The Role Of An Artist In Troubled Times: A Conversation With Mic Crenshaw

(RECORDED ON OCTOBER 2, 2024)  Interestingly, this is the first episode up since the announcement of Donald Trump's election for a presidential second term; however, despite a bit of time passing in between the recording of this conversation and current events, what was said still applies, since we are living under the same system, regardless of administration.  There may be an argument (or several) that this is not the case.  jamilah and Mic Crenshaw discuss why it is. Mic Crenshaw is a Portland, Oregon-based artist whose primary vehicle is hip hop, though he has a solid history in the punk tradition.  Much of his life has been spent physically fighting oppressive forces (such as racists) in the streets; in more recent times he utilizes music as a means of education and unity and awareness building, through organizations such as the Afrikan Hip Hop Caravan.  The topics discussed are (of course) the role of a radical artist, the stupor and deception of U.S. politics, It Did Happen Here (an audio/visual series with Erin Yanke), the positive effects of travel (and the class inequities which prevent it), and more. Mic Crenshaw’s forthcoming LP, produced by Jonny Cool, entitled True Original (Black Skinhead II) will be out in 2025. This episode features the forthcoming singles: -'Retribution' (aka 'Dark Moon') (featuring Toni Hill), produced by Jonny Cool -'Ready' (featuring Toni Hill and Kiloriti Maasai), produced by DJ Trox -'Tiger', produced by Jonny Cool A video for Ready, shot in Tanzania and Portland Oregon will be released in early December, 2024. He has also organized a band for writing of original material and  live shows called The True Originals. For more information, go to Mic's socials, as well as https://www.miccrenshaw.com/ Thank you for listening!  For questions, comments, etc.  you can reach us here: [email protected]