ALANUI MELE - Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

ALANUI MELE - Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

PBS Hawaiʻi's Alanui Mele podcast explores the rich tapestry of Hawaiʻi’s Hip-Hop culture. Through candid interviews, each episode delves into Hawaiʻi's unique connection to the genre. Hosted by: Kavet the catalyst

Episodes

June 12, 2025 64 mins

Representing Maui, Hawai‘i, DJ Skinny Guy was the first Hawai‘i DJ to battle in the ITF and DMC DJ competitions in 1996.



Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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We learn about Hawai‘i’s first female street artist growing up in the 1980s and the story of her friend “TRIAD3,” who passed away in high school.

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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The former co-owner of Jelly’s, Radio Free Hawai’i and now owner of Idea’s Music and Books talks about his contribution to Hawai‘i’s Hip-Hop and independent music scene.

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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Known for his groundbreaking music and culture magazine, Quad Mag, this tech guru and dancer breaks down the history of Hawai‘i’s house dance culture.

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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An audio engineer, music producer, television producer and DJ rewinds his life and times in Hawai‘i’s Hip-Hop and local music scene.


Hosted by Kavet the Catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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Starting out in New York City and Boston, DJ Leanskee is a founding member of The Floorlords Hip-Hop crew, which was recently inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame at Berklee College of Music. Living in Hawai‘i for more than a decade, he shares his love and knowledge of Hip-Hop culture.


Hosted by Kavet the catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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One of Hawai‘i’s first lockers and poppers, this performer from Waipahu, Central O‘ahu, took the style worldwide. Today, he continues to keep alive the legacy of Don Campbell, the Godfather of Locking.

Hosted by: Kavet the catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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In 1991, MC Lionel Wright and his crew, Club Rox Rock, released one of Hawai‘i’s first rap CDs, Hyped, Dope, Def & Direct. We learn more about the Papakolea, Honolulu native and what rapping was like in the early years of Hawai‘i Hip-Hop.

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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Meet the host of Breakin’ Hawai‘i (1984), one of the first TV shows that featured local breakers, poppers and lockers. The show, seen statewide, launched Hip-Hop culture into Hawai‘i homes.

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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June 20, 2024 82 mins

An integral part of Hawai‘i's underground hip-hop scene in the late 80s into the early 90s, Tavares pushed the limits of lyricism with his original styles and freestyle
flows as a member of the Hi-State Family,  VM and Moʻilla Pillaz

Hosted by: Kavet the Catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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June 6, 2024 84 mins

Hallums was one half of HerbanJoint, Hawai‘i's first rap crew toever rock the stage with Hip-Hoplegends like Cypress Hill, Houseof Pain and the Pharcyde. Thisgold record recording artist, radiohost and entrepreneur shares hisdecades of knowledge.

Hosted by Kavet the catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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May 24, 2024 87 mins

A master of the mix and cut on the turntables, this DJ started in his bedroom and quickly opened his own club, started radio stations and a multimedia
empire.

Hosted by: Kavet the catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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May 10, 2024 80 mins

One of the original members of the Hip-Hop crew called “Bomb Squad,” this local boy used his amazing B-Boy skills to travel the world and back. 2 Swift rewinds the clock to the beginning of Hawaiʻi's first popping and breakdance battles.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where 2 Swift talks about moving to L.A., touring Japan, and dancing for famous pop stars. 

Hosted by: Kavet the catalyst


Alanui Mele: Ha...

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April 25, 2024 76 mins

One of Hawaiʻi's most respected MC's and entrepreneurs recalls the early days of his crew, Hoomanakaz, and starting the clothing brand, Flip the Bird.

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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April 11, 2024 62 mins

We talk story with the founder of B-Boy Reunion, which has been perpetuating Hawai‘i’s B-Boy and Hip-Hop culture since 1997. 

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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March 29, 2024 68 mins

The history of Hawaiʻi Graffiti dates back to the early 1980's.  With many, Writers a.k.a. Graffiti Artists wanting to be incognito we were able to talk with, John "PRIME" Hina on the history of Hawai'i graffiti.  

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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March 13, 2024 45 mins

One of Hawai‘i’s unsung Hip-Hop producers/DJ and one of the founders of the Hip-Hop crew, Homegrown Massive, talks story with us about Hawai‘i’s early rap groups and producers.

Hosted by: Kavet the Catalyst


Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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March 1, 2024 58 mins

Born and Raised in Kalihi, Honolulu, this Writer, Video Producer and Entrepreneur recalls his experiences with Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop and Helping start 102.7 fm Radio Free Hawaiʻi. 

Hosted by: Kavet the Catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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February 15, 2024 73 mins

One of Hawaiʻi's most distinct radio voices recounts his contributions to Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop through DJing, club promotion and DJ Schools. 

Hosted by: Kavet the Catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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February 2, 2024 71 mins

Considered the glue of Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop, Jamal Mamalias, a.k.a. Jam Watts, paved the way for Hawaiʻi Hip-Hoppers since the 1980s.

Hosted by: Kavet the catalyst

Alanui Mele: Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History

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