Rap Diego: An Audio Documentary uncovers the untold story of a significant music revolution in San Diego. It chronicles the underground rap movement that launched numerous artists into the spotlight and fostered a subculture that ultimately became mainstream and influential worldwide. This narrative unfolds in four acts, narrated by those who experienced it firsthand—producer Parker Edison; editor Chris Reyes; and cultural attaché J. Smith. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear early music and performances that have rarely, if ever, been heard by the public.
Rap Diego
Rap Diego: An Audio Documentary uncovers the untold story of a significant music revolution in San Diego. It chronicles the underground rap movement that launched numerous artists into the spotlight and fostered a subculture that ultimately became mainstream and influential worldwide. This narrative unfolds in four acts, narrated by those who experienced it firsthand—producer Parker Edison; editor Chris Reyes; and cultural attaché J. Smith. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear early music and performances that have rarely, if ever, been heard by the public.
Rap Diego Hosted by Parker Edison, Chris Reyes, and J. Smith
Episodes
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“Rap Diego" is a four-part art history project that explores the origins and evolution of San Diego’s local rap scene over the past 40 years. Featuring a podcast, captivating short films by diverse directors and a digital exhibition with the San Diego History Center. Press play to explore the vibrant cultural heritage and potent moments within San Diego's rap scene. -
Our first episode officially establishes the backdrop for our series by detailing the city's cultural landscape in the 1980s. Through the introduction of world famous DJ Gil, listeners get valuable insights derived from his personal encounters, particularly focusing on San Diego's inaugural rap record.#RapDiego #SDStory #MeridienArts #KPBS #SDHC -
In this episode, we explore the intricate art of mixtapes and their profound impact on the local rap scene. The story is deepened with insightful interviews featuring prominent figures such as DJ Jam, South Bay's Legion Of Doom and the talented dancer Michael Gift, who was an integral member of the renowned group Vicious Beat Posse. -
In our third episode, the podcast digs into the rich history of Chicano rap, featuring an insightful discussion with Wise from the G-Funk Junkies podcast. Additionally, Chris Reyes conducts an exclusive interview with the talented rapper, Lil Uno, providing listeners with a unique perspective on his artistry. Plus, writer Jay Smith offers valuable insights on the profound impact of Gangster Ern.#RapDiego #SDStory #MeridienArts #KPBS #SDHC -
For this episode, we look at the emergence and evolution of backpack rap amidst the popularity of gangster music. Our discussions involve conversations with emcee John Robinson and Kerry Campbell, providing valuable context to the narrative. Additionally, writer J. Smith gets an exclusive interview with Orko Elohiem, delving into his profound legacy within the realm of music. -
Our fifth episode opens with an engaging phone conversation, where DJ Al C intricately narrates the captivating tale of rapper Mystery and his hit single 'Rollin with the Funk'. Following this, Craig Fraiser delves into the intriguing backstory of how his name ended up in a freestyle session by the legendary Biggie Smalls. Then, Jayo Felony shares his enthralling journey and being signed to Def Jam records -
In this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Larry Love, a multi-talented producer and rapper with a background in organizing and participating in San Diego events. Additionally, Chris Reyes holds a captivating conversation with radio disc jockey DJ Rags, delving into his career and the epic exploits of Marcus 'Kutfather' Tufono. -
In our seventh episode, we see our music going places with expansive insights shared by writer Alex Kuchma, DJ Demon, and beatmaker Mr. Brady. Plus, writer J.Smith conducts an one-of-a-kind interview with the underground phenom Madd Joker, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at the business of rap. -
In our eighth episode, we shine a spotlight on the contributions of women in the realm of rap music. Listeners will have the opportunity to hear from Majesty, Miki Vale, and MC Flow, as they share their perspectives and experiences. -
For this episode, we focus on the contributions from North County, which have significantly impacted the realm of San Diego rap. We have the privilege of getting insights from Frank Z and Kevin ‘The Blade’ Gordon as they recount their experiences in the '00s. Plus, Blame One closes the show with a Sean Price story and track. -
In this episode, we are transported into the 2010s, a time marked by a significant shift in the music industry due to the disruptive influence of Napster. San Diego begins to emerge successful in our rap pursuits. Dj Artistic and engineer Chauncey Chamberlain introduce us to 'the Loft'. Plus, esteemed hip hop intellectual, Dart Adams, provides perspectives on our positioning within the world of rap music. -
In episode 11 we encounter a group of artists who have extended the longevity of their careers through the re-release of their underground hits alongside new music. Insights are shared by rappers Frosty (Chris Whitehead) and Addiquit (Bethany W.). Additionally, we look into a legal case involving rapper Brandon ‘Tiny Doo’ Duncan who fought for more than just freedom of speech.
Rap Diego: The Exhibit
All-In San Diego is a community archiving initiative from the San Diego History Center, showcasing digitized materials and stories collected from San Diegans across the region. This newly launched website tells the untold stories of San Diego’s past and present through historical assets and materials.
The Rap Diego team curated materials collected from members of San Diego's underground rap scene, representing the diverse history of San Diego rap from its origins in the early 1980s to the present. These materials were digitized by San Diego History Center as a digital gallery to accompany Rap Diego, as one of the first All-In San Diego collections to debut on the All-In San Diego site.
