In the lead-up to the Oscars, Mano Sundaresan and I interviewed Joseph Patel for No Bells Radio. We're sharing that conversation here and celebrating Joseph for becoming the first Patel to ever win an Oscar. Summer of Soul, the film he produced

BONUS: Mano Sundaresan

Jan 18th, 2022 36m 12s

We're back with a bonus episode featuring Mano Sundaresan, a freelance writer and an audio producer at NPR. We discuss the influence of LA rapper Drakeo the Ruler (RIP), links between South Indian film music and rap, and the blog Mano founded l

Papa & Huey

Mar 24th, 2021 40m 59s

A family affair for the 10th episode! This one is extra special. It features Akash's dad reminiscing on his decades-old bond with Dr. Huey P Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Huey choose Papa to head his Ph.D commi

Gautham & Josh: Berkeley B-Side | Cole World | French Rap and UK Tings

Feb 12th, 2021 54m 8s

Two college students of Berkeley B-Side (@berkeleybside) fame, Gautham Sathisan and Josh Jiwanmall, join the show to prove there is no right or wrong, only a song. Honestly. They might be like the new Ice Cube, meets the new Ice-T // meets 2 L

Top 5 Uses of Nina Simone in Rap

Jan 29th, 2021 35m 40s

No interview this week! Instead, Akash will break down his top five favorite uses of Nina Simone in hip-hop. Artists include Kanye, No ID, Noname, and more that you'll have to listen for. Have your own favorite sample? Share it on Instagram at

Anil Jagtiani: Finding Strength in Struggle Rap | Nana's Rhymes | Bay vs LA

Jan 8th, 2021 51m 5s

Dr. Anil Jagtiani (@DrJ_NoRelation on Twitter) finds time away from fighting COVID on the frontlines for this one. He talks about his grandfather's love of rhymes, keeping his Bay swagger alive after 20+ years in SoCal, and why the Roots are cr

Zainab Hasnain: Music Beyond Borders | 2 Qualities of Good DJs | Embracing the Multi-Hyphenate

Nov 14th, 2020 52m 45s

Hip-Hop Marketing Manager and DJ extraordinaire, Zainab Hasnain, joins the show to share her story, from Lahore to Long Island. She touches on artists from across the pond, shares the best qualities of great DJs, and commits to being a ride-or-

Shivam Patnaik: Rap Dreams | Smino's Noir | Junior Year

Oct 23rd, 2020 37m 12s

High school student and up-and-coming rapper, Shivam Patnaik, pops by to share the origins of his rap name, the songs influencing his production style, and the mindset he's embracing as he prepares to release his most mature album to date, Juni

Shomi Patwary: Illusive Media | DMs from Drake | Guerrilla Style Videos

Sep 26th, 2020 1h 5m

Filmmaker and co-founder of Illusive Media, Shomi Patwary, joins the show to share his behind-the-scenes contributions to hip-hop from his college years to today, his career path as a music video director, and his plans for a comeback amidst CO

Sowmya Krishnamurthy: Bad Boy Records | Freelancing | Boundary-Breaking Women

Sep 4th, 2020 58m 29s

A conversation with pop culture writer, Sowmya Krishnamurthy, about the brilliance of Diddy/Biggie/Beyonce, the come up as a freelancer in the hip-hop industry, and the women in pop culture who are redefining norms.

Alok Pandey: Pursuing Pac | "Not Bad for Some Immigrants"

Aug 19th, 2020 49m 17s

A conversation with my brother, Alok Pandey, about our dogged pursuit of 2pac's Greatest Hits, the magic of MCs trading bars, and rap's connection to the immigrant experience. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @southasiansloverapCheck out the pl