Hip Politics

"Behind The Bars" series on Hip-Politics where we go into deeper conversations around music that is impacting the culture.

What is the real meaning behind the diss "White boy"? Political insiders and dive deep into the politics and meaning of the Drake diss by Rick Ross. Culture expert Cameron Calvin is joined by senior White House an dCongressional political insiders Ashley Etienne & Michael Reed to have a nuanced discussion about the "beef" that has embroiled the upper echelon of the rap game. Drake vs Kendrick Lamar / Future & Metro Boomin vs Drake / Kanye Ye vs Drake

Season 3 of the "Hip-Politics Podcast" with your host Cameron Trimble is back! In this first episode of the season we are joined by CBS News Political contributor and campaign insider Joel Payne. We dive deep into the electrifying atmosphere of the very first GOP Presidential debate that had the nation buzzing. Joel and Cameron dissect the high-stakes showdown, replete with riveting drama, memorable moments, and political jousting that left no one indifferent.

From the very opening statements to the fiery exchanges on critical policy issues, our panel of political experts dissects the strategies and tactics employed by each candidate. We explore the passionate clashes on healthcare, immigration, and national security that defined the debate, shedding light on the shifting dynamics within the Republican party at that crucial moment.

No discussion would be complete without addressing the unforgettable Donald Trump mugshot controversy that dominated headlines leading up to the debate. Our hosts engage in a thoughtful analysis of how this unprecedented twist impacted the debate's tone and each candidate's approach.

As the dust settles, we turn our attention to the winners and losers of the night. Who managed to stand out and capture the audience's attention with their eloquence and presence? Which candidates stumbled under pressure, and how did their performance affect their overall campaigns? Joel breaks down the highs and lows, providing insights into the potential impact on the race for the GOP nomination.

It is a sad day in America. This week we discuss the life and legacy of civil right icons Congressman John Lewis & Rev. C.T. Vivian who both passed away on July 17. We honor them with a moment of silence and explore their impact on civil rights movements of today. During the “Pass the Aux Cord” segment, we review the pair of records released by DJ Khaled featuring Drake. We offer some funny takes on the debate of which is better: rapping Drake of singing Drake? We end the episode into a full blown debate on Megan Thee Stallion being shot in the foot and try to decipher fact vs fiction as to what involvement artist Tory Lanez had in the whole thing. We do know he was arrested for having a concealed gun and letting off shots, but we ask: was he actually shooting a Hot Girl Meg.

This is another hilarious yet informative episode of The Connex Podcast featuring funnyman Dwain Watts, culture critic Kirs, and our Congressional insider KP. Be sure to tune in every Saturday at 10:30 am EST to catch THE CONNEX PODCAST: Where Hip-Hop & Politics Meet.

This week’s guest has been named to EBONY Magazine’s “Power 100” list of influential African Americans and PRWeek’s “40 Under 40” list, Alencia Johnson sits at the intersection of social justice and culture change. She is a social impact, brand engagement and communications strategist that recently served as the National Director of Public Engagement for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign.

Alencia talked with Hip-Politics about her journey and how she has become one of the nation’s leading voices and champions for Black women. Alencia also discusses her latest venture, the founding of 1063 West Broad, a social impact agency specializing in the intersection of culture, impact and purpose.

Be sure to subscribe to the Hip-Politics Podcast and leave a comment on how you felt about this episode.

“America’s first language is VIOLENCE"– says Civil Rights Attorney and Founder of CFCAO, Black Superhero Project Charles Coleman. Hip-Politics tackles the recent events consuming the American psyche – systemic racism in America. The present moment is a defining one in this nation’s long arc toward justice. From that small patch of Minnesota pavement, George Floyd’s dying breath has become a wind of change, pushing so many Americans to bend the establishment and the public’s imagination toward true equality for all Americans. We are not only asking what needs to be done to create true justice, but also how equality and justice have eluded this country for so long. How do we reckon with and dismantle the systemic racism that has been at the foundation of this country? Join Hip-Politics as we have a candid yet raw conversation regarding the changing times in our country.”

HipPolitics – where Hip Hop and Politics come together as one to explain some of the toughest issues facing our communities today.

We talked about the state of  Black Fatherhood in the turbulent times of 2020 for this week's #HipPoliticsHappyHour. With a panel of #BlackFathers from around the country, we discussed the challenges of raising Black children amid the heightened racial tensions of this year and how Black Fathers reclaim their narrative.  This podcast was cohosted by Herline Mathieu, a congressional insider and VP of the Congressional Black Associates and Cameron Trimble, political communications strategist and founder of Hip-Politics Inc.