The Wanted List: Part 1 - The Loss
This compilation of clips spotlights topics that the dedicated writing staff wanted to incorporate into the 'Rap Diego' podcast series but couldn’t due to time constraints. Subjects include battle rap and the San Diego sound. Filmed by Platform Collection.
The Wanted List: Part 2 - Battle Rap
This compilation of clips spotlights topics that the dedicated writing staff wanted to incorporate into the 'Rap Diego' podcast series but couldn’t due to time constraints. Subjects include battle rap and the San Diego sound. Filmed by Platform Collection.
The Wanted List: Part 3 - San Diego Sound
This compilation of clips spotlights topics that the dedicated writing staff wanted to incorporate into the 'Rap Diego' podcast series but couldn’t due to time constraints. Subjects include battle rap and the San Diego sound. Filmed by Platform Collection.
Short Films
The writers of Rap Diego aimed to address a broad range of information but were limited by the subject's vastness. To supplement their work, they produced a series of visual materials. Each short film, directed by a different filmmaker, features a unique aesthetic and explores various topics.
Rap Threads
This film-short explores the intersection of rap, fashion and black art, serving as a companion piece to the 'Rap Diego' podcast season. This conversation between rapper Ramel J. Wallace and writer Parker Edison takes place in Brick Row, a historic area in National City, Ca. Directed by Jack King.
The Music Machines of the 90s
This video essay looks into the significance of beat machines in the 1990s, highlighting the pivotal role they played in our local rap scene. This companion piece to the ‘Rap Diego’ podcast season, offers a unique perspective on the historical and sonic impact of these machines. Produced by Jon Wesley Ewell.
Spotify Playlist
“Rap Diego” is a narrative that explores the legacy of rap music. This curated a Spotify playlist showcasing the diverse sounds of San Diego rap. This collection aims to highlight the genre's growth and evolution over the past 40 years. We hope you enjoy it.
Rap Diego Team
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Parker Edison
Host -
Parker Edison is best known as project manager for Meridien Arts, a micro-label created to produce and present art driven events in the city. It’s core belief being that exposing San Diego city youth to art can change lives. In 2016 M.A. received the Peacemaker Award from the National Conflict Resolution Center for the Reclaiming the Community Music Project which included two albums and a series of independently produced film-shorts. Its newest endeavor, The Parker Edison Project is a KPBS podcast featuring insightful conversations about creativity and community.
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Chris Reyes
Host -
Chris Reyes is a multifaceted professional with over a decade of experience in the creative industry, encompassing roles as a rapper, producer, photographer, journalist, and filmmaker. He serves as the co-founder and Creative Director of PlatformCollection.com, a lifestyle brand renowned for its expertise in event production, online marketing, and brand development. Additionally, he is a production partner at The Happiness Of Pursuit Festival (THOPfest.net), further showcasing his commitment to fostering creative experiences.
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J. Smith
Host -
J. Smith, known professionally as 10-19 The Numberman, is a distinguished rap artist and musician. In 2021, he debuted new music with the trip-hop quartet 10-19 and the Numbermen, which has been characterized as "a psychedelic outfit dedicated to exploring the outer edges of traditional rap music, stretching and bending its boom-bap boundaries into a surreal blend of rhyme, rhythm, and melody." In addition to his musical endeavors, J. Smith is a highly regarded writer and journalist, contributing to notable platforms such as Bandcamp and NBC.com, among others.
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Lisa Jane Morrisette
Director of Audio Programming & Operations -
As KPBS Director of Audio Programming and Operations, Lisa Jane Morrisette is responsible for the 24-hour operations and programming of KPBS Radio's three channels, oversees the podcast platform, and the KPBS Radio Reading Service. Lisa Jane is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois with a bachelor of arts in radio and television. She began in public broadcasting as a student volunteer, and has been proud to serve in many roles in her career. Lisa Jane was the former Radio Operations Manager at WSIU in Carbondale, Illinois. Lisa Jane was the recognizable voice of WSIU, and produced numerous projects in a wide range of music genres, including 'Celtic Connections with Bryan Kelso Crow' a syndicated Celtic music program distributed on PRX.
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Adrian Villalobos
Technical Producer /Sound Designer -
Adrian Villalobos is a technical producer and sound designer for KPBS. He currently is the lead sound designer for "Port of Entry" and assists with various other KPBS productions through audio editing, recording, and mixing. He also provides technical direction for local radio broadcasts like "Morning Edition" and "KPBS Midday Edition."
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Rebecca Chacon
Audio Operations Assistant -
Rebecca Chacon joined KPBS in 2017. She assists in Radio Operations as well as production work for local radio broadcasts like KPBS Roundtable, KPBS Midday Edition and All Things Considered. Rebecca is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in television, film, and new media — with an emphasis in critical studies.
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Julio Ortiz
Podcast Platform Coordinator -
Julio C. Ortiz-Franco is a filmmaker, writer, producer from the Tijuana/San Diego borderlands. He is currently Producer/Editor for the podcast “Port of Entry” at KPBS Public Station, where he also coordinates it's growing podcast platform. He holds a Philosophy Degree form U.C. Berkeley. He loves free food.
