Attendees and honorees pose for a group photo Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn

The city of Minneapolis officially recognized October 14, 2023, as Twin Cities Hip Hop Day by way of proclamation. Around 100 people showed up at the event to honor pillars of the local hip hop community on a chilly Saturday afternoon at First Bridge Park on the riverfront.

The event, organized by DJ Stage One, was a reunion for many who hadn’t seen each other in years, but also a time to honor and reflect on the storied history of Twin Cities hip hop and those who laid its foundation.

The proclamation Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn

Some of the people being honored shared memories, like Travis “Travitron” Lee, who recalled the shows he used to have at the Coffman Memorial Union— a place where people from both Minneapolis and St. Paul could come together, back when the two sister cities were divided.

The event also honored influential hip hop figures who have passed away. Tredis “Disco T” Adams, Mahdi “DJ NEX” Bryant, DJ Brother Jules, Bro
Sun and Eyedea were a few of the people whose memories and contributions were honored over the course of the two-hour event.

Though not a single representative of the city of Minneapolis was in attendance, the honorees were each presented with a proclamation.


See more photos below of the event. All photos by Chris Juhn.

(l-r) Dan Speaks, Smoke Dee, Stage One and Derrick “Delite” Stevens Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
Andre Locke aka “Lil Buddy,” the father of the late Amir Locke, holds a proclamation. Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
Travis “Travitron” Lee (right), one of the honorees Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
Desdamona Ross with Stage One Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Ralph “X” Crowder (center) one of the honorees Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Natalie Morrow (left) with Stage One Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
(l-r) Travis Mitchell, Stage One and Travis Lee Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
Natalie Morrow Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Stage One, organizer of event Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Rhymesayers were among the honorees Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Peyton Russell (right) with Stage One Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
(l-r) Dan Speaks, Derrick “Delite” Stevens, Smoke Dee and Stage One Credit: Christopher Mark Juhn
Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
(l-r) Travis, Ray Seville and Travis Mitchell Credit: Photo by Travis Lee
Peyton Russell (right) with Stage One Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn
Credit: Photo by Chris Juhn

Chris Juhn is a contributing photographer at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.