Austin McCoy

@austinmccoy

Historian, Author of Living in a DAISY Age: The Music, Culture, and World De La Soul Made. Also writing book on history of the Left in Midwest.

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Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· 18d

...because I want to incorporate even more pop culture in my class. The film is a good (and unintentionally funny) critique of AI, military-industrial complex, and mutual assured destruction

Image of a newspaper article about the movie, Wargames, and how some who worked at NORAD responded to it. It's from the July 11, 1983 edition of the Corpus Christi Times.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jun 26

Very happy to contribute to Madeline Lane-McKinley’s and Sean O’Brien’s The Return of the ‘90s! I wrote about Ice Cube, the “super-predator” discourse criminalizing Black & Brown youth, and its legacy in fueling the Movement for Black Lives and some of the rap music that came out in the 2010s.

Cover of the book, The Return to of the 90s: A Cultural History of the Present edited by Madeline Lane-McKinley and Sean O'Brien. The first part of the title is in large, black, letters with the subtitle appearing in smaller black letters in the top center of the cover (which is white). The editors and contributor (Annie McClanahan) appears in pink letters on the top left and left side of the cover. The picture is a person who seems to be going up in pink smoke.

Image of the first page of my article, "Revent of the 'Super-Predators.'"

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· May 30

I spent a lot of time in record/music stores while working on Living in a DAISY Age. So, it's fun to come back to some of the stores to give them copies of my book! I visited The Attic Records in Millvale, PA (Pittsburgh). They're super cool and have an amazing stock of vinyl, CDs, and tapes

I am standing to the right wearing a black A Tribe Called Quest shirt dapping up the owner of The Attic Records, who is standing to the left wearing a blue shirt and a dark hat. We are standing in front of three copies of my book, Living in a DAISY Age.

Image of three vinyl records and a CD. In order from top to bottom: cover of Sonny Rollins performs G-Man album, Sonny Rollins on Impulse! CD, Jeff Parker and the New Breed Suite for Max Brown album, and Show & AG's Full Scale album. All of the records are laying on the floor (brown carpet).

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· May 18

Was awesome to see Prof. Jeremy McCool and journalist Earl Hopkins launch their new book, Raps of Resistance: How Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole Reignited a Hip-Hop Tradition at Forever Changes this past weekend!

I'm standing to the left wearing a purple sweatshirt and green sweatpants holding two copies of Jeremy McCool's and Earl Hopkins's Raps of Resistance: How Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole Reignited a Hip-Hop Tradition. McCool is standing in the center, wearing all Black, and holding a copy of my book, Living in a DAISY Age. Hopkins is standing to the right of McCool, wearing all Black, also holding a copy of my book. We are standing behind a table with copies of Raps of Resistance displayed on it.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· May 13

Had a blast at Ursinus College last week! I had a lot of fun co-facilitating a writing as resistance workshop with Talia Argondezzi. Also got to talk about De La Soul and political rap with folks as well. Everyone asked great questions!

I am standing in front of a lectern on the left and on the right is a screen with a slide with the cover of De La Soul is Dead and text explaining the meaning of that album. In front of the screen is a table with a blue record case and a copy of De La Soul is Dead on vinyl.

I am standing next to Talia Argondezzi (to my right) and we are holding copies of our books.

I am standing to the left talking about pitching op-eds. To the right is a screen with a powerpoint slide about pitching one's desired audience. Beneath the screen is a table displaying Talia Argondezzi's and I's books.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· May 4

Would I regret not getting this? I definitely said “yes” after I saw DJ Dub selling Gang Starr’s Full Clip on vinyl at Philly’s Vinyl Con. So, I had to get it 🙏🏿 I also gave him a copy of Living in a DAISY Age and he definitely appreciated it. 🙏🏿

DJ Dub is standing on the left, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, holding a copy of Living in a DAISY Age. I'm on the right, wearing a blue jacket and hooded sweatshirt, holding an A Tribe Called Quest vinyl bag. The bag is a cover of Tribe's third album, Midnight Marauders.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Apr 27

Had a lot of fun at my book event at Rhizome DC this past weekend! My dear friend Peggy Kyoungwon Lee moderated our conversation. Peggy and I met towards the end of our time at UM and she was the first person I really bonded over music with...

