Bob Bitchin

Todd Boyd, recognized as 'Notorious Ph.D.', holds the Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race & Popular Culture and is a Professor of Cinema and Media Studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He is a recognized expert in American popular culture, with a focus on cinema, media, hip hop, fashion, art, and sports. Boyd earned his PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa in 1991 and began his academic career at USC in 1992.

His expertise extends to numerous documentary appearances since the late 1990s, contributing to acclaimed projects like 'The Last Dance' and '20 Feet From Stardom.' Boyd has also authored or edited eight books and over 100 articles and essays, exploring themes such as hip hop's global influence, the transformation of American culture through sports and music, and the intersection of race and media. His written work has been featured in major publications including The New York Times and The Guardian. Additionally, he has served as an executive producer for documentaries and a writer/producer for films, while also providing voice-over commentary for classic cinema.

Todd Boyd, also known by his moniker 'Notorious Ph.D.', is a distinguished academic and media commentator. He holds a prominent position as the Katherine and Frank Price Endowed Chair for the Study of Race & Popular Culture and serves as a Professor of Cinema and Media Studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His scholarly work and public commentary have established him as a leading authority on American popular culture, with a particular emphasis on the intricate relationships between cinema, media, hip hop culture, fashion, art, and sports. Boyd's academic foundation was solidified with a PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa in 1991, followed by his commencement of a professorial career at USC in the fall of 1992.

As an author, Todd Boyd has contributed significantly to the discourse on race and popular culture, with eight books and over 100 articles, essays, and reviews to his name. His published works delve into topics such as the global impact of hip hop, the evolution of American culture influenced by sports and music, and the complex dynamics of race within media and entertainment. Beyond his written contributions, Boyd has also made his mark in filmmaking. He served as an executive producer for the Netflix documentary 'At All Costs' (2016) and as a writer and producer for the cult classic film 'The Wood' (1999). His engagement with cinema also includes providing voice-over commentary for the DVD releases of several iconic films.

Todd Boyd's extensive involvement in media includes numerous appearances in documentary features and docuseries since the late 1990s. He has been featured in award-winning productions such as ESPN's 'The Last Dance' (2020) and the Academy Award-winning '20 Feet From Stardom' (2013). His filmography as a commentator and participant spans a wide range of subjects, including explorations of sports, music, and cultural history. Boyd's contributions to visual media also extend to video essays, including those featured in The Broad museum's series, examining the influences on artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Hammons.