Jay Pharoah on Virtual Comedy Clubs, 9/11 Announcements, and ‘Dragon Ball’ Love

December 19, 2024December 21, 2024 Keith Chow

In another lifetime, I was a high school teacher in Chesapeake, Virginia. One of the students in my school went on to become one of the top stand-up comedians in the world and a breakout on Saturday Night Live. Recently, I had the honor of reuniting with Jay Pharoah to reminisce about high school, discuss his career, and celebrate his innovative virtual special as part of Meta Horizon’s Soapstone Comedy Presents series.

Crowdfunding, Hard N.O.C. Life

Hard NOC Life 343: Predicting ‘AfroFutures’ with Troy-Jeffrey Allen

June 17, 2024June 17, 2024 Hard NOC Media

With Dominic out this week, Keith welcomes Troy-Jeffrey Allen as a special co-host on Hard NOC Life. They discuss Troy’s latest project, AfroFutures, a 17+ magazine collecting comics and articles that fall under the wide umbrella of Black speculative fiction — from sci-fi and fantasy to action, drama, and beyond.

Hard N.O.C. Life, Star Wars

Hard NOC Life 339: Revenge of the Sixth

May 6, 2024May 7, 2024 Hard NOC Media

It’s still Star Wars Day on Hard NOC Life! Dominic and Keith celebrate the combination of AAPI Heritage Month and new Star Wars content via the latest Acolyte trailer. Keith also explains why “Revenge of the Fifth” makes zero sense when “Sixth” is the better pun. They also share their initial reactions to the first look at David Corenswet as Superman.

Interview, Music, Video Games

NOC Interview: ‘Street Fighter 6’ Soundtrack Producer Koyo Sonae

March 5, 2024 Dominic Mah

I got to chat with the executive producer of the Street Fighter 6 Original Soundtrack, Koyo Sonae. We talked about his musical background, the ongoing legacy of Street Fighter, and various topics related to the music of video games. The SF6 Collector’s Edition Vinyl Set is now available wherever you get your awesome collector’s edition vinyl soundtracks guaranteeing that you will be the coolest music nerd in your whole zip code.

Hard N.O.C. Life, Music

Hard NOC Life 322: Mega Ran Opens Up ‘Buddy’s Magic Toy Box’

July 31, 2023 Hard NOC Media

Keith welcomes official Friend of the NOC, Mega Ran back to the podcast to celebrate the release of his forthcoming children’s album, Buddy’s Magic Toy Box.

Interview, Nerdcore

Super Smack’s Journey to Reclaim Cuteness

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023 Bray Lawrence

It’s been well over a year since I met Super Smack in our last interview for his song “Black and Gold” featuring Mega Ran, and we’ve talked and hung out several times after. So when he approached me about interviewing him for the singles off his new project, I was a bit hesitant at first, but my curiosity and excitement won out. I’m happy to say that this is the first of many short interviews with Super Smack for each of his upcoming singles and debut album.

Interview, Movies1 Comment

The Cast of ‘House Party’ Talks about Acting, Music, and Parties

January 12, 2023January 12, 2023 Bray Lawrence

Warner Bros. Discovery reboots the Kid ‘n Play ’90s comedy classic when House Party is set to release in theaters on Friday, January 13.

Fandom, Music

Camp McDonald’s Celebrates Summer with Deals, Collabs, and Concerts

July 6, 2022July 7, 2022 Laura Sirikul

McDonald’s decided to celebrate the summer with its first-of-its-kind virtual experience, Camp McDonald’s via their app. For 27 days, starting July 5, fans will be treated to an epic lineup of food deals, menu hacks, merch collabs, and virtual concerts by popular artists, including blackbear (July 10), Omar Apollo (July 17), BIBI (July 24), and our headliner, Kid Cudi (July 31).

Podcasts

FDI Cast 80: I Wanna Be on the Pod Where it Happens

July 9, 2020January 1, 2021 Jamie

Olympus comes back with beta software that lets you use their micro four thirds systems as a webcam… with a catch.

Continue reading “FDI Cast 80: I Wanna Be on the Pod Where it Happens”

Music, Theatre

The Timing and Timeliness of ‘Hamilton’

August 5, 2019September 3, 2019 Lauren Lola

The following is a slightly altered cross-post, originally published on Lola By The Bay.

Last weekend, I finally got to see a matinee performance of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical, Hamilton, at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco.

Continue reading “The Timing and Timeliness of ‘Hamilton’”

Movies, Music

We’re Not All Ninjas: Awkwafina

June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 The Nerds of Color

On Hard NOC Media’s We’re Not All Ninjas podcast, Melissa sits down for a one-on-one with hip-hop artist and star of Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina!

Continue reading “We’re Not All Ninjas: Awkwafina”

Hard N.O.C. Life, Music, Star Wars

This is Donald Glover’s America

May 25, 2018May 8, 2020 Hard NOC Media

Coming off the heels of wrapping the second season of Atlanta on FX and a successful stint hosting SNL — as well as being the musical guest — he captivated the internet with the release of the music video “This is America.” Now, he’s currently portraying a young Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story before going on to voice Simba in the live action Lion King adaptation for Disney. It may be safe to say that 2018 is shaping up to be the year of Donald Glover.