On January 27 from 9p-10p EST, WKCR aired a special interview with Salsoul, East Harlem native, Joe Bataan.

Joe Bataan describes himself as an ordinary guy. You sense it when you talk to him or see him perform. Born and raised in East Harlem, or El Barrio, he was heavily influenced by the Black and Nuyorican musical traditions of his time. From la clave that rings throughout “Puerto Rico Me Llama” and “Mi Nube,” to the soulful drumming that sends us through “Ordinary Guy” and “I Wish You Love, Pt. 1,” Bataan’s discography reveals careful attention and homage to the music, people, and neighborhood that raised him.

Listen to Joe and WKCR’s very own Vielka Ebadan talk about everything from spirituality, rap music in Europe, to his role as a youth mentor in El Barrio.