about a year and says that while the Bay Area’s music scene is vast, not a lot of action happens in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13965193/fremont-immigrant-suburb-idealism-my-hometown\">Fremont\u003c/a> — so he was starstruck, for instance, to be working on the same project as Terrace Martin, who plays sax on the album’s outro. “[Blvck Svm’s] music is about redefining luxury into something accessible,” He says, “not something reserved just for the upper class. He talks about the waiter sprinkling lemon pepper on his wings at Wing Stop in the same way he does about sashimi from Nisei.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967664\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967664\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef.jpg\" alt=\"A rapper in a black puffy jacket poses with a chef in the kitchen of a fine dining restaurant.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-nisei-chef-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glover poses with Nisei chef-owner David Yoshimura. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Blvck Svm)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>For David Yoshimura, Nisei’s chef-owner, it was wonderful to be involved in the album at all. Nisei is a fitting restaurant to highlight on the topic of “accessible luxury” — after all, not many other San Francisco restaurants pair \u003ca href=\"https://sf.eater.com/2024/5/2/24133340/savory-mochi-san-francisco-restaurants\">caviar with mochi\u003c/a>. Glover had reached out to the \u003ca href=\"https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/california/san-francisco/restaurant/nisei\">Michelin-starred restaurant\u003c/a> directly via Instagram, and while a lot of people hit him up with offers to collaborate, Yoshimura was struck by the rapper’s politeness and professionalism. The shoot itself was an easy affair. There’s not usually much yelling in Nisei’s kitchen, he says, so they amped up the energy for the video.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Afterwards, Glover and He came in for dinner, and both of them raved about the mochi caviar course and the miso soup. “They were the nicest guests,” Yoshimura says. “And I think his album is going to be the first of its kind.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967673\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967673\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront.jpg\" alt='A man in a red baseball cap and white \"A Timeless Ape\" T-shirt poses in front of the Chicago waterfront.' width=\"2000\" height=\"2500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1020x1275.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-160x200.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/blck-svm-waterfront-1920x2400.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glover in front of the Chicago waterfront. \u003ccite>(Michael Tinley, courtesy of Blvck Svm)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Of course, Glover is hardly the\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13955802/bay-area-rappers-food-lyrics-illustrations-e-40-larry-june\"> first rapper to consider food\u003c/a>. The late great MF Doom was famous for his lyrical odes to “Doritos, Cheetos or Fritos.” Earlier this fall, New York experimental rappers Phiik and Lungs put out a dense project called \u003ca href=\"https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/phiik-lungs-carrot-season/\">\u003ci>Carrot Season\u003c/i>\u003c/a> that includes a track about psychedelic herbal tea. And the Bay’s own Larry June raps about health food and orange juice, and even \u003ca href=\"https://brokeassstuart.com/2023/04/24/larry-june-and-the-alchemists-love-letter-to-the-bay-area-is-a-delight/\">owns a boba shop\u003c/a> in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b2b2b;font-weight: 400\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/span>\u003c/span>But Glover hopes to be the first full bridge between the mediums — like a fan of flex rap finding a track that gets them deeper into hip-hop, or a diner who heads to Benu for the Instagram pic but leaves weeping like Keanu Reeves in \u003ci>Always Be My Maybe\u003c/i>. His inspirations include MF DOOM and the Griselda hip-hop collective (Boldy James is featured on the album). He cites Action Bronson as another muse, in the way he de-escalates luxurious experiences through irreverent, abstract bars.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Glover’s training to get to that level is, fittingly, spent at the chef’s table.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All those things people see as art in food are also in rap. So I spend my time watching how they move through the space,” he says. “The timing, the precision.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003ca href=\"https://too.fm/michelinman?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZwbE2w0QgkWzig03KGJJwvFGQh60VyVR65a7G7W0ZLRC1uzS1H7buao00_aem_JNNYZ0-t6kek9RcG8zCqtg\">michelinman\u003c/a> will be available to stream on all platforms on Nov. 11. \u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "bay-area-rappers-food-lyrics-illustrations-e-40-larry-june",
"title": "Here’s What Bay Area Rappers Are Eating (According to Their Lyrics)",
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"content": "\u003cp>[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen conveying what it means to really be from the Bay Area, I often return to this simple yet revelatory \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/mac-dre\">Mac Dre\u003c/a> lyric: “In the Bay Area, we dance a little different.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether it’s in our music, political activism or technological contributions, there’s a certain out-of-box forwardness that tends to manifest from Bay Area minds — a distinguishable pride in how we approach everything with a savvy sprinkling of game, hustlership and top-tier ideation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The same can be said for the Bay Area’s food scene, which ranks among the nation’s best and most imaginative. From sourdough bread to the eternal Mission-style burrito, the Bay’s foodmakers have often been ahead of the curve, helping to revolutionize menus nationwide with their fresh farm-to-table approach. To borrow from the great Mac, one could say that in the Bay Area, we \u003ci>eat\u003c/i> a little different.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[aside postID='arts_13907726,arts_13934248']\u003c/span>It’s no surprise, then, that in the history of local rap, food has always been a strong reference point — a metaphorical kitchen for creative exchange. An endless platter of well-seasoned slang. For decades, our rappers have delivered punchlines involving sauce, lasagna and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMah0rX6pGU\">lumpia\u003c/a>; dropped verses that generously reference \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkBJR5L2nas\">desserts and bakeries\u003c/a>; and supplied entire songs about stacking bread, cheese and lettuce as lucrative sandwiches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/bay-area-rap-shrimp-crab-17915372.php\">Food-loving Bay Area rappers\u003c/a> have always been bold when it comes to transmorphing culinary items and kitchen utensils into slang that others then appropriate and even misuse (see: “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13908052/food-doesnt-slap\">food doesn’t slap\u003c/a>”). Shock G once talked about getting busy in a Burger King bathroom and declared, “I like my oatmeal lumpy.” On “Dreganomics,” Mac Dre himself asked, “What’s spaghetti without the sauce?” We’ve got Suga T (sweet) and Spice 1 (hot). Berner founded \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cookiessf/?hl=en\">Cookies\u003c/a>. And just a few weeks ago, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13900085/stunnaman02-and-the-big-steppin-energy-in-the-room\">Stunnaman02\u003c/a> dropped a whole series of viral videos centered on his latest single. His focus? \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@jayworrld/video/7340701934355254574\">Eating a salad\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s a unifying ethos in Bay Area food and rap: \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6GU3PmttyI\">Everybody eats\u003c/a>. So here’s a brief ode to some of our region’s most skilled vocabulary chefs and the tasteful ways they’ve reimagined the ingredients of language that are possible in a kitchen — and the recording studio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956090\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956090\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper E-40 in sunglasses and a beige apron, holding a glass of red wine. In front of him are a burrito and a grilled cheese sandwich.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">E-40 might be the most prolific inventor of food-related slang words in the English language. He’s a head chef in the Bay Area’s rap kingdom. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>E-40: Green eggs, hams, candy yams, Spam, cheese, peanut butter and jam on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etIBcRriUJY\">The Slap\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Digital scale, green eggs and hams / Yams, candy yams, Spam, damn! / Loaded, my cheese, peanut butter and jam / Sammich, mannish, me and my Hispanics / Vanish, talkin’ in codes like we from different planets.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Though it may sound like gibberish to the uninitiated, rest assured that \u003ca href=\"https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2013/12/food-rap-decoded-with-e-40-video\">99.99% of anything 40 Water vocalizes has a cleverly associative meaning\u003c/a>. For anyone who has listened to one of the more than 25 studio albums from Vallejo’s kingpin, you’ve surely heard him mention food — perhaps in a variety of languages (some real, some ingeniously invented). In addition to the smorgasbord he notes above in “The Slap,” he has pioneered rhymes across generations that give new meanings to Gouda, feta, mozzarella, lettuce, bread, sausage, salami, paninis, spaghetti, tacos and enchiladas — ad infinitum. Unsurprisingly, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13907726/e-40-goon-with-the-spoon-bay-area-rappers-food-entrepreneurs-hustle\">Mr. Fonzarelli is an actual purveyor of foods and beverages\u003c/a>, with a line of products that includes malt liquor, ice cream and burritos; he even co-owns \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thelumpiacompany/\">The Lumpia Company\u003c/a>. There’s no one with a bigger million-dollar mouthpiece who can distribute as much word candy (“S-L-A-N-G”) quite as flavorfully as the Goon With The Spoon himself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Andre Nickatina: TOGO’s #41 sandwich with the hot peppers on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FU1XdPE6lM\">Fa Show\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Baby don’t act dumb, I’m number 41, high stepper / TOGO’s sandwich with the hot peppers / At 90 degrees I might freeze, so when it’s hot I sport leather.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fillmore’s finest, and among \u003ca href=\"https://www.passionweiss.com/2016/11/17/andre-nickatina/\">the most criminally underrated San Francisco rappers in history\u003c/a>, Andre Nickatina has always had a penchant for the spicy, the flavorful, the extemporaneously saucy. From rapping about eating Cap’n Crunch around drug dealers to sarcastically handing out Baskin Robbins dollars to his enemies, Nicky Nicotine (formerly known as Dre Dog) raps about food as casually as any rapper would ever dare. Unlike many of today’s international rap personalities, who seem to only eat at \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/6frbt9/why_are_rappers_obsessed_with_nobu_sushi/\">high-priced sushi conglomerates\u003c/a>, Nickatina is a Bay Area real one, electing to stay fed at a regional sandwich chain from San Jose. The enigmatic “number 41” on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.togos.com/menu/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh69gJ2fS8J9qmnAKJEnCmI5720psTxEmhEmkgFAemWoe3auyNuuxExoCTm0QAvD_BwE\">Togo’s menu\u003c/a> has since been discontinued, but a spokesperson for the restaurant IDed it as a sirloin steak and mushroom sandwich that was introduced as a seasonal special back in 2002 — the same year “Fa Show” was released. There is no doubt it must’ve been fire, given its endorsement by a legend who knows how to professionally “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8TXpoi-goE\">Break Bread\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956088\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956088\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper Kamaiyah eating from a plate of chicken alfredo tucked under her arm. Next to her is a bottle of champagne.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kamaiyah’s album covers often feature food, Hennessey and champagne — a reflection of the rapper’s saucy, bossy lifestyle. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Kamaiyah: Champagne and chicken on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yls2dMJ63tM\">Whatever Whenever\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Just drink champagne with all my chicken meals.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s fitting that East Oakland’s Kamaiyah — who cooked up the searingly hot single “How Does It Feel” on her transcendent debut, \u003ci>A Good Night in the Ghetto\u003c/i> — continued to double down on aspirational living and good eating with her sophomore release, \u003ci>Got It Made\u003c/i>. As always, the bodacious trapper rhymes over a synth-laced, floaty-spaceship soundscape while bragging about her California riches — and cuisine. The music video for “Whatever Whenever” features Kamaiyah roaming the untainted grounds of a Napa Valley-esque chateau. Her album covers over the years have also featured bags of potato chips, Hennessy and double-fisted bottles of champagne. It’s always bottoms up when Kamaiyah is on the track.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Too $hort: Macaroni, steak and collard greens on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru5B8cFskaw\">All My B*tches Are Gone\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Eat some shit up / macaroni, steak, collard greens, or whatever the fuck.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With over 35 years of classic albums like \u003ci>Cocktails\u003c/i> and \u003ci>Gettin’ It\u003c/i>, there’s no doubt that Short Dogg knows how to feed his multi-generational fanbase. He doesn’t shy away from straightforward lyrics — or having a large appetite for nefarious activities — and he has continued to make seasoned slaps for precisely 225,000 hours and counting (“get a calculator, do the math”). This OG’s plate of choice includes classic soul food staples served with a slab of steak. As the veteran unmistakably outlines on “This How We Eat”: “We make money, we eat, we feed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956087\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956087\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper Larry June in an SF Giants cap, holding a crab cracker in one hand and a fork in the other. In front of him is a whole lobster on a plate.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Besides establishing himself as the healthiest rapper in Bay Area lore, Larry June is also known for sporting vintage muscle cars and cracking lobsters in Sausalito as part of his luxurious lifestyle. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Larry June: Crab legs on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luIhlZBrJos\">Lifetime Income\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“This not my girlfriend, we just eatin’ crab legs.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you know Larry June, then you know he’s all about smoothies, green teas, organic juices and oranges (yee hee!). But just as buttery are his numerously silky references to luxury meals and late-night outings with a seemingly endless rotation of women friends. Without question, the Hunters Point rapper has one of the healthiest appetites of anyone around a microphone, regularly dropping rhymes about his organic sustenance. Since Uncle Larry makes a living off his out-of-pocket food references, he merits an honorable mention for dropping other absolute bangers like “I might write a motherfuckin’ smoothie book or somethin’ … Sell this shit for thirty dollars” and “Watermelon juice riding bikes with my latest chick / I don’t do the clubs that often, I got a check to get.” It’s fitting that \u003ca href=\"https://uproxx.com/music/larry-june-interview-san-francisco/\">he also co-owns Honeybear Boba in the Dogpatch\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Iamsu!: Chicken strips and Moscato on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQcxMU3uvLg\">Don’t Stop\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Keep it real I don’t brag though… / Chicken strips, no escargot / [sippin’] on the Moscato.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To be fair, this lyric is from a young, mixtape-era Iamsu! and might not reflect the current palate of the multi-platinum rapper and producer from Richmond. (In fact, that’s probably true of every rapper on this list, so take these lyrics with a grain of salt.) But when I first heard this song in my 20s, it’s a line that did — and still does — resonate for its unglamorized celebration of living on a low-budget microwaveable diet while maintaining a glimmer of high-life ambition. Personally, I’d take chicken strips over escargot nine out of ten times. And, from the sound of it, so would Suzy 6 Speed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956086\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956086\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"The rapper P-Lo wiggles his fingers in delight over a plate of chicken wings sitting on a bed of dollar bills.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">P-Lo often raps about his love of chicken (chicken adobo, fried chicken, chicken wings), and his favorite food-related slang word is also “chicken” (as a stand in for “money”). \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>P-Lo: Chicken wings in the strip club on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-ajtPhAQ1U\">Going To Work\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“In the strip club eating chicken wings.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">[aside postID='arts_13938479']\u003c/span>There may not be another rapper on this list with as much love for chicken wings as Pinole’s P-Lo. For starters, the lyricist and producer launched a transnational food tour, teaming up with Filipino restaurants around the U.S. and Canada to deliver collaborative one-off dishes, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13935891/p-lo-senor-sisig-filipino-food-tour-oakland\">his own spicy sinigang wings at Señor Sisig in Oakland\u003c/a>. If that’s not enough, he has popped up on popular social media channels like \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bayareafoodz/?hl=en\">Bay Area Foodz\u003c/a> as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYkVcpM6E0\">he searches for the best wings around the Yay\u003c/a>. His songs are even featured on \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwyzdhfrNCE/\">national commercials for Wingstop\u003c/a>. For P-Lo, it’s always time to bring back the bass — and taste.\u003cb>\u003ci>\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Guap (formerly Guapdad 4000): Chicken adobo on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DaovaJgytE\">Chicken Adobo\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“How I fell in love with you it was beautiful / Like chicken adobo how you fill me up.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the Black Filipino American rapper from West Oakland, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905208/a-new-generation-of-filipino-hip-hop-builds-on-a-deep-bay-area-legacy\">food has always played a central role in his upbringing\u003c/a>. The anime-loving, Marvel comics fan grew up in a Filipino household eating champorado, and his songs have never shied away from references to his dual cultures. In what might be his most well-known song, Guap equates romantic satiation to filling up on a bowl of chicken adobo. His love of food goes beyond the booth — he recently spoke out on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13950363/keith-lee-tiktok-oakland-sf-bay-area-struggles\">the recent Keith Lee fiasco\u003c/a>, and he also put together\u003ca href=\"https://trippin.world/guide/oaklands-top-food-joints-with-rapper-guapdad-4000\"> a map of his favorite places to eat around The Town\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cellski: Canadian bacon, hash browns and cheddar cheese on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6wFRZOd7n8\">Chedda\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Gotta get the cheddar, fuck the [federals].”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As most food mentions in Bay Area rap goes, Cellski’s mention of this quintessentially North American breakfast combo isn’t exactly a homage to the real ingredients, as much as it is a reference to his hustling. His 1998 \u003ca href=\"https://www.discogs.com/release/841568-Cellski-Canadian-Bacon-Hash-Browns/image/SW1hZ2U6NDg3ODMxNzk=\">album cover\u003c/a> for \u003ci>Canadian Bacon & Hash Browns \u003c/i>features a cartoon depiction of the rapper getting pulled over and arrested by a Canadian mountie, with an open trunk revealing pounds of medicinal herbs. Nonetheless, there’s a good chance that the veteran San Francisco spitter actually does like to carry Canadian bacon, hash browns and cheddar around — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13922141/cellskis-big-mafi-burgers-come-with-a-side-of-sf-rap-history\">he’s a part-time foodie who runs his own burger pop-up, after all\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956089\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956089\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper Dru Down in gold sunglasses and a black trench coat, holding an ice cream cone in one hand and an ice cream sundae on the table in front of him.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In a famous 1996 beef, Dru Down and the Luniz accused New Orleans rapper Master P (who started his musical career in the Bay Area) for stealing their concept of the “Ice Cream Man” — slang for a narcotics dealer. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dru Down: Ice cream on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uNv2qAje-Q\">Ice Cream Man\u003c/a>” (with the Luniz)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Get your ice cream, ice cream / Not Ice-T, not Ice Cube, ice cream.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not intended for children, the classic 1993 anthem off Dru Down’s \u003ci>Fools From The Street \u003c/i>paints a startling picture of addiction and illicit drug distribution around Oakland in the wake of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs. Despite its unapologetic content, “Ice Cream Man” went on to establish an indisputably popular food motif in national rap music: ice cream as a stand-in for drug dealing. Since the production includes an audio sampling of an ice cream truck’s inimitable tune, listening to it evokes a sense of nostalgia for the frozen treat — and for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop\">golden-era Bay Area hip-hop\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "A brief look at some of the Bay Area’s most notoriously hungry rappers — and the foods they’ve lyricized about.",
