AAAS Faculty Member Jason Rawls debuted the brand-new SiriusXM Shade 45 show Crate Missions on January 10th, 2025 alongside Lord Sear. 

In this exciting monthly feature, Dr. Rawls takes listeners on an immersive journey into the world of crate digging, highlighting its crucial role in shaping Hip Hop and music as a whole. Each month, Dr. Rawls & Lord Sear will explore the art of sampling, the craft of beat-making, and dive into the history behind some of Hip Hop’s most iconic records. Dr. Rawls will handpick 2-3 tracks from a range of genres—jazz, funk, rock, and more—shedding light on their historical significance and the lasting impact they've had on Hip Hop. After spinning the records, they will discuss how these breakbeats and samples helped shape timeless music. The duo will introduce SiriusXM listeners to new sounds, offer fresh perspectives on classic tracks, and uncover the deep connections that link genres across generations.

These events are deeply connected to Dr. Rawls’ research and scholarship. While he is widely recognized as an accomplished producer and DJ, Dr. Rawls also serves as an Assistant Professor of Hip Hop at The Ohio State University. The monthly segment with Lord Sear, along with the residency at Bierwax, are designed to amplify his academic work by spotlighting the often-overlooked aspects of Hip Hop production and beat-making—elements that frequently take a backseat to the spotlight on emcees.

As part of his ongoing research, Dr. Rawls is also working on a groundbreaking book titled Crate Missions, which will delve deeper into the themes of crate digging, sampling, and the transformative role of producers in the evolution of Hip Hop. What makes this book truly innovative is that it’s not just a written work, but also an album. The beats featured on the album will be produced by Dr. Rawls himself, and in the accompanying liner notes, he will share insights into his creative process. He’ll explain how he discovered the samples, what he listens for when digging through records, and the decisions that guide him while crafting each beat.

The goal of the book is to teach readers and listeners how to engage with music through the lens of a Hip Hop producer. By learning to listen like a beat maker, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the creative process and the artistry behind the beats that shape the genre. This approach not only enhances their musical knowledge but also enriches their appreciation of Hip Hop as more than just music—it’s a dynamic culture and an ever-evolving art form.

Tune in 1:00pm EST on the following air dates: Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 11, May 23, Jun 20, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 19, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 12.