Step Off! Radio

In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio, Stacey Uy of the Radical History Club returns to discuss her role as the founder, researcher, writer, and illustrator of the series. And discuss its humble origins, as well as what drove her to spotlight understudied historical legacies. We also discuss the importance of curating a curriculum for students that not only challenges false narratives but centers communities that have traditionally been marginalized and ignored in U.S. history books. Lastly, we also discuss how her research methodology has changed since first starting the series in 2019, and what the future hold for The Radical History Club.

For the past several years, Sham Blak has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile emcees in San Diego’s Underground Hip-Hop scene. Originally hailing from Southeast San Diego, Sham has made it his mission to deliver raw, unapologetic Hip-Hop with the sensibilities of today’s modern audiences. Over the years Sham Blak has pulled influence from a plethora of classic artists and his peers in the local Hip-Hop scene. He has also consistently shown his appreciation for dark beats and incorporating clever rhymes into his music to create a unique tapestry of sounds that has set his catalog apart from the standard run-of-the-mill music heard throughout much of the region. As a member of the Hip-Hop collective Spooky Gaang and having released a slew of mixtapes over the years; Sham Blak has quickly made a name for himself with his use of dark production and sharp lyrical wit which has further set him apart from his contemporaries in the local San Diego underground scene. In today’s episode, Sham Blak joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the inspirations behind his music, growing up as an aspiring emcee in Southeast San Diego, his time in the military, and the backstory behind some of his works. Likewise, we also got to discuss upcoming projects and what the future holds for his music. So with that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with Sham Blak.

In the ever expanding realm of New York's infamous underground Hip-Hop scene artist S.K. Winter Yat has made a name for himself. Hailing from Washington Heights, Manhattan and pulling influence from legendary Hip-Hop artists such as Nas, Big Pun, and the Notorious B.I.G., S.K. Winter Yat has slowly built up a profile as a both a freelance journalist and an adept emcees. Having worked with artists such as Kozmik Force, Rojoz, and releasing a string of mixtapes S.K winter Yat illustrated that the appreciation for raw rhymes and classic Boom Bap production still extends well outside on the boundaries of his native New York and the broader East Coast. In today’s episode, S.K. Winter Yat joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the inspirations behind his music, growing up as a child in New York City, his path to becoming an emcee, his experience as a freelance journalist, and his latest EP FKISUTALKINBOUT. Likewise, we also got to discuss his Mayan ancestry, decolonization in Hip-Hop, and what the future holds for his music.

Since the rise of the Chicano Movement in the late 60s, Chicano artists have used a variety of mediums to express historical counter-narratives, encourage political activism, and educate communities. Fifty-three years ago on April 22, 1970, in San Diego, California the residents of Logan Heights, alongside a coalition comprised of hundreds of students, community activists, Brown Berets, and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA) collectively staged a successful 12-day people’s land takeover to thwart the construction of a California Highway Patrol substation on land where the city of San Diego had promised to build a public park for barrio residents. Thanks in part to the protest, the city of San Diego agreed to acquire the site from the state and develop it into a park for the Chicano community. In 2023, Chicano Park is widely regarded as a monument to the self-determination and self-empowerment of Chicano people in the U.S. The concrete pillars that uphold the Coronado Bridge that once sliced and divided the community are now adorned with the iconic murals that have made Chicano Park an anchor for the community’s strong Chicano identity and its revolutionary spirit and history. Although while Chicano Park has grown and expanded alongside the neighborhood and received a National Historic Landmark designation from the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2017, the park and its illustrious collection of intricate murals continued to lack an official space dedicated to documentation and preservation of its history until Chicano Park opened the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center (CPMCC) last Fall. Unsurprisingly, Chicano artists have continued this legacy of Chicanismo into today’s contemporary artistic and political movements—taking the moment to express political autonomy, cultural solidarity, and pride in being of Indigenous descent. Lucas Cruz, Chairman of the Chicano Park Steering Committee joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center, the struggle to make the museum a reality, and what the museums means to the residents of Barrio Logan and Logan Heights.