My friend, Peggy, is standing to my left wearing a Black t-shirt, Black pants, and beige shoes, while holding a copy of my book, Living in a DAISY Age. I'm standing to her right wearing a dark A Tribe Called Quest t-shirt. We are standing in front of a speaker and in front of a window to the right.

I'm sitting to the right holding up a copy of De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising record. Peggy is sitting to my left. In front of us is a stool with a copy of my book, Living in a DAISY Age standing on top of it. To my right is a bright blue vinyl case.

A Black Rhizome DC t-shirt is hanging from a clothes line. In front of the shirt is a white and yellow sign saying "Rhizome! Tee-Shirts $20." The shirt is hanging in front of a window air conditioner unit and next to a painted cabinet door.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Apr 15

Looking forward to my visit to DC next Friday to talk about Living in a DAISY Age! I'll be in conversation with Peggy Kyoungwon Lee at Rhizome DC.

Orange poster with a cloud purpose border. Inside the border is an announcment for my book event at Rhizome DC: "Join us for an author event with author Austin McCoy in conversation with Dr. Peggy Kyoungwon Lee."

Below that are a picture of me within a shape of a flower on the left. On the right is an image of my book cover, Living in a DAISY Age.

Below that is the event information: "7pm Friday, April 24; Rhizome DC; 6950 Maple St., NW Washington, DC."

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Apr 4

Spent a lot of time in music stores last weekend when I was in Philly and found these tapes 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Image is a stack of seven cassette tapes sitting on a desk. The tapes from top to bottom: Nas's Illmatic (standing ontop of the tapes), then 2Pac's Me Against the World, Jay-Z's Dead Presidents, Gravediggaz's The Pick, the Sickle, and the Shovel, Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2, The Roots's Do You Want More?!!!??!, and Eric B & Rakim's Follow the Leader.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Mar 30

Some of my thoughts about some of the critiques of the recent No Kings protests I've seen online:

Image of facebook post explaining my thoughts about some of the critiques of the recent No Kings protests.

The text:

I have found some of the critiques online of the No Kings protests a little weird. Not because I agree with all of its framing or strategy. I particularly don't agree with its nationalist framing. But, I've also helped organize protests where I didn't agree with the framing (haha), tactics, or strategy. The point of doing the work, for me, was about taking action with a group of people I cared about to help protect others, getting more folks involved, and trying to build some momentum. The actions weren't about what I prefered, it was about what we decided was best at a time. Sometimes we got it right, sometimes we did not. And sometimes I was wrong. That's just part of organizing.

Image of the last two paragraphs explaining my thoughts about the critiques of the recent No Kings protests.

The text:

Just telling folks that X protest is not going to work, or even making fun of folks participating, without coupling that critique with a discussion that expands folks' imaginations of what disruptive collective action and building power could look like in a fascist time just seems like a missed opportunity.

One thing I've learned through experience is there's a such thing as being completely right in an analysis, but while you might be right, you might also demobilize and discourage people. And it doesn't mean you have to cheer on every protest you disagree with. It doesn't mean big protests are beyond criticism. But it does mean finding ways to communicate a critique and illuminating a path for folks to follow.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Mar 30

Reached the point in the semester when students in capstone are focusing more on writing their papers than the readings. So I printed out a bunch of images from the 1990s and asked them to research them and discuss their thoughts about the meanings of the decade. I'd say it worked out pretty well

Photo of several images related to the 1990s spread out on a desk. From left to right--image of the burning Branch Dividian compound in Waco, a Riot Grrrl zine cover, George H.W. Bush quote, MTV's The Real World, Pat Buchanan, and a photo of the white Ford Bronco that OJ Simpson sat in as Al Cowlings drove from police.

Photo of several images related to the 1990s spread out on a desk. From left to right-an image of the bombed Oklahoma City building, Kurt Cobain, Elijah Muhammad speaking at the Million Man March, still image of the Rodney King beating, and someone in the 1992 LA uprising.

