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Zeps is an independent rapper / Hip Hop artist / event host from Brooklyn, New York who has brought his unique brand of artistry around the world, and into multiple business and entrepreneurship settings. While he continues to make music, his current focus is expanding the Rhymosaurs children's book series that he created. Hear how the streets of New York City -- and of Europe -- helped Zeps maintain his connection to Hip Hop culture, and deliver it to the delight of audiences all across the globe. https://www.instagram.com/zepstergram https://www.rhymosaurs.com -------------------------- Hip-Hop Can Save America! with Manny Faces is a Manny Faces Media production, in conjunction with The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy. Links and resources: Show website: https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com Manny Faces: https://www.mannyfaces.com Newsletter (free!): https://mannyfaces.substack.com SUPPORT QUALITY INDIE HIP HOP JOURNALISM: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces Manny Faces Media (podcast production company): https://www.mannyfacesmedia.com The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy: https://www.hiphopadvocacy.org SPONSORS / FRIENDS The Mixtape Museum: https://www.mixtapemuseum.org Hip-Hop Hacks: https://www.hiphophacks.com Hip-Hop Can Save America! is produced, written, edited, and distributed by Manny Faces. Eternal thanks to Associate Producer, Sommer. Mentioned in this episode: Sponsor shoutout

It’s a Hip Hop party game, but it ain’t trivia. Everyone thinks they have the right answer, but there are NO right answers. It’s the barbershop / lunchroom / nail salon type of Hip Hop discussions we’ve been having all our lives, but instead of wildly lashing out on message boards, social media, or Clubhouse, here, you’re with friends. And here, you also might get drunk. A.V. Perkins is the co-founder and chief promoter of University of Dope, the card game and its various on and offline counterpart events. A.V., also a well-established do it yourself advocate who has has stints on HGTV, has watched her entrepreneurial baby grow, survive a pandemic, and, just recently, hit the shelves of none other than bullseye box store behemoth Target. It sounds like a lot, but once you know A.V., you know that it’s likely only the beginning. -------------------------- Hip-Hop Can Save America! with Manny Faces is a Manny Faces Media production, in conjunction with The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy. Links and resources: Show website: https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com Manny Faces: https://www.mannyfaces.com Newsletter (free!): https://mannyfaces.substack.com SUPPORT QUALITY INDIE HIP HOP JOURNALISM: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces Manny Faces Media (podcast production company): https://www.mannyfacesmedia.com The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy: https://www.hiphopadvocacy.org SPONSORS / FRIENDS The Mixtape Museum: https://www.mixtapemuseum.org Hip-Hop Hacks: https://www.hiphophacks.com Hip-Hop Can Save America! is produced, written, edited, and distributed by Manny Faces. Eternal thanks to Associate Producer, Sommer.

Earlier this winter, I was contacted by Jay Hill and the team at Brooklyn Rising, as they were looking to invite prominent Hip Hop heads and organizations to Restoration Plaza on New Year’s Eve for the second annual Brooklyn Rising – a celebration similar to the big Times Square to-do, but with a brilliant ball rising instead of falling… way more locals than tourists… and in support of a cause meaningful to the soul of the borough. For this year’s grand rising, that cause is the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, being universally celebrated over the course of the next 12 months. I wanted to give Jay the space to speak on his vision, the roadblocks and hurdles, and the progress of this community minded vision for the great borough of Brooklyn. As you’ll hear, sky’s the limit. -------------------------- Hip-Hop Can Save America! with Manny Faces is a Manny Faces Media production, in conjunction with The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy. Links and resources: Show website: https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com Manny Faces: https://www.mannyfaces.com Newsletter (free!): https://mannyfaces.substack.com SUPPORT QUALITY INDIE HIP HOP JOURNALISM: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces Manny Faces Media (podcast production company): https://www.mannyfacesmedia.com The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy: https://www.hiphopadvocacy.org SPONSORS / FRIENDS The Mixtape Museum: https://www.mixtapemuseum.org Hip-Hop Hacks: https://www.hiphophacks.com Hip-Hop Can Save America! is produced, written, edited, and distributed by Manny Faces. Special thanks to Associate Producer, Sommer.

