Project Blowed, the “Underground,” and Black Hip Hop Fandom (w/ Open Mike Eagle)

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Written By Ian
ep. 027 Open Mike Eagle - Alex Steed
 

My guest for this episode is celebrated hip hop artist, podcaster, comedy writer, and host, Open Mike Eagle. The topic is underground hip hop and Black fandom. We use the influential Los Angeles based underground hip hop collective Project Blowed as a lens for the discussion because Mike has been both a Blowed outsider (as a fan of the movement in the 90s) as well as an insider (as a member starting in the 2000s).

We discuss the ever changing meaning of "underground" hip hop, what distinguishes it from the mainstream version of the music, and how Black fans in particular engage with both.

We talk about the decline of the "everyman" and working class themes in popular hip hop music and the negative influence of Dr. Dre and Jay-Z from that perspective. Ultimately, Mike shares his creative philosophy that animates the focus on mundane life in his work.

Finally, Mike and I reminisce about our days working at shoe stores and nerd out over some of our favorite underground hip hop artists.

Listen to full episode:

Project Blowed, the “Underground,” and Black Hip Hop Fandom (w/ Open Mike Eagle)
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Episode Notes: 

Ian
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The History and Politics of Black Barbershops (w/ Dr. Quincy Mills)