Ep 2. Criminality

The New Negroes with Baron Vaughn & Open Mike Eagle is a stand-up comedy and music variety series that aims to showcase Black artists, entertainers, and comedians who are expressing their creativity and sharing their unique perspectives on the world. The show blends music, poetry, and comedy into a unique and engaging format that speaks directly to the Black experience in America.

In season 1, episode 2, titled "Criminality," Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle explore the ways in which Black people are often criminalized or thought of as inherently criminal due to systemic racism and long-standing prejudices. The hosts invite a range of guests to discuss their experiences with criminalization and how they use art and humor to push back against stereotypes and discrimination.

One of the guests is comedian Marcella Arguello, who shares her experience of growing up in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood and feeling like an outsider in both the Latino and White communities around her. She talks about how her sense of humor and ability to make people laugh helped her find a sense of belonging and identity.

Another guest is rapper Fat Tony, who performs his song "Godly," which explores the theme of police brutality and the ways in which Black people are often victims of police violence. He talks about the role that music can play in raising awareness about these issues and giving voice to those who are marginalized.

Poet and writer Hanif Abdurraqib also joins the show to talk about his book "They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us," which explores the intersections of race, music, and culture. He reads excerpts from his work and discusses how he uses his writing to explore the complexities of the Black experience and challenge stereotypes.

In addition to these guests, the hosts also feature stand-up performances from comedians David Gborie and Dulce Sloan, who touch on a range of topics related to Blackness, including police violence, interracial dating, and the politics of Black hair.

The episode also features musical performances from Open Mike Eagle and other artists, who use their art to explore themes related to criminalization and Black identity. Throughout the show, Baron Vaughn and Open Mike Eagle provide insightful commentary and engage in thoughtful discussions with their guests, creating a dynamic and engaging conversation about the challenges and triumphs of the Black experience in America.

Overall, "Criminality" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that explores the ways in which Black people are often criminalized and marginalized in American society. Through humor, music, and poetry, the guests on the show challenge stereotypes and offer insights into the complexity and richness of the Black experience.