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One of America’s greatest contributions to world culture … is hip hop. A new compilation documents what it sounds like across Appalachia.
Also people in the region love their local water springs, but in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, they take that dedication to another level.
And, congressional Republicans are trying to freeze funding for new mine safety rules. Advocates are concerned.
In This Episode
Hip hop has been in Appalachia for about as long as the genre has been around, about 50 years. A new compilation from June Appal Recordings, “No Options: Hip-Hop in Appalachia” 24 tracks from across the region. Mason Adams spoke with executive producer JK Turner, and rapper Eric Jordan, also known as Monstalung.
There are natural springs all over Appalachia. Before indoor plumbing, that’s where most folks got their fresh water. In Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, people still fill jugs with spring water to lug back home. In 2022, Folkways reporter Zack Harold visited the springs and brought us this story.
As Appalachian miners cut into increasingly thinner seams of coal, they’re encountering more silica dust from rock. The dust contributes to an advanced form of black lung disease. Coal miners and advocates have spent decades negotiating with the federal government to add safety rules. When a new rule was finalized in April, advocates celebrated, but before it could take full effect, opponents threw up another roadblock.
Emily Rice reported.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Joshua Outsey, Monstalung, Tim and Dave Bing, Deep Jackson and Dinosaur Burps.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
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On this West Virginia Week, plans for a new transmission line may be in trouble, a former state delegate is indicted, and the state has a new secretary of tourism.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsThis week, a new report finds the number of black lung cases is at its highest since the 1970s. The human cost is high. Also, the author of a new book says reintroducing nearly extinct animals back into the wild can boost damaged ecosystems, but they can't repair them. And, roadside attractions pay tribute to our enduring fascination with weird.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsOn this West Virginia Morning, a new book, “The Beasts of the East: The Fall and Rise of America’s Eastern Wilderness,” looks at the process to reintroduce large game to parts of Appalachia.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsSocial Security began 91 years ago when President Franklin Roosevelt signed it into law. Since then, it has provided a social safety net to Americans, allowing many of them to retire with dignity, according to John Hishta, senior vice president of campaigns with AARP. But many experts say that without some action, social security benefits will have to be reduced by 20% in 2032. News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Hishta to understand the situation.
Continue Reading Take Me to More News
