Left of Black: Dr. Mark Anthony Neal on Hip-Hop, Masculinity & Cultural Power

In this episode of Leaders & Learners, we sit down with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal—James B. Duke Distinguished Professor at Duke University, cultural critic, and host of Left of Black. From his roots in the Bronx to shaping the future of Black popular culture, Dr. Neal unpacks the intersections of hip-hop, Black masculinity, and digital media. We explore how he co-teaches the history of hip-hop with Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, his groundbreaking work on illegible Black masculinities, and why he believes in the power of storytelling to disrupt and rebuild. Whether you're a cultural scholar or a hip-hop head, this conversation is a masterclass in critical Black thought. #LeadersAndLearners #MarkAnthonyNeal #LeftOfBlack #HipHopStudies #BlackMasculinity #DigitalCulture