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Soundcheck ®

Hip-Hop with a Message

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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  • Rapper KRS-One spearheaded the Stop the Violence Movement in 1989.

Hip-hop has gotten a bad rap for its lyrics focused on sex, drugs, and violence, but many think it can be a source of empowerment. Today, we discuss the greater possibilities for hip-hop as education. Also, Larry Kirwan, frontman of the Irish rock band Black 47, joins us to talk about his new novel, album, and St. Patrick's Day.

It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop

In the early days of hip-hop, Run DMC made music with a mission, like the 1986 track "Proud To Be Black." KRS-One and his group Boogie Down Productions called a 1990 album Edutainment. Now, motivational or educational lyrics are met with skepticism. Today, we discuss the viability of hip-hop with ...

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Larry Kirwan

Larry Kirwan of the Irish band Black 47, doesn’t spend St. Paddy’s Day pining for the green fields of Ireland. He writes about the tough life of Irish immigrants in 1980s New York in his new novel, Rockin’ The Bronx, and sings about the Great Recession in his new CD ...

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The Message, Again.

By John Schaefer

I remember an old SNL skit from the early 80s. It’s a men's room, and you see a row of stalls with feet beneath each door. The feet begin tapping as someone begins singing "Under The Boardwalk."

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Frankenpine

Gig Alerts: Frankenpine

By Alana Harper

This Brooklyn bluegrass collective will be playing the St. Patrick's Day City Reliquary Benefit at the Knitting Factory tonight. Download their enchanting tune "Faceless Weaver."

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Gig Alerts: Jim Black and Pachora

By Alana Harper

Percussionist Jim Black and his Balkan-inspired group Pachora take the stage tonight at Rose Live Music. Download Pachora's graceful track "Drifting."

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Roy Haynes

Gig Alerts: Roy Haynes

By Georgia Kral

This veteran drummer and jazz powerhouse will be marking his 85th birthday with five nights of musical celebration that will kick off tonight at Blue Note. Download his classic track "Brown Skin Girl."

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About Soundcheck ®

Soundcheck®, hosted by John Schaefer, is WNYC’s daily talk show about music. Covering all musical genres, Soundcheck celebrates the musical passions of performers, composers, and critics as well as the public radio audience. Listeners enjoy intimate conversations with and live performances by leading artists from around New York and around the globe.

Hosted by John Schaefer

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