Talib Kweli And Roy Choi Talk Kogi, LA Riots, Anthony Bourdain, And Addiction | People's Party

In this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh sit down with revolutionary chef, author, activist, TV host, and former b-boy Roy Choi. The conversation that follows spans a wide range of subjects -- from the launch of Choi's famous Kogi Truck to his role in Netflix's "The Chef Show." From the outset, it's clear that no subject is off-limits and Choi doesn't hold his tongue, discussing food deserts, offering his impressions of the LA riots, and opening up about his personal struggles with addiction.
Choi also talks about the hip-hop/food connection, kicks a few food-inspired lyrics, and trades Bourdain stories with Kweli. The trio hits on some big ideas throughout the episode -- liked the notion of subverting capitalism in order to create a more equitable society. The entire hour is deeply insightful and unflinchingly honest while still being funny and fast-paced.
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Interview timing:
1:32 -- Talib opens the show with an apology to Roy for playing too hard during a recent softball game they played together, in a league started by Ad-Rock from the Beastie Boys.
3:29 -- The trio discusses the connection of hip-hop and food. Talib asks Roy what his favorite hip hop lyrics are referring to food, and Jasmin asks what's currently on his cooking playlist.
7:29 -- Roy tells the story of what spawned "Kogi" -- his Korean-Mexican taco truck business that evolved into a full-blown movement, revolutionizing the food truck industry.
12:45 -- Talib asks Roy about his use of music metaphors to describe his business ventures, and Roy details why his latest project, "Best Friend" based in Las Vegas is considered his "compilation album".
15:28 -- Talib asks Roy if he can walk us through what it takes to start a food truck business. Roy explains the foundation is about paying homage and respect to the streets and culture.
22:03 -- Roy speaks on food and fairness. He gives his take on why there are so many hungry when there is more than enough to provide for everyone.
26:42 -- Roy defines "food deserts" and Talib asks Roy about his online show "Broken Bread" at kcet.org, where he explores that topic as well as food waste and sustainability in marginalized communities.
33:50 -- Talib asks Roy about being born in South Korea, to a mother who escaped North Korea during the war, and he speaks on his unique perspective of North Korea growing up as a US citizen, having family from there.
37:22 -- Roy opens up about his close friendship with gifted chef and storyteller Anthony Bourdain, who passed away just last year.
42:01 -- Talib asks Roy about how he navigated the contentious relationships of Blacks and Koreans during the LA riots, which was a difficult time for him feeling torn between two cultures, being a guy who identified as just someone from the neighborhood who fully embraced the diversity in his community.
49:21 -- The trio discusses the "Model Minority Myth" which perpetuates Asian stereotypes that white supremacists use as a racial wedge.
52:21 -- Jasmin asks Roy about his Netflix special "The Chef Show," which he co-hosts with Jon Favreau.
55:36 -- Roy tells the story of how one night of getting swindled in New York turned into a week-long crack binge, and details his history of deep struggles with gambling addiction. Talib also asks Roy if he has any advice for people trying to escape similar circumstances.
More Jasmin Leigh:
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#TalibKweli #RoyChoi #PeoplesParty #UPROXXVideo #Kogi

[@uproxx]

What's up Party People! -- Our Apple Podcasts rating has recently come under attack and we need the true People's Party fans to support by subscribing and rating. Happy holidays and thanks for tuning in as always! applepodcasts.com/peoplesparty podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peoples-party-with-talib-kweli

[@rhondagiselle]

Subscribed and rated 5! This is such a great podcast. Thank you for producing quality content.

[@JulianHills]

Roy Choi has been one of my favorite people for many years. His appearance on Top Chef was legendary.

[@barcelona12ist]

I'm still not over the death of Anthony Bourdain, but thank god there is Roy Choi 🙏 he gives me hope again, appreciate what you doin Mr. Roy, thank you for all you do 💙 PS: I'm loving "the Broken Bread" series

[@uproxx]

Us too! It's waaaaaay underrated!

[@clintzeke]

Wasn’t planning on watching this video cause I didn’t know Roy Choi. Just watched to support. This was a great interview and a very interesting person. Found myself wanting to hear more. Very positive, inspirational person.

[@uproxx]

Thanks so so much for giving it a shot and trusting us!

[@pessimisticperspective2440]

Radio Raheem was choked out in ‘Do the Right Thing’ not Buggin Out. Love the show!

[@MichelleHernandezcraftymaven]

Roy Choi super thoughtful, his listening in this episode is a lesson to all of us. I like how he hesitates with politics too because if you don't already have a well formulated stance and a deep well of knowledge a forum like this could ruin you if you get to caught up in the talk moment.

