ALANUI MELE - Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

Kavet the Catalyst is a Hawaiian MC, DJ, Producer and Curator of Hip-Hop in Hawaiʻi. He founded the Lightsleepers, in 1997 while hosting a radio show on KTUH 90.3fm and turned that opportunity into a clothing brand with events, while still creating Hip-Hop music. Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Early in his art career, SPEL ONER realized that his creative journey extended far beyond graffiti. With an uncanny skill for computers, design, and illustration, he recognized an opportunity to channel his creativity into new mediums. Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Creed Chameleon, originally from Waipahu, has been rocking the mic for over two decades. His relentless work ethic and commitment to staying true to his sound have earned him opportunities to share the stage with hip-hop legends. Recently, he relocated to Las Vegas to expand his musical reach. There, he formed the crew DOTWAV, securing record deals and commercial opportunities while continuing to elevate his presence in the industry.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

I.A. the Kama‘āina Classic Hawai‘i-born rapper, actor and entrepreneur Jordan “I.A.” Salud began rapping in high school while living in San Diego. He eventually moved back to the islands, where he refined his signature island hip-hop sound and created local anthems like “Yeah You” and “Zubland” for the community.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

This month we talk with a guest who is known for producing several chart-topping remixes through the 1980s and ’90s. John Iervolino’s determination laid the ground work for his success and for a partnership between his record label Quiet Storm Records and Universal Music Group in 1999. Hear how this milestone propelled the label to national recognition and eight bestselling albums, including Roots Music, Island Roots and Sudden Rush.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Our guest this month has been a curator of Hawai‘i’s graffiti culture since the 1980s. Hear how a passion for photography led him to document this vibrant island subculture, and how he launched Hawaiian Knights, an independent magazine showcasing graffiti from Hawai‘i and around the world.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Our first episode of season 3, kicks things off with a progressive figure in the local scene. As a DJ, rapper, and producer, Osna made waves in the early and mid-2000s with his sharp battle raps and gritty, genre defining beats. Tune in as he shares his journey, his process and his impact on Hawai‘i hip-hop.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Aaron “Woes” Martin This Kāne‘ohe native, best known for his larger-than-life “Angry Pandas” paintings, has taken his art across the globe, spreading his deep love for hip-hop culture wherever he goes. Emerging as a key figure in the late 1990s, his influence helped cultivate and elevate Hawai‘i’s hip-hop scene to the next level. Through bold visuals, cultural authenticity and a commitment to the foundations of hip-hop, his work played an important role in shaping a movement that continues to inspire new generations of artists today.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Representing Maui, Hawai‘i, DJ Skinny Guy was the first Hawai‘i DJ to battle in the ITF and DMC DJ competitions in 1996.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

We learn about Hawai‘i’s first female street artist growing up in the 1980s and the story of her friend “TRIAD3,” who passed away in high school.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

The former co-owner of Jelly’s, Radio Free Hawai’i and now owner of Idea’s Music and Books talks about his contribution to Hawai‘i’s Hip-Hop and independent music scene.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Known for his groundbreaking music and culture magazine, Quad Mag, this tech guru and dancer breaks down the history of Hawai‘i’s house dance culture.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

An audio engineer, music producer, television producer and DJ rewinds his life and times in Hawai‘i’s Hip-Hop and local music scene.Hosted by Kavet the CatalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Starting out in New York City and Boston, DJ Leanskee is a founding member of The Floorlords Hip-Hop crew, which was recently inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame at Berklee College of Music. Living in Hawai‘i for more than a decade, he shares his love and knowledge of Hip-Hop culture.Hosted by Kavet the catalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

One of Hawai‘i’s first lockers and poppers, this performer from Waipahu, Central O‘ahu, took the style worldwide. Today, he continues to keep alive the legacy of Don Campbell, the Godfather of Locking.Hosted by: Kavet the catalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

In 1991, MC Lionel Wright and his crew, Club Rox Rock, released one of Hawai‘i’s first rap CDs, Hyped, Dope, Def & Direct. We learn more about the Papakolea, Honolulu native and what rapping was like in the early years of Hawai‘i Hip-Hop.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Meet the host of Breakin’ Hawai‘i (1984), one of the first TV shows that featured local breakers, poppers and lockers. The show, seen statewide, launched Hip-Hop culture into Hawai‘i homes.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

An integral part of Hawai‘i's underground hip-hop scene in the late 80s into the early 90s, Tavares pushed the limits of lyricism with his original styles and freestyleflows as a member of the Hi-State Family,  VM and Moʻilla PillazHosted by: Kavet the CatalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Hallums was one half of HerbanJoint, Hawai‘i's first rap crew toever rock the stage with Hip-Hoplegends like Cypress Hill, Houseof Pain and the Pharcyde. Thisgold record recording artist, radiohost and entrepreneur shares hisdecades of knowledge.Hosted by Kavet the catalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

A master of the mix and cut on the turntables, this DJ started in his bedroom and quickly opened his own club, started radio stations and a multimediaempire.Hosted by: Kavet the catalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

One of the original members of the Hip-Hop crew called “Bomb Squad,” this local boy used his amazing B-Boy skills to travel the world and back. 2 Swift rewinds the clock to the beginning of Hawaiʻi's first popping and breakdance battles.Stay tuned for Part 2, where 2 Swift talks about moving to L.A., touring Japan, and dancing for famous pop stars. Hosted by: Kavet the catalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

One of Hawaiʻi's most respected MC's and entrepreneurs recalls the early days of his crew, Hoomanakaz, and starting the clothing brand, Flip the Bird.Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

We talk story with the founder of B-Boy Reunion, which has been perpetuating Hawai‘i’s B-Boy and Hip-Hop culture since 1997. Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

The history of Hawaiʻi Graffiti dates back to the early 1980's.  With many, Writers a.k.a. Graffiti Artists wanting to be incognito we were able to talk with, John "PRIME" Hina on the history of Hawai'i graffiti.  Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

One of Hawai‘i’s unsung Hip-Hop producers/DJ and one of the founders of the Hip-Hop crew, Homegrown Massive, talks story with us about Hawai‘i’s early rap groups and producers.Hosted by: Kavet the CatalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Born and Raised in Kalihi, Honolulu, this Writer, Video Producer and Entrepreneur recalls his experiences with Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop and Helping start 102.7 fm Radio Free Hawaiʻi. Hosted by: Kavet the CatalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

One of Hawaiʻi's most distinct radio voices recounts his contributions to Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop through DJing, club promotion and DJ Schools. Hosted by: Kavet the CatalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

Considered the glue of Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop, Jamal Mamalias, a.k.a. Jam Watts, paved the way for Hawaiʻi Hip-Hoppers since the 1980s.Hosted by: Kavet the catalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook

James Mora, also known as DJ Jimmy Taco, has been a mainstay in Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop for over three decades.  From his humble beginnings as a kid growing up in Kaʻu, Hawaiʻi to jamming on the radio waves and speakers in the clubs, Taco sits down with us to recall the times that helped shape his Hip-Hop journey.  Hosted by: Kavet the CatalystAlanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop HistoryFollow us on:YouTubeInstagramTikTokFacebook