Live Free or Die Radio

Team Mass Apparel took home the Hoop Hop trophy this year and we invited the champs in to talk about the experience as well as their music. We were joined by Ant Thomas, Chatham the SUN, Eddie Play, and Bakari JB. Fun tournament, fun episode, big surprises from some of these guys. Tune in & get hip.

We just wrapped up our annual Alumni Cypher Series and it was one of the best yet. The tradition is stronger than ever. For the fifth straight year, we invited all of our past guests back to rhyme live on-air with their fellow MCs. We had a different group each Tuesday in July & they all brought the heat!

None of this would have been possible without participation from the thriving artistic community in New England, which includes not only vocal artists, but the producers, graphic designers, photographers, and filmmakers behind the scenes, as well as the institutions that support them and create spaces and opportunities to thrive.

This year’s cyphers are brought to you by the Table Manners DJs & Wreck Shop Movement. Once again, the Beat Club Podcast has provided us with the beats. Producers, get hip to them if you haven’t.

Last but certainly not least, we’d like to thank all our patrons for rocking with us! If you’d like to learn more about that, head over here. There’s exclusive cypher footage and audio...

DJ Alcide returns to follow up on some comments from last week and drop a fresh mix of all New England artists. Podcast producer Thomas calls in to weigh in on his favorite episodes from this season as well.

DJ Alcide joined us to talk about what he's learned over his thirteen years in the game, how his Good Music Showcase Series has grown from a monthly event in Quincy to hitting multiple stages a month in different cities, and why he'll ALWAYS be here for the home team. Amanda and Sam recapped this weekend's events, previewed what's to come, and we said goodbye to A-Ball, who is about to embark on a three month adventure in New Mexico.

Boston Rise is an initiative to lift art, culture, and community in Boston by pairing working artists with youth creators. Lilly, D'Ana, Clark D, Echezona, JPRiZM, and JUMA came through to talk about their first album, what they learned together, and why they're so hopeful for the future. Great group, with a very healthy approach to life & art. We also recapped this weekend's shows: Thrive-a-Palooza & Smino's Hoopti Tour.

Hoop Hop 2019 is coming up on August 17... This is the sixth annual tournament & founder Bakari JB joined us to let us know about what's in store. Not only are signups active now, but they just dropped a mixtape as well! We'll be there this year - will you?

Cheez Bankroll & Louie Rock brought the ENERGY to the studio this week. Fresh off a run of shows in support of their Eastside record, they had a lot to talk about. Cheez is more than just a rapper - he also has a successful clothing line, CHVSE. Lots of gems in here about how to move like a business. No cap.

We're joined this week by Jha D & D. Ruff, two Boston poets and active members of the spoken word community. They host the 'if you can Feel it, you can Speak it' Open Mic on the second Thursday of every month, a vibrant & inclusive event that's become a home to many creative souls over the past ten years. We talked about the origins and mission of the Mic, differences between rappers and poets, and what LFOD means to them. D. Ruff hit us with some #ExtraBars as well.

Bretsil & Jeff from Dust Collectors came through to talk about their label, its many facets, and how they put artists first. Sky's the limit with these guys - they went from a Reddit forum to doing a million streams a week on Spotify.

Real P makes his return to LFOD Radio...exactly 100 episodes later. We promise that wasn't planned - it's wild how these things line up sometimes. A lot has changed since then, but he's stayed on his upward trajectory through the music industry. We touched on a lot of topics - what artists he's rocking with, advice for other artists looking to get his ear, and what his expectations are for the future.

Bobby Bangers is DJ, Producer, and all-around Boston Hip-Hop Representative. We chopped it up about his philosophies on life, art, professionalism, and the genuine love he feels in his community. He brought his tables and hit us with some rare music as well. You can hear that on our YouTube.

Red Shaydez joined the crew to talk about The Chillin' In The Shade EP, the long gap in between projects, balancing her perspectives, why she calls herself a Femcee and much much more. This was a lively and thoughtful conversation that both artists and fans will get a lot out of.

LFOD CREW chat this week. Sam, Alex, and Victoria talked about how trap reminds them of both punk rock & classical music (??), discovering new songs in 2019, upcoming shows in the area, and the future of our community on Patreon. Thanks for tuning in!

DJ Myth, of Rap Night fame, joined us to talk about the scene in NH, Rap Night & the Shaskeen's continued contributions to the culture, and what it's like to live in a haunted house. He brought his decks too & blessed us with a fresh mix. You can find that on our YouTube.

Strap in for a rollicking interview with Roxbury's own, Treva Holmes. Definitely one of our most energetic episodes yet, you could probably substitute this for your morning coffee. We talked about his relentless creativity, flood of new music and videos, and the example he sets for the youth in his city. Been Ready You Late out now. Catch a vibe.

E Jake came through to talk about his new album, enterprises, merging rap & realty, and just how he balances his life with so much going on. We also spoke about generational wealth, moving in sync with your family, and recapped this weekend's shows

"Am I telling the truth?" - The only question that matters to NewmNera when it comes to his music. We dug into some of that truth in the latest episode, discussing "The System" video, experimental nature of his music, and his views on chess...Sam and Amanda even had their roles reversed and answered some questions themselves.