Dear Culture

Even with a star-studded cast, is Soul Plane one of the worst movies ever made? Dear Culture welcomes author Damon Young to dive into the shenanigans that fostered some laughs but didn't even break even at the box office.  Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black American Princesses kicks off the Dear Culture series, dedicated to movies that Black people can't agree on. Panama Jackson breaks down B*A*P*S with a critical eye to better understand if the movie starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle was mocking the culture or just a rags-to-riches story with a Black cast. Cultural critic and movie maker Brooke Obie joins the conversation to defend the film and share why she believes, unlike in the late 90s, Black content is shrinking. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've got basketball on the brain as the NBA playoffs approach, so we're sharing a Dear Culture rewind with BIG3 co-founder Ice Cube. The legendary rapper is pleased with BIG3's progress but is frustrated with the lack of respect he says the 3-on-3 league has yet to feel from the NBA. Ice Cube doesn't hold back as he shares his thoughts with Panama Jackson about the roadblocks he believes are being put in place to stunt BIG3's success. Originally recorded June 2023. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baltimore filmmaker Alvin Gray has mastered turning viral moments into independent films at lightning speed. His latest project, "The Actor that Got Chased Around the City," has garnered big buzz, and he dropped the news he was working on it right here on Dear Culture. We revisit our conversation with Gray, who talks about the power of Tubi and discusses the drama that ensued when one of his projects was banned from the streaming platform before it was even released.  Connect with theGrio Black Podcast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Bravo's Summer House: Martha's Vineyard kicks off season two, we revisit our conversation with lawyer, queer civil rights advocate, and reality TV star Preston Mitchum. The fan favorite dishes about his reality TV experience, including 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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harlem and Moscow is an audio drama based on the true story of the Harlem Renaissance in the Soviet Union. Red Flags, is the official companion podcast to Harlem and Moscow.  In this episode of Harlem and Moscow: Red Flags, host Panama Jackson is talking to experts about the people of the Harlem Renaissance who went on this trip to Moscow back in 1932. We learn more about Dorothy West, Langston Hughes, Henry Lee Moon, Louise Thompson, and others who journeyed to the Soviet Union. We also talk about other Black artists in the “Harlem and Moscow” circle like Zora Neale Hurston, Countee Cullen, Paul Robeson, and many others. Plus we dish on the gossip of the era and how surprisingly shady folks in that time were! Panama is joined by the playwright of “Harlem and Moscow” Alle Mims as well as historian, cultural critic, and author of  “Our Secret Society,” Tanisha C. Ford.  Music Courtesy Of: Transition "Fantastic Voyage” Lakeside BMG Gold Songs, H&R Lastrada Music, Tiemeyer McCain Publishing Fred Alexander, Norman Paul Beavers, Marvin Craig, Frederick E. Lewis, Tiemeyer Le'Mart, Thomas Oliver Shelby, Stephen Preston Shockley, Otis Stokes, Mark Adam WoodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The title alone caught Panama Jackson's attention; we're talking about 'The American Society of Magical Negroes.' Some call it one of the worst films ever made, so Jackson and Wypipologist Michael Harriot spent their hard-earned money on movie tickets to answer the question, just how bad is this movie? Connect with theGrio Black Podcast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who created Freaknik? Where did it go wrong? Will it ever make a comeback? Dear Culture is answering all your questions about the legendary picnic-turned-street party that took over Atlanta during spring break in the late '80s and early '90s. The announcement of the Hulu documentary Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told made people panic as flashbacks of their wild behavior were feared to be exposed. However, now that the documentary has dropped, should people be worried? The doc's co-creator and producer, Jay Allen, joins Panama Jackson and cultural critic Monique Judge to discuss what the documentary taught us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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." Connect with theGrio Black Podcast NetworkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panama Jackson is joined by theGrio Daily host and New York Times best-selling author Micahel Harriot to analyze some of Hollywood's top money-making movies. They explore the relationship between white and Black characters who are meant to save each other. While it may make for a good story, is the concept of the white savior and magical nego hurting the culture?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panama Jackson never knows what's going to come next when he asks each guest, "Do you have a confession about your Blackness?" Blackfessions have become synonymous with Dear Culture, and we've rounded up some of our favorites from the year, including W. Kamau Bell, Shameik Moore, and Eboni K. Williams. Enjoy!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panama Jackson has an enlightening conversation with country music artist Rissi Palmer about what's needed to bridge the racial gap in country music. The pair also discuss the repeated racist incidents Palmer has been forced to endure and the concerted effort underway to erase Black musician's contributions to the genre.