VladTV

In this classic 2015 VladTV interview, Afrika Bambaataa — widely recognized as one of the founding pioneers of hip-hop — breaks down the origins of the culture, its global evolution, and where he believes it’s headed next .

Bambaataa reflects on the early days of hip-hop in the Bronx, explaining how he and Kool Herc helped shape the movement through DJing, parties, and community influence. He discusses how the term “hip-hop” came about, crediting early figures like Keith Cowboy and Lovebug Starski, before the Universal Zulu Nation helped formalize it as a global cultural movement.

The conversation dives into the foundations of hip-hop culture, including the core elements—DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti—and the importance of “knowledge” as a central pillar. Bambaataa also explains how hip-hop spread beyond New York through cassette tapes, live events, and international travel, eventually becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

He addresses controversial topics, including race, the role of white artists in hip-hop, and the evolving acceptance of different identities within the culture. Bambaataa emphasizes that hip-hop has grown beyond its origins while still requiring respect for its roots.

The interview also explores the music industry, with Bambaataa criticizing radio programming and corporate influence, arguing that many meaningful and political hip-hop voices are being suppressed in favor of more commercial content. He highlights how the internet has changed the landscape, allowing independent artists to reach global audiences without relying on traditional gatekeepers.

Bambaataa shares insights on legendary figures like James Brown, the most sampled artist in history, and discusses the importance of understanding publishing, royalties, and ownership—lessons many early artists learned the hard way.

From the Bronx block parties to global dominance, Afrika Bambaataa provides a firsthand account of hip-hop’s birth, growth, and ongoing transformation.

Former undercover ATF agent Frank D. Alesio sits down with VladTV to share his incredible story infiltrating some of America’s most dangerous criminal organizations, including biker gangs and prison-based groups.Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Frank explains how he joined the ATF in 1989, initially focusing on c**** C***** investigations before transitioning into long-term undercover work. He reveals how he successfully infiltrated the Brothers Motorcycle Club — eventually rising to sergeant-at-arms — and later embedded himself within the Vagos Motorcycle Club, gaining firsthand insight into operations involving illegal firearms, extortion, explosives, and P******.Frank also discusses his encounters with the Aryan Brotherhood and other extremist-affiliated groups, explaining how many of these organizations operate with a primary focus on power, money, and control. He details attempts by certain factions to influence biker gangs in Ohio, as well as the role of symbolism, hierarchy, and alliances within these networks.The interview dives into the intense challenges of undercover work, including maintaining a false identity for years, simulating illegal behavior to avoid suspicion, and navigating dangerous environments where one mistake could be fatal. Frank speaks on the psychological toll of forming relationships with individuals he would later help prosecute, and the ethical dilemmas that come with balancing duty and personal connection.Over the course of his career, Frank contributed to investigations that led to the arrest of over 1,000 individuals. He reflects on why he ultimately retired at 49, citing changes in agency priorities, and defends his work as necessary to prevent violence and protect communities.This interview offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at undercover law enforcement and the realities of dismantling organized crime from the inside.

Dogface sits down with VladTV to share his intense life story, growing up in Pontiac, Michigan, and navigating a childhood shaped by instability, violence, and survival. He reflects on his parents’ divorce at age eight and the shocking discovery of his biological father’s identity, which added another layer to his already complicated upbringing.Dogface opens up about getting involved in street activity at a young age, including robberies by age 12, and surviving multiple life-threatening incidents — including being shot four times before turning 16. He also describes his mother’s unconventional lifestyle, including her ties to a biker gang, and how that environment influenced his early decisions.The conversation dives into Dogface’s 17-year prison sentence, where he experienced the harsh realities of incarceration, including stabbings and spending 36 months in solitary confinement. He explains how prison shaped his mindset and the challenges he faced adjusting to life after being released at 38, ultimately crediting family support for helping him reintegrate into society.Dogface also recounts several controversial and high-risk situations after his release, including a 2018 incident where he used prop guns to scare off a stalker, as well as a chaotic police encounter where he was falsely accused of attempted murder. He describes a SWAT response, helicopters, and being tracked by police dogs during the ordeal.Additional stories include a club altercation involving QCP, a dangerous gas station robbery attempt that turned into a self-defense situation, and reflections on high-profile incidents connected to figures like J Prince Jr. and NBA players. Throughout the interview, Dogface offers unfiltered insight into survival, consequences, and the long road to personal growth.

DJ Akademiks returns to VladTV for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation covering industry money, legal cases, and hip-hop politics. The discussion opens with the situation involving Boosie, including his frustration over VladTV interview payouts and the business realities behind viewership, value, and revenue. Vlad breaks down how declining views impact pricing, while Akademiks weighs in on Boosie’s move to Patreon and the challenges of building an independent platform.The conversation expands into multiple legal situations, including the All Star Jr. case and a shooting incident that left another individual paralyzed. They examine the legal fallout, potential federal implications, and how cases like these can escalate into broader investigations. The discussion also touches on speculation around possible RICO charges tied to larger networks.Akademiks and Vlad also break down ongoing hip-hop legal drama, including questions surrounding Gucci Mane and Pooh Shiesty’s case, and debates about the strength of the evidence and potential outcomes. They discuss Offset’s reported financial issues, including gambling debts and lawsuits, and how money management plays a major role in longevity.The interview also dives into the business side of music, including Drake’s future with Universal Music Group and the idea of potential “free agency” once his deal ends. Akademiks analyzes how labels control release timing and how that can impact an artist’s momentum. They also debate Kendrick Lamar’s strategy, Kanye West’s controversial statements and public apology, and the balance between artistry, mental health, and public perception.From industry economics to legal consequences, DJ Akademiks provides insight into how fame, money, and controversy intersect in today’s hip-hop landscape.

Shawn Prez and former Army Ranger Nicholas Irving return to VladTV for a deep breakdown of the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, the political fallout surrounding it, and the growing divide between government actions and public perception.Irving traces the roots of the conflict back to policies and tensions that intensified during Donald Trump’s presidency, analyzing promises surrounding mass deportations, tariffs, energy independence, and government reform. While acknowledging some economic gains, he questions whether the broader strategy has produced lasting results — especially as rising gas prices and oil profits dominate headlines. Recent reports show major oil companies benefiting heavily from the conflict as fuel prices continue climbing globally. The conversation examines whether the current military strategy has any clear endgame. Irving argues that despite extensive bombing campaigns and naval operations, the U.S. has struggled to demonstrate meaningful strategic victories. He compares the situation to previous prolonged conflicts like Afghanistan and questions whether the focus is truly about freedom or more about regional influence, energy control, and geopolitical leverage. Prez and Irving also debate the role of Congress in authorizing military action, discussing controversy surrounding the War Powers Act and whether the administration has exceeded constitutional limits. Ongoing debate continues in Washington over whether current military operations legally require congressional approval. The interview also touches on the future of NATO, Iran’s increasingly defiant rhetoric, and the resilience of Iranian forces despite economic sanctions and military pressure. Irving predicts the conflict could escalate further, citing both political rhetoric and historical patterns in the region. At the same time, both speakers express hope for a peaceful resolution and warn about how quickly public opinion can be shaped by media narratives and political messaging.Throughout the discussion, Irving emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, arguing that many Americans remain disconnected from the real consequences of war until economic hardship or military casualties directly affect everyday life.