Airgo

Spurred by the Surviving R. Kelly docuseries, many women in the creative community here in Chicago have brought forth memories and allegations of sexual assault, rape, and sexual violence by men in the scene. Damon and Daniel talk about the moment, what we've learned, how they've processed and understand their respective responsibilities, and some potential next steps. Recorded 1/7/19 in Chicago

Ryan Keesling is the first guest to ask, in the interview, why we decided to have him on the show. The answer, at least on our end, is self-evident. For the last 18 years, he has worked as the founder and director of Free Write Arts and Literacy, an organization that works with young people in and outside the walls of Chicago's Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. He is also a tremendous DJ, holding down drum and bass nights at venues across the city. We talk about what happens inside that building, his own journey from central Indiana, the capital C Club, and more! Recorded 12/18/18 in Chicago

Benji Hart is ready and willing to get reflective. They have a wonderful conversation with Damon and Daniel about emergent understandings of liberation, growing toward loving their blackness, voguing and its history, and much more. They’re a freelance artist, educator, workshop leader, and retreat facilitator based here in Chicago.

It’s a big deal for Tempestt Hazel to get behind the mic, but she does it with grace and openness on this episode of AirGo. The curator, writer, artist, and founder of 60 Inches From Center talks about healthy and unhealthy collaborations, Keith Sweat, and, most importantly, the ARCHIVES! Archives are our joint! AIred 12/6/18 in Chicago

Tasha is the sweetest. When we first had her on the show a couple years back, she had just come back to Chicago from college, and was working as an organizer with BYP. Two years later, she has a burgeoning, expanding musical career, which she’s doing on her own terms. She talks space, music-making, Instagram comments, and much more. Music from this week's show: Kind of Love - @wowtashawow

In the Loop, Out the Blue is a collaborative podcast between AirGo and Free Spirit Media's Real Chi Newsroom. On the third episode, we take a deep dive into cannabis decriminalization, talk November's headlines, get updated on the new events happening in the city, and more.

Phenom isn’t new to this. The rapper, educator, and mentor has been sharing bars across Chicago for decades, and has some stories to tell. He is the founder of Emcee Skool, an initiative that “provides self-motivated artists with the proper tools and training to deliver highly impactful projects that can be used as peace making and humanity building strategies worldwide.” He goes deep into his journey, from battle raps to Iraq and back, taking Damon and Kiss along for the ride. Recorded 11/7/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Angelina - Makaih Beats That Dough (feat. @add2themc) - @pbrelitemind

When artists get really good, we tend to say their in a league all their own. Kane One, aka Miguel Aguilar, is in a league of dissidents, artists, organizers, and visualizers, and doesn't have any interest in slimming the squad. The Chicago-born artist paints on walls and canvases, under viaducts and in boardrooms, and sees color and form like no one else. He talks about securing the bag, '90's Chicago warehouse parties, teaching boys consent, and more. Recorded 10/31/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Road Rage - @nottyp

Aislinn Pulley is the cofounder of Black Lives Matter Chicago, and a godamn badass. A child of the movement, she has been a steady figure in Chicago's organizing community as a leader, facilitator, and community builder. She talks the evolution of BLM, her father's relationship to Grenada, and much more. We definitely need a part two with Aislinn! Recorded live 11/1/18 at WHPK in Chicago Music from this week's show: Here We Go - Mac Miller Love Affair - Larry Lovestein and the Velvet Revival

Check out In the Loop, Out the Blue Episode 2, presented by AirGo and Chicago youth media nonprofit Free Spirit Media! AirGo's been working with their Real Chi Newsroom to develop a podcast that takes listeners deeper into the stories they've been reporting on, and gives a sense of the people behind the beats that the newsroom covers. On this episode, we talk John Burge's death, this month's headlines, and more. Get in the loop!