This episode featured special guests:

• Dr. L. Trenton Marsh, assistant professor of urban education in the Department of Learning Sciences and Educational Research at the University of Central Florida
  
• Dwain Watts - popular comedian and cohost of The Connex podcast on the Hip-Politics network
  
• Rasheem Rooke - Director of Workforce Development at DC Central Kitchen
  
• Russel Drake - VP of the Florida Democratic Caucus
  
• Donnell Boyer - Ohio Youth Baseball Coach and Trainer
  

The eyes of the nation have been focused on Minneapolis, Minnesota following the horrific murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Following the release of the amateur cell phone video that caught the killing on film, the city erupted in protests that turned ugly fast. These demonstrations turned to vandalism and looting that caused destruction to local businesses and neighborhoods throughout the twin cities. The week of protests left many families without a place to go and basic needs and small business owners wondering if they could ever recover. One local area man, our special guest Ayo Idowu, could not stand idly by and watch his town suffer so he decided to do something. Starting with just $200, he challenged his friends and family on social media to match his donations so he could go to the grocery store and get food for families that needed immediate help. Soon that $200 turned to almost $25,000 in less than 2 weeks. Tune into this episode to see how this ex-NFL player took his passion for his community and turned it into real action. Check out episode 49 “Boots on the Ground” and please like and share.

Our country is in a state of protest due to the unjust killing of George Floyd at the hands of a Minnesota police officer. There are protests and demonstrations in cities across America with no end in sight. This week we discussed this national unrest and examined why people are taking to the streets with activist and senior advisor to the chair of the Deomcratic National Committee, Waikinya Clanton.

This week Hip-Politics podcast sat down with Rep. Charles Booker of Kentucky’s House of Representatives, and current candidate for U.S. Senate in Kentucky. Rep. Booker is running to unseat Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and is in an intense primary race against Amy McGrath, his main challenger for the democratic nomination. We chopped it up with Charles on why he got into politics, why Kentucky keeps sending “Moscow Mitch” to the Senate, how his campaign is adjusting to the reality of the Covid-19 crisis, and of course we get his Top 5 Dead or Alive MCs. Another great conversation. Be sure to comment, share and like the episode.

From Howard 2 Hollywood. This episode’s guest turned hosting college parties at Howard University into a career as one of the top DJ’s in the world. International Dj and music artist Jae Murphy chopped it up with the Hip-Politics Podcast. 

Jae talked about his rise from intern at a local DC radio station to his residency in one of LA’s hottest nightclubs to Djing around the world for Jason Derulo. Jae shares some never heard before stories and breaks down his top 5 DJs and #Top5 Hip-Hop artists of all time. People always say “my life is a movie”, but in Jae’s case his life is a big budget IMAX feature film. Enjoy this conversation and be sure to download and subscribe to the Hip-Politics Podcast.

You hear a lot of inside stories after a decade of political reporting in the nation’s capital. Episode 41 of the Hip-Politics Podcast features veteran political reporter Darren Sands. This week’s guest has covered some of the biggest political stories of the last several years for Buzzfeed News. Darren shares his journey into journalism and the challenges he faced as one the few senior Black reporters in DC politics. This was our last in studio interview before the quarantine.

Episode 40 South Carolina 2 Senate Blue w/ US Senate Candidate Jaime Harrison

No state in America has ever had two Black Senators at the same time. This fall, our podcast guest is looking to break that barrier and make history.  The Hip-Politics Podcast sat down with Jaime Harrison, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Sensate for South Carolina. Facing off against the very famous Senator Lindsey Graham in one of the most high profile races this election cycle, Jaime has become a lightning rod for Democrats across the country. We discussed Jaime's very humble beginnings from extreme poverty to an ivy league education to becoming the first Black floor director in the House of Representatives. This interview was personal for hosts Cam & Mike, as they have both worked with Jaime during their tenures in Congress. Jaime talks about how he has adjusted his campaign amidst the corona crisis and gives his top 5 favorite Hip-Hop artists of all time.  Tune in for another great conversation behind the curtain of national politics.

Music royalty has joined the podcast this week! TJ Jackson, global r&b star and member of the infamous Jackson family (Tito is his daddy) sat down Hip-Politics Podcast hosts Cameron Calvin and Mike McQuerry as he releases his new EP “Obsession” on all platforms!

TJ discusses his journey  thru music from his time with his uncle Michael, he & his brothers rise as the global sensation boy band 3T, to his time as custodian of Michael Jackson’s children, to his new adventure as an independent musician. TJ even shares some never before stories about his life and growing up under the spotlight of the Jackson family. 

Cameron & Mike are both huge Jackson fans and the energy of the interview shows it. Listen on all platforms or tune in Thursday's to watch the full episode on Youtube.