Soooo... a year ago I started this show called Rap the News (think Last Week Tonight but rap). Each week, I break down politics topics through rap songs I produce and write myself. I do all the research, film the episode, edit the show, and perform on-screen, all from scratch, all on my own. Tbh it’s a lot of work, and for the first few months, I struggled to make even one episode per week. It took so much of my energy to make an episode (I also have a fulltime job), I didn’t actually promote the show at all. And tb(even more)h, the episodes themselves weren’t that great (check out episode 2... yikes). Over time, I got faster and better at making the songs, and the show has really evolved. These days it only takes me a few hours to make an episode, and I’m really proud of the work I’m doing.
Which brings me to this month. I was struggling to come up with a topic for the show when I stumbled upon John Krasinkski’s new show, Some Good News. I was so inspired by the positivity that I decided to make my own version for Rap the News. I posted the episode, tagged their accounts and moved on with my life. A few days later, I got this notification from Some Good News. They’re following me on Instagram! Later that week, John Krasinski himself shouted me out on his show! Which was amazing! I mean it’s Jim from The Office! And he’s yelling my name! Lol. At some point in the last year, I kinda stopped caring about going viral or getting recognition for the show. After all, I was getting what I wanted out of it.
See, I started Rap the News for two reasons. One, to force myself to produce and write a song from scratch to completion, in one week (a lot harder than it sounds for someone who normally takes months to make one song). Two, to combine my passion for rap music and politics into a cohesive portfolio piece. Before this I actually helped run a congressional campaign where I made a “How To Run For Office” video series for anyone who’s not politically connected (you can probably tell by now that I’m passionate about keeping people informed).
Anyways, after the episode aired, I gained a bunch of followers and got some awesome responses. I forgot that people would actually like what I’m doing! Now that I have a taste of exposure, I feel like I should try and spread it around some more. I mean what could go wrong? Someone on the internet thinks I suck? Well John Krasinkski doesn't think I suck.
So that’s it I guess. I would love it if y’all would leave a comment or let me know what you think of the show. I would love it even more if you subscribed to the channel (available on pretty much all socials). I think it’s pretty cool. Hope you enjoy! @rapthenewsanoop
John Krasinski Shouting Me Out!!
Skip to '3:42' to see the segment.
A Good Episode of Rap the News...
March 2020 recapped in a rap! One of my favorites from the last year.
A Bad Episode of Rap the News... (episode 2, don't hate)
Kinda cringe-y not gonna lie. But still proud of the effort.