The Hip-Hop Scholar Podcast with special guest Spade Morningstar

In this episode of The Hip-Hop Scholar Podcast, we sit down with East Cleveland artist, thinker, and creative force Spade Morningstar for a conversation that moves beyond music into questions of identity, culture, freedom, resilience, and self-definition.

Drawing from his experiences growing up in the foster care system, Spade reflects on the lessons that shaped his worldview and artistic philosophy. Together, we explore the relationship between hip-hop and Black culture, the importance of self-love and confidence, the role of authenticity in creative work, and why hip-hop is much more than a musical genre—it is a living archive of Black artistic expression.

Throughout the conversation, Spade offers thoughtful insights on the five pillars of hip-hop, cultural memory, freedom, survival, and the power of embracing oneself without apology. This episode is a powerful reminder that hip-hop is not only something we listen to—it is something we live.

Whether you're a fan of hip-hop culture, Black studies, music history, or simply great conversations, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the ideas and experiences that continue to shape the culture.

Listen to Spade Morningstar:

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The Hip-Hop Scholar Podcast with special guest J. Phin.

In this powerful conversation, Melanie, The Hip-Hop Scholar, sits down with recording artist, storyteller, father, and community advocate J. Phin to discuss hip-hop, legacy, family, scholarship, and the responsibility of preserving culture through music.

J. Phin reflects on growing up in a music-centered household, being raised among hundreds of vinyl records, and inheriting a rich tradition of storytelling from his family. Together, they explore the connections between African musical traditions and hip-hop culture, the role of the griot in preserving community history, and why hip-hop deserves the same academic recognition afforded to jazz and other Black musical forms.

The conversation also highlights J. Phin's latest work, including The Field Diaries and the powerful Father's Day anthem Forever Legacy, a unique three-generation collaboration featuring his father and his sons. Throughout the interview, J. Phin shares insights on fatherhood, independent artistry, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and what it means to build a legacy that extends beyond music.

Whether you're a student of hip-hop, a lover of music, a parent, an artist, or someone interested in culture, history, and community, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

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The Hip-Hop Scholar podcast with special guest Alright SlashI had the opportunity to sit down with producer, songwriter, and artist Alright Slash for a conversation centered around Bounce music, culture, creativity, movement, and the continued evolution of New Orleans hip-hop.Even in this first part of the conversation, we get into the importance of regional sound, independent artistry, production, and the ways Bounce music continues to shape hip-hop culture far beyond Louisiana.Bounce has always been bigger than music. It is rhythm connected to lived experience. It is participation. Community. Energy. Identity. A cultural form that allows people to be seen, heard, and fully present in the moment.And this conversation reflects that spirit.Knowledge. Wisdom. Rhythm. Culture. Scholarship.Welcome back to The Hip-Hop Scholar Podcast where beats meet bibliographies and sound becomes scholarship.#HipHopScholar #BounceMusic #NewOrleans #HipHopCulture #AlrightSlash #Podcast #SouthernHipHop #NOLABounce #BlackCulture #HipHopScholarPodcast@alrightslash