The guys take some time to check in about getting older, environment affecting growth, jobs, softness and masculinity, and much more. Recorded live 10/18/18 in Chicago

Roy Kinsey’s beginning to shine, and he knows what knocked the luster off. The rapper talks about his decision to quit drinking a year ago, the clarity it created, the opportunities that have emerged because of it, his work as a librarian at a Chicago Public Library branch out west, his queerness, and more! Make sure to listen to his full-length Blackie, as well as his new EP #MoreRoy! Recorded 10/2/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: OMAR - @roykinsey Royparations - @roykinsey

Elton’s exploring, and he’s got the tools for some new discoveries. The emcee swings by AirGo to talk his roots as a preacher’s kid, being on the brink, working with AirGo favorites Luke Titus, Brian Sanborn, and Phoelix, and much more. His most recent project Elevated is excellent, and available now. Recorded 9/25/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Hey You - @Eltonplusminus Demonz - @eltonplusminus

SoloSam is a Chicago emcee and a thoughtful, generous soul. He recently dropped Itis, a 7-track introduction to his well-written, boisterous sound, and has been performing on all the stages a Chicago rapper performs on right before they're ready to jump to the next level. The smart money's on Solo making that jump. He also, incidentally, works as a cold-cutter in a glassblowing studio, which we barely mention. Recorded 9/25/18 in Chicago, IL Music from this week's show: FAST - @solosam Runnin' Around (intro) - @solosam

Iris Temple is a dynamic duo with some of the most dynamic sounds in the city of Chicago. The two Kansas City natives went to high school together, and have been making music in the city for the last few years. They've collaborated with Xavier Omar and others, and they just tore down North Coast with a great performance. Recorded 8/29/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Ashes - @iristemple Tear You Down - @iristemple x @xvromar

This week's guest is in the thick of a run for the mayoral seat in our unfair city. Amara Enyia is a policy-maker, innovator, entrepreneur, and candidate for the Mayor of Chicago whose vision and platform is grounded in a way rarely seen in our political climate. She is candid and thoughtful with the guys as they break down co-ops, political machines, Jay Electronica, and more. Recorded 9/11/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Good Times - Audiobinger

Tatiana Hazel is ready to pop. The singer, songwriter, and Logan Square native is bringing vibrant, newly imagined pop music, with an intention of expending the "Latin music" lane to incorporate a wider range of experience and perspective. The former Youtube star just played her first headlining show with a full band at The Hideout, and dropped an album called Toxic. We talk youtubing, pop, family, and expand the realm of RnB beef.  Recorded 8/31/18 in Chicago Music from this week's show: Por Ti - @Tatianahazel Dimelo - @Tatianahazel

Qari has bars and a smile on his face. He is, according to Kiss, "one of the city's best rappers," and his pretty constant flow is good raps over good beats shows no signs of slowing. A member of the now-defunct squad Hurt Everybody, Qari flows with an ease and dexterity that isn't common, even in the extraordinarily talented Chicago hip hop community. He talks his love of words, surviving, and trusting his choices in this honest, open conversation. Recorded live 8/30 at WHPK 88.5FM in Chicago Music from this week's show: Baghdadi - @longlivecarl x @mulattobeats x @senmorimoto Pants from Japan - @longlivecarl x @kahrion

Vic Lloyd is truly the big homie. The Fat Tiger Workshop owner and Operations Manager has been at the center of Chicago's creative community for over a decade. He was the Creative Director and GM of LDRS, the iconic streetwear company and store, and has designed apparel for Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and New Era. He's one of the city's sought-after DJs, and has spun at festivals across the country. His brand Big Homie Sensei is available at FTW and online. Recorded live 8/23/18 at WHPK 88.5FM in Chicago Music from this week's show: D'Evils - Jay Z Window Seat - Erykah Badu x Rick Ross

Morgan Malone is an organizer, idea cultivator, and solutions engineer. Based in Englewood, she's a Commissioner with the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation, and is a Program Manager with Teamwork Englewood's Englewood Quality of Life Plan. She swings by to talk about reimagining on a block-by-block basis and much more. Recorded live 8/16/18 at WHPK 88.5FM in Chicago Music from this week's show: Son Shine - @fessgrandiose