DEF-EDucation

During this episode, we sat down with Rahim "Beneficence" Muhammad to discuss his roots in Hip Hop and his new book, Concrete Soul. Beneficence has collaborated with the likes of Inspectah Deck, Chubb Rock, Dres from Black Sheep, and Keith Murray. He is co-founder of Ill Adrenaline Records and is a graduate of Cheney University. His albums include "Basement Chemistry", "Stellar Mind", and "Concrete Soul". Beneficence, Brick City's veteran lyricist and Artifacts affiliate, has been one of the most active independent artists in the game since 1994. He released two highly sought after vinyl singles ("Hostile Life Style" and "Thin Line") in the 90's and dropped three underrated albums with the help from El Da Sensei, DJ Kaos (Artifacts), Mr. Len (Company Flow), Kice of Course and others.

Beneficence's 4th full length boasts star-studded guest appearances from Diamond D (production on five tracks plus two vocal features), Roc Marciano, Prince Po (of Organized Konfusion), Lord Tariq, Rob-O (Pete Rock / INI), The Legion, DJ LKB, Kazi (Stones Throw / Madlib), El Da Sensei, Truth Enola, Presto, 12 Finger Dan, Frank Nitt (of Frank-N-Dank) and Wise Intelligent.

Karen Gordon stops by the studios of DEF-EDucation to share a story about how we met and developed Taking Notes - Jazz and the American Story, an interactive live presentation that traces the story of American history through Jazz music. For more information about the Taking Notes presentation. This episode includes the full audio of the Taking Notes Jazz documentary currently available on Youtube.

During this episode, we have a conversation with the legendary Masta Ace of the Juice Crew. 

Join me as I have a conversation with Rasheem Nurse, founder of Art Dojo International. Art Dojo International is an indie designer label that promotes the power of self-expression through the art of getting dressed. 

This is part 2 of our conversation at Soul Village in Atlanta's Little 5 Points about topics relating to creativity, social justice, and the plight of our schools. 

A conversation with actor Jason Louder and author André Benito Mountain about art, education, influences, and inspiration. Recorded at Soul Village at 1129 Euclid Avenue in Atlanta on Sunday, August 8, 2021.

Let's talk Jazz with the legendary Wycliffe Gordon! During this episode, he shares how his illustrious career began and what he's up to now. 

During this episode of the DEF-EDucation podcast, we talk with Lyric Jones about her new album, Closer Than They Appear. She shares elements of her journey into Hip Hop from her early years in Boston and her experiences of teaching rap and performance at the Musicians Institute's College of Contemporary Music. This is part one of a two-part conversation with an artist who exemplifies what DEF-EDucation is about. 

Fish Scales from the group Nappy Roots stops by to talk with us on the DEF-EDucation podcast. We discuss the origins of the group, their experiences on tour with Jay Z and Pharrell, and their entrepreneurial ventures as owners of a record store during their early years, and their recent entry into the world of craft beer. He shares some of their new music and insights on navigating the music industry. 

During this episode of the DEF-EDucation podcast, we have a conversation with actor Jason Louder. Jason has starred in the hit series Black Lightning as Frank 2-Bits Tanner and as Cressy in the Wu-Tang Story: An American Saga. He is a former educator who still does considerable philanthropy to support schools. 

During this episode of the DEF-EDucation podcast we chat with super-producer Fatboi from Savannah, Georgia who has produced beats for Jeezy, Juvenile, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, Future, Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony, and Gucci Mane. He shares his influences and roots in Jazz music. We also learn about his journey to becoming one of Atlanta's top Hip-Hop producers. 

Consultant and Career Coach Ivy K. Ingram is an author and entrepreneur. She was formerly a school counselor and now works to support adults and youth in pursuit of their passions and their calling. During this episode of the DEF-EDucation podcast, she helps us to understand how to deal with difficult work circumstances. She also shares ideas from her book "Bullying Built Me" and some of her influences and inspirations. 

Principal Chris Gadsden visits the DEF-EDucation podcast. He is the principal of Lincoln High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Dan Lish joins us for a conversation about his art, his creative process, and Hip-Hop culture. Dan is a multi-disciplined visual artist who resides in England and has worked with Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul, Rockstar Games, Lucas Arts, and Cypress Hill. 

During this episode, we chat with Dion Liverpool, professionally known as DJ Rasta Root. He is the executive producer of the forthcoming posthumous solo project from Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest. He is a lecturer at Emory University on Hip-Hop and has a 30-year history working with the culture. We are joined in this episode by actor Jason Louder who stars in Black Lighting and Wu-Tang: An America Saga. 

During this episode, we get to know Iantha Ussin. She is an author, dancer, and educator whose work inspires us to be great. 

We have a conversation with Soulful Vision, a talented artist from Augusta, GA. She creates in the realm of spoken-word, neo-soul, and Hip-Hop. During this episode, she shares her influences and her artistic journey. The episode includes a listening session for her single "Let Go" which is currently available on all streaming platforms. 

We sit down with recording artist Luey Price to discuss his influences and his creative process. 

Education is undergoing a rebirth, in a virtual way. Listen and share!

Are educators "Losing Their Voices"? Listen to this audio blog and you decide.