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"title": "Bay Area Rappers and Food Lyrics | KQED",
"description": "A brief look at some of the Bay Area’s most notoriously hungry rappers — and the foods they’ve lyricized about.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">W\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>hen conveying what it means to really be from the Bay Area, I often return to this simple yet revelatory \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/mac-dre\">Mac Dre\u003c/a> lyric: “In the Bay Area, we dance a little different.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether it’s in our music, political activism or technological contributions, there’s a certain out-of-box forwardness that tends to manifest from Bay Area minds — a distinguishable pride in how we approach everything with a savvy sprinkling of game, hustlership and top-tier ideation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The same can be said for the Bay Area’s food scene, which ranks among the nation’s best and most imaginative. From sourdough bread to the eternal Mission-style burrito, the Bay’s foodmakers have often been ahead of the curve, helping to revolutionize menus nationwide with their fresh farm-to-table approach. To borrow from the great Mac, one could say that in the Bay Area, we \u003ci>eat\u003c/i> a little different.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/span>It’s no surprise, then, that in the history of local rap, food has always been a strong reference point — a metaphorical kitchen for creative exchange. An endless platter of well-seasoned slang. For decades, our rappers have delivered punchlines involving sauce, lasagna and \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMah0rX6pGU\">lumpia\u003c/a>; dropped verses that generously reference \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkBJR5L2nas\">desserts and bakeries\u003c/a>; and supplied entire songs about stacking bread, cheese and lettuce as lucrative sandwiches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/bay-area-rap-shrimp-crab-17915372.php\">Food-loving Bay Area rappers\u003c/a> have always been bold when it comes to transmorphing culinary items and kitchen utensils into slang that others then appropriate and even misuse (see: “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13908052/food-doesnt-slap\">food doesn’t slap\u003c/a>”). Shock G once talked about getting busy in a Burger King bathroom and declared, “I like my oatmeal lumpy.” On “Dreganomics,” Mac Dre himself asked, “What’s spaghetti without the sauce?” We’ve got Suga T (sweet) and Spice 1 (hot). Berner founded \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cookiessf/?hl=en\">Cookies\u003c/a>. And just a few weeks ago, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13900085/stunnaman02-and-the-big-steppin-energy-in-the-room\">Stunnaman02\u003c/a> dropped a whole series of viral videos centered on his latest single. His focus? \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@jayworrld/video/7340701934355254574\">Eating a salad\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There’s a unifying ethos in Bay Area food and rap: \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6GU3PmttyI\">Everybody eats\u003c/a>. So here’s a brief ode to some of our region’s most skilled vocabulary chefs and the tasteful ways they’ve reimagined the ingredients of language that are possible in a kitchen — and the recording studio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956090\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956090\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper E-40 in sunglasses and a beige apron, holding a glass of red wine. In front of him are a burrito and a grilled cheese sandwich.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/E40-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">E-40 might be the most prolific inventor of food-related slang words in the English language. He’s a head chef in the Bay Area’s rap kingdom. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>E-40: Green eggs, hams, candy yams, Spam, cheese, peanut butter and jam on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etIBcRriUJY\">The Slap\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Digital scale, green eggs and hams / Yams, candy yams, Spam, damn! / Loaded, my cheese, peanut butter and jam / Sammich, mannish, me and my Hispanics / Vanish, talkin’ in codes like we from different planets.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Though it may sound like gibberish to the uninitiated, rest assured that \u003ca href=\"https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2013/12/food-rap-decoded-with-e-40-video\">99.99% of anything 40 Water vocalizes has a cleverly associative meaning\u003c/a>. For anyone who has listened to one of the more than 25 studio albums from Vallejo’s kingpin, you’ve surely heard him mention food — perhaps in a variety of languages (some real, some ingeniously invented). In addition to the smorgasbord he notes above in “The Slap,” he has pioneered rhymes across generations that give new meanings to Gouda, feta, mozzarella, lettuce, bread, sausage, salami, paninis, spaghetti, tacos and enchiladas — ad infinitum. Unsurprisingly, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13907726/e-40-goon-with-the-spoon-bay-area-rappers-food-entrepreneurs-hustle\">Mr. Fonzarelli is an actual purveyor of foods and beverages\u003c/a>, with a line of products that includes malt liquor, ice cream and burritos; he even co-owns \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thelumpiacompany/\">The Lumpia Company\u003c/a>. There’s no one with a bigger million-dollar mouthpiece who can distribute as much word candy (“S-L-A-N-G”) quite as flavorfully as the Goon With The Spoon himself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Andre Nickatina: TOGO’s #41 sandwich with the hot peppers on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FU1XdPE6lM\">Fa Show\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Baby don’t act dumb, I’m number 41, high stepper / TOGO’s sandwich with the hot peppers / At 90 degrees I might freeze, so when it’s hot I sport leather.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fillmore’s finest, and among \u003ca href=\"https://www.passionweiss.com/2016/11/17/andre-nickatina/\">the most criminally underrated San Francisco rappers in history\u003c/a>, Andre Nickatina has always had a penchant for the spicy, the flavorful, the extemporaneously saucy. From rapping about eating Cap’n Crunch around drug dealers to sarcastically handing out Baskin Robbins dollars to his enemies, Nicky Nicotine (formerly known as Dre Dog) raps about food as casually as any rapper would ever dare. Unlike many of today’s international rap personalities, who seem to only eat at \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/6frbt9/why_are_rappers_obsessed_with_nobu_sushi/\">high-priced sushi conglomerates\u003c/a>, Nickatina is a Bay Area real one, electing to stay fed at a regional sandwich chain from San Jose. The enigmatic “number 41” on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.togos.com/menu/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh69gJ2fS8J9qmnAKJEnCmI5720psTxEmhEmkgFAemWoe3auyNuuxExoCTm0QAvD_BwE\">Togo’s menu\u003c/a> has since been discontinued, but a spokesperson for the restaurant IDed it as a sirloin steak and mushroom sandwich that was introduced as a seasonal special back in 2002 — the same year “Fa Show” was released. There is no doubt it must’ve been fire, given its endorsement by a legend who knows how to professionally “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8TXpoi-goE\">Break Bread\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956088\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956088\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper Kamaiyah eating from a plate of chicken alfredo tucked under her arm. Next to her is a bottle of champagne.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/KAMAIYAH-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kamaiyah’s album covers often feature food, Hennessey and champagne — a reflection of the rapper’s saucy, bossy lifestyle. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Kamaiyah: Champagne and chicken on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yls2dMJ63tM\">Whatever Whenever\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Just drink champagne with all my chicken meals.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s fitting that East Oakland’s Kamaiyah — who cooked up the searingly hot single “How Does It Feel” on her transcendent debut, \u003ci>A Good Night in the Ghetto\u003c/i> — continued to double down on aspirational living and good eating with her sophomore release, \u003ci>Got It Made\u003c/i>. As always, the bodacious trapper rhymes over a synth-laced, floaty-spaceship soundscape while bragging about her California riches — and cuisine. The music video for “Whatever Whenever” features Kamaiyah roaming the untainted grounds of a Napa Valley-esque chateau. Her album covers over the years have also featured bags of potato chips, Hennessy and double-fisted bottles of champagne. It’s always bottoms up when Kamaiyah is on the track.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Too $hort: Macaroni, steak and collard greens on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru5B8cFskaw\">All My B*tches Are Gone\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Eat some shit up / macaroni, steak, collard greens, or whatever the fuck.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With over 35 years of classic albums like \u003ci>Cocktails\u003c/i> and \u003ci>Gettin’ It\u003c/i>, there’s no doubt that Short Dogg knows how to feed his multi-generational fanbase. He doesn’t shy away from straightforward lyrics — or having a large appetite for nefarious activities — and he has continued to make seasoned slaps for precisely 225,000 hours and counting (“get a calculator, do the math”). This OG’s plate of choice includes classic soul food staples served with a slab of steak. As the veteran unmistakably outlines on “This How We Eat”: “We make money, we eat, we feed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956087\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956087\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper Larry June in an SF Giants cap, holding a crab cracker in one hand and a fork in the other. In front of him is a whole lobster on a plate.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/LARRY-JUNE-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Besides establishing himself as the healthiest rapper in Bay Area lore, Larry June is also known for sporting vintage muscle cars and cracking lobsters in Sausalito as part of his luxurious lifestyle. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Larry June: Crab legs on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luIhlZBrJos\">Lifetime Income\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“This not my girlfriend, we just eatin’ crab legs.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you know Larry June, then you know he’s all about smoothies, green teas, organic juices and oranges (yee hee!). But just as buttery are his numerously silky references to luxury meals and late-night outings with a seemingly endless rotation of women friends. Without question, the Hunters Point rapper has one of the healthiest appetites of anyone around a microphone, regularly dropping rhymes about his organic sustenance. Since Uncle Larry makes a living off his out-of-pocket food references, he merits an honorable mention for dropping other absolute bangers like “I might write a motherfuckin’ smoothie book or somethin’ … Sell this shit for thirty dollars” and “Watermelon juice riding bikes with my latest chick / I don’t do the clubs that often, I got a check to get.” It’s fitting that \u003ca href=\"https://uproxx.com/music/larry-june-interview-san-francisco/\">he also co-owns Honeybear Boba in the Dogpatch\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Iamsu!: Chicken strips and Moscato on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQcxMU3uvLg\">Don’t Stop\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Keep it real I don’t brag though… / Chicken strips, no escargot / [sippin’] on the Moscato.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To be fair, this lyric is from a young, mixtape-era Iamsu! and might not reflect the current palate of the multi-platinum rapper and producer from Richmond. (In fact, that’s probably true of every rapper on this list, so take these lyrics with a grain of salt.) But when I first heard this song in my 20s, it’s a line that did — and still does — resonate for its unglamorized celebration of living on a low-budget microwaveable diet while maintaining a glimmer of high-life ambition. Personally, I’d take chicken strips over escargot nine out of ten times. And, from the sound of it, so would Suzy 6 Speed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956086\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956086\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"The rapper P-Lo wiggles his fingers in delight over a plate of chicken wings sitting on a bed of dollar bills.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/PLO-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">P-Lo often raps about his love of chicken (chicken adobo, fried chicken, chicken wings), and his favorite food-related slang word is also “chicken” (as a stand in for “money”). \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>P-Lo: Chicken wings in the strip club on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-ajtPhAQ1U\">Going To Work\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“In the strip club eating chicken wings.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/span>There may not be another rapper on this list with as much love for chicken wings as Pinole’s P-Lo. For starters, the lyricist and producer launched a transnational food tour, teaming up with Filipino restaurants around the U.S. and Canada to deliver collaborative one-off dishes, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13935891/p-lo-senor-sisig-filipino-food-tour-oakland\">his own spicy sinigang wings at Señor Sisig in Oakland\u003c/a>. If that’s not enough, he has popped up on popular social media channels like \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bayareafoodz/?hl=en\">Bay Area Foodz\u003c/a> as \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYkVcpM6E0\">he searches for the best wings around the Yay\u003c/a>. His songs are even featured on \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwyzdhfrNCE/\">national commercials for Wingstop\u003c/a>. For P-Lo, it’s always time to bring back the bass — and taste.\u003cb>\u003ci>\u003c/i>\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Guap (formerly Guapdad 4000): Chicken adobo on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DaovaJgytE\">Chicken Adobo\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“How I fell in love with you it was beautiful / Like chicken adobo how you fill me up.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the Black Filipino American rapper from West Oakland, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13905208/a-new-generation-of-filipino-hip-hop-builds-on-a-deep-bay-area-legacy\">food has always played a central role in his upbringing\u003c/a>. The anime-loving, Marvel comics fan grew up in a Filipino household eating champorado, and his songs have never shied away from references to his dual cultures. In what might be his most well-known song, Guap equates romantic satiation to filling up on a bowl of chicken adobo. His love of food goes beyond the booth — he recently spoke out on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13950363/keith-lee-tiktok-oakland-sf-bay-area-struggles\">the recent Keith Lee fiasco\u003c/a>, and he also put together\u003ca href=\"https://trippin.world/guide/oaklands-top-food-joints-with-rapper-guapdad-4000\"> a map of his favorite places to eat around The Town\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cellski: Canadian bacon, hash browns and cheddar cheese on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6wFRZOd7n8\">Chedda\u003c/a>”\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Gotta get the cheddar, fuck the [federals].”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As most food mentions in Bay Area rap goes, Cellski’s mention of this quintessentially North American breakfast combo isn’t exactly a homage to the real ingredients, as much as it is a reference to his hustling. His 1998 \u003ca href=\"https://www.discogs.com/release/841568-Cellski-Canadian-Bacon-Hash-Browns/image/SW1hZ2U6NDg3ODMxNzk=\">album cover\u003c/a> for \u003ci>Canadian Bacon & Hash Browns \u003c/i>features a cartoon depiction of the rapper getting pulled over and arrested by a Canadian mountie, with an open trunk revealing pounds of medicinal herbs. Nonetheless, there’s a good chance that the veteran San Francisco spitter actually does like to carry Canadian bacon, hash browns and cheddar around — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13922141/cellskis-big-mafi-burgers-come-with-a-side-of-sf-rap-history\">he’s a part-time foodie who runs his own burger pop-up, after all\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13956089\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13956089\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of the rapper Dru Down in gold sunglasses and a black trench coat, holding an ice cream cone in one hand and an ice cream sundae on the table in front of him.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/DRU-DOWN-Color-1-1920x1920.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In a famous 1996 beef, Dru Down and the Luniz accused New Orleans rapper Master P (who started his musical career in the Bay Area) for stealing their concept of the “Ice Cream Man” — slang for a narcotics dealer. \u003ccite>(Torre / @torre.pentel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Dru Down: Ice cream on “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uNv2qAje-Q\">Ice Cream Man\u003c/a>” (with the Luniz)\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>“Get your ice cream, ice cream / Not Ice-T, not Ice Cube, ice cream.”\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not intended for children, the classic 1993 anthem off Dru Down’s \u003ci>Fools From The Street \u003c/i>paints a startling picture of addiction and illicit drug distribution around Oakland in the wake of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs. Despite its unapologetic content, “Ice Cream Man” went on to establish an indisputably popular food motif in national rap music: ice cream as a stand-in for drug dealing. Since the production includes an audio sampling of an ice cream truck’s inimitable tune, listening to it evokes a sense of nostalgia for the frozen treat — and for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop\">golden-era Bay Area hip-hop\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "turntablism-invisibl-skratch-piklz-legacy-impact",
"title": "Turntablism’s Mightiest Heroes: The Legacy, Impact and Aesthetics of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz",
