Bekoe virtually sat down with Atlanta rapper, actor and activist — and one half of critically-acclaimed rap duo Run the Jewels — Killer Mike. The two break down Killer Mike’s upcoming No I.D.-produced single “Run,” featuring Young Thug and an introduction by Dave Chappelle, freedom of speech and protecting constitutional rights…

Killer Mike Wants You To Fight For The Rights Of Regular People

Nabil Ayers

In his new memoir, 'My Life In The Sunshine,' author and label executive Nabil Ayers outlines his search for connection with his father, Roy Ayers. He sat down with Ayana Contreras to discuss the book, finding community in the music industry and discovering family...

Nabil Ayers Searches For Connection In New Memoir

Vocalo afternoons host Nudia chats with DJ Fredy Fresco, DJ Dynamiq and Chicago's DJ Miriam behind the scenes of Sueños Music Festival at Grant Park on Sunday, May 29.

Sueños Music Festival 2022: Backstage With The Festival DJs

Vocalo mornings host Bekoe sits down with Chicago-rooted independent rapper Saba on May 26 — back in the Vocalo studios for the first time since 2017. He breaks down his February album Few Good Things, how it felt to perform at the Aragon Ballroom in front of thousands of people, his upcoming collaboration with producer No I.D. and much more…

Bekoe In Conversation With Saba: "We're Just Getting Started"

Vocalo producer Ari Mejia spoke with artists and organizers from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative at their interactive exhibition outside the entrance to EXPO Chicago at Navy Pier Thursday. The collaboration intends to highlight art as a tool for drawing attention and raising awareness about environmental justice in Chicago and all over the world.

Justseeds Cooperative And The NRDC Fuse Art And Activism At EXPO

Bekoe chats with Chicago artist WemmyMo about his "Holding On To Yesterday" EP, rediscovering his creative spark and his upcoming performance at Vocalo's "Chi Sounds Like Showcase."

WemmyMo Finds Power In His Past

Bekoe chats with genre-bending artist Dreamer Isioma about space, music videos and most importantly, their new album "Goodnight Dreamer".

Dreamer Isioma Explores Space and Time On Debut Album

Ron Louis

Bekoe and Chicago fashion designer Ron Louis discuss his origins in the industry, Virgil Abloh, letting go of ego and staying committed his craft.

Ron Louis Stays Resilient

Bekoe sits down with Chicago emcee and producer Gold Haze to talk about the evolution of his career and Chicago talent.

Gold Haze Lives "Life In Abundance"

Jill Hopkins

North Side Chicago lo-fi alt-R&amp;B duo The O'My’s, AKA Maceo Vidal-Haymes and Nick Hennessey, released EP "No Swimming" on Dec. 10 — which features fellow Chicago-rooted artists Femdot and Alex Banin. Nick and Maceo chatted about “No Swimming,” their music videos and more with Vocalo's afternoon host Jill Hopkins after the EP's release.

The O'My's Catch Up With Jill Hopkins

Interviews with local + national music artists featured on Chicago's Urban Alternative.

Vocalo Radio

After working behind the scenes with artists like Diplo, Skrillex, and Usher, Montreal-based band Chiiild is stepping into the spotlight with their first project gearing up for release by the end of this year.

Chiiild's "Synthetic Soul" Sound Takes Inspiration from Many Genres

Shredders is the newest offshoot of Minneapolis-based label and Hip Hop collective Doomtree. Their new album is packed with hard hitting beats, traces of Punk, Drum 'n' Bass, and relentlessly catchy and edgy bars.

P.O.S and Sims of Doomtree Make Bangers as Shredders

Austin Fillmore

Chicago's Austin Fillmore has consistently come with heat, exhibiting a wide range in style and sound. His current Single "Think of You" is no exception!

Austin Fillmore Stays Resilient And Positive Amid The Pandemic

Bekoe picks his top 5 songs of the week featuring Phor, Jean Deaux, Austin Fillmore, Laje and Noah Sims

Bekoe's Top 5 Picks Of The Week

PODCAST SPECIAL: For their first episode, SAME OLD NEW SCHOOL, Kevin Coval and Idris Goodwin talk RZA / DJ Premiere battle, Drake’s home tour, and RMR’s (pronounced rumor) new single “DEALER.”

Same Old New School

Christian JaLon

Chicago R&amp;B talent Christian JaLon defines her latest EP "Emotional Affair" and provides us with insight on how she's been managing her time during this pandemic.

Christian JaLon Is Experiencing Blessings Despite Quarantine

Bekoe's top 5 song from this week, featuring Javon, Phze, Audrey V, Dru Beatz, and Guru Goldie

Bekoe's top 5 songs from this week, featuring Ausar, Brittney Carter, MFn Melo, Femdot, and Add-2

Bekoe's top 5 songs from this week, featuring Bianca Shaw, Kid Breeze, Asantewaa, Flex, and G Herbo

Joel Q

Joel Q is a Special Education teacher at Cook Elementary in Chicago, and a rapper hailing from Auburn Gresham on the South Side. Bekoe spoke with Joel about working with kids and his new album "Crazy Road To Glory."

Teacher and Rapper Joel Q Talks New Album "Crazy Road To Glory"

Bekoe spoke with singer, rapper, drummer and North Lawndale native Bianca Shaw to talk about her recent EP "Exhale," new Single "Seat Back," and what she would like to do for her community.