As parents, we are often much less aware of the current goings on within Hip Hop and pop culture than our children, and as parents tend to do, we often couldn't care less. In this episode, we make the case that parents should actually care more. Not to be the 'cool parent,' but to better understand our children, foster communication, and in some cases, reveal things that would otherwise never come to light. This episode was written and produced before the tragic death of Migos rapper, Takeoff, yet ironically, this seismic event in the rap world plays very much into the theme of this episode, and we hope that it sparks direct, actionable value in what we are presenting. --- To subscribe to our free newsletter with more stories of Hip Hop innovation, inspiration and insight, visit https://mannyfaces.substack.com To support this podcast, the newsletter and other work advocating for the ability of Hip Hop music and culture to uplift humanity, visit https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

Last year, a program was brought to my attention called Stories With Style, a student-centric project which gives young people the opportunity to share their stories through rap, beat making and art while working with professional artists in a full-blown, on-site recording studio. This program would be interesting in any setting, but, given my other work in the social justice field, it really caught my attention because the school, J.C. Montgomery, was a part of the Kings County Juvenile Center in Hanford, California. Now, full disclosure. On one of the other podcasts I produce, News Beat, we have reported on the movement to close juvenile detention centers / youth prisons across the country, and of that movement I am a big fan. That being said, while they exist, I can think of no better way to help those within cope, express themselves, and learn the valuable life skills in the ways that only Hip Hop music and culture can deliver, than through the efforts of JC Montgomery principal Elizabeth Norris, longtime educator Ed Campos, and accomplished music artist, producer, filmmaker and director, Josh Levine, aka OPTX.  After speaking with them, and viewing the project’s powerful video production “It’s Not 2 Late,” I felt confident that these students, in this institution, were being given a vital opportunity that would allow the world to appreciate their powerful voices, important messaging, brilliant perspectives, personal stories, and their style. Click here to watch "It's Not 2 Late' on YouTube. --- To subscribe to our free newsletter with more stories of Hip Hop innovation, inspiration and insight, visit https://mannyfaces.substack.com To support this podcast, the newsletter and other work advocating for the ability of Hip Hop music and culture to uplift humanity, visit https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

Long time listeners of the award-winning social justice meets music podcast News Beat will certainly recognize LiKWUiD as one of the show's "Artist in Residence." She has been featured on several important episodes delivering compelling, often heart wrenching lyrics that compliment our social justice reporting in a truly powerful way. Find out a little bit more about this prolific Hip-Hop artist, DJ, educator and mentor as we share LiKWUiD's interview on the News Beat Cypher, in this special cross-feed episode drop. -- Visit https://mannyfaces.substack.com for more smart, innovative, insightful and inspirational Hip-Hop related content.

LeBrandon Smith is the Manager, Social Impact Programs for Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute which serves more than 800,000 young people, families, students, community members, aspiring artists, and educators in New York City, across the United States, and around the globe each season. He’e been with the venerable institution since 2017, helping curate programs, events, and initiatives that benefit a wide range of NYC youth and artists. We spoke on the verge of the second iteration of School of Thought, the second series of free workshops for rising and professional MCs led by the inimitable Black Thought, of the mighty Roots crew -- and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  This masterclass is going on from April 4-7 and culminates in a public showcase at the Hall, followed the next day by Black Thought in conversation with young artists and fans. is just one of the many ways that Smith and the Weill Institute are emphatically, respectfully, and authentically incorporating Hip Hop into the programming at Carnegie Hall. Now, before we get into it, more content like this is yours -- for free -- simply by signing up to my free Substack newsletter. Curated links to stories like these, innovative and inspiring examples of how Hip Hop culture can improve society, smart editorials, updates about my speaking calendar and more. Please sign up for the ‘Words I Mannyfest’ newsletter on substack, at mannyfaces.substack.com. Again, it’s free, but if you do choose to support my independent, high-level Hip-Hop related journalism, you have that option there as well. Now, let’s get into it. Here’s my talk with LeBrandon Smith from Carnegie Hall. -- Visit https://mannyfaces.substack.com for more smart, innovative, insightful and inspirational Hip-Hop related content.

