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Soundcheck

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
  • graffitti

    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.

Chanticleer web site

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.