Tru'ish Black Stories: Coming to America's Randy Watson

With 11 albums under his belt, rapper and educator Dee-1 is here to stay. The New Orleans native uses his platform to spread positivity in hip-hop and has no problem calling out successful artists he feels are hurting the culture. He isn't shy about his mission to rid the most popular music genre in the country of drugs, violence, and misogyny, which often finds him on the receiving end of anger and insults. Instead of buckling under the pushback, Dee-1 is doubling down with his Platinum Pledge, which asks music fans to commit to a new kind of hip-hop. Dee-1 joins Dear Culture to share an honest and passionate message, "We can do better."

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Kelly Rowland enters Tyler Perry's world in the Netflix legal drama, "Mea Culpa'' and as a Black movie fanatic, Panama Jackson is excited to see if it delivers the crazy and unexpected ride Perry has promised. In true Perry fashion, the film's title is a play on words, incorporating the first name of Rowland's character. This got Panama's creative juices flowing, and he's offering up several film ideas with the same play on words for Perry's consideration.

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Beyoncé's instant success on the country music charts has sparked a conversation about Black artists in the genre. Panama Jackson addressed this with country music artist Rissi Palmer last year. The pair had an enlightening conversation about what's needed to bridge the racial gap in country music, and discussed the repeated racist incidents Palmer has endured throughout her 20-plus years in the business. 

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Women of hip-hop are examined through the eyes of Gen Z author Nadirah Simmon's in her debut book, "First Things First: Hip Hop Ladies Who Changed the Game." Simmons, who grew up immersed in rap culture in New Jersey and Philadelphia, set out to create a unique look at the historical impact of female MCs like Lil' Kim, Queen Latifah, Nicki Minaj, and more. She analyzes their influence on fashion, TV, film, and comedy. Simmons says her book is for those who want to know more than just the surface-level history or controversy the media tends to focus on. 

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Black voters are always crucial, not just in an election year, and that's a message the Hip-Hop Caucus is spreading across the country. On this episode of Dear Culture, meet some of the non-profit's key players using hip-hop's power to ignite change and promote political activism. Singer, songwriter, and former member of Danity Kane, Dawn Richard, is a part of the initiative and shares with Panama Jackson the importance of using her platform to reach Black America and combat voter suppression and misinformation. With pivotal voting dates fast approaching, including the South Carolina Primary and Super Tuesday, now is the time to get active and let your voice be heard. 

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Following several viral moments, Baltimore filmmaker Alvin Gray joins Dear Culture to talk about the ups and downs of creating independent films. His projects "The Rapper Who Got Shot in the Heel" and "The Nurse That Saw the Baby on the Highway" have garnered much attention, but not always the good kind. Gray and Panama Jackson also debate the power of Tubi and discuss the drama that ensued when one of Gray's projects got banned from the streaming platform before it was even released. 

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Lawyer, queer civil rights advocate, and reality TV star Preston Mitchum is unapologetically Black, and we're here for it! Mitchum is a fan favorite on Bravo's Summer House: Martha's Vineyard, and he dishes about his reality TV experience, which includes the responsibility he feels to represent the Black community positively. The Ohio native also discusses the allure and exclusivity he and his friends found on Martha's Vineyard. While their adventures on the island make great TV, is Massachusetts' vacation oasis a place where outsiders can feel comfortable?

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You know what they say, "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." So, to start 2024 off on the right foot, Panama Jackson and theGrio Daily host Michael Harriot are dissecting the Blackest moments of 2023. Let's learn from the past and make this year our best and Blackest yet!

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The 50th anniversary of hip-hop may be ending, but 'Univeristy of Dope' is a fun way to keep celebrating the genre for years to come. Panama Jackson introduces his listeners to the one-of-a-kind card game and welcomes co-founder A.V. Perkins, who dishes on the origin story of the only card game dedicated to hip-hop music. Plus, A.V. and Panama play a few rounds! Which team would you be on?

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Since becoming a fan favorite on Living Single more than 30 years ago, Erika Alexander has remained a constant fixture in Hollywood. In recent years, she's shifted her focus to the fight for equality, specifically, the push for reparations. She joins Dear Culture to discuss her current TV and film projects and her dedication to positively impacting culture.

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