

Hip Hop Can Save America
Manny Faces Media
"Hip Hop Can Save America!" explores the innovative, inspiring, and often surprising ways Hip Hop music, culture, and sensibilities are improving society in areas such as education, science/technology, health/wellness and more. Hosted by award-winning journalist Manny Faces, HHCSA is a 2025 Gold recipient of the Signal Award for Best Music Podcast, and has been adapted into the Cornel West-endorsed book, "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation"
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 10, 2026 • 52min
Miss-Education: The Groundbreaking Women of Hip-Hop Course at Princeton
What happens when Hip Hop’s brilliant and powerful women take center stage at an Ivy League university? In this exclusive episode, Manny Faces sits down with Eternia, acclaimed MC and guest artist lecturer, and Dr. Francesca D'Amico-Cuthbert, leading Hip Hop historian, to dive into Princeton’s trailblazing course, “Miss-Education: The Women of Hip-Hop.”Discover how this never-before-seen course blends live performance, deep cultural history, and raw creativity to shatter old stereotypes and rewrite what academia -- and Hip Hop -- can be.We discuss the ways women MCs and culture-shapers have left their mark on Hip Hop around the world, how inviting actual pioneers into academic spaces is a game-changer, and what this shift could mean for Hip Hop’s next chapter.If you care about Hip Hop, innovation in education, or the stories that have been left out, you can’t afford to miss this conversation. Class is in session…Follow Eternia: https://www.instagram.com/TheRealEterniaFollow Dr. D'Amico-Cuthbert: https://www.instagram.com/artefactsbyfrancescaSpecial shouts to professor Chesney Snow for making this course possible.---My book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces
Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 4min
RIP Mr. Complex | Hip Hop Vs. ADHD | John Lewis Musical | Mero on Hot 97 | A$AP Rocky Goes to School
This excerpt from the Hip Hop Can Save America! livestream show -- "Hip Hop News That Isn’t About Dumb Sh*t" -- features host Manny Faces and guest co-host Silent Knight discussing the meaningful ways Hip Hop is intersecting with education, activism, community work, and more.The conversation highlights research on how Hip Hop DJing and production can help with ADHD, the debut of the "Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest" Hip Hop musical, and celebrations of the legacy of underground icon Mr. Complex.If you think Hip Hop has lost its depth, its politics, or its power — this segment helps make the case that you’re just not looking in the right places.(Excerpted from the weekly "Hip Hop Can Save America!" livestream.)---My book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces
Feb 11, 2026 • 40min
HHNews: Women in Hip Hop at Princeton, Activist Rapper vs ICE, DJing for ADHD, Hip Hop's GRAMMY Kids
This excerpt from the Hip Hop Can Save America! livestream show -- "Hip Hop News That Isn’t About Dumb Sh*t" -- features host Manny Faces and guest co-host Keisha "TK" Dutes discussing the meaningful ways Hip Hop is intersecting with education, activism, community work, and more.The conversation highlights a Princeton University course on women in Hip-Hop, rapper Nur-D's stand against ICE in Minneapolis, the legacy of Houston's Michael "5000" Watts, and the GRAMMY win for Fyutch and his daughter Aura V in the children's music category.If you think Hip Hop has lost its depth, its politics, or its power — this segment helps make the case that you’re just not looking in the right places.(Excerpted from the weekly "Hip Hop Can Save America!" livestream.)---My book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces
Feb 9, 2026 • 52min
Citizen Reporting in Minneapolis and Hip Hop's Spirit in Journalism: With Keisha "TK" Dutes
Explore how grassroots journalism and community storytelling are shaping narratives from the ground up in this powerful excerpt from Hip Hop Can Save America! Host Manny Faces is joined by radio and podcasting veteran Keisha "TK" Dutes, to discuss her work connecting directly with Minneapolis residents amid social upheaval and media spotlight. Listen as Keisha "TK" Dutes shares her perspective on amplifying community voices outside of mainstream media: "You don't have to have a [particular] job to be an activist… you don't even have to be an activist to be an activist... These people are just "regular." And they all my homies." This focused conversation dives deep into the power of local journalism, how stories are told and heard beyond corporate filters, and why hearing directly from residents and grassroots leaders in places like Minneapolis is crucial. If you're interested in citizen journalism, the intersection of Hip Hop, activism, and authentic reporting, this clip offers actionable insights and relatable stories you won't hear anywhere else.Follow TK: https://www.instagram.com/tastykeishFollow C: https://www.instagram.com/agtraphausFollow BondfireRadio: https://www.instagram.com/bondfireradio---My book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

