Radio shows that I recommend

For those of you who know me, I enjoy talk radio. Moving outside of NYC however, I do miss the hip hop shows that I used to love. Many of them such as the Stretch and Bobbito Show are now defunct (there I go dating myself again). It seems that only the major metropolitan areas have all the shows that play the real soul, funk, and music from overseas that is NOT pop music. Living in Norfolk, VA, I feel like an old man because I just listen to talk radio. As if to answer my prayers, someone at Apple developed the Ipod. All of a sudden, several radio shows began to allow listeners to subscribe to their shows. Now one can pretty much download shows they never get the opportunity to listen into their Ipod. My wonderful sister from the same mother, the only one I have I might add, Claviticus purchased an Ipod shuffle (I am taking it to the next level on ya'll).

Here are some shows pre and post Ipod that I rock:

1. NPRs News and Notes with Farai Chideya – Let me just say, I am a huge fan of Farai Chideya. Heck, if I weren't married I would be trying to spit game at her or Cassandra Wilson. Her book “Don't Believe the Hype” broke several myths. She has her own website called Pop and Culture. She has been holding it down for awhile. When she took over Ed Gordon's show, I was amped. In my area, her show is moved back and forth between stations and times but I remain a listener. Since I got my Ipod now, I never miss a show. Her show focuses on issues facing African Americans and their cousins around the world. It's refreshing and really gets into the heart of the matter.

2.Democracy Now – They just added Juan Gonzalez. If you don't know who he is, you just don't know. Amy Goodman, a correspondent who always fights for the underdog, started this joint several years ago. When Ms. Goodman comes to your town, go see her! I love this show. My area FINALLY got it. Before I had to download the show to listen to it. This is non corporate controlled media. Goodman and her staff really get down to the core of the issues. They give you the news from the streets, literally. Here is an example: while Bush was traveling through Latin America, it seemed as if no one covered the protests or speeches made by leaders who did not agree with Bush. Democracy Now covered it all.

3.NPRs Fresh Air with Terri Gross – I have been listening to this one for several years now. She had one with Dave Chappelle that was unlike any other interview. He talked about growing up during the crack cocaine era and how it deeply affected him. No one else covered that. Gross has a way of asking the real deep questions without being confrontational or rude. And you never know who she will have on the show.

4.Breakdown FM – I have been following Davey D for years. This brother stays on things when it comes to hip hop culture. If you want to know what's going on, this is the brother you have to listen to. Not only are the interviews great, but the music is on point. He is very open to hip hop music from all over. He even had several segments featuring artists from several countries in Africa.

5.The J Pitts Show – this is the only one on this list that I started listening to after I got my Ipod. I like the concept of the show. I know the guys are young and need much schooling when it comes to the history of hip hop music but they are on point. I dig them. They remind me of myself when some colleagues and I had The Front Free Four show online several years ago. Check it out.