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Three Dirty Words
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons says the music industry should voluntarily censor epithets that, like it or not, are closely associated with rap lyrics. We talk with hip hop journalist and author Jeff Chang about the idea. Later, our panel debates graffiti art: it defines hip hop but infuriates city officials. Plus, choral ensemble Chanticleer performs in our studio.
Hip Hop's War Over Words
Hip hop's enduring "outsider" appeal is built on provocative and even offensive language. It's the same outrageous talk that led to the rise and fall of radio host Don Imus. In the wake of Imus' dismissal, figures inside and outside hip hop are leading a push to curb offensive words in recordings. We ask Jeff Chang, author of the hip hop biography "Can't Stop Won't Stop," if hip hop's image needs scrubbing.
Kelefeh Sanneh's New York Times column, "Don't Blame Hip Hop"
Jeff Chang's book, "Can't Stop Won't Stop"
Russell Simmon's Hip Hop Action Network
Graffiti: Art or Nuisance?
Soundcheck hosts a debate on graffiti art, its importance to hip hop culture and its role in urban blight. On our panel: graffiti artist Sandra Fabara (a.k.a. Lady Pink); Jon Reiss, director of the street-art documentary "Bomb It!"; and Peter F. Vallone Jr., the New York City Council member from Queens who proposed legislation doubling fines for graffiti.
"Bomb It!" documentary site
Lady Pink bio
Peter F. Vallone Jr bio
Chanticleer
Multiple Grammy Award-winning group Chanticleer joins us in the anticipation of the world-premiere performance of a newly commissioned mass featuring contributions by five contemporary composers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
