THE HIP HOP FOUNDATION

Zakaariyah "T.H.E.” Hardin is the Executive Director of The Hip Hop Foundation of Philadelphia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic development through Hip Hop culture. A respected broadcaster, cultural curator, and grassroots organizer, Hardin is widely recognized as one of Philadelphia’s most consistent and authentic champions of independent Hip Hop.

He is the creator and host of, The IIour Show (pronounced “Two Our Show”), the longest-running independent Hip Hop radio show in Philadelphia, on air continuously since 2004. The IIour Show has served as a vital platform for classic and independent Hip Hop artists, long before “indie” became a marketing term. For more than two decades, the show has bridged generations—honoring Hip Hop’s pioneers while breaking new artists who might otherwise be overlooked by commercial radio.

Hardin’s broadcasting career began at 88.1 FM WPEB, where he served as a broadcaster and promotions director. There, he helped redefine what Hip Hop radio could be by creating a cypher-style, open-mic atmosphere that transformed interviews into live cultural moments. At a time when radio interviews were typically conducted behind glass and away from the public, Hardin brought the energy of the cipher directly to the airwaves—making artists, DJs, and listeners active participants in the experience.

In 2007, he expanded his reach as a broadcaster and program manager at WNJC 1360 AM in Washington Township, New Jersey. During this era, The IIour Show Uncut reached over 1.5 million listeners across the tri-state area, introducing hundreds of independent artists to a broader audience—nearly 90% of whom received their very first radio spins on the show. Over the years, Hardin has conducted interviews with Hip Hop legends such as Kurtis Blow, DMC of RUN-DMC, Rakim of Eric B. & Rakim, and many more, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to lyrical integrity and authentic Hip Hop culture.

Known on and off the mic as T.H.E. (True Hip Hop Entity), Hardin has hosted, moderated, and curated countless live events, concerts, forums, and cultural programs throughout Philadelphia and beyond. His work has consistently elevated independent artists by placing them on stages alongside Hip Hop pioneers, reinforcing the culture’s lineage and responsibility to pass knowledge forward.

In 2014, Hardin joined UTM Radio (Under The Middle), continuing his mission to amplify independent voices through digital broadcasting via the UTM Radio app on mobile devices and Roku TV—further expanding access to non-commercial Hip Hop worldwide.

In 2020, he founded The Hip Hop Foundation of Philadelphia, formalizing decades of community-based cultural work into a nonprofit focused on education, workforce development, youth mentorship, mental health awareness, and neighborhood revitalization through Hip Hop culture. The foundation produces concerts, radio and podcast programming, after-school initiatives, public art activations, dance exhibitions, civic engagement forums, and touring performance opportunities—all designed to generate equity, economy, and opportunity in underserved communities. The organization is actively working toward establishing a permanent base of operations to expand its impact across the city.

Entering its 21st year, The IIour Show continues to evolve. In September 2025, the show returned to the FM dial on WJYN Uptown Radio 98.5 FM, airing Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, co-hosted by legendary Hip Hop pioneer MC Tony Tee of The Ultimate 3 MCs. 

In January 2026, Hardin launched a brand-new FM program, The Illest Indie Hour, airing Sundays from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM on 105.1 FM The Beat in Atlantic City, New Jersey, dedicated exclusively to independent Hip Hop artists worldwide.

Through radio, live events, nonprofit leadership, and cultural advocacy, Zakaariyah "T.H.E.” Hardin has built a legacy rooted in truth, longevity, and service to Hip Hop culture—proving that authenticity, community, and consistency still matter.