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"headTitle": "Turntablism’s Mightiest Heroes: The Legacy, Impact and Aesthetics of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952272\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1080px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952272\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017.jpg 1080w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Invisibl Skratch Piklz’ cultural impact over the past 40 years has been felt around the globe. The crew is pictured here backstage in San Francisco in 2017. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003cstrong>Editor’s note\u003c/strong>: This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop/\">That’s My Word\u003c/a>\u003cem>, KQED’s story series on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop/\">Bay Area hip-hop\u003c/a> history.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On an overcast November day in Oakland, DJ Shortkut – a member of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz DJ crew – was the featured performer on a boat cruise, as part of the DMC World DJ Finals festivities. The weather didn’t get too rough during the two-hour tour, which meandered out to the Bay Bridge and back to port at Jack London Square. The worst was some mildly choppy squalls into fierce headwinds. Because this wasn’t your average boat cruise – its attendees mainly consisted of DJs from all over the world in town for the DMC battle – the ship’s crew circled around Treasure Island for a bit, instead of heading further out into the open sea.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The calmer waters allowed Shortkut, who had been playing a vibrant set of mostly classic midtempo hip-hop, to show off his mixing and scratching skills a bit. As the boat headed back toward its East Bay dock, Shortkut unleashed an impressive display of scratching skills that lasted for a good five minutes. As the boat neared its mooring, the DJ called his peers to the turntables. What followed was an unforgettable, and super-fun, display of global turntablism at its best, as each DJ in succession laid down a wicked scratch segment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13937761\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13937761\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person with a shaved head stands at a table as a screen behind them shows the images of several people.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shortkut performs with Invisibl Skratch Piklz during the DMC World DJ Finals at The Midway in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It seemed appropriate for Shortkut to be leading the activities. Once a battle entrant in the DMCs himself and understudy to fellow Piklz Qbert, Apollo, and Mix Master Mike, Shortkut has become an accomplished master in his own right – most recently playing an opening set on LL Cool J’s star-studded Hip Hop 50 tour. The message to the younger DJs on the boat was clear: keep developing your skills and be a balanced DJ who can rise to any occasion – scratching and beat-juggling skills are nice, but rocking a party with impeccable selection while displaying your skills is even better.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Perfecting – and Teaching – the Art\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Piklz first rose to prominence during the ’90s, winning multiple world DJ battle titles as a crew and individually while displaying innovative new techniques that elevated turntablism to unprecedented heights. After revolutionizing the artform and birthing scratch music as a genre, by the decade’s end, they had left an indelible mark on DJ culture and furthered its global reach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952265\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952265\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1196\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-800x544.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-1020x694.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-768x522.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-1536x1044.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Invisibl Skratch Piklz in Japan in 1993. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Christie Zee, the organizer for 2023’s DMC World Battle, held in San Francisco, has worked off and on for the London-based organization since 1998. She first became aware of the Piklz from an old boyfriend’s copy of DJ Qbert’s \u003cem>Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze Musik\u003c/em> mixtape – “It just had so much scratching and it was so fun,” she says. She recalls meeting the crew for the first time in 1999, at the DMC World Finals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m really delicate, really careful about (saying) \u003cem>pioneer\u003c/em> versus \u003cem>legend\u003c/em>, but I do think they were pioneering, because of things they’ve innovated and presented and invented,” she says. “They didn’t invent the scratch, but they just progressed the hell out of it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Obviously they have titles under their belts,” says Rob Swift, a founding member of the X-Men/X-Ecutioners, the New York turntablists who famously battled the Piklz in 1996. “But for me, I would say their most pivotal contribution to DJing is teaching the art. Before the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, nobody was teaching. DJing was a secret art.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952266\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952266\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1192\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-800x542.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-1020x691.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-768x520.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-1536x1041.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz with Japanese fans, 1993. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Swift – who’s been teaching a DJ course at the New School for Liberal Arts in New York since 2014 – speaks from experience. Within months of Qbert developing the crab scratch, Swift was using the technique in battles. He cites the instructional \u003cem>Turntable TV\u003c/em> series of video tutorials as not only an inspiration for the X-Men, but also for other DJs and even corporate entities. As a result, more people started DJing and the culture grew.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Before the Piklz, all of us had our own personal terminology for DJing. But the Piklz started (creating) terms that globally started to become accepted and become the consensus terms… Q started giving individual techniques specific names. In doing so, it made the art teachable, because you can’t teach someone by saying, yo, make it go \u003cem>wigga wigga wigga wigga\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Now these guys are selling videos to kids in Japan, kids in Canada, kids across the country, kids in Europe that had no clue how to do this shit… Myself, (Roc) Raida, Mista Sinista, (Total) Eclipse, we were inspired by Q, and we started teaching how to juggle, and we made videotapes just like them.” Without the Picklz, he says, there wouldn’t be “the ripple effects of what we see now, of all these DJ schools, all of these people teaching on YouTube, all these online tutorials, all these companies designing gear with all these effects.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952270\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952270\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1156\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-800x526.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-1020x670.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-768x505.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-1536x1009.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz at Vestax headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, to preview their signature mixer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Signature Models and Scratch Technique\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Piklz also served as consultants to audio companies like Vestax and Ortofon to develop ISP-branded mixers and needles; more recently, Shortkut served as a brand ambassador for Serato’s vinyl emulation software. In a 2022 video tutorial for \u003cem>Wired\u003c/em>, the master turntablist demonstrates 15 levels of scratching, from the basic “baby scratch” to complex combos, rhythm and drum scratches, and the beat-juggle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to Shortkut, beat-juggling is “live manual remixing, basically, with two turntables and a mixer” utilizing two copies of the same record, or two different records. When done properly, the technique creates an entirely new beat using existing sounds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mix Master Mike estimates that he and Qbert have named hundreds of specific scratches. Among his original contributions is the “Tweaker,” which was developed accidentally, due to a power outage. “When you cut a turntable off, the sound still comes out of it” when the needle is left on the record. “You got to manually move the belt with your hand, which (makes) a totally way-out, dragging sound from the record.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952268\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1186\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952268\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-800x539.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-1020x688.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-768x518.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz, mid-routine in Seattle, 1994. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In live shows, Mike deploys an arsenal of sound banks with trees of various audio samples for different instruments. He often improvises his sets – rarely playing the same scratch solo twice. With all the scratches he’s invented, “If I’m performing live, it’s all about if I can remember it on the spot.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Qbert’s most ubiquitous scratch may be the crab, which uses the crossfader to chop the audio signal, similar to the transformer scratch. Unlike the transformer – performed with just thumb and forefinger – the crab utilizes a rapid tapping motion with the other three fingers, resulting in finer chops, like a triplet of 1/16th notes instead of quarter-notes. The crab can then be combined with other techniques like the stab, the tear, or the orbit to create an infinite number of scratch patterns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Q says the crab has nothing to do with crustaceans, actually. It was originally called the crepe, based off a food order he’d made in Lebanon. Except no one could pronounce the rolled r’s of a Lebanese accent correctly. Among the other scratches he’s named personally, “there’s like the hydro, the laser, the phaser, the swipe, oh man, let’s see, there’s the clover tear, the prism scratch. … there’s so many.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952274\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 749px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952274\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/1996-Vestax-ISP-ad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"749\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/1996-Vestax-ISP-ad.jpg 749w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/1996-Vestax-ISP-ad-160x205.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Vestax advertisement for the Invisibl Skratch Piklz’ signature mixer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>100mph Backsliding Turkey Kuts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Piklz began developing tools for DJs with the original \u003cem>Battle Breaks\u003c/em> vinyl record, which resampled various sound effects and verbal phrases, making them more scratch-friendly and accessible. Their imprint Dirt Style has released dozens of such records over the decades with names like \u003cem>Bionic Booger Breaks\u003c/em>, \u003cem>Buttcrack Breaks\u003c/em>, or \u003cem>Scratch Fetishes of the Third Kind\u003c/em>. These records are sometimes credited to DJ Qbert, DJ Flare or Mix Master Mike, and sometimes credited to aliases like the Psychedelic Scratch Bastards, The Wax Fondler and Darth Fader.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Battle Breaks\u003c/em> led to another innovation: the \u003cem>Scratchy Seal\u003c/em> series of skipless records. As Qbert explains, there’s a science behind this. “If you look at the turntable, it spins at 33 ⅓ — 33.33333 (revolutions) per minute. If you just make the BPM of the sound effect 33-point-dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee, the magic number, it’s all going to be repetitive. No matter where the needle jumps, it’s going to land on the same sound again.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952264\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952264\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Qbert and Mix Master Mike backstage at the 2023 DMC championships in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Jeff Straw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How\u003c/em> the Piklz scratched also made a difference. According to crew member D-Styles, prior to the Piklz, “a lot of the scratch styles were straight ahead. It was very on the beat. ” He likens the Piklz’ approach to Bird and Dizzy’s excursions in the bebop era – “being ahead of the beat, or behind the beat, being more free with it, not so (much) in the line.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While there were other DJ crews before the Piklz, Swift says, the idea of a turntable orchestra was uncharted territory. “One guy would take a horn hit, another guy would take drums, the other guy would take vocals. Nobody was doing that before the Piklz.” This became a common practice, and led to the introduction of team routines in major battles. Qbert remarks that he and the other Piklz have been doing synchronized routines for so long, the communication between them has become telepathic. “It’s just kind of like walking in step.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952269\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1173\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952269\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Qbert onstage with guitarist Buckethead at the Jazznojazz Festival in Zurich, 1995. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Another advancement was the first all-scratching record, i.e. a musical composition consisting entirely of scratched sounds. The scratch music trend resulted in a slew of solo releases — many of them on the now-defunct Bomb Hip Hop label – as well as group albums from the X-Ecutioners, The Allies, and Birdy Nam Nam, and one-offs like El Stew, an alternative supergroup featuring guitarist Buckethead, ISP alumni DJ Disk and producer Eddie Def. After turntablism’s initial wave died down in the early 2000s, the Piklz continued to develop the genre, which Shortkut says has become its own culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a niche market,” Qbert says. “But I’m totally immersed in it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952275\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952275\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz at a Red Bull event. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘It’s Just Some Human Shit, and It’s a Beautiful Thing’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On his solo albums, Qbert has frequently explored sci-fi themes, beginning with 1998’s \u003cem>Wave Twisters\u003c/em>, and continuing with 2014’s \u003cem>Extraterrestria\u003c/em> and \u003cem>Galaxxxian\u003c/em>, 2020’s \u003cem>Origins (Wave Twisters 0)\u003c/em>, and 2022’s \u003cem>Next Cosmos\u003c/em>. He’s imagined what scratch music from across the galaxy might sound like, evoking starships navigating irradiated asteroid belts, alien creatures scurrying across cratered landscapes, and underwater temples emanating immemorial chants over percussive beats, while turning Rakim and Too Short phrases into Zen mantras. He’s done all this by embracing the musical possibilities of the turntable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“On what other equipment could you make the sounds go backwards and forwards and just do all these weird things with it? You know, with your hands,” he says. Unlike pressing buttons on a computer, “this is like fucking connected to your soul. It’s not like AI can do it. It’s just some human shit, and it’s a beautiful thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mix Master Mike served as the official DJ for the Beastie Boys from 1998 up until 2012, later joined Cypress Hill, and has toured with arena rock giants Metallica, Guns ‘N’ Roses, and Godsmack, playing to crowds of up to 50,000. His solo catalog has expanded the turntablism field into new arenas – literally. “I’ve always targeted the rock audience,” Mike says. “I’m not just hip-hop. I’m everything around it. The greatness is having to conquer uncharted territories.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I like to remain mysterious in that sense as far as being a mysterious artist and being unpredictable. I’m the risk taker, right? It’s therapeutic for me at this point, but it’s like I’m just taking it as a mission because nobody’s doing this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952267\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952267\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1196\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-800x544.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-1020x694.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-768x522.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-1536x1044.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mix Master Mike. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This philosophy extends from live shows to recordings. “Growing up, I was always listening to soundtrack music. Lalo Schifrin, Quincy Jones, Ennio Morricone.” His goal in making records is to capture a cinematic sense, to make “a soundtrack that can live forever.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His newest release, 2023’s \u003cem>Opus X Magnum\u003c/em>, is a headphone album with arena sensibilities. Or vice-versa. There’s lots of subtle instrumental and sound effect-y passages, along with chest-pumping drums and serpentine basslines. The quieter moments are few, but precious. MMM’s Pikl heritage is evident in the way horns, keyboards and vocal phrases are scratched vicariously, resulting in twisty turns that keep your ears guessing what’s next. To the artist’s credit, \u003cem>Opus\u003c/em> does sound epically cinematic throughout, its constantly changing moods and textures suggesting perpetual motion and a full dose of adrenaline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>D-Styles’ two solo albums, released 17 years apart, illustrate his artistic growth. 2002’s \u003cem>Phantazmagorea\u003c/em> delves into dark themes, with vocal phrases seemingly selected for shock value, along with recognizable scratched snippets from KRS-One and Stetsasonic. 2019’s \u003cem>Noises In the Right Order\u003c/em> – inspired by a residency at Low End Theory, a club night frequented by lo-fi producers – recalls DJ Shadow’s \u003cem>Endtroducing\u003c/em> and the trip-hop era, while still using found vocals as documentary. D-Styles says \u003cem>Noises\u003c/em> was about being “more musical and less technical.” There’s plenty of scratching, but the emphasis is on overall composition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952271\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 597px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952271\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-at-HEIRO-DAY-2016.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"597\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-at-HEIRO-DAY-2016.jpg 597w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-at-HEIRO-DAY-2016-160x136.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz at Hiero Day 2016 in Oakland. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Being a turntable composer, D-Styles maintains, means using scratching’s vocabulary as a musical language. “You look at it like an alphabet. You got chirps, you got flares, you got crabs, you got autobahns, you got Stewie’s, and all of that stuff. You can add swing to it, you could be ahead of the beat. Behind the beat. You can accent. There’s so much that goes into putting these combinations together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Many Styles\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Apollo and Shortkut, meanwhile, joined forces with former ITF World Champion Vin Roc in 1999 to form Triple Threat, a DJ crew whose mission was to integrate turntablism into party-rocking live sets. “Just coming up as turntablists, we kind of like, created little monsters everywhere,” Apollo says. “All they would do is scratch in their bedrooms.” There’s more to DJing, he says, than just doing tricks and scratching and juggling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Triple Threat released a well-received 2003 album, \u003cem>Many Styles\u003c/em>, which blended turntablist-oriented tracks with emcee features from Planet Asia, Black Thought, Souls of Mischief and Zion-I. The trio toured the United States and Asia regularly, and remained active up until the late 2010s. Apollo – who judged the DMC World Finals last year – still identifies as a Pikl, and says his focus nowadays is on upgrading his studio and reestablishing himself as a producer; he hopes to contribute some tracks to future ISP albums.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952276\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1440px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1920\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shortkut, at right, on the F.O.R.C.E. Tour with (L–R) DJ Z-Trip, LL Cool J and DJ Jazzy Jeff. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Shortkut’s recorded output mainly consists of DJ mixtapes covering a wide variety of genres, but he did produce 2012’s “Twelve,” a funky, fun track with “Sesame Street”-esque vocal samples, for the Beat Junkies 45 Series, as well as 2017’s “Mini-Wheels,” a 7-inch single for Thud Rumble, and “Short Rugs,” a limited-edition slipmat designed for 45 rpm records and a 7-inch record with three skipless vinyl scratch tracks. He’s been an occasional headliner at DJ Platurn’s 45 Sessions party; playing all-vinyl sets, he says, helps him maintain his sanity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a lengthy break following 2000’s “final” performance, Qbert, Shortkut and D-Styles officially reformed as ISP for 2015’s \u003cem>The 13th Floor\u003c/em>, their first full-length release. “This was the first time as a scratch artist that I’ve felt able to do shows with the Piklz where people know the songs,” Shortkut says. The album’s moods range from dark to soulful to jazzy, and were intended to be templates for live performances that typically involve improvised scratch soloing over a structured song with defined instrumental parts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952273\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952273\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015.jpg 1500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Invisibl Skratch Piklz in Japan, making their ’13th Floor’ album in 2015. