The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy

"Environmental justice is about more than saving the planet—it’s about saving people, especially those who’ve been left out of the conversation for far too long." — Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this episode, Dr. Rabaka examines the intersection of environmentalism, social justice, and the fight for equality. This powerful conversation unpacks how environmental issues disproportionately impact marginalized commun...

“When we talk about radical democracy, we’re not talking about partisan politics—we’re talking about people power. We’re talking about reimagining democracy so it’s not just something we vote for, but something we live every single day.” — Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this pow...

What does it really mean to fight for peace?

In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the radical legacy of pacifism and nonviolent resistance in African American history and beyond. From W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther Kin...

In this powerful closing chapter of our Hip Hop Studies series, Dr. Reiland Rabaka invites us to step beyond the music and into the deeper meaning of hip hop as a worldwide movement for change.

While most people think of hip hop as just beats and rhymes, Dr. Rabaka challenges us to see it as something much larger: a living, breathing social movement rooted in community, activism, and the ongoing fight for justice. He explores how h...

The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy with Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores how music and culture inspire movements for justice and social change. Hosted by Dr. Reiland Rabaka — Professor of African, African American, and Caribbean Studies, and Founding Director of The Center for African and African American Studies (The CAAAS) at the University of Colorado Boulder — each episo...

“These artists weren’t just entertainers—they were educators, cultural critics, and community historians.”
— Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In Part 2 of our Hip Hop Studies series, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the evolution and impact of political and gangsta rap—two vital branches of hip hop that challenged systems, spotlighted injustice, and reshaped public dialogue around race, poverty, policing, and power.

This ep...

“Rap is something you do—hip hop is something you live.” — Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In Episode 11 of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka launches our new Hip Hop Studies series with a powerful exploration of the cultural, political, and historical foundations of hip hop.

This episode traces the origins of hip hop from its roots in the Bronx to its connections with Afric...

“The Beloved Community is about us putting all of our lights together—about transforming ourselves and transforming this world.” — Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this milestone 10th episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reila...

“When the world would not listen to what we say, we sang.” – Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this powerful episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the deep cultural, spiritual, and political roots of Civil Rights Music—from the sacred sounds of the Black church to the anthems that echoed through marches, protests, and mass meetings.

Drawing connections betwe...

“Rock & roll wasn’t just about rebellion—it was about revolution. It was young, it was Black, and it was bold enough to break down barriers.” – Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores how rock & roll helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and American democracy itself. From its deep roots in gospel and rhythm & blues to i...

In Part 2 of our conversation with legendary blues musician Otis Taylor, we dive deeper into his artistic journey, his distinctive trance blues style, and the historical and cultural significance of his work. Taylor shares personal stories about the power of storytelling through music, the African roots of the banjo, and how his music continues to challenge narratives and inspire change.

🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking discussio...

Rhythm and Blues wasn’t just a genre—it was a powerful force in the fight for civil rights. In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores how R&B artists used their music to challenge injustice, inspire activism, and uplift communities during one of the mo...

How did Black women use music to fight for freedom?

In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka explores the themes of his recent book, Black Women's Liberation Movement Music: Soul Sisters, Black Feminist Funksters, and Afro-Disco Divas. From the raw soul of Aretha Franklin to the boundary-pushing funk of Betty Davis, this episode highlights the...

"It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power,
is the most ferocious enemy justice can have." -James Baldwin.

What does it mean to be an ally? More importantly, what does it mean to be an active ally?

In this episode of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka takes a deep dive into the meaning of allyship—breaking down the difference between reacti...