Witness To History

In this episode of Witness to History, Tory Russell sits down with rapper, thought leader, and activist Tef Poe to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the Ferguson uprising. Tef Poe shares his first-hand account of August 9, 2014, the day Mike Brown was killed, and how it sparked a movement that transformed his life and the community. The two discuss the raw emotions of those early days, the evolution of resistance, and how Ferguson...

In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell sits down with Reverend Dr. Osagyefo Sekou to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Ferguson uprising. A powerful voice in both activism and the pulpit, Reverend Sekou shares his insights on the global impact of Ferguson, his personal connection to the movement, and the role of working-class Black communities in shaping resistance. They discuss the importance of solidarit...

 In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell sits down with Dacia Polk, a revolutionary healer, abolitionist, and culture creator, to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Ferguson uprising. Dacia shares her personal journey from homeschooling her children to becoming deeply involved in the movement, discussing the lessons learned, the evolution of activism, and the ongoing struggle for Black liberation. The conver...

In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell engages in a raw and thought-provoking conversation with Alex Templeton, a committed activist and newly minted public defender. Alex reflects on their journey from the front lines of Ferguson to law school, discussing the impact of the protests on St. Louis culture, the role of barbershops as community spaces, and the ongoing fight for justice. They explore the complexities o...

In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell sits down with Ashley Yates, a prominent activist, organizer, and writer who was on the front lines of the Ferguson protests. Ashley reflects on her journey over the past decade, discussing her ongoing work in Oakland, the importance of self-care in activism, and the lessons learned from Ferguson about community, resilience, and the continuous fight for justice. Tune in for a...

In this episode of Witness to History, Tory Russell interviews John Collins-Muhammad, the youngest elected official in St. Louis and a former alderman just released from federal prison. John shares his disillusionment upon returning to a city still grappling with deep injustice and inequality. Reflecting on his experiences in prison and the Ferguson protests, he discusses how they shaped his political approach and commitment to Bla...

In this episode, host Tory Russell and Julia "Momma Julia" Davis reflect on the ten-year anniversary of the Ferguson protests following the killing of Michael Brown. Momma Julia, an activist and mother, shares her deep anger and frustration over the continued injustices faced by the Black community, expressing how the event reminded her of past traumas, including her brother's death at the hands of the police. Both discuss their ex...

In this powerful episode, we reflect on the ten years since the Ferguson uprising with esteemed philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West. He shares his thoughts on the enduring impact of Ferguson on the Black Lives Matter movement and the broader struggle for justice in America. Dr. West delves into the intersections of race, democracy, and the moral responsibility of citizens in confronting systemic racism. Tune in for a deep, tho...

Immerse yourself in the hip-hop history of North Memphis as Project Pat takes the mic to share pivotal moments when Memphis was thrust onto the map. As the younger brother of Three 6 Mafia's Juicy J, Project Pat carved his own path, making a significant impact before ascending to individual success. In this episode, we delve into the roots of his journey, exploring his featured roles on iconic songs and the evolution that led to hi...

When you talk about the history of hip-hop, you can't leave out dance and music videos. Aladdin da Prince sits down for an enlightening conversation with the trailblazing Big Lez. A pioneer in the realms of dance and being a Video Jockey (VJ), Big Lez shares her journey as a host for Rap City, offering insights into the unique experiences of navigating that space. Delving further, she shares her role as a choreographer for some of ...

In this episode, our Director of Content for the Men's Division, Alvin 'Aqua' Blanco, leads a captivating conversation with the iconic Method Man. Delving into the roots of hip-hop, Method Man shares insights into his inspirations and explores the intersections of fashion and acting within the hip-hop culture. In the second half, Kyle Santillian engages in an enlightening discussion with Royce da 5'9", shedding light on Detroit's s...

PART II - Join the dynamic duo of the HipHopWired team, Alvin 'Aqua' Blanco and D.L. Chandler, as they take a seat to unravel the rich tapestry of hip-hop history. In this episode, these seasoned hip-hop enthusiasts and journalists delve into the genre's evolution, sharing insightful anecdotes and exploring some of their favorite moments. From pivotal milestones to personal connections, Alvin and D.L. provide a unique perspective o...

Join the dynamic duo of the HipHopWired team, Alvin 'Aqua' Blanco and D.L. Chandler, as they take a seat to unravel the rich tapestry of hip-hop history. In this episode, these seasoned hip-hop enthusiasts and journalists delve into the genre's evolution, sharing insightful anecdotes and exploring some of their favorite moments. From pivotal milestones to personal connections, Alvin and D.L. provide a unique perspective on the cult...

Chicago legends - rappers Twista and GLC, and owner/creator of Fake Shore Drive Andrew Barber unpack the city's musical legacy in this episode hosted by Kyle Santillian, exploring its unique sound, drill music evolution, and the complex interplay of violence in the music scene. Join us for a concise yet insightful journey into Chicago's influential mark on the music industry, transcending beats to reveal the city's cultural force. 

In an engaging segment, co-host Aladdin da Prince sits down for an exclusive interview with the legendary Kid Capri. Together, they delve into the DJ extraordinaire's early days, exploring his remarkable journey from the roots of hip hop. From his iconic role at Def Comedy Jam to intriguing insights about the future of Hip-Hop, this conversation provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the influential career of Kid Capri. ...