Ep 1: An Introduction to The Cause

Reiland Rabaka

Welcome toÌýThe 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, activism, and societal transformation. With a focus on engaging conversations and consciousness-raising, The Cause invites you to think critically about the pressing issues of our time and discover how music can be a powerful tool for change. Whether discussing the roots of hip hop or the evolution of democracy, each episode promises to inspire and challenge your perspectives.

Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, dynamic guests, and a journey that connects past struggles with present movements, aiming for a more equitable future.

Subscribe now and join the conversation!

From the Breakdown:Ìý

Meshell Ndegeocello:Ìý

Ndegeocello is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and bassist. She has gone by the name Meshell Suhaila Bashir-Shakur which is used as a writing credit on some of her mid-career work. Her music incorporates a wide variety of influences, including funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, reggae and rock. She has received significant critical acclaim throughout her career, being nominated for eleven Grammy Awards, and winning two. She also has been credited for helping to "spark the neo-soul movement." ()

Album: No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin

No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin is a 2024 studio album by American singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello, released on August 2, 2024, by . It is a tribute album to African-American thinkers and writers, including namesake James Baldwin and Audre Lorde.