Words of wisdom: an interview wit’ legendary Frisco rapper Black C of RBL and...
Legendary Frisco rapper Black C has out-survived two of his group mates in Ruthless By Law (R.B.L.), Mr. Cee and Hitman (RIP), who were murdered at different times, and still continues to put out good music and has another powerhouse squad under construction, The Malitia.
Brain matter: an innerview into the life of rapper T-Kash
T-Kash, the former local television star from KRON's First Cut turned internationally known rap star on Paris' political label Guerrilla Funk Recordings, is a very under-rated voice and mind in Bay Area and international hip hop. His international debut, "Turf War Syndrome," is a classic that not many people in the hood are up on.
Dreams can come true: an interview with Oakland rapper Acktup
Hardworking is an understatement when you talk about Acktup, who has released a new album every three months since he started releasing music. All of his albums have sold at least a thousand copies a piece, with "1000 Degrees" selling 3,000 copies. "No Competition" and "King Mentality" is currently in stores, while he is still in the lab cookin' up "Mobbin Like Me," which is due out in August.
Wanda’s Picks for May 15
Johannes Mehserle's trial begins Monday, May 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Alameda County Courthouse, 12th and Oak Street, in Oakland. A strong community presence has been requested by the Oscar Grant family and allies. A teach in to prepare for the trial is Sunday, May 17, 1-4 p.m., at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. And wish Tatiana Grant happy birthday. She turns 5 on May 16.
Data Man: an innerview of rapper Do D.A.T
D.A.T. is one of those artist that have been bending the sound of what hip hop is in the Bay Area kind of like how Digital Underground, Hieroglyphics and Living Legends did in the ‘80s and ‘90s. D.A.T. is currently one of the most well liked performers and he hosts some of the dopest hip hop/live band parties where people are sure to be dancing, sweating and happy.
Future Rhythms: an inner-view of rap group 5 Star Generalz
I love the music of the innovative hip hop group 5 Star Generalz, from Oakland, Cali, because they are funny, creative and push the envelope on what Bay Area hip hop sounds like. They are like a mix between the Luniz, Digital Underground, and Cheech and Chong.
‘Scientific/Non-Fiction’: an innerview of rapper Ras Ceylon
Ras Ceylon is a very unique artist that lives in the Bay. He's politically active, his family is from Sri Lanka, he reps Rastafarianism and has linked with Askari X, Tajai of Souls of Mischief, Chairman Fred, Stic.man and a whole host of others to create a piece of audio art.
All gas – no brakes: an inner-view of Oakland rapper Shady Nate
Oakland has always been filled wit' a gang of lyrical MC's that "gas" ever since Hip Hop really got started in the Bay. Shady Nate is somebody that I could easily see being the King of Bay Area rap in a couple of years.
Wanda’s Picks for May
Shout out to First Lady Michelle Obama, who presented the bust of Queen Mother Sojourner Truth, a woman who experienced first hand the hardships of slavery, yet emerged strong, so strong she had to remind America she too was a woman, a woman deserving all the respect and honor reserved for privileged white women.
Wanda’s Picks for April 24
Happy Birthday, Mumia Abu Jamal! On Wanda's Picks Radio, we are celebrating Mumia Abu Jamal's birthday and his new book, "Jailhouse Lawyers," with an introduction by Angela Davis.
A whole different politic: an inner-view of Sinista Z of East Bay Politix
A lot of artists call themselves "political," "revolutionary" and "conscious" artists but very few, including the internationally known ones, use their art to benefit people's street campaigns, political and social struggles.
‘Rebel Musiq’: an innerview of rapper Bicasso of the Living Legends
Two decades after Bob Marley's "Rebel Music," in 2009 Oakland, artists like Bicasso are the musical spokespeople for criminalized Black neighborhoods that are literally at war with the police; must I remind you of the cases of Oscar Grant and Lovelle Mixon?
Wanda’s Picks for April 17
"Love on Both Sides of the Wall: A Two Way Struggle" plays at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek April 17-18, 6:45 p.m. The production is topnotch, the story of the forgotten Children of the Movement.
‘Chasing Demons’: an innerview of DJ Twelvz
DJ Twelvz is one of the up and coming dj's in the Bay Area who has one foot in conscious circles and the other within street rap. In my opinion, this is where the movement needs to go.
Wanda’s Picks for April 10
I can't say enough about "Mrs. Streeter" at Black Rep in Berkeley. Did you catch my interview Friday, April 10, with playwright Merrill D. Jones and cast members? If not, listen on-line at Wanda's Picks Radio.
The Town in chaos: an interview wit’ rapper Beeda Weeda
While the world was watching downtown Oakland burn up in the aftermath of the police murder of Oscar Grant III, rappers Beeda Weeda and J-Stalin put their social commentary into 16 rhyming bars and came out with the Town masterpiece "We Ain't Listening," the remix. Listen at www.blockreportradio.com.
Pens and pistols: an interview wit’ Ebony Sparks, author of ‘Lessons Learned …’
Ebony Colbert Sparks is one of the most talented writers that I've met. She is the personification of "you can do anything you put your mind to."
Wanda’s Picks for April 2009
Dressed in black leotards, Jetaun Maxwell, dancer-choreographer, has a red ribbon, a strip of cloth representing the blood, the noose and rein society places on girls who seek freedom. - from Wanda's review of "Invisible Womb"
‘The Dark Side of the Rainbow’: A video exposing domestic violence in same-gender-loving relationships
We think the rainbow - the gay symbol - is all about fun and parties, but there is also a dark side that no one likes to talk about, such as abuse or racism within the GLBT community.
Wanda’s Picks for March 20
Guests on Friday's Wanda's Picks Radio are Tovi Scruggs, M.Ed., and Sharon Morrison Parker, directors of ASA Academy, who talked about an exciting conference next week: "MAN UP! First Annual Black Boys Conference: Extending the Arm of Brotherhood to Achieve Manhood" on Saturday, March 28.