Brand New Ways

The Matrix, The Alchemist, KRS-One, and community-defined strategies for sustainable change. In this episode I talk to social worker and "hip hop therapy" pioneer Tomás Alvarez III who is the Founder and CEO of Beats Rhymes and Life, an Oakland-based organization that uses the process of creating rap music as a tool for promoting mental health and healing among urban youth uninterested in traditional talk therapy.   Music Show Opener: Salt-n-Pepa, Pharrell Williams (with Justin Timberlake), Melanie and Kanye West (feat. Rhymefest) They Don't Do It LiKE THiS - Soul Touch, Young Te', Stuny, Mastah Flex, Larrinator, ZENO & Rude Boi I Luv Myself - Feat. DJ Mo Mo, Steph the Jet, Zeno, Lil Von, Frank Vencci I Got The Power - Beats Rhymes and Life, Inc. CROSS OVER - Jhon, Young Te', Damariae & Trevon Public Service Announcement (P.S.A.) - Feat. Watzreal, Frank Vencci, Rotate, Soul Touch Step Into a World (Rapture's Delight) - KRS-One Show Closer: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Tricky, Dusty Springfiel