For the past several years, Chop the Father has been one of the most unique up-and-coming emcees in the Underground Hip-Hop scene of Houston, Texas. In a scene that is more commonly associated with artists such as the Geto Boys, UGK, and DJ Screw among others. Chop the Father has fired his own path. Pulling influence from legendary Hip-Hop artists such as Big L, Nas, and the Notorious BIG, Chop the Father has made a name for himself incorporating high brow punchlines and colorful pop culture references into his songs. As well as crafting to solemn stories of self reflection and past hardships into his music. Incorporating his appreciation for dark, brooding production Chop the Father has creates a unique tapestry of projects that have set his catalog apart from run-of-the-mill artists in Houston’s local Hip-Hop scenes. Having worked with artists such as D-Rell, NVY JONEZ LKR, and releasing a string of mixtapes produced by Riverside-based producer Accosta the Man; Chop the Father has illustrated that the appreciation for classic Boom Bap production extends well outside on the boundaries of New York City and the East Coast. In today’s episode, Chop the Father joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the inspirations behind his music, growing up as a child in Houston, Texas’ Latino community, and his path to becoming an emcee. Likewise, we also got to discuss upcoming projects and what the future holds for his music. So with that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with Chop the Father.

It can be argued that with every passing year, groups and duos within Hip-Hop are increasingly becoming less common within the genre. As more more artists and producers opt for more solo careers or one-off collaborations, the sight of the quintessential Hip-Hop crew is now a rare sight . Challenging this notion however, are the Neighborhood Kids (Amon the Emcee, Verde, DJ JG, Niko Rosy, Gatoz Locoz, and Emerson). A crew of emcees, producers, DJs and live musicians who have not only challenged status quo through their music. But also blend genres and push the boundaries of conventional Hip-Hop. After years of collaborating and working adjacent with one another, this one of a kind crew of crew has quickly made a name for themselves as one of San Diego’s busiest and most promising up-and coming group’s in the region’s underground Hip-Hop scene. In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio, group members Amon the Emcee, Verde and DJ JG came on to the show to talk about their experiences as emcees, producers, DJs and to reflect on their general experiences as independent artists in San Diego’s underground Hip-Hop community. In this episode we dive into the member's early years, their influences, their journey into Hip-Hop, and what eventually led to them founding of the Neighborhood Kids and their quest to be innovators and envelope pushers in the local scene. Likewise, we also discuss what it means to the group to be socially conscious artists, the power to teach and make change through music, discuss upcoming projects and what the future holds for his music. So with that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with the Amon, Verde, and DJ JG of the Neighborhood Kids!

For the past several years, NVY JONEZ LKR (Navy Jonez Locker) has been one of the most unique up-and-coming emcees in the Southern California’s Underground Hip-Hop scene. Originally hailing from Williamsburg, Brooklyn the New York rhyme spitter has made it his mission to give music lovers a taste of "NY HIP-HOP", with the new sounds and delivery of for today’s audiences. Having With toured and performance in places such as Copenhagen Denmark, Malmö Sweden, Tokyo Japan, and of course New York and Los Angeles, Navy Jonez experiences both inside and outside of Hip-Hop have taken him across the world and provided a unique world-view few Hip-Hop artists, let alone people can fully appreciate. Pulling influence from legendary Hip-Hop artists such as Roc Marciano and Griselda and Navy Jonez incorporated his appreciation for dark beats and clever rhymes into music to create a unique tapestry of sounds that has set his catalog apart from the standard run-of-the-mill West Coast artists in Southern California’s local Hip-Hop scenes. Having worked with artists such as D-Rell, Chop the Father, and releasing a slew of mixtapes produced by Riverside-based producer Accosta the Man; Navy Jonez has quickly made a name for himself with his use of dark production and sharp lyrical wit. In today’s episode, Navy Jonez joins Step Off! Radio to discuss the inspirations behind his music, growing up as an aspiring emcee in Brooklyn New York, his time in the service, and the backstory behind some of his favorite songs. Likewise, we also got to discuss upcoming projects and what the future holds for his music. So with that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with Navy Jonez Locker.

With every passing year, groups and duos within Hip-Hop are increasingly becoming a rarity within the genre. Especially as more more artists and producers opt for more solo careers or one-off collaborations. Challenging this notion however, are rapper, KILLcRey and, producer, Gene Flo. Both hailing from San Diego, California (Barrio Logan and Chula Vista). Together the rapper/producer duo makeup The Invisible Panchos, the live performance project of the long time collaborators. After years of collaborating and working adjacent to one another in San Diego's underground Hip-Hop scene, the duo decided to come together to create a live performance art piece using their individual and collective music as the canvas. In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio, KILLcRey and Gene Flo came on to the show to talk about their experiences as emcees, producers, podcast hosts and their general experiences as independent artists in San Diego’s Hip-Hop scene. In this interview you will be able to hear our conversation diving into KILLcRey and Gene Flo's early years, their influences, their journey into podcasting, and great general insight from two incredible artists that have made a name for themselves as innovators and envelope pushers in the local scene. Likewise, you also hear from both artists what it means to them to be futurists, artists, rappers, podcast hosts. With thats said, we present to you our conversation with the Invisible Panchos!

