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.

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