Rich Medina (he/his) approaches his DJ practice as an archivist, storyteller, educator, and “ambassador for Black excellence.” His live and online performances and programs—such as the “African American Culture and Music” lecture series for The Barnes Foundation and livestream “Monday Meditations” programs—combine entertainment and education, amplifying Black diasporic ingenuity and musical heritage. Medina’s childhood immersed in both the Baptist church and hip-hop culture influenced him to imbue his work with a sense of tradition, history, and community. He spins records from his 50,000-album collection at events around the world, including his Jump ‘n’ Funk Afrobeat party dedicated to Fela Kuti, which he has presented in 25 cities since 2001. Medina has performed as a poet and vocalist on records by King Britt, Phil Asher, and Antibalas and has worked as a producer with Jill Scott, J Dilla, and Bobbito Garcia, among many other collaborations.