Photo of several images related to the 1990s spread out on a desk. From left to right-TLC in the "No Scrubs" music video, the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Notorious BIG and Tupac Shakur, Bill Clinton signing legislation, and Woodstock '99.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Feb 5

Some great news! I learned that Living in the DAISY Age made it onto USA Today’s national bestseller list! I spent most of the day in shock about it (while driving to Ann Arbor). Thank you all for buying the book, telling others about it, and sending pics of it! I appreciate your support!

A screen shot of Living in a DAISY Age: The Music, Culture, and World de la Soul Made listed at #138 on the USA Today 150 Bestseller list for Feb. 4. The ranking appears in a small purple box next to the cover of the book. To the right of those are the title, author, and the beginning of the book description. Below are links to buy the book. The "Buy at Bookshop.org" appears in a blue box with white lettering and "Other booksellers" dropdown menu appears in a white box with blue lettering.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Feb 3

I’ll be in Ann Arbor (Friday) and Detroit (Saturday) this weekend to talk about my book! Hope to see yall there!

Image is an orange flyer with "Join Austin McCoy for the Living in a D.A.I.S.Y. Age Tour." Below the title is a list of dates and locations for my book tour:
Wednesday, 1/28: Used Kids Records (with Prologue Bookshop) in Columbus, OH at 6:30pm (with DJ O Sharp).
Friday, 1/30: Monkey Wrench Books in Morgantown, WV at 6:30 PM (with Renee Nicholson)
Feb. 6: Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI at 6:30 PM (with Stephen Ward)
Feb. 7: 27th Letter Books in Detroit, MI at 6 PM.

Below is an author photo of me next to a picture of my book (with a purple, orange, blue, and neon green) cover.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 30

Second event with Renee Nicholson at Monkey Wrench Books in Morgantown!

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 27

Today is publication day! Wow. Thanks to everyone who preordered the book. I really appreciate it. If you have not preordered, then you can go to your local bookstore and pick up a copy. Please send me a pic if you already have a copy or when you go pick it up! I'd love to see it!

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 26

Living in a D.A.I.S.Y. Age drops tomorrow! Also means I’ll be giving away some of these copies. Just wanted to take a picture with all of them 😂 You can still preorder at the link in the comments, your local bookstore, Bookshop, or wherever you buy books. Also included the Library Journal review!

Image of me standing behind three stacks of Living in a DAISY Age. The stacks of books sit at the back end of a white table. I'm standing in front of a TV, bookcases filled with books and vinyl records, and a couple of speakers sit behind me to my left and right.

Imagine of the first page of a review of Living in a DAISY Age from Library Journal. The lettering is black and set on a white background.

Imagine of the second page of a review of Living in a DAISY Age from Library Journal. The lettering is black and set on a white background. The last paragraph is bolded in black.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 25

Lastly, Fred Hampton's assassination, in probably one of the most egregious cases of police lying. Of course, media outlets parroted police accounts, calling it a "gun battle," despite the only shots coming from the Panthers were from Mark Clark who fired his gun in the ceiling after being shot

Picture of article, "Black Panther Leader Slain in Gun Battle," from the Dec. 4, 1969 edition of the Argus-Leader (Sioux Falls, SD).

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 25

Panther leader Bobby Seale telling the SF Examiner that Hutton surrendered to the authorities before they killed him. April 8, 1968 edition

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 25

Then, of course, there are some cases with the Panthers. On April 6, 1968, Oakland police killed Bobby Hutton after surrendering following a shoot out. Police claimed he fled. Eldridge Cleaver claimed he walked out with his hands up. The SF Examiner published an officer's account of Hutton's death

A picture of an article from the April 25, 1968 edition of the San Francisco Examiner. An officer gives his account of Black Panther Party member Bobby Hutton. The officer claims Hutton ran from the police and implied he was not the only one shooting. It's unclear if he's implying that the Panthers were shooting at police or if police were shooting at Hutton.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 25

The state served Jackson a warrant while hospitalized and before he died. Here, Liz Krohne memorialized Jimmy Lee Jackson in The Southern Patriot. "The public has mourned the loss of this man...however, they have failed to raise a cry for prosecution of the injustices which caused his death."