Returning to Step Off! Radio, we are joined again by none other than emcee and singer Selene Selah. For close to the past decade Selene Selah has made her rounds in the underground Hip-Hop scenes of Los Angeles, California. Hailing from Hawthorne, California, Selene Selah regularly uses her platform to incorporate a blend of various philosophies from decolonization, to Indigenous empowerment, and new age spirituality into her unique brand of Hip-Hop. We had Selene return to the show to talk about her brand new album, Taste of Satorí, the follow-up to her debut project Xōchitl Blossoms which dropped back in 2019. Selene discusses the ten-track album, as well as talk about she has updated the Boom Bap and soulful production that she has made a name for herself both singing and rapping over. Likewise, we also discuss how the project pushed her to step into new waters concept-wise, behind-the-scenes accounts discussing the album’s long recording process, as well as her move from L.A. to Oklahoma. And talk about future upcoming projects and what the future holds for her music in the upcoming year. With that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with Selene Selah.

For the past several years underground hip hop duo Indigenous Cats, composed of recording artists Ina and Calmplx (pronounced Complex), have made their rounds in the underground hip-hop scenes of Los Angeles, California. Drawing inspiration from classic Boom Bap Jazz, and Reggae, interwoven with with unique takes on decolonization; the duo’s incorporation of Indigenous empowerment in their music has crafted a unique sound setting them apart from virtually all of their peers in L.A.’s burgeoning underground hip-hop scene. Invoking the nostalgia of hip-hop’s heyday, conjuring memories of a by-gone era while still addressing dilemmas of the 21st century. In her first solo project entitled The Ina Project, Ina treads into new territory, pushing her craft to new heights, and exploring a different side of her music outside of Indigenous Cats. In our latest installment, Ina returns to Step Off! Radio to discuss the seven track EP that utilizes all of the classic Boom Bap and soulful production that the Southern California emcee/songstress has made a name for herself both singing and rapping over. Likewise, we also discuss how the project pushed her to step into new waters sonically, behind the scenes accounts discussing the EP’s recording process, as well as talk about future upcoming projects and what the future holds for Ina and Indigenous Cats in the upcoming year. With that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with Ina of Indigenous Cats.

For the past five years musician and producer Accosta the Man has been one of the most unique, and prolific up-and-coming producers hailing from Southern California's Inland Empire (IE), comprised of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Pulling influence from legendary Hip-Hop groups and producers such as Cypress Hill, Jedi Mind Tricks and Adrian Younge; Accosta the Man has incorporated his love for Horror, Exploitation and rare cinema into his music to create a unique tapestry of sounds and obscure samples. Crafting dark, moody sonic collages that have set his production apart from the standard run-of-the-mill production created in much of Southern California's local Hip-Hop scenes. Having produced for groups and artists such as Kozmik Force, Nvy Jonez LKR, D-Rell, Chop the Father and a slew of beat tapes; the the Riverside-based producer has quickly made a name for himself with his dark production and keen ear for left-field samples. Accosta the Made made his first appearance on Step Off! Radio to discuss the inspirations behind his music, growing up as a Hip-Hop and Horror movies lover, and the backstory behind some of his favorite songs. Likewise, we also got to discuss upcoming projects and what the future holds for Accosta's music. With that said, we are proud to present to you our conversation with Accosta the Man.

In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio we interview Rocío Zamora, a San Diego based community organizer, educator who works to support and create pathways to a better future for students that have often get neglected, mislabeled, criminalized and pushed out of schools. In addition to being a community organizer, Zamora is also a former sponsor of California state legislation targeting police overreach, militarization, and promoting community-based responses. Rocío began advocating...