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Many of \u003cem>The 13th Floor\u003c/em>’s compositional elements were developed by D-Styles, who went on to become an online instructor at the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound in 2019. He notes the Piklz are more than halfway through their next, as-yet-untitled album — several tracks from which they previewed live during their recent DMC showcase in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My strength is, I’m always in the studio,” says D-Styles. “I always have these ideas, these sketches that I’ll try at home by myself. But I always have parts in mind, so if i have drums, I’ll be like, this is perfect for Shortkut. And then I have these keyboards, you know, these notes. So I’ll carry that side. And then I’ll give Q this (vocal) phrase. And I know he’ll know what to do with it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Aesthetics That ‘Vibrate a Certain Way’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Qbert maintains he’s still a student, trying to learn new things after all these years. He keeps pushing himself to new levels because he doesn’t want to repeat what he’s already done. “You got to come unique and original, or else it’s like, fucking wack. Or it’s, \u003cem>ah… he did the same shit last time\u003c/em>, you know? I don’t want to hear that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952294\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1811px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1811\" height=\"600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952294\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_.jpg 1811w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-800x265.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-1020x338.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-768x254.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-1536x509.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1811px) 100vw, 1811px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sample of Qbert’s visual aesthetic from three full-length albums: ‘Extraterrestria,’ ‘Origins Wave Twisters 0,’ and ‘Next Cosmos in 5D.’\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The most sublime aspect of the Piklz legacy may be their aesthetic, best described as part kung-fu, part sci-fi, part zany humor, yet firmly grounded in DJ culture and hip-hop expression. This is reflected in Mike and Q’s outsize personalities. “Those two in particular are very much outside of this Earth,” says Christie Z, noting that Mike’s custom Serato vinyl is covered in Zectarian language. (In 2017, Qbert joined Mike for a duo performance of MMM’s alienesque single “Channel Zecktar” live at the NAMM showcase.) Artists are sometimes kooky, she says, but she’s used to it by now. “That’s what they do.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unsurprisingly, perhaps, Mike sees himself as a glowing, ultramagnetic, cosmic antenna. “I would say, you know, my brain is like a super cerebral satellite dish that I’m just logging into the channels in my mind, and I call it the access to the interstellar network, my own interstellar network that’s going on in my head.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for Qbert, “nowadays I work off of karma,” he says. Though he’s consulted for audio companies before, when he’s asked for input, he doesn’t insist on contractual agreements. “I’ll give you the honest truth.” If a mixer could be sleeker and more ergonomic, he’ll say so. He feels equipment makers could be more visionary and futuristic with their products. “They could put chromatherapy in these things, you know, they vibrate a certain way to make it heal you as a human.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For all of Qbert’s zany sense of humor and embracing of otherworldliness, he’s remarkably down to earth at times. That is to say, his ideology isn’t illogical at all – just advanced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“With any art, if you’re deep into it, you’re already touching infinity,” he says. “So you could do so many things in it that you haven’t done. And there’s freakin’ a bag of infinity left — that is never-ending.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11687704\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/Turntable.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/Turntable.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/Turntable.Break_-400x30.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/06/Turntable.Break_-768x58.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "The Skratch Piklz' innovations in scratch technique, education and battle tools have impacted the globe. ",
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"title": "Turntablism’s Mightiest Heroes: The Legacy, Impact and Aesthetics of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz | KQED",
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"headline": "Turntablism’s Mightiest Heroes: The Legacy, Impact and Aesthetics of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952272\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1080px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952272\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017.jpg 1080w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-800x800.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-1020x1020.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-160x160.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-backstage-in-SF-2017-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Invisibl Skratch Piklz’ cultural impact over the past 40 years has been felt around the globe. The crew is pictured here backstage in San Francisco in 2017. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003cstrong>Editor’s note\u003c/strong>: This story is part of \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop/\">That’s My Word\u003c/a>\u003cem>, KQED’s story series on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bayareahiphop/\">Bay Area hip-hop\u003c/a> history.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On an overcast November day in Oakland, DJ Shortkut – a member of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz DJ crew – was the featured performer on a boat cruise, as part of the DMC World DJ Finals festivities. The weather didn’t get too rough during the two-hour tour, which meandered out to the Bay Bridge and back to port at Jack London Square. The worst was some mildly choppy squalls into fierce headwinds. Because this wasn’t your average boat cruise – its attendees mainly consisted of DJs from all over the world in town for the DMC battle – the ship’s crew circled around Treasure Island for a bit, instead of heading further out into the open sea.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The calmer waters allowed Shortkut, who had been playing a vibrant set of mostly classic midtempo hip-hop, to show off his mixing and scratching skills a bit. As the boat headed back toward its East Bay dock, Shortkut unleashed an impressive display of scratching skills that lasted for a good five minutes. As the boat neared its mooring, the DJ called his peers to the turntables. What followed was an unforgettable, and super-fun, display of global turntablism at its best, as each DJ in succession laid down a wicked scratch segment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13937761\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13937761\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person with a shaved head stands at a table as a screen behind them shows the images of several people.\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/231103-DMCBattle-22-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shortkut performs with Invisibl Skratch Piklz during the DMC World DJ Finals at The Midway in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 3, 2023. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It seemed appropriate for Shortkut to be leading the activities. Once a battle entrant in the DMCs himself and understudy to fellow Piklz Qbert, Apollo, and Mix Master Mike, Shortkut has become an accomplished master in his own right – most recently playing an opening set on LL Cool J’s star-studded Hip Hop 50 tour. The message to the younger DJs on the boat was clear: keep developing your skills and be a balanced DJ who can rise to any occasion – scratching and beat-juggling skills are nice, but rocking a party with impeccable selection while displaying your skills is even better.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Perfecting – and Teaching – the Art\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Piklz first rose to prominence during the ’90s, winning multiple world DJ battle titles as a crew and individually while displaying innovative new techniques that elevated turntablism to unprecedented heights. After revolutionizing the artform and birthing scratch music as a genre, by the decade’s end, they had left an indelible mark on DJ culture and furthered its global reach.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952265\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952265\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1196\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-800x544.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-1020x694.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-768x522.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan_.decks_.93-1536x1044.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Invisibl Skratch Piklz in Japan in 1993. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Christie Zee, the organizer for 2023’s DMC World Battle, held in San Francisco, has worked off and on for the London-based organization since 1998. She first became aware of the Piklz from an old boyfriend’s copy of DJ Qbert’s \u003cem>Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze Musik\u003c/em> mixtape – “It just had so much scratching and it was so fun,” she says. She recalls meeting the crew for the first time in 1999, at the DMC World Finals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m really delicate, really careful about (saying) \u003cem>pioneer\u003c/em> versus \u003cem>legend\u003c/em>, but I do think they were pioneering, because of things they’ve innovated and presented and invented,” she says. “They didn’t invent the scratch, but they just progressed the hell out of it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Obviously they have titles under their belts,” says Rob Swift, a founding member of the X-Men/X-Ecutioners, the New York turntablists who famously battled the Piklz in 1996. “But for me, I would say their most pivotal contribution to DJing is teaching the art. Before the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, nobody was teaching. DJing was a secret art.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952266\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952266\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1192\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-800x542.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-1020x691.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-768x520.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.japan2_-1536x1041.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz with Japanese fans, 1993. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Swift – who’s been teaching a DJ course at the New School for Liberal Arts in New York since 2014 – speaks from experience. Within months of Qbert developing the crab scratch, Swift was using the technique in battles. He cites the instructional \u003cem>Turntable TV\u003c/em> series of video tutorials as not only an inspiration for the X-Men, but also for other DJs and even corporate entities. As a result, more people started DJing and the culture grew.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Before the Piklz, all of us had our own personal terminology for DJing. But the Piklz started (creating) terms that globally started to become accepted and become the consensus terms… Q started giving individual techniques specific names. In doing so, it made the art teachable, because you can’t teach someone by saying, yo, make it go \u003cem>wigga wigga wigga wigga\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Now these guys are selling videos to kids in Japan, kids in Canada, kids across the country, kids in Europe that had no clue how to do this shit… Myself, (Roc) Raida, Mista Sinista, (Total) Eclipse, we were inspired by Q, and we started teaching how to juggle, and we made videotapes just like them.” Without the Picklz, he says, there wouldn’t be “the ripple effects of what we see now, of all these DJ schools, all of these people teaching on YouTube, all these online tutorials, all these companies designing gear with all these effects.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952270\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952270\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1156\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-800x526.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-1020x670.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-160x105.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-768x505.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Japan_.vestax-1536x1009.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz at Vestax headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, to preview their signature mixer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Signature Models and Scratch Technique\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Piklz also served as consultants to audio companies like Vestax and Ortofon to develop ISP-branded mixers and needles; more recently, Shortkut served as a brand ambassador for Serato’s vinyl emulation software. In a 2022 video tutorial for \u003cem>Wired\u003c/em>, the master turntablist demonstrates 15 levels of scratching, from the basic “baby scratch” to complex combos, rhythm and drum scratches, and the beat-juggle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to Shortkut, beat-juggling is “live manual remixing, basically, with two turntables and a mixer” utilizing two copies of the same record, or two different records. When done properly, the technique creates an entirely new beat using existing sounds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mix Master Mike estimates that he and Qbert have named hundreds of specific scratches. Among his original contributions is the “Tweaker,” which was developed accidentally, due to a power outage. “When you cut a turntable off, the sound still comes out of it” when the needle is left on the record. “You got to manually move the belt with your hand, which (makes) a totally way-out, dragging sound from the record.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952268\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1186\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952268\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-800x539.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-1020x688.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-768x518.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.3fromsideshortkut-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz, mid-routine in Seattle, 1994. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In live shows, Mike deploys an arsenal of sound banks with trees of various audio samples for different instruments. He often improvises his sets – rarely playing the same scratch solo twice. With all the scratches he’s invented, “If I’m performing live, it’s all about if I can remember it on the spot.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Qbert’s most ubiquitous scratch may be the crab, which uses the crossfader to chop the audio signal, similar to the transformer scratch. Unlike the transformer – performed with just thumb and forefinger – the crab utilizes a rapid tapping motion with the other three fingers, resulting in finer chops, like a triplet of 1/16th notes instead of quarter-notes. The crab can then be combined with other techniques like the stab, the tear, or the orbit to create an infinite number of scratch patterns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Q says the crab has nothing to do with crustaceans, actually. It was originally called the crepe, based off a food order he’d made in Lebanon. Except no one could pronounce the rolled r’s of a Lebanese accent correctly. Among the other scratches he’s named personally, “there’s like the hydro, the laser, the phaser, the swipe, oh man, let’s see, there’s the clover tear, the prism scratch. … there’s so many.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952274\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 749px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952274\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/1996-Vestax-ISP-ad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"749\" height=\"960\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/1996-Vestax-ISP-ad.jpg 749w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/1996-Vestax-ISP-ad-160x205.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A Vestax advertisement for the Invisibl Skratch Piklz’ signature mixer. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>100mph Backsliding Turkey Kuts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The Piklz began developing tools for DJs with the original \u003cem>Battle Breaks\u003c/em> vinyl record, which resampled various sound effects and verbal phrases, making them more scratch-friendly and accessible. Their imprint Dirt Style has released dozens of such records over the decades with names like \u003cem>Bionic Booger Breaks\u003c/em>, \u003cem>Buttcrack Breaks\u003c/em>, or \u003cem>Scratch Fetishes of the Third Kind\u003c/em>. These records are sometimes credited to DJ Qbert, DJ Flare or Mix Master Mike, and sometimes credited to aliases like the Psychedelic Scratch Bastards, The Wax Fondler and Darth Fader.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Battle Breaks\u003c/em> led to another innovation: the \u003cem>Scratchy Seal\u003c/em> series of skipless records. As Qbert explains, there’s a science behind this. “If you look at the turntable, it spins at 33 ⅓ — 33.33333 (revolutions) per minute. If you just make the BPM of the sound effect 33-point-dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee dee, the magic number, it’s all going to be repetitive. No matter where the needle jumps, it’s going to land on the same sound again.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952264\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952264\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/AAA_Q_MMM_best_PhotobyJeffStrawBranding-2000-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Qbert and Mix Master Mike backstage at the 2023 DMC championships in San Francisco. \u003ccite>(Jeff Straw)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>How\u003c/em> the Piklz scratched also made a difference. According to crew member D-Styles, prior to the Piklz, “a lot of the scratch styles were straight ahead. It was very on the beat. ” He likens the Piklz’ approach to Bird and Dizzy’s excursions in the bebop era – “being ahead of the beat, or behind the beat, being more free with it, not so (much) in the line.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While there were other DJ crews before the Piklz, Swift says, the idea of a turntable orchestra was uncharted territory. “One guy would take a horn hit, another guy would take drums, the other guy would take vocals. Nobody was doing that before the Piklz.” This became a common practice, and led to the introduction of team routines in major battles. Qbert remarks that he and the other Piklz have been doing synchronized routines for so long, the communication between them has become telepathic. “It’s just kind of like walking in step.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952269\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1173\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952269\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.buckethead-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Qbert onstage with guitarist Buckethead at the Jazznojazz Festival in Zurich, 1995. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Another advancement was the first all-scratching record, i.e. a musical composition consisting entirely of scratched sounds. The scratch music trend resulted in a slew of solo releases — many of them on the now-defunct Bomb Hip Hop label – as well as group albums from the X-Ecutioners, The Allies, and Birdy Nam Nam, and one-offs like El Stew, an alternative supergroup featuring guitarist Buckethead, ISP alumni DJ Disk and producer Eddie Def. After turntablism’s initial wave died down in the early 2000s, the Piklz continued to develop the genre, which Shortkut says has become its own culture.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a niche market,” Qbert says. “But I’m totally immersed in it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952275\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952275\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/IMG_2459-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz at a Red Bull event. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>‘It’s Just Some Human Shit, and It’s a Beautiful Thing’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On his solo albums, Qbert has frequently explored sci-fi themes, beginning with 1998’s \u003cem>Wave Twisters\u003c/em>, and continuing with 2014’s \u003cem>Extraterrestria\u003c/em> and \u003cem>Galaxxxian\u003c/em>, 2020’s \u003cem>Origins (Wave Twisters 0)\u003c/em>, and 2022’s \u003cem>Next Cosmos\u003c/em>. He’s imagined what scratch music from across the galaxy might sound like, evoking starships navigating irradiated asteroid belts, alien creatures scurrying across cratered landscapes, and underwater temples emanating immemorial chants over percussive beats, while turning Rakim and Too Short phrases into Zen mantras. He’s done all this by embracing the musical possibilities of the turntable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“On what other equipment could you make the sounds go backwards and forwards and just do all these weird things with it? You know, with your hands,” he says. Unlike pressing buttons on a computer, “this is like fucking connected to your soul. It’s not like AI can do it. It’s just some human shit, and it’s a beautiful thing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mix Master Mike served as the official DJ for the Beastie Boys from 1998 up until 2012, later joined Cypress Hill, and has toured with arena rock giants Metallica, Guns ‘N’ Roses, and Godsmack, playing to crowds of up to 50,000. His solo catalog has expanded the turntablism field into new arenas – literally. “I’ve always targeted the rock audience,” Mike says. “I’m not just hip-hop. I’m everything around it. The greatness is having to conquer uncharted territories.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I like to remain mysterious in that sense as far as being a mysterious artist and being unpredictable. I’m the risk taker, right? It’s therapeutic for me at this point, but it’s like I’m just taking it as a mission because nobody’s doing this.