Can You Dig It? By cover art

Can You Dig It?

By: Pete Chelala, Bryan Master, Julian Voloj
Narrated by: Chuck D
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Episodes
  • Trailer

    Trailer
    Aug 10 2023
    How did hip hop happen? To understand that, we have to go back to before the ‘birth’ of the culture. It wasn’t a given that the Bronx of the late 1960s and early 1970s would be the birthplace of an American art form. Urban renewal had left the borough neglected and in crisis. Gangs policed the streets, and winding up in the wrong territory could have serious consequences. But things were about to change. Can You Dig It? is an in-depth history of how positive community influences helped inspire the troubled youth to end the cycle of gang violence, as told by people who were there at the time. It’s the inspiring true story of how local gang the Ghetto Brothers rejected calls for war in the aftermath of the murder of Black Benjie – a member who was trying to find common ground – and how gang leaders Yellow Benjy and Karate Charlie worked to broker a peace with rivals. The end result? A place where urban artistry could flourish into a global culture fifty years strong: hip hop. Narrated by Public Enemy’s Chuck D and told through a blend of immersive reenactments, oral history and expert discussion, Can You Dig It? is as illuminating for hip hop fans as it is for history buffs, as one of the great American stories. It’s a tribute not just to community action but to the unsung heroes who paved the way for greatness.
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    1 min
  • Episode 1: The Bronx is Burning

    Episode 1: The Bronx is Burning
    Aug 10 2023

    “The Bronx was the poster-child of ‘Urban Decay’.” - Hip Hop Photographer, Joe Conzo. It’s 1971: The nation is in the midst of its own wars: abroad and at home; New York City has been forsaken by the government; and the Bronx is burning. While the disenfranchised youth of New York City was consumed in gang life, one gang from the South Bronx - The Ghetto Brothers - dared to think differently. Shaped by three key influences from within their community, and by the brutal murder of Ghetto Brother member “Black Benjie”, the stage is set for their evolution from street-gang-to-peacemakers - and from peacemakers to enablers of Hip Hop culture.
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    32 mins
  • Episode 2: Old Enough to Die

    Episode 2: Old Enough to Die
    Aug 10 2023
    “There was a feeling of brotherhood and joining something where you belong” – Urban Historian, Clayton Patterson. For the youth of New York City - and specifically the South Bronx - hope was just another four-letter-word. Gang life was the survival game….and it was the only game in town. This is a deep-dive into the fabric of gang life unpacking that critical question: “Why join a gang?”.
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    28 mins

Enjoy the Trailer

Can You Dig It?
Trailer
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  • Can You Dig It?
  • Trailer
Pete Chelala
Bryan Master
Julian Voloj
Additional Credits

About the Creator

Pete Chelala is a 25-year veteran in the entertainment industry, and currently the co-creator, writer, and director of Audible Original, Can You Dig It. Starting his career with the WWE in Connecticut, working in production and getting body slammed for promos he then ventured off to LA to join set-life; on commercials, music videos and feature films. From driving camera trucks, location scouting and even casting.
In an effort to marry his college sweetheart, he left Hollywood behind in the mid aughts, to make his way to the big apple. There he found his passion for show business collide with the rise of digital media. With a mature understanding of the attention economy and the love of creating content, he was able to canvas Madison Ave at the dawn of mobile marketing and continues to do so today during the streaming revolution.
Pete brings both sides of his brain to the table, as a creator and passionate storyteller as well as a veteran of monetizing the attention earned from the power and distribution of compelling content. He is a co-founder and partner in New York content studio PB&J Productions.

About the Creator

Bryan Master is a seasoned composer and audio producer who has carved a unique niche in the audio-first space, having executive produced and composed nearly a dozen Audible Originals, including The Coldest Case, 64th Man, Motivated!, Daniel X: Genesis and The Method. In addition to being a founder and partner in New York content studio PB&J Productions, he is also founder of Philadelphia-based SOUND+FISSION Music and Audio-Production house— an official Audible-approved/preferred partner. Can You Dig It? afforded him the opportunity to wear new hats like showrunner, editor, and writer, in addition to EP/creator and score composer. He is represented by CAA and Granderson-Des Rochers LLP.

About the Creator

Julian Voloj is a New York-based storyteller whose work has been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Washington Post, and many other publications. Born in Germany to Colombian parents, he moved to the U.S. In 2004. Drawing upon his Jewish, Latinx, and indigenous roots, Julian has passionately documented the diversity of his adopted hometown New York City, both as a photographer and writer. His fascination for forgotten heroes and hidden historical figures has been a leitmotif in his award-winning fiction graphic novels. He is a co-founder and partner in New York content studio PB&J Productions.

About the Performer

Chuck D is a primary architect of the movement that revolutionized rap as a means of serving truth to power. He is co-founder of Public Enemy, writing the lyrics behind anthems such as "Fight the Power," "By the Time I Get to Arizona," "Bring the Noise," and "State of the Union (STFU)" while establishing a new voice of Black-centered activism.
Critically lauded, Chuck D is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, one of XXL’s top 20 MCs of all time, a bestselling author (This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History), and a preserved member of The Library of Congress (Fear of a Black Planet). He continues to make work that moves us forward. From his long-running RAPstation.com website to founding music groups like Prophets of Rage, Chuck D embodies the ideal of hip-hop as activism.