[@gk_coach_mario3843]

I was about to skip this video because i had never heard of dude. But I’m glad i watched. Incredible interview with a fascinating individual... so many gems dropped “the things my parents said were worthless became the cornerstones of my work” man if that ain’t church...

[@jayqsamo]

Roy Choi? Well.. Anything Peoples Party: I watch. Thanks for putting me on this guy.

[@uproxx]

He's awesome -- let us know what you think!

[@cameronoconnor5364]

Super cool conversation. Intelligent creative people talking about stuff that matters.

[@petercha3387]

Damn this was a wholesome ass interview. Shoutout to People’s Party and the whole crew!

[@zezty4295]

I'm relating to this in so many ways.Thanks again to the whole p.p. team and compliments to the chef.

[@uproxx]

BIG gratitude!

[@bjorndaryl]

Roy Choi is genuine guy. Loved to hear his story. Side note..... You can really notice Jasmin needs to learn a great deal still. She is in a learning curve. She is going to better.

[@Sunlova]

What a beautiful soul!

[@Hmmarv]

What an episode. Great conversation, very inspiring. Didnt even know this guy, and im not a chef. But im a fan of his personality just of this interview.

[@stephen214]

Looking forward to this one!

[@s422224]

Big up Kweli & Leigh! Been catching up on all epsiodes. Definitely onto something big here. This is QUALITY, TheBeautifulStruggle #PeoplesParty

[@KINGMAYABZE]

Those tensions still remain in LA till today

[@rogerbernard187]

That last line was on point! Robert Palmer was the og "Mr. Steal Yo Girl!"...lol

[@samh7982]

One of the realest interviews. It wasnt scripted nor rehearsed. Kweli i love ur videos!!!

[@AutisticLed]

Love the conversations that happen on this podcast. I don't even need to know who's being interviewed, I find it fascinating nonetheless! Amazing how food bridges that gap between cultures and is such an integral part of generally connecting with people. Loved the links to rap through serving food on the taco truck, certainly all food for thought... I'll see myself out.

[@nile1212]

Roy Choi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@uproxx]

People who know, KNOW! Roy is awesome.

[@BackyardSwingset]

Great podcast and episode! Love the streets! Missing L.A. and its Son ;)

[@patbat613]

I love how you have a real relationship and have been part of the most obscure shit with them lol....you've done a SPECTACULAR job with this podcast! Everthing comes full circle, back to how unifying this hip hop culture REALLY is....bless you and your crew for giving us this!💯🔥❤

[@uproxx]

Appreciate that!

[@MegaVern1]

Another great interview!!!

[@zezty4295]

Damb I'm a little bumbed that they diddnt mention action Bronsons food lyrics in the beginning as he talks about it the most and most intricet but i understand its easy to forget in the moment.

[@ilovemikerogers]

I thought the exact same thing but I've followed Kweli since about '96 and it wasn't a surprise.

[@jorgesmith2000]

Really good

[@joshuareagan175]

It's all about Digital Underground's "Food Fight" for me!!

[@uproxx]

SOLID

[@AutisticLed]

This got deep about cultural division but for me it comes down to society and functions of it deemed 'worthy.' What does 'smarter' mean? To what end?

[@jasonharrison601]

"...Doing crack too?!" LMAO

[@lezliecole9494]

Healthy eating is also extremely expensive

[@allamaraine8066]

This is true! Jeebus, is it true.

[@markgillan3750]

How I'm doing

[@jet1radio3]

Interview people under the stairs, or slug from atmosphere or planet Asia

[@adonamexem9059]