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952267\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1759px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952267\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1759\" height=\"1196\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks.jpg 1759w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-800x544.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-1020x694.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-768x522.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.MMMonthedecks-1536x1044.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1759px) 100vw, 1759px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mix Master Mike. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Alex Aquino)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This philosophy extends from live shows to recordings. “Growing up, I was always listening to soundtrack music. Lalo Schifrin, Quincy Jones, Ennio Morricone.” His goal in making records is to capture a cinematic sense, to make “a soundtrack that can live forever.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>His newest release, 2023’s \u003cem>Opus X Magnum\u003c/em>, is a headphone album with arena sensibilities. Or vice-versa. There’s lots of subtle instrumental and sound effect-y passages, along with chest-pumping drums and serpentine basslines. The quieter moments are few, but precious. MMM’s Pikl heritage is evident in the way horns, keyboards and vocal phrases are scratched vicariously, resulting in twisty turns that keep your ears guessing what’s next. To the artist’s credit, \u003cem>Opus\u003c/em> does sound epically cinematic throughout, its constantly changing moods and textures suggesting perpetual motion and a full dose of adrenaline.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>D-Styles’ two solo albums, released 17 years apart, illustrate his artistic growth. 2002’s \u003cem>Phantazmagorea\u003c/em> delves into dark themes, with vocal phrases seemingly selected for shock value, along with recognizable scratched snippets from KRS-One and Stetsasonic. 2019’s \u003cem>Noises In the Right Order\u003c/em> – inspired by a residency at Low End Theory, a club night frequented by lo-fi producers – recalls DJ Shadow’s \u003cem>Endtroducing\u003c/em> and the trip-hop era, while still using found vocals as documentary. D-Styles says \u003cem>Noises\u003c/em> was about being “more musical and less technical.” There’s plenty of scratching, but the emphasis is on overall composition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952271\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 597px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952271\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-at-HEIRO-DAY-2016.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"597\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-at-HEIRO-DAY-2016.jpg 597w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-at-HEIRO-DAY-2016-160x136.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invisibl Skratch Piklz at Hiero Day 2016 in Oakland. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Being a turntable composer, D-Styles maintains, means using scratching’s vocabulary as a musical language. “You look at it like an alphabet. You got chirps, you got flares, you got crabs, you got autobahns, you got Stewie’s, and all of that stuff. You can add swing to it, you could be ahead of the beat. Behind the beat. You can accent. There’s so much that goes into putting these combinations together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Many Styles\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Apollo and Shortkut, meanwhile, joined forces with former ITF World Champion Vin Roc in 1999 to form Triple Threat, a DJ crew whose mission was to integrate turntablism into party-rocking live sets. “Just coming up as turntablists, we kind of like, created little monsters everywhere,” Apollo says. “All they would do is scratch in their bedrooms.” There’s more to DJing, he says, than just doing tricks and scratching and juggling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Triple Threat released a well-received 2003 album, \u003cem>Many Styles\u003c/em>, which blended turntablist-oriented tracks with emcee features from Planet Asia, Black Thought, Souls of Mischief and Zion-I. The trio toured the United States and Asia regularly, and remained active up until the late 2010s. Apollo – who judged the DMC World Finals last year – still identifies as a Pikl, and says his focus nowadays is on upgrading his studio and reestablishing himself as a producer; he hopes to contribute some tracks to future ISP albums.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952276\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1440px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1920\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut.jpg 1440w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-1020x1360.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-160x213.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/LLCoolJ.Ztrip_.shortkut-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shortkut, at right, on the F.O.R.C.E. Tour with (L–R) DJ Z-Trip, LL Cool J and DJ Jazzy Jeff. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Shortkut’s recorded output mainly consists of DJ mixtapes covering a wide variety of genres, but he did produce 2012’s “Twelve,” a funky, fun track with “Sesame Street”-esque vocal samples, for the Beat Junkies 45 Series, as well as 2017’s “Mini-Wheels,” a 7-inch single for Thud Rumble, and “Short Rugs,” a limited-edition slipmat designed for 45 rpm records and a 7-inch record with three skipless vinyl scratch tracks. He’s been an occasional headliner at DJ Platurn’s 45 Sessions party; playing all-vinyl sets, he says, helps him maintain his sanity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a lengthy break following 2000’s “final” performance, Qbert, Shortkut and D-Styles officially reformed as ISP for 2015’s \u003cem>The 13th Floor\u003c/em>, their first full-length release. “This was the first time as a scratch artist that I’ve felt able to do shows with the Piklz where people know the songs,” Shortkut says. The album’s moods range from dark to soulful to jazzy, and were intended to be templates for live performances that typically involve improvised scratch soloing over a structured song with defined instrumental parts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952273\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1500px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952273\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015.jpg 1500w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP-making-of-The-13th-Floor-album-Japan-2015-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Invisibl Skratch Piklz in Japan, making their ’13th Floor’ album in 2015. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Shortkut)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Many of \u003cem>The 13th Floor\u003c/em>’s compositional elements were developed by D-Styles, who went on to become an online instructor at the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound in 2019. He notes the Piklz are more than halfway through their next, as-yet-untitled album — several tracks from which they previewed live during their recent DMC showcase in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“My strength is, I’m always in the studio,” says D-Styles. “I always have these ideas, these sketches that I’ll try at home by myself. But I always have parts in mind, so if i have drums, I’ll be like, this is perfect for Shortkut. And then I have these keyboards, you know, these notes. So I’ll carry that side. And then I’ll give Q this (vocal) phrase. And I know he’ll know what to do with it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Aesthetics That ‘Vibrate a Certain Way’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Qbert maintains he’s still a student, trying to learn new things after all these years. He keeps pushing himself to new levels because he doesn’t want to repeat what he’s already done. “You got to come unique and original, or else it’s like, fucking wack. Or it’s, \u003cem>ah… he did the same shit last time\u003c/em>, you know? I don’t want to hear that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952294\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1811px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1811\" height=\"600\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952294\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_.jpg 1811w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-800x265.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-1020x338.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-160x53.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-768x254.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/ISP.Qbert_.LPs_-1536x509.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1811px) 100vw, 1811px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sample of Qbert’s visual aesthetic from three full-length albums: ‘Extraterrestria,’ ‘Origins Wave Twisters 0,’ and ‘Next Cosmos in 5D.’\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The most sublime aspect of the Piklz legacy may be their aesthetic, best described as part kung-fu, part sci-fi, part zany humor, yet firmly grounded in DJ culture and hip-hop expression. This is reflected in Mike and Q’s outsize personalities. “Those two in particular are very much outside of this Earth,” says Christie Z, noting that Mike’s custom Serato vinyl is covered in Zectarian language. (In 2017, Qbert joined Mike for a duo performance of MMM’s alienesque single “Channel Zecktar” live at the NAMM showcase.) Artists are sometimes kooky, she says, but she’s used to it by now. “That’s what they do.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unsurprisingly, perhaps, Mike sees himself as a glowing, ultramagnetic, cosmic antenna. “I would say, you know, my brain is like a super cerebral satellite dish that I’m just logging into the channels in my mind, and I call it the access to the interstellar network, my own interstellar network that’s going on in my head.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for Qbert, “nowadays I work off of karma,” he says. Though he’s consulted for audio companies before, when he’s asked for input, he doesn’t insist on contractual agreements. “I’ll give you the honest truth.” If a mixer could be sleeker and more ergonomic, he’ll say so. He feels equipment makers could be more visionary and futuristic with their products. “They could put chromatherapy in these things, you know, they vibrate a certain way to make it heal you as a human.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For all of Qbert’s zany sense of humor and embracing of otherworldliness, he’s remarkably down to earth at times. That is to say, his ideology isn’t illogical at all – just advanced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“With any art, if you’re deep into it, you’re already touching infinity,” he says. “So you could do so many things in it that you haven’t done. And there’s freakin’ a bag of infinity left — that is never-ending.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>In January 1970, Violeta ‘Bullet’ Marasigan’s husband implored her to not “bring any more work home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Quoted in a \u003cem>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/em> profile, Pete Marasigan was, the newspaper reported, only half-joking. Because when Violeta Marasigan brought the office home with her, it wasn’t stacks of papers and files. More often than not, it was human beings that needed food or a bed for the night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan had been in nonstop action since 1968, when she was hired by San Francisco’s United Filipino Association (UFA) as a social worker. Born in the Philippines in 1939, Marasigan had moved to California to study at San Francisco State College. Shortly after graduation, the UFA brought her on to assist the elders — or \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manong#:~:text=Manong%20(Mah%2Dnoh%2Dng,given%20to%20an%20older%20sister.\">manongs\u003c/a> \u003c/em>— of Manilatown, a 10-block stretch of Filipino businesses, restaurants and social hubs centered around Kearny and Jackson Streets in San Francisco. She was perfect for the position.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13929289']“I’m very optimistic,” she later explained. “I think a lot of things can be done if we really put ourselves in it — [and] not half-heartedly.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There was nothing half-hearted about Marasigan. She spent her entire life fighting for Filipinos, both in the Bay and abroad. Her nickname “Bullet” was coined while still in her teens; “Bolet” is a Tagalog version of the name Violeta, but Marasigan’s moniker morphed into “Bullet” once her friends realized how impossible it was to stand in her way. That much became clear to San Francisco as soon as Marasigan joined forces with the UFA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I started working with the old men,” she told the \u003cem>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/em> in 1970, “I saw that they were discriminated against in terms of their access to social services. A lot of them had been here for over 30 years, but they could still barely speak English or write. These manongs were mostly single retired farmworkers and seamen living on social security retirement benefits.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan quickly deduced that most of these men — frequently World War II veterans — were not receiving all of the SSI benefits they were entitled to. (Some were receiving less than half of the appropriate amount.) Marasigan took it upon herself to bring these men into the Social Security office and advocate for each of them, one by one, until they each received what they were owed. And they were owed a lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After the U.S. colonized the Philippines in 1898, Filipino men became a cheap labor source for American companies, particularly in agriculture, canneries and the merchant navy. In the 1920s, 100,000 workers arrived from the Philippines to the U.S. to work. But not only were these men barred from bringing their families with them, by 1933 in California, they had also been prohibited from marrying outside of their race. (That year, the California senate saw fit to add “Malay” to the state’s interracial marriage ban, thereby \u003ca href=\"https://www.cschs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/History-Resources-Articles-Caragozian-Ban-on-Interracial-Marriages.pdf\">preventing Filipino men from marrying\u003c/a> most of the women in their vicinity.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13874853']With so many barriers to building a traditional family structure, it became essential for this first wave of manongs to form their own communities. Manilatown was central to that, and central to Manilatown was the International Hotel (often called the “I-Hotel”). The three-story structure at 838 Kearny Street housed 200 residents — mostly elderly and impoverished Filipino and Chinese men. The UFA’s headquarters, appropriately enough, was situated directly next door.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Autumn of 1968, Marasigan and the UFA faced their biggest challenge yet. Residents at the I-Hotel began receiving eviction notices. (The business that owned the property, Milton Meyer and Company, wanted to turn the hotel into a multi-level parking lot.) Residents, students and other civil rights groups banded together to keep the I-Hotel open; Marasigan was a key player in negotiating the hotel a new three-year lease in 1969.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan couldn’t have known that just four years later, the hotel would be sold to a developer. Then, on Aug. 7, 1977, 400 police officers forced their way through a human chain around the I-Hotel and forcibly dragged out its residents, bringing an end to the hotel — and Manilatown itself — for good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13966696\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13966696\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel.jpg\" alt=\"Men and women in 1970s clothing cluster together outside a building with a sign that says 'International Hotel' on it. \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-800x571.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-1020x728.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-768x548.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-1536x1096.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-1920x1370.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protesters gathered outside the International Hotel for days before police forcibly emptied the building. This image was taken on Aug. 3, 1977. \u003ccite>(Dave Randolph/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Marasigan was not there to see the end of the hotel she fought so hard to save. She had returned to Manila in 1971, quickly joining the resistance against Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator that placed the Philippines under martial law, put an end to the free press and began violently oppressing civilians. Marasigan proved herself once more to be an outspoken activist, visiting and raising money for political prisoners. For her trouble, Marasigan was arrested in 1982 on explosives charges.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13955066']Marasigan spent a year incarcerated at the infamous \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Crame\">Camp Crame\u003c/a> before being fully exonerated. During her time as a political prisoner, Marasigan helped organize inmates, held political discussions and even conducted a 22-day hunger strike. In 1995, looking back on the turbulent time, she told the \u003cem>Examiner\u003c/em>, “The only thing explosive about me was my mouth and my farts.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She expanded: “Filipinos laugh a lot. We laugh at our mistakes. It’s one of the strengths we have. We can also fight.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And fight she did. Undeterred by her time in Camp Crame, in 1984, she co-founded \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriela_Women%27s_Party\">Gabriela Women’s Party\u003c/a> — an organization formed after 10,000 women marched against Marcos, defying a ban on protests. That same year, Maragisan also helped found \u003ca href=\"https://seldapilipinas.wordpress.com/about/\">Selda\u003c/a>, an advocacy organization by and for political prisoners. As part of her work with Gabriela and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Maragisan had a hand in opening two safe havens for women: the \u003ca href=\"http://www.genuinesecurity.org/partners/buklod.htm\">Buklod Center in Olongapo City\u003c/a>, geared towards sex workers, and the \u003ca href=\"https://batiscenterforwomen.wordpress.com/about/history/\">Batis Center for Women\u003c/a> in Quezon City, which focused on female migrant workers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan finally came back to the Bay in 1988 and, though there was no Manilatown to return to, went straight back to work for Filipino immigrants. She worked as a social worker at \u003ca href=\"https://www.somapilipinas.org/community-1/2018/7/13/west-bay-pilipino-multi-service-center\">West Bay Filipino Multi-Services\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthright360.org/parent-program/asian-american-recovery-services/\">Asian American Recovery Services\u003c/a> and the Veterans Equity Center (now known as the \u003ca href=\"https://asianpacificfund.org/affiliate/veterans-equity-center-2/\">Bayanihan Equity Center\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Throughout the 1990s, while based in Daly City, Marasigan remained focused on seniors and veterans, setting up food and clothing banks at two separate Mission Street locations. In 1993, she co-founded the Friends of Filipino American Veterans to conduct “direct action, legal aid, advocacy and outreach programs for the veterans.” In 1994, she was president of the Filipino American Human Rights Advocates. Around this time, the editor in chief of \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipinas_(magazine)\">\u003cem>Filipinas\u003c/em> magazine\u003c/a> Rene Ciria-Cruz called Marasigan “old reliable,” and noted: “She’s a symbol of activism. When she’s there it lends a validity to the cause being taken up.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan broadened her focus even further in the ’90s, working more with children and teens — a natural progression, after she’d raised four daughters and a son of her own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13921886']In 1995, Marasigan volunteered with the Bilingual Advisory Council of Balboa Park’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/school/james-denman-middle-school\">James Denman Middle School\u003c/a>, was a member of the School Advisory Council and actively worked with teens on AIDS prevention. An article in the \u003cem>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/em> that year reported that she was prone to bluntly asking the teens at the West Bay Filipino Center on Mission St. if they were sexually active.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they cannot say ‘no’ right away,” she explained, “I grab their hand and say ‘Talk to me.’ I’m straight with them. I answer their questions and I don’t get embarrassed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan wasn’t afraid to enter a classroom and tell kids something they’d never heard before — be it about safe sex or their own history.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In the curriculum,” she said at the time, “there is no cultural empowerment of other groups. Last week, we had a support group at Balboa, and we showed them Filipino history in America, and they were so surprised … How could our children have self-esteem in school when they don’t see they are part of the history of America?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sadly, Marasigan’s life of service was suddenly cut short by an accident in April 2000. She had just gotten out of her parked car when it rolled down the street, knocking her to the ground. She was 61.