Part 2 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with the Nostalgia King, Skeme Richards for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season.  When you think of Philadelphia’s rich history of musical contributions, you instantly notice that it is also a city known for birthing some of the greatest internationally known DJ’s who are masters of their crafts. One such person who has deep roots and connections to the City of Brotherly Love is Skeme Richards. What started as a hobby in the early 80’s has turned into an amazing musical career taking him across the globe as a professional DJ and music connoisseur to play for events small and large, from night clubs to festivals, art galleries to film premieres and even to play guest spots on both independent and commercial radio.

Digging and spinning genres across the board, from Hip Hop to House, Funk & Soul classics to Disco, Jazz and beyond, Skeme keeps things classic and refreshingly new while continuously striving to separate himself from the pack. While maintaining originality in his brand, he keeps his first class status as a true party rocker all while satisfying and educating the partygoer at the same time. Quality is always of the utmost importance and the Skeme Richards brand has become synonymous with being a global cultural ambassador in connecting audiences of diverse backgrounds worldwide.

Skeme Richards is known within a large circle of Funk & Soul aficionado’s, DJ’s, vinyl heavyweight collectors, artists and record labels and has toured playing 7” vinyl during some of the most unique and successful nights across the globe with his Butta 45’s party which began in 2009. Not one to be a format purist and sticking to what has become the now trendy 45, he’s known for packing crates of Disco 12” as well while toting them on flights globally to entertain his audience and also maintaining a long standing tradition of what the DJ has been known for, his personal selections. No matter the genre, Skeme Richards fits the bill with his delivery, vast musical knowledge and understanding of what it takes to rock a party by reading the crowd properly and reacting accordingly.

With only 24 hours in a day, Skeme wears many hats that show his dedication to music. On the other side of the musical spectrum, he is also a writer and journalist who reviews vinyl releases from labels and artists across the globe on his Nostalgia King site which is the go to source for DJ’s globally to find out the latest releases that he gives the co-sign to. Over the years, labels have come to trust his ear and taste in music as the testing ground for new releases that he often introduces to dance floors months in advance before they're officially released. Over the years, he has also contributed content to print publications including Disco Patrick’s Hot Stuff Magazine (Netherlands) and Street Love Magazine (Germany).

Through his dedication and love of the music, the self-proclaimed “Nostalgia King” has built his brand as a “tastemaker” of sorts and continues to “make and break” records in the same fashion that many of the great DJ’s in the past. As a world traveler, you can find Skeme playing parties across the globe and touching down in some of his favorite destinations including London, Amsterdam, Germany, Russia, New York, Los Angeles, Japan, China and Korea and has shared stages with some of the best DJ’s and performers globally.

Part 1 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with the Nostalgia King, Skeme Richards for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season.  When you think of Philadelphia’s rich history of musical contributions, you instantly notice that it is also a city known for birthing some of the greatest internationally known DJ’s who are masters of their crafts. One such person who has deep roots and connections to the City of Brotherly Love is Skeme Richards. What started as a hobby in the early 80’s has turned into an amazing musical career taking him across the globe as a professional DJ and music connoisseur to play for events small and large, from night clubs to festivals, art galleries to film premieres and even to play guest spots on both independent and commercial radio.

Digging and spinning genres across the board, from Hip Hop to House, Funk & Soul classics to Disco, Jazz and beyond, Skeme keeps things classic and refreshingly new while continuously striving to separate himself from the pack. While maintaining originality in his brand, he keeps his first class status as a true party rocker all while satisfying and educating the partygoer at the same time. Quality is always of the utmost importance and the Skeme Richards brand has become synonymous with being a global cultural ambassador in connecting audiences of diverse backgrounds worldwide.

Skeme Richards is known within a large circle of Funk & Soul aficionado’s, DJ’s, vinyl heavyweight collectors, artists and record labels and has toured playing 7” vinyl during some of the most unique and successful nights across the globe with his Butta 45’s party which began in 2009. Not one to be a format purist and sticking to what has become the now trendy 45, he’s known for packing crates of Disco 12” as well while toting them on flights globally to entertain his audience and also maintaining a long standing tradition of what the DJ has been known for, his personal selections. No matter the genre, Skeme Richards fits the bill with his delivery, vast musical knowledge and understanding of what it takes to rock a party by reading the crowd properly and reacting accordingly.

With only 24 hours in a day, Skeme wears many hats that show his dedication to music. On the other side of the musical spectrum, he is also a writer and journalist who reviews vinyl releases from labels and artists across the globe on his Nostalgia King site which is the go to source for DJ’s globally to find out the latest releases that he gives the co-sign to. Over the years, labels have come to trust his ear and taste in music as the testing ground for new releases that he often introduces to dance floors months in advance before they're officially released. Over the years, he has also contributed content to print publications including Disco Patrick’s Hot Stuff Magazine (Netherlands) and Street Love Magazine (Germany).

Through his dedication and love of the music, the self-proclaimed “Nostalgia King” has built his brand as a “tastemaker” of sorts and continues to “make and break” records in the same fashion that many of the great DJ’s in the past. As a world traveler, you can find Skeme playing parties across the globe and touching down in some of his favorite destinations including London, Amsterdam, Germany, Russia, New York, Los Angeles, Japan, China and Korea and has shared stages with some of the best DJ’s and performers globally.

