The Godfather of Chinese Hip-Hop: Building a Culture & Resisting Empire

The UK Column is an independent media organisation and receives no corporate or foundation funding. We rely on the generosity of individual readers, viewers and listeners, so if you enjoy our quality reporting, please consider supporting us.🌐 Explore all our written and video content on the UK Column website https://www.ukcolumn.org/ 💪 Support our independent journalism here https://support.ukcolumn.org/ 🛍️ Check out our shop here https://shop.ukcolumn.org/📖 Description:In this powerful episode, we continue our conversation with Dana "Detroit Showtyme" Burton, the man known as the Godfather of Chinese Hip-Hop. Dana takes us on a journey from the gritty beginnings of his Iron Mike rap battle—the longest-running in the world—to the heart of Shanghai's electrifying nightlife.We explore how a young man from Detroit became a cultural ambassador, fostering a hip-hop community in China against all odds. Dana shares incredible stories, from securing his first sponsorship to bringing legendary US rappers to China. But the conversation takes a deeper turn as he issues an urgent call to action, drawing from his family's history and firsthand experience to warn against a new Cold War and the devastating human cost of American militarism in Asia.⏰ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: The "Godfather of Chinese Hip-Hop"02:23 - Dana's Humble Take on the "Godfather" Title05:16 - The Early Days: Arriving in Shanghai & Finding the Scene07:03 - Starting "The Iron Mike" & Building an Empire from Nothing11:54 - The Johnny Blaze Story: His First Sponsor & Hip-Hop Fashion15:38 - The Rise of Chinese Rap Stars from The Iron Mike21:25 - Being a Bridge: Bringing US Hip-Hop Legends to China27:28 - A Night Out in Shanghai: Futuristic Clubs & Opera Singers33:45 - The "Didi" Adventure: Living in the Future39:35 - Karl Meets Karl: Surreal Moments in Fuxing Park46:50 - INS Club: A 6-Story Nightlife Amusement Park51:10 - The Universal Feeling of Safety & Quality of Life in China55:38 - A SOBERING WARNING: The US War on China & A Personal Plea57:00 - A Grandfather's Legacy: The Hidden History of Black Soldiers in Asia59:35 - The Poverty Draft: Then and Now01:01:00 - The Final Message: "Join the Party, Don't Bomb It"🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:Dana "Detroit Showtyme" on Twitter: @DetroitShowtyme (He asks you to follow him to connect and hear more!)Misión Verdad: The outlet that first called him the "Godfather"The Iron Mike: The longest-running rap battle in the world, founded by Dana.Johnny Blaze: The hip-hop fashion brand and his first sponsor.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Dana's story is one of culture, connection, and a powerful warning.Were you aware of the scale and vibrancy of the hip-hop scene in China?What is your reaction to Dana's personal connection to the history of US militarism in Asia and his urgent message for the future?How can cultural exchange be a stronger force for peace than geopolitical conflict?Share your thoughts in the comments below.👍 LIKED THIS CONVERSATION?If you found this blend of cultural history and geopolitical urgency important, please like the video and subscribe to the channel. We bring you conversations with people you won't find anywhere else in mainstream media.#HipHop #China #Shanghai #Detroit #Culture #ColdWar #NoWar #IronMike #RapBattle #DetroitShowtime