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Memorial-Service-Held-at-City-Hall-For-Activist-2784544.php\">packed memorial service\u003c/a> for her at San Francisco’s City Hall, tributes poured in from Mayor Willie Brown, several supervisors (including Tom Ammiano and Mabel Teng) and a plethora of friends and associates. Supervisor Leland Yee didn’t mince words.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Anyone with the name ‘Bullet,’ you don’t want to mess around with,” Yee said. “When you lose someone like that, you lose part of your soul.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of Marasigan’s final triumphs in life was successfully fighting to re-open the \u003ca href=\"https://www.galingbata.org/\">Filipino Education Center\u003c/a> — a bilingual school and daycare for immigrant children. She believed this was an essential grounding place that would enable future generations of Filipinos to thrive in the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When we’re gone,” she explained in 1995, “the work will continue.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>To learn about other Rebel Girls from Bay Area History, visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/rebelgirls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rebel Girls homepage\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>With so many barriers to building a traditional family structure, it became essential for this first wave of manongs to form their own communities. Manilatown was central to that, and central to Manilatown was the International Hotel (often called the “I-Hotel”). The three-story structure at 838 Kearny Street housed 200 residents — mostly elderly and impoverished Filipino and Chinese men. The UFA’s headquarters, appropriately enough, was situated directly next door.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Autumn of 1968, Marasigan and the UFA faced their biggest challenge yet. Residents at the I-Hotel began receiving eviction notices. (The business that owned the property, Milton Meyer and Company, wanted to turn the hotel into a multi-level parking lot.) Residents, students and other civil rights groups banded together to keep the I-Hotel open; Marasigan was a key player in negotiating the hotel a new three-year lease in 1969.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan couldn’t have known that just four years later, the hotel would be sold to a developer. Then, on Aug. 7, 1977, 400 police officers forced their way through a human chain around the I-Hotel and forcibly dragged out its residents, bringing an end to the hotel — and Manilatown itself — for good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13966696\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13966696\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel.jpg\" alt=\"Men and women in 1970s clothing cluster together outside a building with a sign that says 'International Hotel' on it. \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-800x571.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-1020x728.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-160x114.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-768x548.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-1536x1096.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/i-hotel-1920x1370.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Protesters gathered outside the International Hotel for days before police forcibly emptied the building. This image was taken on Aug. 3, 1977. \u003ccite>(Dave Randolph/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Marasigan was not there to see the end of the hotel she fought so hard to save. She had returned to Manila in 1971, quickly joining the resistance against Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator that placed the Philippines under martial law, put an end to the free press and began violently oppressing civilians. Marasigan proved herself once more to be an outspoken activist, visiting and raising money for political prisoners. For her trouble, Marasigan was arrested in 1982 on explosives charges.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Marasigan spent a year incarcerated at the infamous \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Crame\">Camp Crame\u003c/a> before being fully exonerated. During her time as a political prisoner, Marasigan helped organize inmates, held political discussions and even conducted a 22-day hunger strike. In 1995, looking back on the turbulent time, she told the \u003cem>Examiner\u003c/em>, “The only thing explosive about me was my mouth and my farts.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She expanded: “Filipinos laugh a lot. We laugh at our mistakes. It’s one of the strengths we have. We can also fight.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And fight she did. Undeterred by her time in Camp Crame, in 1984, she co-founded \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriela_Women%27s_Party\">Gabriela Women’s Party\u003c/a> — an organization formed after 10,000 women marched against Marcos, defying a ban on protests. That same year, Maragisan also helped found \u003ca href=\"https://seldapilipinas.wordpress.com/about/\">Selda\u003c/a>, an advocacy organization by and for political prisoners. As part of her work with Gabriela and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Maragisan had a hand in opening two safe havens for women: the \u003ca href=\"http://www.genuinesecurity.org/partners/buklod.htm\">Buklod Center in Olongapo City\u003c/a>, geared towards sex workers, and the \u003ca href=\"https://batiscenterforwomen.wordpress.com/about/history/\">Batis Center for Women\u003c/a> in Quezon City, which focused on female migrant workers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan finally came back to the Bay in 1988 and, though there was no Manilatown to return to, went straight back to work for Filipino immigrants. She worked as a social worker at \u003ca href=\"https://www.somapilipinas.org/community-1/2018/7/13/west-bay-pilipino-multi-service-center\">West Bay Filipino Multi-Services\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.healthright360.org/parent-program/asian-american-recovery-services/\">Asian American Recovery Services\u003c/a> and the Veterans Equity Center (now known as the \u003ca href=\"https://asianpacificfund.org/affiliate/veterans-equity-center-2/\">Bayanihan Equity Center\u003c/a>).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Throughout the 1990s, while based in Daly City, Marasigan remained focused on seniors and veterans, setting up food and clothing banks at two separate Mission Street locations. In 1993, she co-founded the Friends of Filipino American Veterans to conduct “direct action, legal aid, advocacy and outreach programs for the veterans.” In 1994, she was president of the Filipino American Human Rights Advocates. Around this time, the editor in chief of \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filipinas_(magazine)\">\u003cem>Filipinas\u003c/em> magazine\u003c/a> Rene Ciria-Cruz called Marasigan “old reliable,” and noted: “She’s a symbol of activism. When she’s there it lends a validity to the cause being taken up.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan broadened her focus even further in the ’90s, working more with children and teens — a natural progression, after she’d raised four daughters and a son of her own.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>In 1995, Marasigan volunteered with the Bilingual Advisory Council of Balboa Park’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/school/james-denman-middle-school\">James Denman Middle School\u003c/a>, was a member of the School Advisory Council and actively worked with teens on AIDS prevention. An article in the \u003cem>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/em> that year reported that she was prone to bluntly asking the teens at the West Bay Filipino Center on Mission St. if they were sexually active.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If they cannot say ‘no’ right away,” she explained, “I grab their hand and say ‘Talk to me.’ I’m straight with them. I answer their questions and I don’t get embarrassed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Marasigan wasn’t afraid to enter a classroom and tell kids something they’d never heard before — be it about safe sex or their own history.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In the curriculum,” she said at the time, “there is no cultural empowerment of other groups. Last week, we had a support group at Balboa, and we showed them Filipino history in America, and they were so surprised … How could our children have self-esteem in school when they don’t see they are part of the history of America?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sadly, Marasigan’s life of service was suddenly cut short by an accident in April 2000. She had just gotten out of her parked car when it rolled down the street, knocking her to the ground. She was 61.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At a \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Memorial-Service-Held-at-City-Hall-For-Activist-2784544.php\">packed memorial service\u003c/a> for her at San Francisco’s City Hall, tributes poured in from Mayor Willie Brown, several supervisors (including Tom Ammiano and Mabel Teng) and a plethora of friends and associates. Supervisor Leland Yee didn’t mince words.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Anyone with the name ‘Bullet,’ you don’t want to mess around with,” Yee said. “When you lose someone like that, you lose part of your soul.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of Marasigan’s final triumphs in life was successfully fighting to re-open the \u003ca href=\"https://www.galingbata.org/\">Filipino Education Center\u003c/a> — a bilingual school and daycare for immigrant children. She believed this was an essential grounding place that would enable future generations of Filipinos to thrive in the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When we’re gone,” she explained in 1995, “the work will continue.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>To learn about other Rebel Girls from Bay Area History, visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/rebelgirls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rebel Girls homepage\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>In 1964, after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13953248/topless-at-the-condor-movie-review-carol-doda-documentary-north-beach-history\">Carol Doda danced topless at The Condor\u003c/a> for the first time, nightclubs across San Francisco’s North Beach erupted into a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13958719/who-was-yvonne-dangers-1960s-topless-north-beach-star-deportation\">topless frenzy\u003c/a>. Topless bands, topless clothing stores and even a topless shoe shine all opened in quick succession. But one of the most sensational acts of the time came courtesy of Vicki “Starr” Fernandez, a beautiful transgender woman.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13959375']Born in Puerto Rico in 1932, Fernandez ran away to America aged just 14, so that she might live a freer, more authentic life. “As a child,” she told the Bakersfield Californian in 1968, “I was more feminine and pretty than the girls in our school … When I was a teenager, my looks and behavior became an embarrassment to my family. The other kids started making really vicious remarks to me … [In] the States, at least I can dress and act as I please without hurting myself or my family.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fernandez danced all over North Beach at clubs including Finnochio’s, El Cid, Pierre’s, Mr. D’s and Coke’s. At the Follies Burlesque, Fernandez participated in the “Battle of the Sexes” — a dance-off in which cis women went head-to-head with trans women and drag queens. (The point was that the audience could rarely tell who was who.) Fernandez was frequently billed as “Mister” (or “Mr.”) Vicki Starr, sensationalizing her trans-ness as a way to maximize audience numbers. This kind of publicity undoubtedly carried major risks for her personal safety and legal standing. Still, she boldly and diligently carried on performing, never shying away from talking about her gender identity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13959772\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13959772\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A nightclub poster featuring two women, one glamorously made-up, the other standing topless, her back turned to the camera.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1984\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-800x620.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-1020x790.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-160x124.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-768x595.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-1536x1190.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-2048x1587.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-1920x1488.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A poster from Coke’s advertising performances by Vicki Starr and Roxanne Alegria with the declaration that: ‘Boys will be girls.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the GLBT Historical Society)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 1967, Fernandez told \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> columnist Merla Zellerbach that she was “working for one reason — to earn money to pay for the conversion operation. As soon as it’s finished, my fiancé and I will get married, possibly adopt children and settle down quietly.” What Fernandez craved, she told the reporter, was “a normal life as a woman.” She was entirely unwilling to give up on that dream, no matter the hurdles in her path. Though Fernandez enjoyed the limelight and relished every opportunity to be her most glamorous self, the nightclubs that made her famous were in many ways merely a means of survival.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Standing up for herself\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Fernandez spent much of her life kicking against social and institutional prejudice. From the time she arrived in San Francisco, Fernandez unabashedly lived every moment as the woman that she was. She was a fashionista, always clad in the most elegant styles of the day. She attracted a large, loving and very diverse friend group. She was politically active, keeping files of political pamphlets at home from the likes of George Moscone and Willie Brown, and voting for Harvey Milk when he was a candidate for the Board of Supervisors. Throughout her life, she stood up for and fiercely defended her rights as a woman.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of the biggest battles of Fernandez’s life started in 1971, when Fernandez’s longterm partner Richard Smith was convicted of homicide and incarcerated. It was far from the domestic bliss she had once envisioned for herself and, making matters worse, she soon found herself restricted from visiting Smith because of her gender identity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One correspondence from the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo reflects the hostile policies of the era:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Ms. Fernandez remains biologically a male. Accordingly, until such time as a sex change operation is completed, and other approval to visit has been granted, Ms. Fernandez would be expected to enter the institution in male attire and utilize the male rest room.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>To Fernandez, these parameters were unacceptable. She quickly sought out the assistance of the San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation (SFNLAF), and together they went about becoming a thorn in the side of the California Department of Corrections. They started with letters to the California State Prison Solano, in which Smith was originally held, then moved on to the prison in San Luis Obispo, where he was moved in 1974. That year, one letter to its director Raymond Procunier stated:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Ms. Fernandez was allowed to visit [Smith] for a period of 9 months without any questions raised. She made no attempt to hide her identity in this time. It was evidently only after Ms. Fernandez was discovered to be a trans-sexual that her visiting privilege was suddenly denied.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>For years, Fernandez and the SFNLAF badgered the Department of Corrections to change their stance on Fernandez’s clothing restrictions. And for years, the Department of Corrections tried to brush them off. Fernandez refused to back down. She began actively studying and campaigning for prison reform. She sought advice from the Prisoner’s Union, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Prison Law Collective. She contacted \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11985739/san-franciscans-honor-glide-church-founder-rev-cecil-williams-at-memorial-ceremony\">Rev. Cecil Williams\u003c/a> of Glide Memorial, knowing he was outspoken on the topic of prison reform. She befriended Daniel Castro, the senior consultant for the select committee on corrections. She became a relentless force — and eventually, her work paid off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1975, the San Luis Obispo Men’s Colony finally relented and permitted Fernandez to visit Smith in the clothing of her choosing. Access alone was not enough to silence her. When transphobic treatment reared its head in the visitors’ room, Fernandez made sure to document her displeasure in written complaints. One letter from the SFNLAF to H.L. Shaw, then the outside lieutenant of the San Luis Obispo prison, stated:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Ms. Fernandez has been subjected to further abuse which is uncalled for. Her attempts to hold hands and affectionately touch Mr. Smith in the way common between husband and wife has been precluded. Various sergeants under you have offended Ms. Fernandez by carefully policing her hand holding activities.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>It never mattered who she was up against, Fernandez was always ready to fight for equal treatment, no matter the venue.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A loving legacy\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Though Fernandez’s life was not the easiest, she refused to live meekly or under anyone’s thumb. Proud of her identity, she fought tooth and nail for every scrap of progress she ever made and every shred of happiness she ever found. She was indefatigable when it came to living out loud, no matter who was judging her. But behind closed doors, she was a sensitive and sentimental soul. In the end, it was those traits that formed the foundation of Fernandez’s lasting cultural legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13870056']During an era when many of her contemporaries were trying their best to live under the radar and out of sight, Fernandez proudly documented her community in as many ways as she could. In her death, Fernandez left behind a comprehensive goldmine of photographs, flyers and other ephemera that continues to stand as a reflection of the LGBTQ community from the 1950s through the 1980s. These files reflect a joyful and loving community full of beautiful souls who refused to be relegated to the shadows. Now in the care of San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society, they offer important insight into a woefully under-documented period of time for LGBTQ people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1967, bemoaning the many hardships she faced, Fernandez told the \u003cem>Chronicle\u003c/em>: “If I’d been born all girl, none of this would have happened.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While her life would have undoubtedly been less challenging if that was the case, it was Fernandez’s trans-ness that ultimately made her so special — in her nightclub performances, in her legal battles, and in the keepsakes she ultimately left behind. “You have a very peaceful effect on people,” a friend named Susan wrote to Fernandez in the 1970s. “A harmony that lifts them and can heal them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The personal documents Fernandez left behind will continue to do so long into the future.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>To learn about other Rebel Girls from Bay Area History, visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/rebelgirls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rebel Girls homepage\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Born in Puerto Rico in 1932, Fernandez ran away to America aged just 14, so that she might live a freer, more authentic life. “As a child,” she told the Bakersfield Californian in 1968, “I was more feminine and pretty than the girls in our school … When I was a teenager, my looks and behavior became an embarrassment to my family. The other kids started making really vicious remarks to me … [In] the States, at least I can dress and act as I please without hurting myself or my family.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fernandez danced all over North Beach at clubs including Finnochio’s, El Cid, Pierre’s, Mr. D’s and Coke’s. At the Follies Burlesque, Fernandez participated in the “Battle of the Sexes” — a dance-off in which cis women went head-to-head with trans women and drag queens. (The point was that the audience could rarely tell who was who.) Fernandez was frequently billed as “Mister” (or “Mr.”) Vicki Starr, sensationalizing her trans-ness as a way to maximize audience numbers. This kind of publicity undoubtedly carried major risks for her personal safety and legal standing. Still, she boldly and diligently carried on performing, never shying away from talking about her gender identity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13959772\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13959772\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A nightclub poster featuring two women, one glamorously made-up, the other standing topless, her back turned to the camera.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1984\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-800x620.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-1020x790.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-160x124.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-768x595.