What listeners say about Can You Dig It?

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Profile Image for Ryan

YES, I DIG IT!!!

This is one of the most fascinating and creative ways to tell how Hip-Hop was born. I loved the way the story all came together in the end! Pete, this was so well done. I am really hoping you will be creating more series like these. It’s important that people know Hip-Hop is not all about gang banging and killing people. It’s about culture, family, love, and creating something so special that it actually still exists 50 years later.

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Profile Image for PJ
  • PJ
  • 08-11-23

I dig it!

This is so worth binging. The the storytelling, music, narration, interviews, all amazing. But the beauty in this piece is the light it shines on the fact that Hip Hop was born from a movement of peace. I expect this piece to win awards. Well done.

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Profile Image for John McCarthy

Give peace a chance.

The biggest ideas and revolutions are often based on the smallest decisions. One gang's choice to make peace and forgive created a culture of creativity and art instead of death and despair. As a kid, I loved early hip hop and rap, but had no idea where it truly came from. This podcast's deep research with help from the actual participants recreates the overall feeling of the place where it all started. From broad cultural and economic issues to small things like strong moms, the story of hip hop''s birth is worth your time. Please give it a listen!

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Profile Image for omni osi (viral vinyl)

This is an amazing historical document!!!

The history of the Bronx, New York and how it lead to the creation of the Culture of Hip Hop. I have never watched The Warriors movie, but this history is the obvious inspiration.

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Profile Image for Jason Holmes

masterful

Chuck D could read the phone book and keep me enthralled. this story is a great dive into the early years of the hip hop scene.

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Profile Image for caitlin

Time Capsule Treasure Trove 4 Any Hip Hop Lover

Driving in the desert by myself from Utah to Oakland, California for my first time—‘Can You Dig It?’ was exactly what I needed to get through. The music, scenes, knowledge, and voices all telling the story together allowed the drive 2 be thrilling and comforting at the same time.
Now I find myself going back.
And just when I think I know, there’s more. Thank you 4 giving this gift of culture education Hip Hop to us.
Check it out-if you love Hip Hop.
Peace.

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Profile Image for brian mccarthy

Yes. I dug it!

Amazing listening experience. Really got to know the characters in a novel way that was truly unique and sets this podcast apart from the rest. Such a great story that needs to be heard. No peace. No Hip Hop.

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Profile Image for Shaka robinson

Masterpiece!!

Sad but Beautiful story of the Martyr and North Star of hip-hop..Cornell Benjamin is the Book Genesis for our Global Culture.Without your sacrifice,none of this would exist.You are the Rose that sprung from concrete.Rest In Peace King!!

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Profile Image for D. Vega

Great piece of History

as a Hip Hop Head, listening to story's like these gives me so much love for the Art.

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Profile Image for brian wallace

When Art Inspires Curiosity - Incredible!

The last time I had an experience like this was when I first saw Hamilton. That incredible story, and the way it was told, made me realize how little I knew about that aspect of American history. It ignited a burning desire to learn everything I could about it. I delved into the book, scoured the web for articles, and even visited Hamilton's grave (which I didn't even realize I had walked past countless times!). Lin Manuel Miranda's artistry sparked my curiosity, and I'm sure it did the same for many others.

And then, lightning struck again with "Can You Dig It?"

What an extraordinary story, not just about the history of hip hop but also about New York City, a place I've called home for over 15 years, yet knew so little about. Through the lens of these specific events, which were captivating in their own right, I once again found myself on a quest for knowledge. I yearned to understand the history of NYC, the Bronx, these 'gangs,' and their impact. I was inspired to read news articles, I got my hands on the graphic novel "Ghetto Brother," I watched the documentary "Rubble Kings," I rewatched the cult classic "The Warriors" (which was inspired by this very story), and I even visited Black Benjie Way...

The storytelling was utterly enthralling. The script and production made me feel like I was getting to know the actual characters and the events that unfolded. Chuck D's narration added another layer of nostalgia (I grew up listening to Public Enemy) and credibility (the fact that he not only supported but actively participated in the storytelling). I learned that these 'gangs' were nothing like what I had initially pictured (think LA in the 90's). They were caretakers of their communities, guardians ensuring the safety of everyone within their few blocks, rather than troublemakers.

And then, there's the music. It turns out that the gang leaders were also incredible musicians! I've been listening to so much Ghetto Brothers' music since I discovered this series, feeling an even deeper connection to their story... I won't spoil the ending, but I can guarantee that most wouldn't connect all the dots – gentrification leading to disenfranchisement leading to what was essentially a war zone barely 15 miles away from Wall Street, eventually leading to conflict, then peace, and ultimately harmony, inspiration, art, music, and dance... and finally, hope.

It's an incredible story, and I truly hope you listen to it and are as profoundly impacted as I was.

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