Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: Mandela Barnes

This is ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ on HYFIN. 

We connect with influential HYFIN-ators in our orbit to dig deep into how music shapes their life. We also learn more about them on a personal tip. They sit down with on-air DJ Anthony Foster to discuss:

YESTERDAY – ”The soundtrack of your life” type of songs and artists that are favorites of their youth. Think: parents waking you up early to clean type of music; sweet memories music or tracks that simply make you say “That’s my sh*t!”

TODAY – Artists/music they would define as their ‘go-to, no questions asked, request time off, clear the calendar and the 401K, hop on a flight, you are there no matter what’ kind of artist or sound.

TOMORROW – An artist of today that may be under the radar, or even widely known, that they recommend and expect BIG things from. An artist they want to share with the world.

Our first guest is none other than Milwaukeean and former Wisconsin Democratic Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes. Elected in 2018, Barnes is the first Black American to hold this position, and the second to ever hold statewide office. In 2022, he ran for U.S. Senate but conceded to incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson.

Barnes is a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a massive range of musical interests. He’s a fan of Nas, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Kool Moe Dee, Sudan Archives, Lil Baby and many others. He’s also a former MC (but you’ll have to listen to the conversation for that one…). 

Listen below to find out what’s been on Barnes’ agenda since the senate race, and most importantly, his favorite songs, artists and music memories.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

One of Barnes’ favorite artists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baTxdSdYR5E