Picture of an editorial written by Liz Krohne memorializing Jimmy Lee Jackson after AL State Police killed him in Feb. 1965.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 25

On Feb. 18, 1965, AL State Trooper James Bonard Fowler shot protester Jimmy Lee Jackson during a march in Selma. Fowler shot Jackson in the stomach while he tried to protect his mother from police violence. The authorities claimed Jackson assaulted the officer. Birmingham Post-Herald, 2-23-1965

Picture of article from the Feb. 23, 1965 edition of the Birmingham Post-Herald documenting the death of Jimmy Lee Jackson. AL State Police murdered Jackson while he tried to protect his mother from the police during a protest.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 25

Albany GA Mayor Rejects Talks with 'Outside Agitators,'" Bridgeport Telegram, 8-2-1962 Mayor Asa Kelley: "We will never talk to outside agitators relative to local problems." "Asked whether he referred to...Martin Luther King of Atlanta, the mayor replied: 'I mean exactly that.'"

Image of newspaper article, "Albany, Ga., Mayor Rejects Talks with 'Outside Agitators'," from Bridgeport Telegram (CT), August 2, 1962.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 19

Great talking with the VISTA group today about MLK’s Poor People’s Campaign. I contextualized King’s attempts to organize the campaign in 1960s antipoverty discussions and efforts—Michael Harrington’s The Other America, SDS’s ERAP, War on Poverty, and Black women’s welfare rights activism.

A picture of me standing in front of a stage answering questions about Martin Luther King Jr, the Poor People's Campaign, and organizing. Behind me is a podium and a projector screen with a slide titled, "Dr. King and a 'revolution of values'." A picture of King speaking is on the right of the slide and two MLK quotes are to the left.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 19

Giving a talk today about Martin Luther King, Jr's Poor People's Campaign for WVU's Americorps. Probably don't need to say why MLK Day this year feels a little more urgent--just a little more. The work of transformation is always urgent.

Screenshot of a New York Times article, "Dr. King Planning to Disrupt Capital in Drive for Jobs." This announced the Poor People's Campaign effort that Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference undertook in an effort to eradicate poverty. This is page 1.

Screenshot of page 2 of New York Times article, "Dr. King Plans Campaign on jobs for Nation's Poor." This announced the Poor People's Campaign effort that Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference undertook in an effort to eradicate poverty.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 12

Just got a bunch of book cards in the mail from One Signal/Atria with a link to my De La Soul YouTube playlist and the tracklist! They’re amazing! I will hand them out to folks who come to the first few events of my book tour starting later this month!

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 6

Ohio friends! I’ll be in Columbus on 1/28 to talk about my new book about De La Soul! We’ll be at Used Kids Records (also sponsored by Prologue Bookshop), one of my favorite music stores 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 Got more events coming up!

Flyer for my book talk for Living in a DAISY Age at Used Kids Records in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, January 28. The poster is purple with white lettering above and below a picture of my book cover and myself. Prologue Bookshop's and Used Kids Records's logos are displayed at the bottom on the left and right.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 2

Spent the last month in a work sprint to get a bunch of stuff done before the new years. Then, on the day when I turn in my reviews, I get my author copies of Living in a DAISY Age! It's very, very surreal, but amazing, to hold a copy for the first time.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Jan 1

My 2025 in music—favorite albums, concerts, readings, and moments. Link in comments.

Screenshot of my substack post reviewing my year in music.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Dec 30

You can get 25% off if you preorder a copy of my book from Barnes and Noble between now and Jan. 1! Use the code: PREORDER25

Image of the cover of my book, Living in a DAISY Age: The Music, Culture, and World De La Soul Made on a yellow background with an orange 25% off sticker to the right and coupon code underneath in blue and red lettering.

Austin McCoy@austinmccoy· Dec 18

I made more mix CDs of my favorite De La Soul songs. These will serve as my holiday cards this year, so DM me your address if you’d like one! You can venmo a few bucks for shipping OR I'd be happy to swap media! (mixtapes, mix CD, zine, etc.) I'll send you my address.