Folktales and hip-hop collide in new podcast series Once Upon a Beat

New podcast, Once Upon a Beat features stories remixed with beats and hooks that you can’t find in books!

In the podcast, host DJ Fyütch and his trusty turntable Baby Scratch drop the needle on classic stories, spinning them hip-hop style. The folktales get flipped, the fables remixed, and the stories are told with a clever new twist.

Remixed stores featured throughout the season include Goldilocks and The Three Bears updated as Goldilocks & The Three Beats, John Henry becomes John Henry, Steel Drivin’ MC, Rapunzel is RAPunzel, and The Ugly Duckling becomes The Funky Duckling.

Once Upon a Beat is hosted by Harold “Fyütch” Simmons II, a Grammy-nominated producer and musical artist dedicated to social justice.

Using hip-hop, spoken word, and visual narratives, he advocates for racial equality and liberation. Fyütch’s distinctive style features compelling social justice themes, including black history, indigenous peoples, empathy, and sustainability.

From Wondery, Once Upon a Beat is an original podcast series for all ages co-produced with Tinkercast. The full 12-episode season is available early and ad-free from today, 1 May on Wondery+ or the first two episodes can be heard wherever you get your podcasts.