Read up about The Truth in This Art podcast
Gritty Vibes was pretty much founded out of a response to mainstream media, and we're always looking for other platforms with the same mission. In Baltimore, Rob Lee is doing that work in a major way with The Truth in This Art Podcast. When the murder of Freddie Gray catapulted Baltimore into a national conversation, Rob Lee found himself engaging in fiery social media debates to defend his city. The same in 2019, when Donald Trump described Baltimore with vile language. Eventually, Rob decided that something had to give and The Truth in This Art Podcast was born.
Now, Rob Lee and his Co-Host (Also named Rob) give a platform to artists who embody the beauty and culture that the city has to offer. For five seasons, they've delivered quality interviews with some of Charm City's most accomplished and exciting black artists. On the cusp of the sixth season, we got a chance to talk to Rob about what's to come. It turns out he has an exciting lineup in store this time around including an interview with Devin Allen, who's photo of the 2015 Baltimore uprising graced the cover of Time Magazine. We're excited to hear his story, and other Baltimore artists who are set to grace the platform.
1. Congrats on season 6 of The Truth in This Art Podcast. You mention that storytelling is a 13 year journey for you. Please take us back to the beginning of that journey. How did you get started?
Sure. I started podcasting back in February 2009 as a response to NFL Free Agency. I grabbed a small recorder I had lying around and recorded my 5 minutes of thoughts about Albert Haynesworth signing with the Washington team - this recording became the initial episode of Mastermind Team's Robcast. I would go on to record over 300 episodes of Robcast during its run - mostly with my friends and primarily covering pop culture and weird news stories. It felt good to speak on the news but from my perspective - to be a voice. Over the following year, I would record various podcasts with the goal of 'having a voice' in mind. I was always tinkering with the podcasts so as to not get bored. In April 2015 I was recording a podcast called 'Mtrocast' - a podcast about current events and trending topics - and my co host - also named Rob - when the news about the death of Freddie Gray broke. During the following weeks I felt it necessary to defend Baltimore on how it was being depicted in the media - there were many folks within the podcast community who had 'hot takes' about Baltimore and I would engage them in heated social media exchanges defending my city. As the news cycle goes - the media moved on to something else - Baltimore wasn't interesting any more. So we get to 2019, those same 'observations' about Baltimore would come up and this time from then-President Trump and again I felt I needed to do something - something I knew - I felt Baltimore has so much talent and I wanted to use what I spent so many years doing and help Baltimore tell's it's story. The Truth In This Art was born.
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2. In your trailer you say that you're focused on getting to the truth about what's really going on in Baltimore. In your own words, how would you describe your city, specifically from an arts and culture perspective?
I describe Baltimore as a city filled with immeasurable talent and grit. Baltimore is often overlooked but has been and remains a cultural beacon. When those top 10 lists and accolades come out Baltimore isn't usually listed yet the luminaries in visual arts, culinary arts and the like have an interest in Baltimore recognizing that talent. Talent has to come through Baltimore in many ways as a stamp of approval. Baltimore is a place that will make you truly feel - we're so authentic and real here. Baltimore will break your heart and charm you in the same conversation. Baltimore is home.
3. Looking ahead to season 6 in February, who are some guests that you're excited to bring on the show?
Season 6 is going to be great. The focus is Baltimore obviously - but I've noticed that there's many artists that have been part of exhibits here so I've opened up who I will interview to be inclusive of artists outside of Baltimore. Season 6 will feature interviews from photographer Devin Allen, artist Kumasi J Barnett and creative director and founder of Band of Vices Terrell Tilford. Additionally, each month will have a theme - February will focus on black creators and artists, March will be dope women and April will focus on the culinary arts.
Baltimore is a place that will make you truly feel - we're so authentic and real here. Baltimore will break your heart and charm you in the same conversation. Baltimore is home.
4. What's kept you going throughout these years as a storyteller? What makes you excited to do what you do?
When it comes to Truth In This Art - I felt that the perspective on Baltimore specifically from folks outside of Baltimore was very one-sided and needed an update. That was a problem. I felt that the Baltimore perspective was very anti-black. So as a black man and proud Baltimorean I want to take on this task of amplifying these stories. Teaching is important to me and that's baked into every podcast I do - almost in a way of disproving these notions about Baltimore and adding to the narrative - there's a crime problem here - but no different than NY, Philly and etc but those cities get to be recognized for more than their worst. What keeps me going is the desire to add to the narrative about Baltimore. I'm excited to learn something new and each guest gives me the opportunity to learn something new - Baltimore has a rich history and is super accessible but people don't always look the interviews that give me that opportunity to learn and explore whether it's a dope new artist, a small business or a restaurant to check out.
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5. Anything else you'd like to highlight?
I want to highlight the artists & small business owners that make Baltimore such a great city. For those reading and want to visit, check out Foraged Eatery and try the Mushroom Stew, ask for the 'Rob Lee' at Sophomore Coffee, hit up more than the Inner Harbor like The Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Station North Arts District, and Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District. Lastly look up the work of dope artists like photographers like Schaun Champion and Josh Slowe, visual artists Will Watson & Lehna Huie and musicians like John Tyler.
For more about The Truth in this Art Podcast,
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