Bianca Shaw Talks Lawndale, Bow Wow, and new EP "Exhale"

Leor Galil

Leor Galil is a music staff writer at The Chicago Reader. He joined Jill Hopkins on Vocalo Radio to look back at some of this year's notable releases from Chicago and worldwide.

2019 in Music with Chicago Reader's Leor Galil

Chicago rapper Jarad Higgins better known as Juice WRLD died this weekend at the age of 21 following a seizure at the Midway Airport. Vocalo's Jill Hopkins and Bekoe pay tribute to the life and music of a rising star.

Vocalo Pays Tribute to Juice WRLD

Theycallmericky is a 23 year old rapper from the southwest side of Chicago. From lyrical and mellow to loud and energetic, Ricky's raps span a range of sounds and emotions within the Hip Hop genre.

Theycallmericky Shows His Musical Range

Lester Rey

At a time when Reggaeton is topping the charts globally, while Puetro Rican people are making headlines for their struggle for autonomy, Lester Rey's new EP "Epifania" provides a perfect soundtrack for the new era of discourse on social justice, search for new identities, and new experiments in cross-cultural interchange. Lester seamlessly blends the musical traditions of his heritage like Bomba and Cha-cha-cha with his love of contemporary Hip Hop, Soul and R&amp;B to create a sound of unity for the Caribbean diaspora. We spoke with Chicago singer, producer and percussionist about the new music, his mixed cultural and musical identities, and his search for greater openness and honesty in his artistic practice.For more info about Lester Rey, visit: https://www.lesterrey.com

At a time when Reggaeton is topping the charts globally, while Puetro Rican people are making headlines for their struggle for autonomy, Lester Rey's new EP "Epifania" provides a perfect soundtrack for the new era of discourse on social justice, search for new identities, and new experiments in cross-cultural interchange. Lester seamlessly blends the musical traditions of his heritage like Bomba and Cha-cha-cha with his love of contemporary Hip Hop, Soul and R&amp;B to create a sound of unity for the Caribbean diaspora. We spoke with Chicago singer, producer and percussionist about the new music, his mixed cultural and musical identities, and his search for greater openness and honesty in his artistic practice. For more info about Lester Rey, visit: <a href="https://www.lesterrey.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.lesterrey.com</a>

Lester Rey Finds A Sanctuary and A Home in His Intersectional Sound

Chicago singer and songwriter, Kaina, has been growing and evolving as an artist through her multiple features and collaborations with Chicago musicians and stepping out on her own as a solo act. Her debut full-length is called "Next the the Sun," and it exhibits creative maturity beyond the singer's age and experience. Throughout the album Kaina contemplates a wide scope of themes including identity, family, mental health, friendships, relating to others and many others. Jill Hopkins spoke with Kaina about the album and personal experiences that informed it. "Next to the Sun" release show takes place Sunday, July 14th at Lincoln Hall. For more info on Kaina, visit: https://www.kaina.live

Chicago singer and songwriter, Kaina, has been growing and evolving as an artist through her multiple features and collaborations with Chicago musicians and stepping out on her own as a solo act. Her debut full-length is called "Next the the Sun," and it exhibits creative maturity beyond the singer's age and experience. Throughout the album Kaina contemplates a wide scope of themes including identity, family, mental health, friendships, relating to others and many others. Jill Hopkins spoke with Kaina about the album and personal experiences that informed it. "Next to the Sun" release show takes place Sunday, July 14th at Lincoln Hall. For more info on Kaina, visit: https://www.kaina.live

Kaina Grows and Evolves on Debut Full Length "Next to the Sun"

On her new EP "Watch and Wait," L.A. Pop singer Ella Vos takes listeners on a deeply personal and immersive journey as she recounts her struggle, treatment and ultimate recovery from lymphoma. The EP takes its name from one of the approaches of treating cancer and was written while Ella was undergoing the treatment. She explores her illness and diagnosis through a deeply personal lens, while the catchy pop melodies offset the fear, anxiety and uncertainty of the narrative and offer a hopeful backbone to the listening experience. Jill Hopkins spoke with Ella about the EP and her current tour.

Singer Ella Vos recounts her recovery from lymphoma on new EP "Watch & Wait"

Sen Morimoto

Sen Morimoto (@senmorimoto) is a Chicago based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. His new album Cannonball! features jazz and hip hop tinged production with unassuming, often whimsical delivery. Jill Hopkins spoke with Sen about the album, and how it was created almost entirely in his bedroom.

Sen Morimoto talks new album "Cannonball!" and his jazz-influenced production style

Jinkx Monsoon is an American cabaret and drag performer, actor and singer best known for winning the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Jinkx and their long-time collaborator Major Scales are on tour in support of their latest theatrical show and album "The Ginger Snapped." Jill Hopkins spoke to Jinkx about the art and the state of drag, and their latest project.

Jinkx Monsoon on the art and the state of drag, and their new album "The Ginger Snapped"

Brandon Markell Holmes

Chicago singer @brandon-markell-holmes wields a expressive voice and an ability to write mature and emotive songs that navigate subjects like identity, love and being Black in America. Jesse Menendez spoke with Brandon about his upcoming album "The Museum of R&amp;B," as well as his contribution to Gorillaz' new album "Humanz."

Brandon Markell Holmes talks new album "The Museum of R&B" and singing with Gorillaz

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!