ALANUI MELE - Hawaiʻi Hip-Hop History · PBS Hawaiʻi

Shawn "Speedy" Lopes

·59 min·5 clips

Shawn 'Speedy' Lopes is called Hawaii's Anthony Bourdain for his trailblazing role in the underground music scene.

This episode of ALANUI MELE features host Kevin Chang interviewing Shawn "Speedy" Lopes, a foundational journalist and shop owner in Hawaiʻi's underground hip-hop scene. Lopes is credited with giving crucial media exposure to local artists who were otherwise ignored by mainstream outlets. His work began with the listener-controlled radio station 102.7 FM Radio Free Hawaii. He was part of the band the Musical Deviants, led by Zany and Fearless Sheriff Norm, on that pioneering station. Lopes later opened a vintage clothing and music shop in 2005, well before the trend became popular. The conversation explores how he earned his "Speedy" nickname, a story not detailed in this transcript excerpt. His reporting has documented decades of local MCs, DJs, singers, and musical groups. The host compares Lopes's cultural impact to that of Anthony Bourdain. Lopes is described as having a keen eye for emerging trends and navigating both analog and digital worlds. He is also noted as a dedicated University of Hawaii sports fan. The introduction positions him as an essential archivist whose work preserved the history of the scene. His early radio work helped establish a unique, community-driven FM platform. The episode suggests his shop became a cultural hub ahead of its time. Lopes's multifaceted career marks him as a renaissance figure within the local context. The host expresses deep personal gratitude, stating many artists would be unknown without Lopes's coverage. The tone is reverential and conversational, opening with a heartfelt monologue from the host. The style is interview-based, focusing on personal history and cultural legacy. This episode is ideal for listeners interested in Hawaiʻi's specific music history and grassroots media. It would also appeal to those who value stories about unsung community archivists and retail pioneers. Listeners seeking a broad, mainstream hip-hop history might find the localized focus too niche.

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