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally recorded in January 2023 as part of theGrio's month-long series, Africa Amplified, Dear Culture host Panama Jackson invites his Ghanaian wife to chat about her journey to America as a child. Simona Noce Wright also shares some of her experiences, both good and bad, after living in the United States for more than 20 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally recorded during Grambling State Homecoming in October 2022. Michael Harriot joins Panama Jackson on location at Grambling State University for a special edition of Dear Culture. Grambling alums join the pair as they address a live audience of students to talk about life after college, the realities of white corporate America, and the significance of attending an HBCU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watch the Keith Lee interview Thursday, Nov. 9th on TheGrio with Eboni K. Williams on TheGrio TV Network. Check your local listings for time and channel.Social media food critic Keith Lee says he arrived in Atlanta, GA, to do what his millions of followers expect from him, which is to eat good food. What he didn't anticipate was for his experiences to go viral and reignite a conversation that food patrons have been having for years following an uptick in Black-owned restaurants enforcing rules and practices that don't always feel customer-friendly. Senior editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Michael B. Jordan, joins Panama Jackson to discuss the fallout of Lee's visit and debate whether it's time for the restaurant culture to change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a reality TV takeover this week on Dear Culture as stars Eboni K. Williams, Claudia Jordan, and Tambra Cherie join Panama Jackson just days after Vanity Fair drops a tell-all exposé on the problematic culture of reality TV on Bravo. The ladies share racist, catty, and regretful experiences they've had in front of the cameras but also dive into the positive moments that are often overshadowed. Read more about the reality reckoning fallout on theGrio.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For months, BIG3 co-founder and legendary rapper Ice Cube has accused the NBA of working against his basketball league to stunt their growth, stop advertising opportunities, and eliminate them entirely. TMZ Sports is reporting that the United States Department of Justice has launched an official investigation to determine if the National Basketball Association committed antitrust violations. Ice Cube spoke to Panama Jackson about his concerns during the summer months as BIG3's sixth season was underway. We've gone into the vault and are giving you a Dear Culture Rewind as news of the DOJ's inquiry makes headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rapper Mickey Factz joins Panama Jackson to give a rundown of the online school for aspiring lyricists he founded in 2021. Pendulum Ink Academy provides a one-of-a-kind education in hip-hop that allows its students to learn from the best. Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Rah Digga, and Cory Gunz are just some of the guest lectures passing on their knowledge of the rap game. Productive mental health practices, finance, and criminology are also courses being provided that prove being a hip-hop success is about more than just rhymes and beats. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poetic Justice, starring Janet Jackson, Tupac Shakur, and Regina King, was John Singleton's second film following Boyz n the Hood. At the time, it was a hit, but was it all that great? Thirty years after its release, Panama Jackson isn't sure the film holds up to its original hype. Author and poet Bassey Ikpi joins the conversation to discuss the film's successes and failures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Culture was on location at Morehouse College during Spelhouse Homecoming 2022 to talk with alumni about their professional success and the benefits of an HBCU education. Panama Jackson is joined by five guests who share career tips and personal experiences in front of a live audience of students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

theGrio Black Podcast Network is proud to announce that two of our original podcasts, Being Black: The '80s and theGrio Daily, have received nominations from The Lovie Awards for their outstanding work. Click here to vote for Touré and here to vote for Michael Harriot and spread the word! Let's show the world we value Black storytelling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was September 29, 1998, the most significant album release date in hip-hop history? Cultural writer and critic Jacinta Howard joins Panama Jackson to answer that question. Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, Brand Nubian, and Black Star all released albums that day that shaped their careers in significant ways, and it may have been the last time that a Tuesday drop had that kind of star power. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panama Jackson invites his boys back, all of whom were college athletes, for a Deion Sanders convo following the University of Colorado's first loss of the football season. Expectations, showmanship, and race are all hot topics that make for an intense debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Netflix original film They Cloned Tyrone came out swinging, delivering a unique Black story that combined sci-fi, comedy, and impressive cast chemistry. Dear Culture welcomes the film's director and co-writer, Juel Taylor, and producers, Mark Wright and Stephen "Dr" Love to discuss the behind-the-scenes movie magic that included Jamie Foxx and the struggles to release a film during a tense Hollywood strike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Culture's satire series returns with an investigative report about Nike's Triple Black Air Force Ones. John Gustav, aka Panama Jackson, explores the criminal underworld to discover why the sneaker is the top choice for criminals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wild story of the fake Ohio high school Bishop Sycamore, who was playing football games despite not being a real school, has people shook. How could something like this happen? Who's to blame? Why is Roy Johnson not in jail? Panama Jackson is joined by podcaster and former LSU athlete Corey Wilson to dive into the madness and discuss why America's unhealthy obsession with sports is central to this scandal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panama Jackson shows his love for the classic Black films that impacted culture with The Tru'ish Black Stories series. Dear Culture uses hilarious commentary to highlight the dance battle movie of the early 2000s 'You Got Served,' proving these dance moves were about more than just bragging rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Micahel Harriot joins Panama Jackson for an entertaining game of "One Gotta Go." The pair go back and forth about some of the most iconic songs in Black culture in front of a live audience at the National Association of Black Journalists Conference and Career Fair in Birmingham, Alabama. Artists like Whitney Houston, New Edition, and Lauryn Hill are all on the chopping block. Play along and join in because not everybody is making the cut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since becoming a fan favorite on Living Single more than 30 years ago, Erika Alexander has remained a constant fixture in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera. And 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. and fellow podcast host Michael Harriot join Panama Jackson for a special edition of Dear Culture recorded live in Birmingham, Alabama, at the National Association of Black Journalists conference. All three men have strong ties to Alabama, and they dig into the state's complicated past and what it means to make it out of the South. They also highlight the good-natured Black folks who take care of each other. Ironically, that point was proven just days after the tapping when several Black people in Montgomery sprung into action to help a security guard under attack in a brawl that went viral.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than 30 years in the game, hip-hop legend Ice Cube discusses the current state of rap music and reflects on his role as a genre pioneer. As Dear Culture celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Panama Jackson and Cube talk about his new album in the works, the significance of loyal fans, and what it takes to create a hit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Kyla Pratt joins Dear Culture to defend her spelling bee skills as Panama Jackson looks back at Akeelah's spelling bee journey and analyzes what her co-championship win meant for the culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's comedy month at theGrio, and Dear Culture promises laughs with the original series Tru'ish Black Stories. Is Randy Watson's rendition of "The Greatest Love of All" better than Whitney's? It's the pop culture debate you didn't know you needed, as Panama Jackson analyzes classic Black films that impacted the culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Culture takes a look at classic Black films that have shaped the culture and we start with John Singleton's 'Boyz N The Hood.' More specifically the story of Ricky Baker, who died on the streets of South Central Los Angeles in the early '90s. With the help of various guests including Doughboy aka Ice Cube, Panama Jackson examines what Ricky's tragic death meant to the Black community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BIG3 basketball league co-founder Ice Cube shares his frustration about the NBA's lack of respect. The legendary rapper, producer, and actor doesn't hold back as he shares his thoughts with Panama Jackson about the roadblocks he believes are being put in place to stunt BIG3's success. Subscribe to Dear Culture so you don't miss part two of this conversation. Ice Cube will discuss his iconic music career and 50 years of hip-hop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we close out Black Music Month, journalist and author Justin Tinsley joins Dear Culture to talk about Christopher Wallace's impact on hip-hop. It's an endearing conversation as both Panama and Tinsley are huge fans of Biggie Smalls and you'll likely learn things about the larger-than-life rapper that you didn't know before now. Tinsley will also discuss his book "It Was All A Dream" and share some of the biggest takeaways from his in-depth research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can't highlight Black Music Month without talking about Michael Jackson. Undoubtedly one of the most famous people to ever live, Jackson's impact on music is unmeasurable but as fans know it hasn't always been a smooth ride. Panama Jackson welcomes the hosts of the Wondery and Audible podcast "Think Twice: Michael Jackson" to discuss some of the biggest takeaways from their in-depth podcast that analyzed Jackson's life outside of fame. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, Dear Culture invites you to debate the Blackest songs of all time! Our people are so talented and it was hard to narrow them down but host Panama Jackson is joined by hip-hop heads Yinka and Outlaw to rank some of the best tracks created by Black artists.See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

Funk legend Bootsy Collins and his wife Patti join Dear Culture during Black Music Month to talk about the launch of their anti-violence initiative, "Funk Not Fight" which is giving amateur musicians a chance to have their music heard by the masses. Bootsy also shares stories from his iconic career including working with James Brown and discusses his impressive music catalog that is still sampled regularly by today's biggest artists. See omny.fm/listener for privacy information.

As Dear Culture continues to celebrate Black Music Month, host Panama Jackson has an enlightening conversation with country music artist Rissi Palmer. The pair talk about the repeated racist incidents Palmer has been forced to endure and discuss what's needed to bridge the racial gap in country music, something she's working towards with her Apple Music Radio show "Color Me Country." Palmer also shares the stories of Black musicians who helped the pioneers of country music find their sound and gives historical detail about the efforts to erase their contributions from the genre.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Culture kicks off Black Music Month with an epic debate that covers everyone from Nas and Lauryn Hill to Ice Cube and Drake. Both self-proclaimed hip-hop heads, host Panama Jackson and veteran music journalist Touré can't seem to agree on pretty much anything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Memorial Day Dear Culture speaks to a pair of veterans serving the Wounded Warrior Project about military life and the resources and support available to those in need. Internal struggles are often overlooked as veterans focus on physical injuries but Tonya Oxendine and Wilton Williamson stress that mental health care is vital to a successful recovery and productive future post-combat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.