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-1536x1190.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-2048x1587.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/20240606_134527-1920x1488.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A poster from Coke’s advertising performances by Vicki Starr and Roxanne Alegria with the declaration that: ‘Boys will be girls.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the GLBT Historical Society)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In 1967, Fernandez told \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> columnist Merla Zellerbach that she was “working for one reason — to earn money to pay for the conversion operation. As soon as it’s finished, my fiancé and I will get married, possibly adopt children and settle down quietly.” What Fernandez craved, she told the reporter, was “a normal life as a woman.” She was entirely unwilling to give up on that dream, no matter the hurdles in her path. Though Fernandez enjoyed the limelight and relished every opportunity to be her most glamorous self, the nightclubs that made her famous were in many ways merely a means of survival.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Standing up for herself\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Fernandez spent much of her life kicking against social and institutional prejudice. From the time she arrived in San Francisco, Fernandez unabashedly lived every moment as the woman that she was. She was a fashionista, always clad in the most elegant styles of the day. She attracted a large, loving and very diverse friend group. She was politically active, keeping files of political pamphlets at home from the likes of George Moscone and Willie Brown, and voting for Harvey Milk when he was a candidate for the Board of Supervisors. Throughout her life, she stood up for and fiercely defended her rights as a woman.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of the biggest battles of Fernandez’s life started in 1971, when Fernandez’s longterm partner Richard Smith was convicted of homicide and incarcerated. It was far from the domestic bliss she had once envisioned for herself and, making matters worse, she soon found herself restricted from visiting Smith because of her gender identity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One correspondence from the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo reflects the hostile policies of the era:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Ms. Fernandez remains biologically a male. Accordingly, until such time as a sex change operation is completed, and other approval to visit has been granted, Ms. Fernandez would be expected to enter the institution in male attire and utilize the male rest room.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>To Fernandez, these parameters were unacceptable. She quickly sought out the assistance of the San Francisco Neighborhood Legal Assistance Foundation (SFNLAF), and together they went about becoming a thorn in the side of the California Department of Corrections. They started with letters to the California State Prison Solano, in which Smith was originally held, then moved on to the prison in San Luis Obispo, where he was moved in 1974. That year, one letter to its director Raymond Procunier stated:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Ms. Fernandez was allowed to visit [Smith] for a period of 9 months without any questions raised. She made no attempt to hide her identity in this time. It was evidently only after Ms. Fernandez was discovered to be a trans-sexual that her visiting privilege was suddenly denied.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>For years, Fernandez and the SFNLAF badgered the Department of Corrections to change their stance on Fernandez’s clothing restrictions. And for years, the Department of Corrections tried to brush them off. Fernandez refused to back down. She began actively studying and campaigning for prison reform. She sought advice from the Prisoner’s Union, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Prison Law Collective. She contacted \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11985739/san-franciscans-honor-glide-church-founder-rev-cecil-williams-at-memorial-ceremony\">Rev. Cecil Williams\u003c/a> of Glide Memorial, knowing he was outspoken on the topic of prison reform. She befriended Daniel Castro, the senior consultant for the select committee on corrections. She became a relentless force — and eventually, her work paid off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1975, the San Luis Obispo Men’s Colony finally relented and permitted Fernandez to visit Smith in the clothing of her choosing. Access alone was not enough to silence her. When transphobic treatment reared its head in the visitors’ room, Fernandez made sure to document her displeasure in written complaints. One letter from the SFNLAF to H.L. Shaw, then the outside lieutenant of the San Luis Obispo prison, stated:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Ms. Fernandez has been subjected to further abuse which is uncalled for. Her attempts to hold hands and affectionately touch Mr. Smith in the way common between husband and wife has been precluded. Various sergeants under you have offended Ms. Fernandez by carefully policing her hand holding activities.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>It never mattered who she was up against, Fernandez was always ready to fight for equal treatment, no matter the venue.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>A loving legacy\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Though Fernandez’s life was not the easiest, she refused to live meekly or under anyone’s thumb. Proud of her identity, she fought tooth and nail for every scrap of progress she ever made and every shred of happiness she ever found. She was indefatigable when it came to living out loud, no matter who was judging her. But behind closed doors, she was a sensitive and sentimental soul. In the end, it was those traits that formed the foundation of Fernandez’s lasting cultural legacy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>During an era when many of her contemporaries were trying their best to live under the radar and out of sight, Fernandez proudly documented her community in as many ways as she could. In her death, Fernandez left behind a comprehensive goldmine of photographs, flyers and other ephemera that continues to stand as a reflection of the LGBTQ community from the 1950s through the 1980s. These files reflect a joyful and loving community full of beautiful souls who refused to be relegated to the shadows. Now in the care of San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society, they offer important insight into a woefully under-documented period of time for LGBTQ people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1967, bemoaning the many hardships she faced, Fernandez told the \u003cem>Chronicle\u003c/em>: “If I’d been born all girl, none of this would have happened.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While her life would have undoubtedly been less challenging if that was the case, it was Fernandez’s trans-ness that ultimately made her so special — in her nightclub performances, in her legal battles, and in the keepsakes she ultimately left behind. “You have a very peaceful effect on people,” a friend named Susan wrote to Fernandez in the 1970s. “A harmony that lifts them and can heal them.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The personal documents Fernandez left behind will continue to do so long into the future.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon co-authored \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman\u003c/em> in 1972, the effect was seismic. Dedicated to “daughters throughout the world who are struggling with their identity,” the book began with a clear, unequivocal explanation:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>A Lesbian is a woman whose primary erotic, psychological, emotional and social interest is in a member of her own sex.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>That a book about lesbian culture would even require such a definition feels bizarre today. But the lifelong work of San Francisco couple Martin and Lyon is one of the reasons that so few people require such annotations now. \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman\u003c/em> didn’t just demystify same-sex female relationships — it calmly and clearly sought to normalize them. At the time, few representations of lesbians existed outside of lurid pulp fiction or psychology textbooks. \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman\u003c/em> changed the conversation and reassured queer women everywhere that there was nothing wrong with them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13889944']When Martin and Lyon began their relationship in 1952, after two years of friendship, America was a terrifying place to be LGBTQ. Looking back in 1995, the couple wrote an essay recalling the “climate of fear, rejection and oppression” that marked the earliest days of their 56-year romance. “Lesbians and gay men, if found out,” the pair wrote, “were subject to reprisals from all quarters of society: employers, police, military, government, family and friends.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With that in mind — after moving into a Castro District apartment together on Valentine’s Day in 1953 — Martin and Lyon sought friendships with fellow lesbians outside of the oft-raided gay bars. That led to the establishment in 1955 of the \u003ca href=\"https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/before-stonewall/daughters-of-bilitis\">Daughters of Bilitis\u003c/a> (DOB), the first lesbian-rights organization in the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Originally the idea of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/queeriodicals/p/CFaBsyuAVGF/?img_index=1\">Rosalie Bamberger\u003c/a>, a local Filipina factory worker, the nonprofit started with just four couples. Martin was the club’s first president, and by the end of its first year, DOB had 15 official members. From there, the group expanded their ranks via the Daughters of Bilitis newsletter and, starting in October 1956, \u003ca href=\"https://archive.org/details/pub_ladder\">\u003cem>The Ladder\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, a groundbreaking lesbian magazine edited by Lyon. She held a degree in journalism from UC Berkeley, and had worked in magazines and newspapers since the ’40s — but here, she published under the pseudonym Ann Ferguson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958039\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958039\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/the-ladder-scaled-e1715901912416.jpg\" alt=\"Three black and white covers of magazines. The first shows an androgynous person, the second features two cats, and the third is a sketch of a couple, viewed from behind, watching a sunset.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"891\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Issues of ‘The Ladder,’ a magazine for lesbians that began publishing in 1956. \u003ccite>(The Internet Archive)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Lyon’s pen name wasn’t the only reflection of the fear-of-being-found-out that marked the era: Daughters of Bilitis’ name came from \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Songs_of_Bilitis#:~:text=The%20Songs%20of%20Bilitis%20(%2Fb,work%20is%20considered%20a%20pseudotranslation.\">Songs of Bilitis\u003c/a>, \u003c/em>a collection of lesbian love poems published in 1894 by Pierre Louÿs, who claimed the text was based on ancient Greek scripts. If anyone asked, the women could say that DOB was merely a club for women who were passionate about Greek poetry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And in 1960, when the organization’s first conference was held in the penthouse of San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Whitcomb\">Hotel Whitcomb\u003c/a>, all attendees were careful to wear skirts and dresses, lest they be accused of cross-dressing. (They were right to do so: SFPD’s “homosexual detail” showed up to see if anything nefarious was going on.) At one point, Martin and Lyon were so concerned about their office being raided and the DOB mailing list being exposed, they hid the document in the back of their station wagon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, DOB persisted, acting as a support and social group, and as a source of information for its members. Even in the organization’s earliest days, Martin carried herself with an unrivaled fortitude. In 1959, she attended a Mattachine Society convention in Denver to voice her dissatisfaction with the gay organization’s attitude towards women. Pointing out that the group was 99% male, Martin announced from the stage: “Lesbians are not satisfied to be auxiliary members or second-class homosexuals. One of Mattachine’s aims is that of sexual equality. May I suggest that you start with the lesbian?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Martin channeled that energy into her writing as well. Her first solo book, \u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1142351\">\u003cem>Battered Wives\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, was published in 1976, becoming the first American book to discuss domestic violence in depth. By then, Martin was also the first out lesbian to have served on the National Organization of Women’s board of directors. Lyon was a fellow NOW member, which made them the first out lesbian couple to join.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he ’70s were a time of great change for Martin and Lyon. Daughters of Bilitis and \u003cem>The Ladder\u003c/em> both came to an unceremonious halt in 1970 because of intragroup politics and a couple of bad actors. Without either entity to pour their energy into, Martin and Lyon instead focused on writing \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman —\u003c/em> and this time, with incredible bravery, they used their real names. A year later came \u003cem>Lesbian Love and Liberation: The Yes Book of Sex, \u003c/em>a sex-positive guide that Martin and Lyon wrote to encourage tolerance, consent and frankness in the bedroom. The very first page came out guns blazing:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Yes, everyone has a right to a good sex life — including persons who have physical disabilities. Yes, sexuality is the most individualistic part of a person’s life. It is up to each individual to determine and then to assume responsibility for her or his own sexuality. Yes, sex is okay in its varying modes of expression — if people know what they are doing, feel good about it and don’t harm others.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>Less than two years after \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman’\u003c/em>s release, and just months after \u003cem>Lesbian Love and Liberation\u003c/em> came out, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders finally stopped defining homosexuality as a mental illness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>By 1979, the couple had established the \u003ca href=\"https://lyon-martin.org/\">Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco — a safe space for lesbian couples to receive healthcare. “We were trying to help lesbians find themselves,” Lyon said in 1989. “I mean, you can’t have a movement if you don’t have people that see that they’re worthwhile.” (Today, the clinic is also focused on serving trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and intersex people.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13870056']Throughout the ’90s, as LGBTQ people increasingly found acceptance in America, Martin and Lyon celebrated how far they had come in a series of interviews and essays. While the \u003cem>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/em> referred to them as “the mothers of lesbian visibility,” the couple remained hilariously open about how long it took them to figure themselves out. In one 1992 interview, Martin joked about Lyon being a “straight lesbian for a while,” even after they were living together as a couple. Lyon laughed at the memory, admitting, “I was a little slow…”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2004, Martin and Lyon became the first same-sex couple to marry in San Francisco. At a mass wedding reception for 600 newlyweds on Feb. 23, 2004, Lyon said: “I think it’s important for a lot of the people that got married … but also for our friends who didn’t get married.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958064\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958064\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A 2004 San Francisco marriage license.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2362\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-800x738.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-1020x941.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-160x148.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-768x709.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-1536x1417.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-2048x1890.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-1920x1771.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s first marriage certificate. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the San Francisco History Center)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The unions were frustratingly short-lived — within a month, the California Supreme Court had declared every same-sex marriage that had just taken place in San Francisco invalid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But four years later, Lyon and Martin proudly returned to City Hall and made things official once more, after the California Supreme Court’s landmark decision on marriage equality. The couple were literally first in line, just as they had been in 2004, and were married by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom — the man who had sanctioned their first wedding. They even wore the same \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLBT_Historical_Society#/media/File:GLBTHistoryMuseum.WeddingPantsuits12_10.jpg\">mauve and turquoise suits\u003c/a> they had worn for their first ceremony. (Those outfits are now held in San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society’s permanent collection.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='pop_102855']It was an enormously meaningful day for the couple. When Martin died at the age of 87, less than three months after their wedding, Lyon said: “I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.” Castro’s Pride flag and the flags at City Hall flew at half-mast in Martin’s honor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lyon soldiered on without her love for another 12 years. She died in 2020, aged 95, at home in San Francisco. On learning of the news, Gavin Newsom tweeted: “Phyllis — It was the honor of a lifetime to marry you & Del. Your courage changed the course of history.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would be a gross understatement to say that Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s love, and their willingness to speak openly and often about it, impacted America’s view of same-sex unions. The couple spent their whole lives putting themselves in the spotlight — and sometimes grave danger — to raise awareness, and to help women still struggling with their own sexualities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2017, Lyon reminded the world why she and Martin had lived their lives in service. “If you’ve got stuff you want to change, you have to get out and work on it,” she said. “You can’t just sit around and say ‘I wish this or that was different.’ You have to fight for it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>To learn about other Rebel Girls from Bay Area History, visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/rebelgirls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rebel Girls homepage\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">W\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>hen Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon co-authored \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman\u003c/em> in 1972, the effect was seismic. Dedicated to “daughters throughout the world who are struggling with their identity,” the book began with a clear, unequivocal explanation:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>A Lesbian is a woman whose primary erotic, psychological, emotional and social interest is in a member of her own sex.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>That a book about lesbian culture would even require such a definition feels bizarre today. But the lifelong work of San Francisco couple Martin and Lyon is one of the reasons that so few people require such annotations now. \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman\u003c/em> didn’t just demystify same-sex female relationships — it calmly and clearly sought to normalize them. At the time, few representations of lesbians existed outside of lurid pulp fiction or psychology textbooks. \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman\u003c/em> changed the conversation and reassured queer women everywhere that there was nothing wrong with them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>When Martin and Lyon began their relationship in 1952, after two years of friendship, America was a terrifying place to be LGBTQ. Looking back in 1995, the couple wrote an essay recalling the “climate of fear, rejection and oppression” that marked the earliest days of their 56-year romance. “Lesbians and gay men, if found out,” the pair wrote, “were subject to reprisals from all quarters of society: employers, police, military, government, family and friends.