This was a great show from Amanda Seales (Journalist, Comedian, former emcee). What critics of her don’t get is that she is not falling for the bullshit and if half of them really supported icons like Fannie Lou Hamer, Baldwin, Malcolm, etc they would be listening instead of trying to get click bate.
Anyways, I loive how she not only does her own research and analysis for us but she invites others own with knowledge to game us up as well. Case in point, today she had on two Korean American organizers on from Nodutdol an organization whos purpose is:
“We are diasporic Koreans and comrades based in occupied Indigenous lands known as the United States and Canada. We organize for a world free of imperialism, and for Korea’s re/unification and national liberation.“
Nodutdol organizers Jamie and Heath talk about the history of US imperialism in Korea, how South Korea is still occupied by the US, how North Korea is propagandized, and how this relates to Gaza, Guam, India, Puerto Rico and so much untold history. I learned a lot as someone with a parent born in Korea! Starting at the 2:12:00 mark, listen to this interview and get you some game.
Dig this? Check out this short story about Haenyeo or this illustration of a Jeju diver .
Red Nation is a new podcast I started listening to last year. This episode offers a great perspective from the host (a Native American professor/author) on manifest destiny and how it relates to colonialism globally and at home. The words and the images are not by accident and I feel this episode gives some great historical points from the past that relate to Native folks in the US of course but also to people in the global south.
I’ve been following LaRussell since 2022 after a homie suggested one of his songs. Been to the backyard, and was so grateful he spoke on this and has faced backlash because of it. Bay Area.
What is this? This series is called “Stuff I’ve been listening to” and this is my place to share music that I listen to while I work, process, decompress, and live life. Some of it is new, some old. But I’m always listening. I share in the hopes that you will find something that inspires you. Please share with a fellow music lover. My name is Rob and I’m an artist and author from the Bay Area.
I came across Rebel Diaz originally from Chicago back in the late 2000’s. They have always spoken on social justice, politics, and revolutionary ideals and organized with real people on the ground. Mad love for them.
The Neighborhood Kids (San Diego, CA) – Biddi Bomb 2025
I came to Belly very late. He’s been putting out music for a long time and the first time I heard him was through Nipsey Hussle. He’s Palestinian Canadian and his flow and critique is sharp. Listen.
MC Abdul is one of the first emcee’s from Palestine that I heard spit in English in the literal thick of the genocide and he’s been putting out music for awhile even though he’s young!
I came across Invincible through the battle rap scene and thought they were ILL which is wild because thats the name they go by. They are Jewish and spit this rhyme 16 years ago!!!!!! I discovered this song from the film “Road to Apartheid” which compares Israeli occupation to South African apartheid.
This song blew up last year and went viral on social media. I was aware of Macklemore because he was an underground cat from Seattle, then I heard some of his more popular radio cuts. Did not see this coming from him last year but it is an extremely powerful statement.
If you’ve heard some hip hop about or from Sudan or Congo, drop it in the comments! We need to hear about what is happening in Africa!
Eddy Mack ft Batata (Detroit, MI) – Sound of War 2023
I heard Eddy Mack (Jordanian American emcee) in 2023 like most folks because of this viral song that was a very militant stance against the attacks against Palestinian people.
Ana Tijoux (Chile/France) Feat Shadia Mansour (UK) – Somos Sur 2014
I came across Ana Tijoux in the early 2010s as part of hip hop royalty Makiza of Chile. I then met her around the same time when she dropped 1977. She is razor sharp lyrically and has a level of knowledge, critique, and creativity in global politics and hip hop that is unmatched. She’s also a really cool ass person.
Lowkey feat Frankie Boyle, Maverick Sabre, and Mai Kahlil (London, UK) – Long Live Palestine 2019
My bro Pele Durian Funk made an ILL mix of hip hop artists who’ve all made songs in support of a free Palestine back in October of 2023. On that mixtape he included a bunch of cats and Lowkey was one of them. I’d never heard of him but I soon discovered a super talented emcee and journalist who fights fiercely for the people of Palestine and working class people in Britain.
My bro Pele (Trust Your Struggle Collective) made this mixtape of hip hop featuring pro Palestinian artists such as Native Guns, 47 Soul, and even Yo Yo Ma. Check it out.
Ok thats it fam, if you dug this share it with a friend, comment with some musical suggestions, and if you want to support Palestinian or anti zionist organizing in the US check out:
Why Palestine? There’s been an occupation, apartheid, and genocide of Palestinian people there by Israeli government with the direct support of the US Govt and many others in the globe. Like India and Pakistan, the “middle east” or the countries of Africa being cut up by greedy people who see dollar signs its people deserve freedom, self determination, and it is a prime example of how the billionaire class is playing us all when they say they do not have enough for universal health care, affordable housing, free education, etc. We’re all being tricked and Palestine/Israel is a HUGE part of it. This goes for Congo, Sudan, and many other countries across the planet. The people (you and I) must expose the lies and get freedom for us and them together.
This is still one of my favorite songs by The coup. In this video Boots describes “Captain Sterling’s Little Problem”, an anti war song once part of the documentary “Sir No Sir”.
Monica is the homie and as someone who got to work with her she’s a bad-ass artist and organizer. Peep this video which introduces how to make art for social change! Very good info for beginners or experienced artists.
I really enjoyed watching this film, the cast of characters, the writing, the story, and the sentiment which is true for any parent or guardian; but really resonant as a father of two myself. Its funny of course because its Kevin Hart, but its heartfelt too!
Fam, Its been over a year since I did one of these. If you follow me you know that I am a huge advocate for literacy. Reading kids books, comics, annnnd ART BOOKS. Art books about gaming, film, comics, illustration, sneakers, you name it. Anything you can find to get young people reading for fun! So with high school, middle school, and older elementary students if they’re not enjoying reading, find something that they LOVE and find books about it.
You can see the other videos I did featuring lots of different books. Check them out and share!
Dig this? Check out these shorts I started making about my favorite picture books like Turntable Timmy!
Whenever kids ask me how I got started making art I tell them: defacing public and private property. Here’s someone I saw “up” a lot as a kid-KR. Didnt know he was from NYC but I saw him a lot! I remember the drippy tags and I remember when KRINK became a brand.
Emergency Quarters by Carlos Matias and Gracey Zhang is a really dope new picture book that I read with my daughter recently. Check out this video where I explain a bit about the book!
This is a dope story about responsibility, bravery, and trust as this kid is maturing enough that he can walk to school by himself. When he goes his Mama gives him quarters to call her in case of an emergency. On his travels we see his community and all kinds of temptation haha. Matias and Zhang did an incredible job with this one. Hats off to the editor, art director, publisher, and agencies involved
Review it on The Story Graph! Request it at your local library or independent bookstore.
What’s this? Whew, I’ve read over 500 picture books y’all! An author who I admire and respect “Adrianna Cuevas” was sharing her favorite books and it inspired me to share some of mine with you. I’ve read ok books, garbage ones, and some that I think are incredible examples of the picture book format. Here and on the socials I’ll be recommending some of my favs. Please support your community and the creators by requesting them at your library or local independent bookstore. Peace. My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I am the author and illustrator of Fresh Juice.
Dig this? Check out these reviews of my book Fresh Juice