(#35) THE DON’T’S The following is a list of things, most of which have been discussed, that the Afrikan Master Student MUST AVOID AT ALL COST #1. DON’T allow SUPERFICIALITIES to keep You from Your People. (graduate vs. undergraduate, athlete vs. non-athlete, professional vs. non-professional, middle class vs. lower class, north vs south, east vs west, Man vs. Woman, science vs. liberal arts, Democrat vs. Republican, Greek vs. non-Greek, Caribbean vs United States of Amerika). #2. DON’T allow Yourself to develop an ELITIST MENTALITY. #3 DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to DIVIDE and CONQUER You. #4. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to PICK and CHOOSE Your Leaders. #5. DON’T become a SLAVE to Money or Position. #6. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) or Yourselves to USE, ABUSE, or MISTREAT You or Your People. #7. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to SET Your Standards goals or Objectives. #8. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to DEFINE and SELECT Your Ideology(Highest Values). #9. DON’T become a SLAVE to Material Things. #10. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) or Yourselves to DRUG or LURE You to Sleep(cousin of death). #11. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) or Yourselves to DEMEAN or DEHUMANIZE Your Heritage. #12. DON’T ACCEPT Something simply because the Enemy(European Colonist) says You SHOULD. #13. DON”T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to DEFINE and REPRESENT Your Interest. #14. DON’T work AGAINST Your People. #15. DON’T MISTREAT Your Brother’s and Sister’s(People). #16. DON’T promote VALUES and PRACTICES that are ANTI-Afrikan #17. DON’T choose INDIVIDUALISM over Peoplehood and Community. #18. DON’T DISCUSS Family Problems in Public or with the Enemy(European Colonist). #19. DON’T celebrate EUROPEAN COLONIST HOLIDAY’S. #20. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to DICTATE Your Methods for Struggle. #21. DON’T support things that DISRUPT Unity, Organization, and Peoplehood. #22. DON’T allow Yourself to become APATHETIC, APOLITICAL, PASSIVE or PESSIMISTIC. #23. DON’T act on EMOTION. #24. DON’T allow the Enemy(European Colonist) to DISARM You. #25. DON’T do things that IMPEDE(Jeopardize) the struggle. #26. DON’T REJECT Values, Lifestyles, and Traditions that Make Your Culture Unique. #27. DON’T SUPPORT Artist, Businesses, Politicians, Organizations, or Institutions that EXPLOIT the Afrikan Community in this Country or Abroad. #28. DON’T BETRAY Your Brother’s and Sister’s(People). #29. DON’T practice INEQUALITY, SEXISM, or CLASSISM. #30. DON’T PATRONIZE Corporations, Institutions, or Organizations that VIOLATE Afrikan Interest. #31. DON’T do the DIRTY WORK of the Enemy (European Colonist). #32. DON’T run from ADVERSITY. #33. DON’T be AFRAID to Fight Back. #34. DON’T DEFEAT Yourself or Your People before the Battle even begins. #35. DON’T EXPLOIT Your People.

[@yeaown8139]

Who is the "european colonist"? Do you mean all europeans?

Talib ALWAYS ruins every episode with WHITE SUPREMACY.

[@jeanyu546]

@Jonny Botsch YES, thank you Jonny,. Very well said

[@BE-bk1tb]

Jonny Botsch Bingo!

Jonny Botsch White Supremacy does not exist. It's a phrase stupid people use whom don't understand history, biology & genetics. Also it's used by people like Talib Kweli to makes money because he obviously doesn't understand human nature.

[@cococherrymango1225]

@ wow. Thanks bot

[@cbmartworks]

Love the show but mannnn, there are moments with each episode where Jasmin deads the flow / vibe of the conversation. She's funny / cool and all of that...just wish she'd chime in at the end for the recap

[@BE-bk1tb]

Chris B. Murray So true.

[@FlapJackDaddy]

100%

[@TheAztecsamuria]

Best interview I have heard since the last Nipsey interview! Roy is the O.G. of this shit!

[@newselph]

Very dope episode - one of my favourites so far.

[@uproxx]

So glad it connected for you!

[@jberenden]

Loved this conversation! Roy Choi is great. Love how real he is.

[@DecaturQue]

I think I just saw Jasmin dancing in Lil Duval Christmas song video

[@castolano]

I'm lost to way every rapper feels the need to be a journalist now. Joe buddens gets' punched in the face over disrespecting the Wu Tang. Joey gets online and talks about the tingle over ten years ago. DJ Vlad begin to pimp the black experience then Taxstone made the shit gangster. N.O.R.E starts drinks champs followed by every nigga and they momma shit is corny as hell

[@skylaindigoink2013]

Always&Forever!! Magically-Delicious-Love for Chef RC!!!

[@markgillan3750]

There has been a change in Irish politics... We need chefs.. The whole world is invited.. If you want.. Look into it...

[@henrysedillo5834]

UPROXX...............100......SALUTE-TO-ROY-CHOI..........

[@Flytyunchained]

bro i need the Ghost interview

[@patrickprice7933]

What a beautiful man

[@markgillan3750]

Sinéad O'Connor Famine

[@randihillhill1769]

bless jasmin. show wouldn't be good without her. will she get her own show?

[@uproxx]

You will be seeing more of Jasmin hosting across UPROXX - starting with our Grammy coverage on Instagram