Beats, Rhymes and Democracy

JSE The Navigator, Da Don Data, and guest Dave Colling discuss the immense pressure in the Midwest to re-open states’ and the potential risks of doing so.

JSE the Navigator sits down with MN House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler to discuss efforts to legalize Cannabis in Minnesota.

The Beats Rhymes and Democracy crew explore presidential impeachment talks and the upcoming visit of President Donald Trump to Minneapolis.

Grammy Award winning Kids/Family Hip Hop Artist “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo” and his daughter “MC Fireworks” (aka Saki) join “JSE The Navigator” and “Da Don Data” for a special Memorial Day family broadcast. Don’t miss this fun exploration into one artist’s musical journey and how he is using Hip Hop music to deliver positive messages about creativity and individuality to kids of all ages.

The BRD Crew are joined this week by Smoke D, Manny Duke, and Henry Lake. Smoke is a legendary DJ in Twin Cities who has been spinning and rapping since 1983. Manny Duke is a DJ and fitness entrepreneur who originally hails from Chicago. Henry Lake is a sports analyst on WCCO Radio. The Crew discusses DJ’ing with vinyl vs virtual crates, the absence of regional identity in Hip Hop today, biting in the modern era and a whole lot more. You don’t want to miss this one.

Anika Robbins from “Black Votes Matter” joins the BRD crew to talk about Census 2020 a year out and as always they “keep it Hip Hop.” Current efforts are underway across the state of MN to help mobilize communities and unsure an accurate count. Together with Anika the BRD crew discuss the importance of changing the narrative to increase participation by historically undercounted groups (communities of color, children under 5, and others).

It’s early in the season to put up a throwback but let’s rewind back to MLK day (Jan. 21st 2019) when the guys sat down with presidential hopeful Andrew Yang to discuss Universal Basic Income and next years’ Iowa Caucus.

State Senator Melisa Franzen and Marcus Harcus from the MN Campaign for Full Legalization discuss current legislative efforts to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Minnesota. The conversation also covers what’s happening in other states and what it will take to make in happen in Minnesota in 2020.

We dedicate this show to the 30th Anniversary of De La Soul’s debut album “3 Feet High and Rising.” The BRD crew took some time to reflect on the great musical catalog of this prolific group and their overall impact on Hip-Hop music. Unfortunately, the trio is still dealing with “janky” record contract issues with former CEO of the now defunct Tommy Boy Records, Tom Silverman. In spite of it all De La Soul continues to release albums, perform at a high level and are currently on tour in Europe.

Nan Madden from the Minnesota Budget Project breaks down Governor Tim Walz’s 2020-2021 biennial budget proposal into digestible chunks and then discusses what it will take to make it happen.

A conversation with Minnesota’s new Attorney General Keith Ellison. Who also just happens to be the former Congressman from the 5th District Congressman and a former state legislator.

Welcome to “Beats, Rhymes and Democracy” a show that provides lovers of Hip-Hop with direct connections to politicians, public policy advocates and community leaders in authentic, real-time dialogue. Hosted by “JSE The Navigator” a.k.a. Jamie Edwards (lobbyist and part time DJ) and Brett Buckner a.k.a. “Da Don Data” (community organizer and Managing Director of OneMN).