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With that in mind — after moving into a Castro District apartment together on Valentine’s Day in 1953 — Martin and Lyon sought friendships with fellow lesbians outside of the oft-raided gay bars. That led to the establishment in 1955 of the \u003ca href=\"https://guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/before-stonewall/daughters-of-bilitis\">Daughters of Bilitis\u003c/a> (DOB), the first lesbian-rights organization in the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Originally the idea of \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/queeriodicals/p/CFaBsyuAVGF/?img_index=1\">Rosalie Bamberger\u003c/a>, a local Filipina factory worker, the nonprofit started with just four couples. Martin was the club’s first president, and by the end of its first year, DOB had 15 official members. From there, the group expanded their ranks via the Daughters of Bilitis newsletter and, starting in October 1956, \u003ca href=\"https://archive.org/details/pub_ladder\">\u003cem>The Ladder\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, a groundbreaking lesbian magazine edited by Lyon. She held a degree in journalism from UC Berkeley, and had worked in magazines and newspapers since the ’40s — but here, she published under the pseudonym Ann Ferguson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958039\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958039\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/the-ladder-scaled-e1715901912416.jpg\" alt=\"Three black and white covers of magazines. The first shows an androgynous person, the second features two cats, and the third is a sketch of a couple, viewed from behind, watching a sunset.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"891\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Issues of ‘The Ladder,’ a magazine for lesbians that began publishing in 1956. \u003ccite>(The Internet Archive)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Lyon’s pen name wasn’t the only reflection of the fear-of-being-found-out that marked the era: Daughters of Bilitis’ name came from \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Songs_of_Bilitis#:~:text=The%20Songs%20of%20Bilitis%20(%2Fb,work%20is%20considered%20a%20pseudotranslation.\">Songs of Bilitis\u003c/a>, \u003c/em>a collection of lesbian love poems published in 1894 by Pierre Louÿs, who claimed the text was based on ancient Greek scripts. If anyone asked, the women could say that DOB was merely a club for women who were passionate about Greek poetry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And in 1960, when the organization’s first conference was held in the penthouse of San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Whitcomb\">Hotel Whitcomb\u003c/a>, all attendees were careful to wear skirts and dresses, lest they be accused of cross-dressing. (They were right to do so: SFPD’s “homosexual detail” showed up to see if anything nefarious was going on.) At one point, Martin and Lyon were so concerned about their office being raided and the DOB mailing list being exposed, they hid the document in the back of their station wagon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, DOB persisted, acting as a support and social group, and as a source of information for its members. Even in the organization’s earliest days, Martin carried herself with an unrivaled fortitude. In 1959, she attended a Mattachine Society convention in Denver to voice her dissatisfaction with the gay organization’s attitude towards women. Pointing out that the group was 99% male, Martin announced from the stage: “Lesbians are not satisfied to be auxiliary members or second-class homosexuals. One of Mattachine’s aims is that of sexual equality. May I suggest that you start with the lesbian?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Martin channeled that energy into her writing as well. Her first solo book, \u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1142351\">\u003cem>Battered Wives\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, was published in 1976, becoming the first American book to discuss domestic violence in depth. By then, Martin was also the first out lesbian to have served on the National Organization of Women’s board of directors. Lyon was a fellow NOW member, which made them the first out lesbian couple to join.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class=\"utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__dropcapShortcode__dropcap\">T\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>he ’70s were a time of great change for Martin and Lyon. Daughters of Bilitis and \u003cem>The Ladder\u003c/em> both came to an unceremonious halt in 1970 because of intragroup politics and a couple of bad actors. Without either entity to pour their energy into, Martin and Lyon instead focused on writing \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman —\u003c/em> and this time, with incredible bravery, they used their real names. A year later came \u003cem>Lesbian Love and Liberation: The Yes Book of Sex, \u003c/em>a sex-positive guide that Martin and Lyon wrote to encourage tolerance, consent and frankness in the bedroom. The very first page came out guns blazing:\u003c/p>\n\u003cblockquote>\u003cp>Yes, everyone has a right to a good sex life — including persons who have physical disabilities. Yes, sexuality is the most individualistic part of a person’s life. It is up to each individual to determine and then to assume responsibility for her or his own sexuality. Yes, sex is okay in its varying modes of expression — if people know what they are doing, feel good about it and don’t harm others.\u003c/p>\u003c/blockquote>\n\u003cp>Less than two years after \u003cem>Lesbian/Woman’\u003c/em>s release, and just months after \u003cem>Lesbian Love and Liberation\u003c/em> came out, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders finally stopped defining homosexuality as a mental illness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>By 1979, the couple had established the \u003ca href=\"https://lyon-martin.org/\">Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco — a safe space for lesbian couples to receive healthcare. “We were trying to help lesbians find themselves,” Lyon said in 1989. “I mean, you can’t have a movement if you don’t have people that see that they’re worthwhile.” (Today, the clinic is also focused on serving trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and intersex people.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Throughout the ’90s, as LGBTQ people increasingly found acceptance in America, Martin and Lyon celebrated how far they had come in a series of interviews and essays. While the \u003cem>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/em> referred to them as “the mothers of lesbian visibility,” the couple remained hilariously open about how long it took them to figure themselves out. In one 1992 interview, Martin joked about Lyon being a “straight lesbian for a while,” even after they were living together as a couple. Lyon laughed at the memory, admitting, “I was a little slow…”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2004, Martin and Lyon became the first same-sex couple to marry in San Francisco. At a mass wedding reception for 600 newlyweds on Feb. 23, 2004, Lyon said: “I think it’s important for a lot of the people that got married … but also for our friends who didn’t get married.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13958064\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13958064\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"A 2004 San Francisco marriage license.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2362\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-800x738.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-1020x941.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-160x148.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-768x709.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-1536x1417.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-2048x1890.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/20240402_161657-1920x1771.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s first marriage certificate. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the San Francisco History Center)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The unions were frustratingly short-lived — within a month, the California Supreme Court had declared every same-sex marriage that had just taken place in San Francisco invalid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But four years later, Lyon and Martin proudly returned to City Hall and made things official once more, after the California Supreme Court’s landmark decision on marriage equality. The couple were literally first in line, just as they had been in 2004, and were married by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom — the man who had sanctioned their first wedding. They even wore the same \u003ca href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GLBT_Historical_Society#/media/File:GLBTHistoryMuseum.WeddingPantsuits12_10.jpg\">mauve and turquoise suits\u003c/a> they had worn for their first ceremony. (Those outfits are now held in San Francisco’s GLBT Historical Society’s permanent collection.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>It was an enormously meaningful day for the couple. When Martin died at the age of 87, less than three months after their wedding, Lyon said: “I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.” Castro’s Pride flag and the flags at City Hall flew at half-mast in Martin’s honor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lyon soldiered on without her love for another 12 years. She died in 2020, aged 95, at home in San Francisco. On learning of the news, Gavin Newsom tweeted: “Phyllis — It was the honor of a lifetime to marry you & Del. Your courage changed the course of history.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It would be a gross understatement to say that Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s love, and their willingness to speak openly and often about it, impacted America’s view of same-sex unions. The couple spent their whole lives putting themselves in the spotlight — and sometimes grave danger — to raise awareness, and to help women still struggling with their own sexualities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2017, Lyon reminded the world why she and Martin had lived their lives in service. “If you’ve got stuff you want to change, you have to get out and work on it,” she said. “You can’t just sit around and say ‘I wish this or that was different.’ You have to fight for it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>To learn about other Rebel Girls from Bay Area History, visit the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/rebelgirls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rebel Girls homepage\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "‘Dahomey’ Follows Relics’ Return to Benin in a Moving Documentary",
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"content": "\u003cp>French filmmaker Mati Diop’s evocative \u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em> centers on 26 statues and cultural objects — a handful of the estimated 5,000 pieces stolen at the end of the 19th century — that France returned to Benin in 2021. Opening Friday, Nov. 8 at the \u003ca href=\"https://roxie.com/film/dahomey/\">Roxie\u003c/a> after its recent local premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival, the unexpectedly inspiring documentary transports us along with the crates to West Africa, movingly capturing the immediacy of art in contemporary life.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before the pieces deplane in Benin, however, and go on view at the Palais de la Marina (the presidential residence) in a historical and artistic celebration of national importance, Diop invites us to contemplate their painful exile in the recesses of Paris’ Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. She and Haitian novelist and poet Makenzy Orcel give the treasures an internal monologue that evokes the anguish of colonialism and the denial of self-determination.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Diop imbues the pieces with a mournful anger that contrasts with the detached attitude of museum conservators and manual laborers who treat them as physical objects to be measured, packed and forklifted. This opening section effectively makes us question the significance of relics, the relevance of history and the latent power of art.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967854\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000.jpg\" alt=\"girl looks through glass in school uniform\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1055\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967854\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-800x422.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-1020x538.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-160x84.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-768x405.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-1536x810.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-1920x1013.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Still from Mati Diop’s ‘Dahomey.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy of MUBI)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This has been a topic of conversation forever, of course, in museums and art galleries (and beyond). It may seem more au courant in our digital world where people and events “trend” and vanish in hours. \u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em> gains another resonance in the wake of an election that indicates, among other things, that Americans are largely uninterested in the past and cannot even recall events that took place four years ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But let us consider instead the Kingdom of Dahomey, which flourished, in part on enslaved labor and the transatlantic slave trade, for some 300 years. After a decade of wars with France and the overthrow of its King Béhanzin, Dahomey became part of French West Africa in 1904. The Republic of Dahomey won its independence in 1960, and the country renamed itself Benin in 1975.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mati Diop was born in Paris; she is an actor, writer and director whose acclaimed 2019 narrative feature debut, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.netflix.com/title/81082007\">Atlantics\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, is streaming on Netflix. Diop’s Sengalese father, Wasis, is a musician and her late uncle, Djibril Diop Mambéty, was a filmmaker. She spent her formative years in France and Senegal, which accounts for her interest in the repatriation of (some of) Benin’s looted artworks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967853\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000.jpg\" alt=\"man raises hand in seated group\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967853\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Still from Mati Diop’s ‘Dahomey.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy of MUBI)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once the artworks have landed in Benin, Diop exhibits both generosity and good judgment by devoting a chunk of the film (which clocks in at a succinct 68 minutes) to the opinions of the Beninese. Not through person-on-the-street interviews, mind you, but via an eloquent discussion among informed and impassioned University of Abomey-Calavi students.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside tag='film' label='More to watch']This sequence is the best part of \u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em> for all sorts of reasons. The students speak beautifully about the pieces as relics from the reign of kings and symbols of Western colonialism, and also as works of art. They know their history as well as its limits; that is, they see the past primarily as instrumental in their responsibility for creating Benin’s future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One student, in fact, downplaying the importance of the pieces still held in France, argues persuasively, “Our immaterial heritage — our dances, traditions and knowhow — are still in our country!” \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em>, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, is unquestionably a dark-room theatrical experience. But it also deserves a permanent venue, such as a long-term installation at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Its themes of cultural identity and ownership, and independence and self-determination, are relevant to all former colonies.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>‘\u003ca href=\"https://roxie.com/film/dahomey/\">Dahomey\u003c/a>’ opens Nov. 8, 2024 at the Roxie.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>French filmmaker Mati Diop’s evocative \u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em> centers on 26 statues and cultural objects — a handful of the estimated 5,000 pieces stolen at the end of the 19th century — that France returned to Benin in 2021. Opening Friday, Nov. 8 at the \u003ca href=\"https://roxie.com/film/dahomey/\">Roxie\u003c/a> after its recent local premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival, the unexpectedly inspiring documentary transports us along with the crates to West Africa, movingly capturing the immediacy of art in contemporary life.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before the pieces deplane in Benin, however, and go on view at the Palais de la Marina (the presidential residence) in a historical and artistic celebration of national importance, Diop invites us to contemplate their painful exile in the recesses of Paris’ Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. She and Haitian novelist and poet Makenzy Orcel give the treasures an internal monologue that evokes the anguish of colonialism and the denial of self-determination.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Diop imbues the pieces with a mournful anger that contrasts with the detached attitude of museum conservators and manual laborers who treat them as physical objects to be measured, packed and forklifted. This opening section effectively makes us question the significance of relics, the relevance of history and the latent power of art.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967854\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000.jpg\" alt=\"girl looks through glass in school uniform\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1055\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967854\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-800x422.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-1020x538.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-160x84.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-768x405.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-1536x810.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_4_2000-1920x1013.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Still from Mati Diop’s ‘Dahomey.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy of MUBI)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This has been a topic of conversation forever, of course, in museums and art galleries (and beyond). It may seem more au courant in our digital world where people and events “trend” and vanish in hours. \u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em> gains another resonance in the wake of an election that indicates, among other things, that Americans are largely uninterested in the past and cannot even recall events that took place four years ago.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But let us consider instead the Kingdom of Dahomey, which flourished, in part on enslaved labor and the transatlantic slave trade, for some 300 years. After a decade of wars with France and the overthrow of its King Béhanzin, Dahomey became part of French West Africa in 1904. The Republic of Dahomey won its independence in 1960, and the country renamed itself Benin in 1975.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mati Diop was born in Paris; she is an actor, writer and director whose acclaimed 2019 narrative feature debut, \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.netflix.com/title/81082007\">Atlantics\u003c/a>\u003c/em>, is streaming on Netflix. Diop’s Sengalese father, Wasis, is a musician and her late uncle, Djibril Diop Mambéty, was a filmmaker. She spent her formative years in France and Senegal, which accounts for her interest in the repatriation of (some of) Benin’s looted artworks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13967853\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000.jpg\" alt=\"man raises hand in seated group\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13967853\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/Dahomey_Still_2_2000-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Still from Mati Diop’s ‘Dahomey.’ \u003ccite>(Courtesy of MUBI)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once the artworks have landed in Benin, Diop exhibits both generosity and good judgment by devoting a chunk of the film (which clocks in at a succinct 68 minutes) to the opinions of the Beninese. Not through person-on-the-street interviews, mind you, but via an eloquent discussion among informed and impassioned University of Abomey-Calavi students.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This sequence is the best part of \u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em> for all sorts of reasons. The students speak beautifully about the pieces as relics from the reign of kings and symbols of Western colonialism, and also as works of art. They know their history as well as its limits; that is, they see the past primarily as instrumental in their responsibility for creating Benin’s future.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One student, in fact, downplaying the importance of the pieces still held in France, argues persuasively, “Our immaterial heritage — our dances, traditions and knowhow — are still in our country!” \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Dahomey\u003c/em>, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, is unquestionably a dark-room theatrical experience. But it also deserves a permanent venue, such as a long-term installation at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Its themes of cultural identity and ownership, and independence and self-determination, are relevant to all former colonies.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>‘\u003ca href=\"https://roxie.com/film/dahomey/\">Dahomey\u003c/a>’ opens Nov. 8, 2024 at the Roxie.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"soldout": {
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"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
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"title": "TED Radio Hour",
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