As one half of the Los Angeles based underground hip-hop duo Indigenous Cats (composed of himself and emcee/vocalist Ina), Calmplx Teteoquichtli has made a name for himself in the underground Hip-Hop scene of Southern California. Incorporating classic Boom Bap production interwoven with his unique takes on decolonization and the incorporation of Indigenous empowerment in his music. In his second solo project entitled Abstract, Calmplx treads into new waters away from his partner in rhyme Ina, in an effort to prove he is more than capable of holding his own outside of Indigenous Cats.In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio, we had Calmplx come on the show to discuss his brand-new solo project entitled Abstract, where he treads into new waters away from his partner in rhyme Ina, in an effort to prove he is more than capable of holding his own outside of Indigenous Cats. Continuing his deep affinity for beats crafted in the vein of early 90s boom bap style hip-hop production, as promised on Abstract Calmplx has assembled a crew of producers to craft a backdrop of all original production to serve as the sonic backdrop of his second solo album. All of this and so much is coming up so without further ado we present to you our conversation with the one and only Calmplx Teteoquichtli.

As one half of the Los Angeles based underground hip-hop duo Indigenous Cats (composed of himself and emcee/vocalist Ina), Calmplx Teteoquichtli has made a name for himself in the underground Hip-Hop scene of Southern California. Incorporating classic Boom Bap production interwoven with his unique takes on decolonization and the incorporation of Indigenous empowerment in his music. In his second solo project entitled Abstract, Calmplx treads into new waters away from his partner in rhyme...

Since the rise of the Chicano Movement in the late 60s and early 70s, Chicano artists have used a variety of mediums to express historical counter-narratives, encourage political activism, and educate communities. Unsurprisingly, Chicano artists have continued this legacy of Chicanismo into today’s contemporary artistic and political movements—taking the moment to express political autonomy, cultural solidarity, and pride in being of Indigenous descent. Among the many artists continuing this proud legacy is Jake Prendez, a 45-year-old Chicano painter hailing from Seattle, Washington. Jake Prendez is the creator of a series of popular oil painting portraits, and he is also the Co-Director of the Nepantla Cultural Center in the neighborhood of White center Seattle. During our discussion, we talk with Jake about his upbringing in the Seattle area, the struggle to culturally thrive at a time when Seattle and many cities like it had very little representation in regard to Chicanos and other Latinos, and also his political awakening and desire to create art that pulls on cultural triggers to elicit a response from his audience. Throughout our conversation, you will notice various reoccurring themes and parallels from Jake’s journey to that of other Chicanos and Chicanas. Themes of being forced to move to a new place and never quite fitting in, experiencing cultural and political awakenings in high school, and continuing on into college. As well as the pursuit of deferred dreams and ambition later in life compared to other fellow creatives. All of this and so much is coming up so without further ado we present to you our conversation with the one and only Jake Prendez!

In our latest installment of Step Off! Radio, we had the chance to interview returning guest Native Threat, 1/2 of Indigenous-Chicano Rap duo Kozmik Force. Threat comes on the show to discuss his very latest solo project ‘Love Sharpened Arrows’, the latest effort in the Inland Empire-based emcee’s ever-growing catalog of work. Coming right on the heels of Kozmik’ Force’s EP ’Sound of a Weapon’ which dropped last year, Threat continues on in the long tradition of radical, politically charged music that he has come to be known for. Continuing on with his strong critique of the U.S. government, the criminal justice system, and pro-Chicano/Indigenous empowerment philosophy. Likewise, Threat takes the time to discuss the more personal and intimate nature of his latest record. As well as the inspirations the led him to create a solo project, and the impact that COVID-19 has had not only in BIPOC communities but on his journey as an artist and a member of Kozmik Force. With that said, we here at Step Off! Radio hope that you all enjoy our long-awaited conversation with Native Threat!

For more than thirteen years Matt Sedillo has been one of the most outspoken and uncompromising contemporary political poets in the United States. Born in El Sereno, California in 1981, Matt Sedillo writes from the perspective of a second-generation Chicano born in an era where a continually diversifying population has witnessed continually dwindling opportunities and the deterioration of both the country's infrastructure and economy firsthand. Since his debut, the two-time national slam poet, and the Literary Director for the dA Center of the Arts has crafted poetry that has been described as both fearless, and at times even confrontational. With his deep comprehension of U.S. history, Matt Sedillo has effortlessly blended humor, history, and political theory into his work serving as a reflection of the lived realities of many in this country face who face discrimination and bear the brunt of systemic racism and structural inequality. During our discussion with Matt Sedillo, we were able to talk about his early years, the origins of his poetry career, his latest book Mowing Leaves of Grass, and his take on the current state of contemporary politics in the United States.