Part 2 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with Tone B. Nimble for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season.  Anthony Fields, aka Tone B. Nimble, has been a vital entity, on the music scene, for over 35 years. His calling started in the mid-1980’s as a DJ spinning House, Disco, and Electro in Chicago’s flourishing underground scene. With an open mind and ear, Tone branched out into hip-hop early in his career. Tone’s musical journey includes: Mixshow DJ, several DJ residencies, Music Buyer, Label Owner, and Recording Artist.

In 2011, Tone started Al-Tone Edits with partner Al Bumz, a disco edit label devoted
to featuring lesser known Soul, Disco, and Gospel tunes. With support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Sadar Bahar and many others. Al-Tone Edits is regarded as a label for Disco savants. Eleven volumes deep, Al-Tone Edits continues to grow in exposure, while opening doors for the duo. More recently Tone developed a following for “Soul Is My Salvation” a music series dedicated to dance and DJ friendly Gospel tunes. The series has released three mixtapes (Record Breakin’ Music) and nine 45’s (Rain & Shine), with plans to expand into installations centered around this same theme.

In 2019 Tone opened Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl with his wife Chogie. The store focuses on vinyl records and mid century modern furniture. Known for its great selection of soul and jazz, the shop hosts some of the world’s most respected record collectors for digging and DJ sessions. Presently Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl is Tone’s primary focus, with an occasional DJ gig, and his ongoing research in gospel music.

Part 1 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with Tone B. Nimble for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season.  Anthony Fields, aka Tone B. Nimble, has been a vital entity, on the music scene, for over 35 years. His calling started in the mid-1980’s as a DJ spinning House, Disco, and Electro in Chicago’s flourishing underground scene. With an open mind and ear, Tone branched out into hip-hop early in his career. Tone’s musical journey includes: Mixshow DJ, several DJ residencies, Music Buyer, Label Owner, and Recording Artist.

In 2011, Tone started Al-Tone Edits with partner Al Bumz, a disco edit label devoted
to featuring lesser known Soul, Disco, and Gospel tunes. With support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Sadar Bahar and many others. Al-Tone Edits is regarded as a label for Disco savants. Eleven volumes deep, Al-Tone Edits continues to grow in exposure, while opening doors for the duo. More recently Tone developed a following for “Soul Is My Salvation” a music series dedicated to dance and DJ friendly Gospel tunes. The series has released three mixtapes (Record Breakin’ Music) and nine 45’s (Rain & Shine), with plans to expand into installations centered around this same theme.

In 2019 Tone opened Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl with his wife Chogie. The store focuses on vinyl records and mid century modern furniture. Known for its great selection of soul and jazz, the shop hosts some of the world’s most respected record collectors for digging and DJ sessions. Presently Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl is Tone’s primary focus, with an occasional DJ gig, and his ongoing research in gospel music.

Part 2 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with King Britt for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season.  King is a 30+ year producer, composer and performer in the global advancement of electronic music.  As a composer and producer, his practice has led to numerous original and remix music collaborations. 

As Teaching Professor in Computer Music at the University of California San Diego, King carries a unique perspective, bringing a non-linear approach and knowledge to the department by focusing on various modern forms of electronic music pedagogy, while continuing to be an active force in the music industry.  Blacktronika : Afrofuturism In Electronic Music, is a new lecture course at UCSD, created by King, researching and honoring the people of color, who have pioneered groundbreaking genres within the electronic music landscape.

Learn more about King James Britt here.

Part 1 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with King Britt for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season.  King is a 30+ year producer, composer and performer in the global advancement of electronic music.  As a composer and producer, his practice has led to numerous original and remix music collaborations. 

To kick off season 5 of the Dust + Dignity Podcast we thought we would provide some context for our special season entitled: Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music.  Dr. Campbell has again been awarded a CASAA Scholar-Advocate Fellowship to continue his research and scholarship focusing on leadership, social justice and music.  He will be using a mix of archival research, storytelling, and qualitative analysis to explore the unique ways leaders uphold Black Music. These are stories and context that are important pieces of history that need to be shared and documented.   CASAA is the Center for Anti Racist Scholarship, Advocacy, and Action at Arcadia University.  

We can’t discuss Black music without mentioning the drum. I’m sure this season will continue to have drum references throughout but I think it’s important to discuss the origin of the instrument.

Drums hold a very special place in African history and culture. 

For the Western world, drums are mainly relegated to the realm of entertainment, adding another musical dimension to songs and other performances. In Africa, drums hold various symbolic meanings that have played an important part in the history of the people who call the continent their home.

As you listen to your favorite music, see if you hear any similar drum sounds like I’ve shared with you today.

As a reminder this episode is part of season 4 of the Dust + Dignity Podcast. A  special season entitled: Black Music's Roots in Social Justice Advocacy.  Dr. Campbell was one of 5 awardees of  CASAA's Inaugural Scholar-Advocate Program.  CASAA is the Center for Anti Racist Scholarship, Advocacy, and Action at Arcadia University.  This season will triangulate archival research, storytelling and strategies of Black music as a tool for change.