On Point LIVE with Meghna Chakrabarti

Fifty years ago, in a rec room at an apartment building in New York City, hip hop was born. In the half-century since, the music, dance, and art of hip hop has become a global phenomenon. It’s now the most American dominant music genre worldwide, with regions around the country developing their own distinct styles and identities.

On August 3, On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti (she/her) talks with curator/historian Tyree Boyd-Pates (he/him) and original Soul Train dancer and hip hop pioneer Damita Jo Freeman (she/her) about the origins of West Coast hip hop and its lasting legacy. After the show, DJ R-Tistic (he/him) will take us on a journey from the beginnings of West Coast hip hop to what’s hot now. Artist Man One (he/him) will create graffiti art live onsite, starting at 6:00 p.m. Come early, grab a drink, and watch the magic happen!

On Point is produced by WBUR, and distributed by APM. It can be heard on over 290 stations, including LAist 89.3, weekdays at 2:00 p.m.

ABOUT MEGHNA CHAKRABARTI
Meghna Chakrabarti is On Point’s host and editor. Her curiosity and empathy is a signature element of On Point and she has won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Associated Press, and the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation for her reporting and hosting. Previously, Meghna was the host of Radio Boston, WBUR’s acclaimed local weekday show. She was also the host of Modern Love: The Podcast, a collaboration of WBUR and The New York Times (2016-2020). A former fellow at the Metcalf Institute for Environmental Reporting, Meghna holds bachelors degrees in civil and environmental engineering from Oregon State University, as well as a master’s degree in environmental science and risk management from Harvard University, and an MBA from Boston University. She is the mother of two bright sparks, and the lucky spouse of a wise and patient man.

ABOUT TYREE BOYD-PATES
Tyree Boyd-Pates is a dynamic history curator, professor, writer, and speaker who expounds on Black culture from a millennial vantage and mobilizes communities of color through journalism, social media, education, and history.

With his work featured in The New York Times, Vogue, The Hollywood Reporter, Fast Company, Fortune Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and other media outlets, Tyree's groundbreaking history exhibitions have inspired thousands to visit museums and engage with history anew. Additionally, he is a regular lecturer at universities to discuss American history, curation, and museums, Tyree is also a TEDx speaker who champions inner-city youth across the country.

A graduate of Temple University with a Master’s degree in Pan-African Studies, Tyree Boyd-Pates is also an alum of California State University, Bakersfield, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in African American Studies.

ABOUT DAMITA JO FREEMAN
Damita Jo Freeman is an American dancer and actress, who started her career on the TV show Soul Train.

In 1973 Freeman became a featured dancer on Soul Train after only her second appearance on the show, when Joe Tex invited her on stage to dance to his song I Gotcha in an unchoreographed impromptu performance. Her regular dance partner was Don Campbell. Freeman's dancing on Soul Train has been described as, "One breakout star, in particular, Damita Jo Freeman, kept our eyes riveted on her every graceful move. Controlled, yet fluid, and oh so very limber, Damita Jo performed for the cameras like no other and her fuel was the outta sight music of the times."

ABOUT DJ R-TISTIC 
Ronald Turner II, known as DJ R-Tistic, is an internationally acclaimed DJ hailing from Los Angeles, CA. He was introduced to music at a very early age by his father, drummer and producer, Ronald Turner. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University, which is where his passion for deejaying came into fruition.

DJ R-Tistic has become one of entertainment industry's favorite DJs, as he has deejayed special events for Issa Rae, P. Diddy, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lena Waithe, Common, Floyd Mayweather, and Marlon Wayans. He is known for his high energy sets, along with his expert level crowd reading abilities. He has deejayed in ten different countries outside the United States, including Nigeria, Jordan, Ghana, Jamaica, and France. He has gained notoriety for his DJ mixes and videos, which have gained over 8 million listens and views throughout the years.

He's become one of the most sought after DJs when it comes to delivering a live experience, as has hosted virtual parties for established companies such as BET. He's currently the DJ on Caffeine's "World Series of Spades," which airs every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

ABOUT MAN ONE 
Growing up in Los Angeles, Man One developed his love for art, developing his skills as a graffiti artist on the streets of LA. He honed his talents as a fine artist and understanding of art history at Loyola Marymount University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts.

Over the years, Man One has worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control, The Mexican Consulate in the U.S., and most recently received a Speaker and Specialist Grant by the U.S. State Department to work with the U.S. Embassy in Panama. There he demonstrated to Panamanian children and teenagers how art could build self-esteem and self-respect to help you overcome any situation.

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