Peace and love, friends, neighbors, supporters and haters, welcome back to Hip-Hop Can Save America! aka 'the world’s smartest Hip-Hop podcast.' I’m Manny Faces. Fans and friends know that whenever I’m presented with a societal issue, problem or disturbing trend, any suggestion I have as to how to solve it will include, in some form or fashion, Hip-Hop.  Those who know we VERY well, also know that through my years on the planet, finance hasn’t always been my strong suit. Similarly, financial literacy isn’t something that schools, or even families tend to focus on. Our relationship with money can be overwhelming, and this is especially true in communities that have been denied access to financial services, generational wealth, and overall financial opportunity. Pockets Change exists to change ALL of that, helping young and old alike, from all walks of life, get a better understanding of money, how it shapes our behavior, how to conquer our fears, and work toward a stronger financial future. And of course, they wouldn’t be on THIS show if there wasn’t a Hip Hop angle in the mix. Now, before we get into it, I just want to let you all know that I’m making it easier for you to follow the Hip-Hop related content I produce, whether it’s this podcast, curating links to stories of interest, editorials, announcing speaking engagements and more. I’m putting that all under one roof so to speak -- Please sign up for the Words I Mannyfest newsletter on Substack, at mannyfaces.substack.com. It’s free, but if you do choose to support my independent, high-level Hip-Hop related journalism, you can do that there as well. Now, let’s get into it. Here’s my talk with Andrea Ferrero of Pockets Change.

On this episode of Hip-Hop Can Save America!, aka, ‘the world’s smartest Hip-Hop podcast,” improving youth literacy, one book at a time -- with a little Hip-Hop added to the mix. We hear from Jonathan Beatty aka the “Chief Bookman,” founder of I LOVE BOOKS, an apparel startup on a mission to end illiteracy. -- Follow on social media @hiphopadvocacy Email us at hiphopadvocacy@gmail.com For more smart Hip-Hop content like this mannyfaces.substack.com Book a speaker - www.hiphopspeaker.com HHCSA! is a Manny Faces Media production.

We often talk about the intersection of Hip-Hop and education on this show -- and for good reason. It’s an area that has produced a ton of receipts showing the effectiveness of merging these two worlds for the good of our young people. This was perfectly exemplified when we covered the Can’t Stop Hip-Hop: The Education Movement conference at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and first heard form today’s guest. And while we sometimes get lost in the pedagogical weeds, I am so excited to kick it with Aysha Upchurch because not only does she expertly navigate those weeds, but her Hip-Hop spirit is always on full display -- and it is that dance and movement-inspired lens through which she views her work, approaches the world, inspires and empowers others, and sparks radical change -- that sits at the heart of the very concept of this show, and all my work. That Hip-Hop can save America! And most likely, all of humanity. Aysha Upchurch, I promise you, is part of that blueprint..  -- Follow on social media @hiphopadvocacy Email us at hiphopadvocacy@gmail.com Support the show at www.patreon.com/hiphopadvocacy Book a speaker - www.hiphopspeaker.com Sign up for the free newsletter www.hiphopadvocacy.org/newsletter HHCSA! is a Manny Faces Media production.

On this episode, Manny Faces speaks with Junious Brickhouse,  internationally established educator, choreographer, cultural preservationist, Founder/Executive Director, Urban Artistry Inc. and director of acclaimed international diplomacy and cultural exchange program, Next Level. -- Follow on social media @hiphopadvocacy Email us at hiphopadvocacy@gmail.com Support the show at www.patreon.com/hiphopadvocacy Book a speaker - www.hiphopspeaker.com Sign up for the free newsletter www.hiphopadvocacy.org/newsletter HHCSA! is a Manny Faces Media production.

Peace and love, happy Halloween weekend, perhaps a perfect time to talk to not just A Phantom, but Thee Phantom, the maestro behind the magnificent Illharmonic Orchestra melding the worlds of Hip-Hop and classical music. It’s a fascinating discussion and we're excited to bring it to you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information about our show, including how to support our high-quality, independent, smart Hip-Hop journalism, visit www.hiphopadvocacy.org/links Hip-Hip Can Save America! is a Manny Faces Media production, in association with The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy

Two of the more recurring topics we’ve covered on this show have been the authentic, compassionate and effective use of Hip-Hop music and culture in educational settings and in therapeutic sessions, both inside and out of school proper. The intersection of these intersections highlights a huge, overarching concept that I and many of the folks I talk to swear by. It’s the healing power of Hip-Hop. It’s such a good phrase. Such a concise, complete explanation of why I care so much about spreading the good word about Hip-Hop’s potential to uplift humanity and improve society. The healing power of Hip-Hop. Of course, only one of us actually wrote the book on the subject. Among a few other things you’ll hear about, Dr. Raphael Travis is a Professor and MSW Program Director at Texas State University in the School of Social Work and author of the book “The Healing Power of Hip Hop.” Dr. Travis and I spoke a little ways back about his work, his research and just how Hip-Hop is able to, well, heal. Here’s my talk with Dr. Raphael Travis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For more information about our show, including how to support quality, independent, smart Hip-Hop journalism, visit www.hiphopadvocacy.org/links

