Get ready for some serious West Coast vibes with a side of New England flavor! In this episode of Party With Pup, the legendary DJ Pup Dawg sits down with Compton’s own Compton AV. Known for his infectious energy and undeniable hustle, AV dives deep into what it truly means to stay independent in an ever-changing industry.

The two discuss the massive success of his recent hit "YAYA" (and the star-studded remix featuring Snoop Dogg). From his early days in the streets of Compton to becoming a staple in the West Coast rap scene, AV drops gems for any aspiring artist looking to build a career on their own terms.

But it wouldn't be a DJ Pup Dawg interview without a little local hazing! We put Compton AV to the ultimate test in the "Pronounce These New England Cities" game. Watch (or listen) as the West Coast powerhouse tries to navigate the linguistic minefield of towns like Worcester, Gloucester, and Billerica. It’s a hilarious moment that shows why Pup is one of the best in the business at bridging the gap between his Boston roots and the global hip-hop scene.

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Every Thursday, DJ Pup Dawg connects with Asha, the Roxbury Liaison, to discuss the latest news and initiatives across Boston. In this episode, they are joined by Renato Castelo, Director of the Office of Participatory Budgeting, to discuss a major opportunity for residents to decide how city money is spent.

The Power of Your Vote

Renato explains the concept of Participatory Budgeting, a democratic process where Boston residents directly decide how to allocate a portion of the city’s budget. While a youth-focused version has existed in Boston for over a decade, the city recently expanded the program to include everyone.

Key highlights from this episode include:

• The $2.2 Million Decision: Residents are currently voting to narrow down 13 community-proposed ideas into the top five projects to be funded.

• Proposed Projects: Ideas on the ballot include increasing access to fresh food, youth financial literacy workshops, and installing benches at bus stops.

• Social & Racial Justice: Renato explains how the program is designed to support the residents who need it most, including formerly incarcerated youth.

• How to Get Involved: Voting is open through February 15th and is available in multiple languages at boston.gov/participate.

City Updates with Asha

Asha also shares vital resources for the community, including how to use the Boston 311 app to report neighborhood issues like potholes or housing concerns. Additionally, she discusses the city's homeless census, where city employees head out late at night to connect unhoused individuals with warm shelter and essential resources.

Don't let others decide where your tax dollars go—listen in to find out how you can have a direct say in Boston’s future!

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In this deep-dive interview, Adekunle Gold sits down with DJ Pup Dawg to explore the evolution of his sound and the philosophy behind his artistry. From debating the best musical eras between the 70s and 90s to explaining why constant change and "breaking" what works is essential for creative growth, Adekunle shares his personal secrets to building a "timeless" legacy. The conversation touches on his eclectic inspirations—ranging from his Nigerian roots to the influence of Maroon 5—and reveals the unexpected impact of rap music on his latest project. Beyond his own discography, he provides a masterclass on the rich diversity of African music, highlighting the unique rhythms of Fuji, Amapiano, Kizomba, and Soukous to show that the continent’s sound is far more expansive than just Afrobeats.

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In this engaging interview, DJ Pup Dawg sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Joelle James as she returns to her "second home," Boston. The conversation dives deep into Joelle’s impressive career, from her early YouTube discovery by Chris Brown in her Berklee dorm to writing culture-shifting hits for major artists. Joelle shares the heartfelt philosophy behind her music, her dedication to spotlighting local Boston talent, and the inspiration behind her upcoming EP, I-Scream Scoop Two, which features the lead single "Love Over Everything." From hilarious stories about singing the National Anthem at the NBA Finals to a fun game of trying to pronounce tricky Massachusetts town names like "Haverhill" and "Leicester," this episode is packed with gems about resilience, manifestation, and her mission to give back to the city that "made" her.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb1UiraEwjA

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This video is an engaging interview with the artist Kehlani, conducted by DJ Pup Dawg, where she reflects on her hugely successful career, which she notes is constantly growing and has recently earned her two Grammy nominations. She discusses her personal evolution, explaining that the confidence she displays now comes from growing up in the industry—from age 19 to 30—and learning to overcome early-career shyness and anxiety. Her advice to her younger self is to prioritize mental health immediately by starting therapy, seeking psychiatry, and developing positive habits and routines. Regarding her music, Kehlani talks about her "old school" strategy of releasing several singles, like "Folded" and "Out the Window," as a natural lead-up to an album, and she admits that she is still learning to ignore online criticism in favor of the overwhelming love from fans. She also confirmed that two major collaborations are in the works: a dream collaboration with Usher and a feature with Brandy for her upcoming album, which is expected to be followed by a tour next year.

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🎧 Reggae Superstar Shaggy Jumps On Air with DJ Pup Dawg to Talk Hurricane Melissa Relief Effort! Reggae icon Shaggy joined DJ Pup Dawg for a powerful and emotional interview to discuss the immediate and long-term relief efforts in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. In this must-listen segment, Shaggy highlights the incredible work being done through his "Make a Difference" Foundation and his crucial partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (G.E.M.) to ensure aid reaches those who need it most across the hard-hit island. He shares firsthand accounts of the widespread damage, emphasizing the urgent need for supplies and sustained support as communities face a monumental rebuilding process. 🎤 Using His Platform to Drive Change Shaggy also took the opportunity to announce the release of his first solo project in six years, but quickly pivoted the spotlight back to the crisis, passionately urging listeners to use his upcoming PR tour as a way to keep the conversation—and the donations—flowing. They discuss all the concrete ways people can contribute, from financial donations to in-kind supplies, and how to help maintain awareness of the situation. Listen to the full interview to hear Shaggy's call to action and find out how you can become part of the solution to help the resilient people of Jamaica recover and rebuild.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.