Dave ‘Davey D’ Cook is a nationally respected journalist, adjunct professor at San Francisco State University and Skyline College, and a pioneering voice in Hip Hop culture. With deep roots in media, activism, and academia, Davey D stands as a leading Hip Hop historian, political analyst, syndicated talk show host, and radio programmer whose impact spans decades. A fierce advocate for media justice, Davey D has been featured in more than 35 documentaries and television specials, including Hip Hop Evolution, Letters to the President, Mac Dre: Legend of the Bay, Beef, Thug Angel, American Gangster, and PBS’s Rap City Rhapsody. His sharp commentary and cultural insight have appeared on platforms like Democracy Now!, CNN, BET, TV One’s Unsung, VH1, The Tavis Smiley Show, Fox News, Free Speech TV, Nightline, and America’s Black Forum. Beyond the mic and the classroom, Davey D has testified at FCC hearings, spoken at Congressional briefings, and addressed the Congressional Black Caucus, using every stage to challenge corporate media consolidation, fight for community voices, and demand political accountability through the lens of Hip Hop. He’s the co-founder and host of Hard Knock Radio—a groundbreaking, award-winning daily syndicated show that hits hard on the intersection of Hip Hop, politics, and grassroots activism. For over two decades, HKR has served as a vital platform for artists, organizers, and changemakers. In print, Davey D’s pen hits just as hard. He’s co-author of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: The Young Adult Edition (with Jeff Chang), and a contributor to multiple acclaimed books, including The Cultural Impact of Kanye West, 6 N The Morning, Gangsta Code, Jay-Z: Essays on Hip Hop’s Philosopher King, How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office, and Be A Father to Your Child. Whether he’s breaking down police violence on the airwaves, uplifting community movements from Oakland to Johannesburg, or teaching the next generation of cultural critics, Davey D brings the rhythm, the receipts, and the resistance. His work continues to shape the conversation at the crossroads of culture, politics, and justice.