Prior to the pandemic, and at the insistence of one of our prior guests Dr. Elliot Gann, I visited Mott Haven Community High School in the Bronx, to see J.C. Hall’s Hip Hop Therapy Studio program in action. This full fledged recording studio was filled with students, hanging out after school to craft, rehearse and record music and spoken word. They were engaged, excited, and bursting with creative brilliance. On the surface, you might think this was simply a music class, an extracurricular club. In some ways, it was. But it’s so much more than that. See, this is what Hip-Hop therapy can look like. The concept and the program was showcased in the award-winning documentary short Mott Haven, exploring how this work was able to so effectively address grief and trauma in the wake of a school tragedy, and after having seen just a taste during my own visit, I wasn’t surprised in the least.  So, after much too much time, I finally reached out to kick it with J.C. Hall about the program. Hall, a 2020 Jefferson Award winner for outstanding public service related to this work, broke down how the worlds of Hip-Hip and therapy can -- and should - combine.  If you ask me, healing never sounded so good. ----- Remember, if you like what we do, please take a moment to rate and review the show.  And if you feel so inclined, you can help support this show and other Hip-Hop and social justice related work at www.patreon.com/mannyfaces.

Khafre Jay is the founder and executive director of Hip Hop For Change, a nonprofit that is empowering youth, adults, and entire communities through the power of Hip-Hop music and culture, with a focus on social justice. We’ll hear how activism nonprofit experience from outside of Hip-Hop can be applied to the advancement of these ideas, how their growing organization had to pivot due to the pandemic, and Jay's plans to use Hip-Hop to... well... help save America, particularly its traditionally underserved and oppressed citizens, one big city at a time. Remember, if you like what we do, please take a moment to rate and review the show.  And if you feel so inclined, you can help support this show and other Hip-Hop and social justice related work at www.patreon.com/mannyfaces.

On this episode, artist, activist and educator, Ellect gave us a taste of how his work with #HipHopIsVoting was aimed at making an impact on the 2020 election cycle as well as the future of civic engagement. As we saw from some local elections, and in a big way in Georgia, these ideas have merit, and can indeed help bring about major change. Ellect also talks about his role as an educator, and as an artist that frequently works issues such as climate change and racial justice into his work. Plus, fun fact: He’s related to someone you know.  All in all, Ellect brings a ton to the table when it comes to demonstrating ways that Hip-Hop music and culture can be used to uplift humanity. Remember, if you like what we do, please take a moment to rate and review the show.  And if you feel so inclined, you can help support this show and other Hip-Hop and social justice related work at www.patreon.com/mannyfaces.

On this episode of Hip-Hop Can Save America! aka ‘the world’s smartest Hip-Hop podcast’, (we think very deeply). A look at the intersection of Hip-Hop and philosophy with Dr. Mark Sanders of the University of North Carolina.  Our HQ: www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com Review us! www.RateThisPodcast.com/hiphop Support the show! www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

On this episode of Hip-Hop Can Save America! We hear from Genesis Be, a lifelong artist activist who has put her career, and life, on the line making politically charged music, groundbreaking public statements and quite literally, helped make history.  www.RateThisPodcast.com/hiphop www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com www.mannyfaces.com

On this episode of Hip-Hop Can Save America!, healing trauma in young people through therapeutic beat making. Dr. Elliot Gann of Today's Future Sound breaks down the concept, his acclaimed work in the field, and the neuroscience behind it all. www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com www.ratethispodcast.com/hiphop

Scholar, youth leader, minister, poet, rapper, and content curator for probably the largest Hip-Hop based education community in the world -- Timothy David Jones. Timothy, who is currently a lecturer and Hip-Hop Scholar in Residence at Teachers College, Columbia University, details his path to Hip-Hop based education, how he e-stumbled into his #HipHopEd role, his company Techniques4Learning, and, as an ordained minister, how religion and spirituality blend into the mix. www.RateThisPodcast.com/hiphop