Feb 4, 2026 • 47min
Hip Hop, Poetry & Power: Lyrical Faith & the Black AF (Artistic Freedom) Conference at UMass Amherst
Dive into the heart of Hip Hop, Black artistry, and activism with this powerful excerpt from the “Hip Hop Can Save America” weekly livestream show, featuring international award-winning spoken word poet, Imani J. Wallace (Lyrical Faith), and host Manny Faces. In this segment, they break down the mission and impact of the Black Artistic Freedom Conference (Black AF) at UMass Amherst (https://www.bit.ly/BLACKAF2026RSVP), a “dynamic experience centering education and activism through the arts.” Whether you’re an artist, educator, or advocate, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in how Hip Hop culture can drive social change and foster community.FOR INFO: https://www.bit.ly/BLACKAF2026RSVP TO DONATE: https://www.bit.ly/BLACKAFDONATE TO VOLUNTEER: www.bit.ly/BLACKAFVOLUNTEER(Excerpted from the weekly Hip Hop Can Save America! livestream.)---My book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces
Jan 29, 2026 • 36min
Hip Hop News That Isn’t About Dumb Sh*t — Week of Jan 26, 2026
This week, Manny Faces highlights Hip Hop stories that actually matter — from tributes to John Forte and the legacy of Cornbread, to groundbreaking Hip Hop programming at universities, museums, and community spaces across the country. We spotlight women in Hip Hop, youth-driven creative spaces, father-daughter Grammy nominees, Hip Hop’s growing role in mental health conversations, and the cultural impact of artists pushing beyond music into television, activism, and education.If you think Hip Hop has lost its depth, its politics, or its power — this episode makes the case that you’re just not looking in the right places.(Excerpted from the weekly Hip Hop Can Save America! livestream.)---My book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

Jan 27, 2026 • 46min
How Hip Hop Teaches Social Emotional Learning (SEL) | David Spellmon
Hip Hop already teaches social emotional learning — we just don’t always recognize it as such. In this long-overdue conversation, Manny Faces sits down with David Spellmon, educator, speaker, and author of "Just Like Music: Social Emotional Learning Inspired by Hip-Hop," to explore how Hip Hop culture naturally builds emotional intelligence, self-awareness, communication, and resilience — often more effectively than traditional systems. ----Follow the guests: David Spellmon - https://positivearchersolutions.comMy book: "Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

Jan 19, 2026 • 32min
MLK: What They Won't Teach In School
In this insightful discussion, Pastor Roger C. Williams offers historical context on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign, emphasizing its radical vision that schools often overlook. Larry Hamm highlights King’s evolving politics and critiques of capitalism, urging listeners to explore his late writings for a deeper understanding. Meanwhile, Amanda McAvoy shares how she uses the podcast to engage her students in activism, showcasing the importance of teaching King's full legacy beyond just his iconic speech.
Jan 14, 2026 • 36min
Hip Hop News That Isn't About Dumb Sh*t - Week of Jan 12, 2026
This week on Hip Hop News That Isn’t About Dumb Sh*t, Manny Faces breaks down several stories shaping Hip Hop beyond the headlines — including the narrative around rap’s so-called 2025 “comeback,” the passing and legacy of James Bernard, and the quieter ways Hip Hop continues to evolve across music, journalism, performance, and community.This segment is excerpted from the weekly Hip Hop Can Save America! livestream, airing Mondays at 9pm ET on YouTube - SUBSCRIBE TODAY at https://www.youtube.com/mannyfaces---📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com/newsletter📘 The book: *Hip Hop Can Save America!* https://www.mannyfaces.com/book🎤 Watch my TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/5rRxG1i5iRo?si=jOkW43tVbrYeqdIT

Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 42min
Hip Hop and Neurodivergence with Spin The Spectrum and Andrew Wang
📬 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com/newsletter📘 The book: *Hip Hop Can Save America!* https://www.mannyfaces.com/book🎤 Watch my TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/5rRxG1i5iRo?si=jOkW43tVbrYeqdIT---Discover how Hip Hop and DJ culture are revolutionizing education and support for neurodivergent youth in this powerful episode of "Hip Hop Can Save America." Host Manny Faces sits down with Courtney Willis and JAY*CLIPP, co-founders of Spin the Spectrum, as well as educator Andrew Wang, to discuss how neurodivergent children — including those on the autism spectrum — find connection and empowerment through music production, DJing, beatboxing and more. The conversation taps into the heart of inclusive teaching, showing why Hip Hop’s routines, cyphers, and creative self-expression are a natural fit for autistic and neurodivergent learners.Spin the Spectrum, based in Dallas, brings together professional DJ training and clinically informed support to create safe, engaging environments for young people with unique communication and sensory needs. Courtney Willis, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, and JAY*CLIPP, a master DJ and instructor, explain how their interdisciplinary approach equips students with social, emotional, and career-building skills—whether they dream of rocking the crowd or simply mastering self-regulation. Real-world student stories illustrate transformative outcomes and highlight how this innovative model builds community, self-confidence, and career opportunities for those historically left out of mainstream music education.Rounding out the episode, Andrew Wang shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent music educator and researcher, spotlighting the broader movement to incorporate Hip Hop into neuroinclusive classrooms nationwide. If you’re searching for fresh perspectives on music, disability advocacy, or the intersection of Hip Hop and mental health, hit play now! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share — this is a must-watch for educators, parents, advocates, and anyone who believes in the power of Hip Hop to uplift and transform lives.---Follow the guests: Spin the Spectrum — https://www.spinthespectrum.orgAndrew Wang — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-wang-942138228/My book: Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation" - https://www.mannyfaces.com/bookThe Hip Hop Can Save America! media ecosystem (podcast, newsletter, Discord, and more): https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.comSupport this important, independent cultural journalism: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces


