The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
Podcast Description
In collaboration with the Center for African and African American Studies/The CAAAS at the University of Colorado Boulder, The Cause is more than a podcast—it’s a call to action. Guided by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, this inspiring series invites you to explore the transformative power of music, the wisdom of history, and the promise of democracy in the pursuit of racial justice.
Through courageous conversations, insightful reflections, and powerful storytelling, The Cause amplifies voices and stories too often unheard. Together, we’ll challenge injustices, break down societal misconceptions, and inspire each other to build a world where equality is not just an ideal, but a shared reality.
Join us in this movement. Listen to The Cause, and become part of the collective journey to create a more just, inclusive, and vibrant future for all.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers impactful topics including racial justice, music's role in social movements, and the history of democracy, with specific episodes discussing the cultural significance of funk music and in-depth interviews featuring artists like Otis Taylor, focusing on themes such as storytelling through music and the African roots of the banjo.
In collaboration with the Center for African and African American Studies/The CAAAS at the University of Colorado Boulder, The Cause is more than a podcast—it’s a call to action. Guided by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, this inspiring series invites you to explore the transformative power of music, the wisdom of history, and the promise of democracy in the pursuit of racial justice.
Through courageous conversations, insightful reflections, and powerful storytelling, The Cause amplifies voices and stories too often unheard. Together, we’ll challenge injustices, break down societal misconceptions, and inspire each other to build a world where equality is not just an ideal, but a shared reality.
Join us in this movement. Listen to The Cause, and become part of the collective journey to create a more just, inclusive, and vibrant future for all.
“Rap is something you do—hip hop is something you live.” — Dr. Reiland Rabaka
In Episode 11 of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka launches our new Hip Hop Studies series with a powerful exploration of the cultural, political, and historical foundations of hip hop.
This episode traces the origins of hip hop from its roots in the Bronx to its connections with African griots, Black oral traditions, and resistance movements. Dr. Rabaka unpacks the five core elements of hip hop—MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti, and knowledge—and how each one emerged as a form of survival, expression, and cultural genius.
Far from just entertainment, hip hop is framed here as a living philosophy, a way of life forged in the heat of economic exclusion, community creativity, and Black cultural inheritance.
Catch the broadcast on Radio 1190 KVCU every other Tuesday at 7 a.m.
Explore the curated playlist that complements this episode’s themes
This is part one of a multi-episode deep dive—Hip Hop Studies begins here.
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