For close to three decades, Odessa Kane has been a constant and tireless figure in the local San Diego Underground Hip-Hop scene. As an emcee, graffiti writer, and B-boy the Southeast San Diego rap veteran has more earned the well-deserved status as an elder statesmen and icon in the local San Diego Hip-Hop scene. Born in Tijuana and raised in the Paradise Hills, the Mexicano-Filipino emcee earned his stripes in San Diego’s underground Hip-Hop scene of the 1990s as a member of the Masters of the Universe Crew (which also includes Gonjasufi, Johaz aka Dag Savage, and Orko Eloheim among others. Since his departure from Masters of the Universe, Odessa Kane has built his career crafting thought-provoking, politically charged Hip-Hop. As a result, the veteran emcee has come to be known in San Diego and beyond for his political awareness and activism, helping publicize injustice both locally and internationally through his music and artistry. During our discussion with Odessa Kane, we were able to talk about his early years, the origins of his music career, his latest album Expōz The Matrix, and other future projects currently in the works. With that said, we here at Step Off! Radio hope that you all enjoy our long-awaited conversation with Odessa Kane!

For the past several years underground Hip-Hop Selene Selah aka Emcee Tr3s, has made her rounds in the underground Hip-Hop scenes of Los Angeles, California. Hailing from Inglewood, California and her family Tracing their roots to Colombia, the up-and-coming emcee regularly uses her platform to incorporate a blend of various philosophies from decolonization, to Indigenous empowerment, and new age spirituality into her unique brand of Hip-Hop. Garnering a small, but dedicated and growing audience online, and utilizing classic Boom Bap production, the Southern California emcee have crafted a sound that invokes the nostalgia of Hip-Hop’s golden era. Pulling inspiration from revered iconic Hip-Hop artists such as Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Jedi Mind Tricks, Wu-Tang, and MF DOOM. Since releasing her debut project Xōchitl Blossoms in 2019, Selene Selah has created a rich tapestry of different sounds, ideas, and philosophies in her music that has set both her and music apart from anything else being created by her peers in the underground Hip-Hop scene of Los Angeles. Through this unique blend of traditional Hip-Hop aesthetics and the decolonial ideals of modern Indigenous empowerment movements, Selene Selah has strived to create inspirational music that is both classic and timeless. Not only addressing the needs of modern listeners but, remaining accessible to future listeners to come as well. With an ever-growing and dedicated following online, Selene Selah has become one of the most prominent torchbearers at the forefront of Indigenous resistance in the underground Hip-Hop scene of Southern California. During our discussion with Selene Selah, we were able to talk about her early years, the origins of her music career, her debut mixtape Xōchitl Blossoms, decolonization/Indigenous resistance in Hip-Hop, and other future projects currently in the works. With that said, we here at Step Off! Radio hope that you all enjoy our conversation with Selene Selah!

For the past seventeen years, Ric Scales, an Underground Hip-Hop artist from San Diego, California has made a name for himself in the region's Underground Hip-Hop scene. As an adept battle rapper and ½ of the duo 18 Scales, consisting of himself & emcee/producer Ralph Quasar (aka 18sense). Ric Scales has created a tapestry of sounds, ideas, and philosophies that have set his music apart from anything being created by his peers in the Underground Hip-Hop scene in San Diego. Having garnered a dedicated and growing following over the years, Ric has quickly become one of the most prominent and celebrated figures in the city’s underground scene and beyond. Taking influence from both the old and new school, with varied content and masterful storytelling, through his music Ric has pushed the boundaries both musically and consciously. Having origins in battle rap, he developed an adept skill for freestyling, Ric Scales has gone on to also become the multiple-time champion of No Sucker DJs Battlebot, a monthly Hip-Hop tournament held in San Diego. During our discussion, we were able to talk about Ric’s personal history growing up in various cities and states, his move out to Southern California, and eventual settling in San Diego, as well as his incorporations of socially conscious messaging in his music. During our discussion, we were able to talk about Ric’s personal history growing up in various cities and states, his move out to Southern California, eventually settling in San Diego, as well as his incorporation of socially conscious messaging in his music. With that said we are proud to present to you all our conversation with Ric Scales.