The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy

In this powerful closing chapter of our  Hip Hop Studies  series, Dr. Reiland Rabaka invites us to step beyond the music and into the deeper meaning of hip hop as a worldwide movement for change. While most people think of hip hop as just beats and rhymes, Dr. Rabaka challenges us to see it as something much larger: a living, breathing social movement rooted in community, activism, and the ongoing...

The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy with Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores how music and culture inspire movements for justice and social change. Hosted by Dr. Reiland Rabaka — Professor of African, African American, and Caribbean Studies, and Founding Director of The Center for African and African American Studies (The CAAAS) at the University of Colorado Boulder — each episode un...

"These artists weren't just entertainers—they were educators, cultural critics, and community historians." — Dr. Reiland Rabaka In Part 2 of our  Hip Hop Studies  series, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the evolution and impact of  political and gangsta rap —two vital branches of hip hop that challenged systems, spotlighted injustice, and reshaped public dialogue around race, poverty, policing, and po...

"Rap is something you do—hip hop is something you live."  — Dr. Reiland Rabaka In Episode 11 of  The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka launches our new  Hip Hop Studies  series with a powerful exploration of the cultural, political, and historical foundations of hip hop. This episode traces the origins of hip hop from its roots in the Bronx to its connectio...

"The Beloved Community is about us putting all of our lights together—about transforming ourselves and transforming this world." — Dr. Reiland Rabaka In this milestone 10th episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka reflects deeply on one of his greatest causes: The Beloved Community . Tracing its philosophical roots from Josiah Royce to Howard Thurma...

"When the world would not listen to what we say, we sang."  – Dr. Reiland Rabaka In this powerful episode of  The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and political roots of  Civil Rights Music —from the sacred sounds of the Black church to the anthems that echoed through marches, protests, and mass meetings. Drawing conn...

"Rock & roll wasn't just about rebellion—it was about revolution. It was young, it was Black, and it was bold enough to break down barriers."  – Dr. Reiland Rabaka In this episode of  The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores how rock & roll helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and American democracy itself. From its deep roots in gospel and rhythm &...

In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary blues musician Otis Taylor , we dive deeper into his artistic journey, his distinctive trance blues style, and the historical and cultural significance of his work. Taylor shares personal stories about the power of storytelling through music, the African roots of the banjo, and how his music continues to challenge narratives and inspire change. 🎧 Tune...

Rhythm and Blues wasn't just a genre—it was a powerful force in the fight for civil rights. In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores how R&B artists used their music to challenge injustice, inspire activism, and uplift communities during one of the most pivotal times in American history. From Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" to...

How did Black women use music to fight for freedom? In this episode of  The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy ,  Dr. Reiland Rabaka  explores the themes of his recent book,  Black Women's Liberation Movement Music: Soul Sisters, Black Feminist Funksters, and Afro-Disco Divas . From the raw soul of  Aretha Franklin  to the boundary-pushing funk of  Betty Davis , this episode hig...

"It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have."  -James Baldwin. What does it mean to be an ally? More importantly, what does it mean to be an  active ally ? In this episode of  The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy ,  Dr. Reiland Rabaka  takes a deep dive into the meaning of allyship—breaking down the difference be...

In the second episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka takes us deep into the rhythmic roots of his latest book, The Funk Movement: Music, Culture, and Politics . This episode explores how funk music became a vital soundtrack to the Black Power movement, transcending mere entertainment to embody a cultural and political revolution. Dr. Rabaka highli...

In this two-part special of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy , Dr. Reiland Rabaka sits down with renowned blues musician Otis Taylor for an intimate and dynamic conversation. In Part 1, they explore Taylor's journey into music, his unique style, and his deep ties to African American history and culture. Taylor shares stories about his upbringing, his influences, and how he...

Welcome to  The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy with Dr. Reiland Rabaka. In this inaugural episode, Dr. Rabaka introduces listeners to the heart and soul of the podcast—a space dedicated to exploring profound causes like social justice, racial equality, and cultural empowerment through the lens of music and historical dialogue. Join us as we delve into the intersection of art...