On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Flavor of Love 2 (VH1)Skin Color, Stereotypes and "Minstrel Rap"
The use of the N-word and the recent popularity of so-called "Minstrel Rap" songs and VH1's "Flavor of Love 2" show are raising concerns about the depiction of black people in the music industry. Today, the Rev. Jesse Jackson explains why he's calling for entertainers of all races to stop using the N-word altogether. We also talk with Duke University scholar Mark Anthony Neal and New York Times pop music critic Kelefa Sanneh about the fine line between racial satire and racial stereotypes. Also: the Brooklyn-based indie rock band Grizzly Bear's second album has been called one of the best of this year. They perform live in studio and share with us their "must-have" music.
Racial Stereotyping in the Music Industry
The use of the N-word and the recent popularity of so-called "Minstrel Rap" songs and VH1's "Flavor of Love 2" show are raising concerns about the depiction of black people in the music industry. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Duke University professor Mark Anthony Neal, and New York Times pop music critic Kelefa Sanneh weigh in.

Grizzly Bear
The Brooklyn-based indie rock quartet Grizzly Bear performs live music from their latest album, "Yellow House."
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show. Plus, watch videos from in-studio performances.
More
Introducing our Video Contest
Soundcheck
John Schaefer gives the lowdown on Soundcheck's music video challenge with the Fiery Furnaces.
In Studio: Los Amigos Invisibles
Soundcheck
The Venezuelan funk-rock band "Los Amigos Invisibles" was discovered by David Byrne in a Manhattan record shop. They perform live on Soundcheck.
In Studio: Angel Deradoorian
Soundcheck
The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.
- Comments [8]
Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico
Soundcheck
Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.
- Comments [1]
In Studio: The Decemberists
The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.
Sound Off
Soundcheck
Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.